Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Contractor awarded $3.5 billion to build out US Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutters fleet
Davie Defense Inc. finalized a $3.5 billion contract with the U.S. Coast Guard to build five Arctic Security Cutters, increasing the fleet to 11. Construction will take place in Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas, and Helsinki, Finland, with the first cutter expected by 2028. This initiative aims to bolster U.S. maritime capabilities in the Arctic amid rising geopolitical tensions.
L3Harris turns handheld radios into counter-drone jammers
L3Harris is reprogramming Falcon IV handheld radios in Washington to develop a counter-drone jamming capability known as Wraith Shield. This software upgrade allows soldiers to create an electronic warfare protective bubble against drones, with the potential to coordinate jamming from 40 radios at once. The US Army is considering acquiring this technology as part of its radio upgrades, reflecting significant interest in both domestic and international markets.
Air Force MQ-9 fleet drops to 135 aircraft after Iran combat losses
The U.S. Air Force's MQ-9 Reaper fleet has decreased to about 135 aircraft due to combat losses in Operation Epic Fury. Despite this reduction, the fleet continues to support 56 combat lines globally. The Air Force is actively seeking to replace the MQ-9 with a more affordable and flexible platform, with industry interest in developing a next-generation drone.
Air Force expects new KC-46 vision system in 2028 as lawmakers question price hike
The U.S. Air Force plans to enhance the readiness of the KC-46 Pegasus air refueler, with an updated vision system expected in early 2028. The service aims to purchase 75 additional aircraft while addressing cost increases and operational deficiencies. A temporary logistics agreement will be implemented to improve aircraft availability, which has declined in recent years.
F-16XL Had 27 Hardpoints and Could Carry Twice the Payload of a Standard F-16 But Lost the Competition to the F-15E
The F-16XL, developed by General Dynamics in the 1980s, featured 27 hardpoints and could carry twice the payload of a standard F-16. It was designed for deep-strike missions but lost the Enhanced Tactical Fighter competition to the F-15E, which was favored for its two-seat configuration and greater capabilities. After the competition, the F-16XL was transferred to NASA for research.
The F-16XL Had 27 Hardpoints and Could Carry Twice the Payload of a Standard F-16 But Lost the Competition to the F-15E
General Dynamics developed the F-16XL fighter prototype in the 1980s, featuring 27 hardpoints and capable of carrying twice the payload of a standard F-16. It was designed for the Enhanced Tactical Fighter program but lost to the F-15E due to its single-engine and one-seat configuration. Following the competition, the F-16XL was transferred to NASA for research on aerodynamic efficiency.
Mental crisis didn’t cause airman to self-immolate in protest of Israel, Air Force found
Airman Aaron Bushnell self-immolated in Washington, D.C. on February 25, 2024, to protest Israeli military actions in Gaza. The U.S. Air Force ruled his death as misconduct, overturning an initial finding of mental health issues. Bushnell had expressed strong pro-Palestine views and livestreamed his protest, stating he would no longer be complicit in genocide.
Navy to run into financial constraints this summer due to current operations, CNO says
The U.S. Navy is facing financial constraints affecting training and operations due to the current pace of operations, with two aircraft carriers deployed to the Middle East. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle indicated that decisions will need to be made regarding training changes by July 2025. The costs from Operation Epic Fury have reached $29 billion, and the Gerald R. Ford will require additional maintenance after its extended deployment.
After Middle East ops, Navy to start feeling funding crunch this summer: CNO
The U.S. Navy will face financial limitations for training and exercises starting this summer due to the current pace of operations. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle indicated that decisions will need to be made regarding training and operations. The Navy currently has two aircraft carriers deployed in the Middle East, and costs from Operation Epic Fury have reached $29 billion. The aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford will require additional maintenance after its extended deployment.
West Pointers can be trained to better evaluate, appreciate AI, study finds
West Point cadets trained to evaluate AI outputs demonstrated significantly higher AI knowledge scores than the general public. The study revealed that cadets were less prone to automation bias and more optimistic about AI's potential applications. This training aligns with the U.S. Military Academy's focus on integrating AI into military decision-making processes for the 2024-25 school year.
