Analysis & Reports

Lockheed Martin announced a $25 million investment in Fortem Technologies on April 22, 2026, to enhance counter-UAS capabilities. This investment will accelerate production and deployment of integrated counter-UAS systems, addressing the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems. The partnership aims to create a more efficient and effective defense solution against drone threats, with Fortem's technology significantly reducing costs and improving operational readiness.

The U.S. government is in discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo to resettle 1,100 Afghans stranded in Qatar, who are awaiting U.S. visas. Advocacy groups have raised concerns about the safety and viability of resettling these individuals in Congo, citing ongoing conflict in the region. The Afghans, many of whom have ties to U.S. military efforts, have faced significant legal hurdles since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

NASA operates the Super Guppy, an oversized cargo aircraft, from El Paso International Airport, Texas, for transporting large components, including military aircraft parts. This unique aircraft is the only airworthy specimen remaining and has a significant cargo capacity.

The U.S. military is experiencing a significant shortage of missiles due to extensive use in the ongoing conflict with Iran, with over 45% of Precision Strike Missiles already expended. As tensions rise over Taiwan, the U.S. faces challenges in replenishing its missile stockpiles, which could hinder its ability to engage in a two-front conflict. The Department of Defense is actively working with contractors to increase production of various missile systems to address these shortages.

The U.S. Department of War submitted a $4.2 billion request for the Sovereign Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure in its Fiscal Year 2027 budget. This funding aims to establish AI infrastructure that the U.S. government owns and controls, addressing concerns over reliance on commercial cloud providers. The request reflects a strategic response to China's advancements in military AI capabilities.

The U.S. Army requested $994 million for counter-small unmanned aerial system capabilities in its Fiscal Year 2027 budget, marking a significant increase from previous years. This funding aims to enhance the Army's ability to detect and defeat small drones, which have become a critical threat in modern warfare. The investment reflects lessons learned from recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, where drone usage has transformed battlefield dynamics.

The U.S. Army requested $5.47 billion for ammunition procurement in Fiscal Year 2027, marking the largest single-year request in recent history. This funding aims to enhance both the purchase of ammunition and the production capacity of military facilities. The request includes significant allocations for various types of ammunition, reflecting a strategic shift towards ensuring readiness for high-intensity conflicts.

The U.S. Navy is increasing its procurement of 177 Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) as part of its FY2027 budget request, totaling nearly $907 million. This decision reflects a strategic emphasis on enhancing naval warfare capabilities, particularly in response to advancements in Chinese naval power. The LRASM is designed for low-observable flight and autonomous targeting, making it a critical asset for modern naval engagements.

The U.S. Navy has requested approximately $3.009 billion to procure 785 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles for Fiscal Year 2027, marking a significant increase in missile procurement. This request comes amid ongoing combat operations and aims to replenish depleted inventories. Additionally, over $1.5 billion is allocated for upgrading existing missiles, enhancing their capabilities.

Rising global munitions demand raises concerns about the US defense industry's ability to supply both its own and its allies' ammunition needs. The situation highlights potential logistical challenges in meeting increasing military requirements.

Sion Power introduced Licerion Strike and Licerion Echo lithium-metal batteries in Tucson, aiming to enhance drone capabilities. These batteries exceed 500 watt-hours per kilogram, allowing drones to fly two to three times longer and carry over 50% more payload. The Licerion Strike is designed for high-intensity applications, while the Licerion Echo is tailored for longer missions. Initial shipments are expected in the third quarter of 2026.

ARCA Savunma is constructing a large ammunition production facility in Põhja-Kiviõli, Estonia, with production set to begin in 2028. The project, valued at €300 million, will produce various munitions, including 155mm artillery shells and 122mm rockets, enhancing Estonia's defense capabilities. The facility will streamline production and reduce reliance on external suppliers.

The USS George H. W. Bush aircraft carrier is moving toward the Arabian Sea, having been tracked operating north of Madagascar. A Bell-Boeing CMV-22B Osprey was observed near the Comoros Islands, indicating the carrier's logistical operations. This deployment may signify an increase in U.S. naval activity in the region, with no official confirmation from the U.S. Department of War.

The Y-20B aircraft of the Chinese Air Force executed its first international mission to South Korea on September 3, 2025, to repatriate the remains of Chinese volunteers from the Korean War. This operation highlights the aircraft's advanced capabilities and the significance of honoring national heroes. The Y-20B, equipped with domestically produced engines, demonstrates enhanced performance and strategic transport capabilities.

The Space Force is facing challenges in rehiring personnel to meet a goal of 100 civilians per month as it prepares for a budget increase to $71.1 billion for 2027. This budget, more than double the current allocation, includes significant investments in space-based technologies and missile defense capabilities. Officials acknowledge the difficulties in managing this increase while addressing workforce shortages, particularly in acquisition roles.

The U.S. Navy is exploring partnerships with foreign shipbuilders to address domestic labor capacity issues in shipbuilding. Navy Secretary John Phelan announced this initiative during a media roundtable in Washington, highlighting successful past collaborations with South Korean and Japanese firms. The Navy plans to revise contracting methods to incentivize faster shipbuilding, with a proposed budget of $65.8 billion for shipbuilding in fiscal 2027.

U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan announced that the Navy is considering partnerships with foreign manufacturers to address domestic shipbuilding labor shortages. This initiative aims to enhance shipbuilding efficiency and has already seen South Korean companies winning contracts for maintenance and repair work. The Navy plans to revise contracting methods to incentivize faster production, with a proposed budget of $65.8 billion for shipbuilding in fiscal 2027.

The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier is operational in the Red Sea, supporting U.S. military operations amid mechanical challenges, including a recent fire. The carrier's extended deployment raises concerns about crew fatigue and operational readiness as it engages in Operation Epic Fury against Iran. The U.S. Navy is experiencing resource constraints, leading to increased reliance on the USS Ford for multiple missions.

The U.S. Air Force plans to procure 267 F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets as part of its FY27 budget, significantly increasing its fleet size. This budget also includes a 25% overall spending increase to $267.7 billion, with a focus on modernizing aging aircraft and enhancing military readiness. Additionally, the Air Force is extending the operational life of certain A-10 aircraft until 2030.

The Department of Defense unveiled a $1.5 trillion budget proposal for fiscal 2027, marking a 42% increase from the previous year. This budget prioritizes investments in the Golden Dome defense system, drones, and artificial intelligence, with substantial funding increases for each military branch. The proposal includes $65 billion for new warships, the largest shipbuilding request since 1962, and is anticipated to face intense congressional scrutiny.