Pentagon launches new framework agreements to acquire 10,000 low-cost cruise missiles
The Pentagon announced framework agreements to procure over 10,000 low-cost cruise missiles starting in 2027, involving companies such as Anduril and Leidos. Anduril will deliver at least 1,000 Barracuda-500M rounds annually, while Leidos will provide 3,000 LCCMs. Additionally, a contract with Castelion for 500 Blackbeard hypersonic strike weapons was established.
Air Force greenlights requirements for MQ-9A Reaper drone replacement
The U.S. Air Force finalized requirements for a new drone to replace the MQ-9A Reaper, which has been in service since 2007. During a Senate hearing, officials discussed the need to replenish combat losses and the desire for a more cost-effective, modular platform. The Air Force is also exploring options to buy back MQ-9A drones, with current numbers reduced to approximately 135.
Working ‘outside the lines’ to scale production isn’t working: Cadenazzi
The U.S. Department of Defense is reassessing its acquisition system to address inefficiencies that hinder military production capabilities. During a conference in Detroit, Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Cadenazzi emphasized the need for structural improvements to compete with China and meet wartime demands. The Pentagon is initiating bulk purchases of drones and realigning arms trade organizations to better match production capacity with global demand.
Pentagon reaches agreements with defense firms on containerized missiles
The Pentagon announced agreements with defense firms to acquire over 10,000 low-cost, containerized missiles starting in 2027. The agreements involve companies like Anduril, CoAspire, Leidos, and Zone 5, launching the Low-Cost Containerized Munitions program. Additionally, a contract for a minimum of 500 Blackbeard missiles from Castelion is planned, pending successful testing. The Pentagon is also seeking over $26 billion in its fiscal 2027 budget for critical munitions.
US special operations leaders frustrated by inability to modify their own equipment
U.S. special operations leaders expressed frustration over proprietary agreements that hinder quick upgrades to military equipment, particularly unmanned systems, during a Senate subcommittee hearing. They highlighted the challenges of modifying drones and the impact of these restrictions on operational capabilities. The removal of right-to-repair provisions from the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act was also noted as a significant concern. Additionally, the leaders discussed the strain on U.S.-European relations due to ongoing military operations.
Six key takeaways about Iran’s missiles, two months into the war
Iran launched thousands of missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf States since February 28, 2023, with Israeli defenses intercepting nearly 90% of the 650 medium-range ballistic missiles aimed at Israel. The attacks resulted in 24 civilian casualties and significant damage to US facilities. Iran's missile accuracy has improved, complicating defense efforts, while missile defenses are reportedly strained due to high usage of interceptors.
Marines must complete new course on the ‘practical application’ of AI
All Marines are required to complete a 45-minute online course on artificial intelligence by December 31. The course focuses on AI awareness and practical application, aiming to enhance decision-making and mission effectiveness. Civilians in the Marine Corps are also encouraged to participate. This initiative reflects the Marine Corps' commitment to integrating new technologies into military operations.
Elbit Systems secures $212m US Army order for ENVG-B systems
Elbit Systems of America secured a $212 million contract to supply ENVG-B systems to the US Army. This order highlights the ongoing procurement of advanced military equipment by the US military.
U.S. Special Operations Command adopts Reveal’s identifi tactical biometric system
U.S. Special Operations Command adopted Reveal's Identifi mobile biometric system as a Program of Record on May 13, 2023. This system enables identity verification and threat assessment without relying on network connectivity, enhancing operational efficiency for special operators. Initial fielding has begun, with plans for broader deployment through fiscal 2026.
U.S. Army clears armed robot dog for special operations evaluation
The U.S. Army has cleared the CODiAQ armed quadruped robot for operational test and evaluation, with live fire training scheduled for October 2026. This system, developed by Australian Skyborne Technologies, will be evaluated by U.S. Special Operations Command and a foreign ally. The contract includes 14 systems equipped with 28 modular weapon payloads, emphasizing safety and operational utility in high-risk environments.
