Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army evaluated the Wraith autonomous electronic warfare drone during Exercise Ivy Mass at Fort Carson, Colorado, in May 2026. The drone successfully conducted nearly a dozen autonomous missions, geolocating and identifying radio frequency threats without GPS. This evaluation aimed to enhance the Army's electronic warfare capabilities in environments where GPS is compromised, providing actionable intelligence to ground commanders.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $12.4 million contract to Forward Slope Inc. on May 12, 2026, to deliver command, control, communications, and cybersecurity capabilities to Taiwan. The work will be conducted both on the island and in the continental United States, with completion expected by April 2027. This contract reflects ongoing U.S. military support and cooperation with Taiwan in enhancing its defensive capabilities against cyber threats.

The U.S. Army selected Teledyne FLIR Defense's Rogue 1 loitering munition for its Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program, enabling infantry brigades to engage tanks at over 12 miles. Up to 130 systems will be delivered for testing next summer, enhancing the Army's anti-armor capabilities without requiring vehicle support. The Rogue 1 is designed for use in GPS-denied environments and can be operated by a single soldier.

RENK America developed a drive-by-wire transmission upgrade for the U.S. Army's Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), enabling autonomous operation without vehicle redesign. This upgrade utilizes Forterra's AutoDrive software, allowing the vehicle to function without a human driver. The AMPV, which entered service in 2021, is intended to replace the M113 armored personnel carrier and can potentially enhance other vehicles in the Army's fleet.

Pentagon leaders requested the White House to restore funding for the E-7 Wedgetail radar plane, emphasizing its importance for future conflicts. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted a shift in mindset regarding military capabilities, moving away from reliance on satellites. The Air Force plans to purchase five E-7s alongside two prototypes, despite previous budget cuts. Former military leaders have stressed the need for upgrades to enhance battlespace awareness technology.

The U.S. Navy is expanding its fleet under a 30-year shipbuilding plan, aiming to acquire 15 battleships and over 80 unmanned vessels by 2055. The plan includes a target of 450 vessels by 2031, with significant investments in new technologies and modular construction methods. The Navy's strategy emphasizes integrating unmanned systems and increasing production capacity across various shipyards.

The Trump administration's proposed Golden Dome missile defense system is estimated to cost $1.2 trillion over the next 20 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. This estimate significantly exceeds the $185 billion allocated in the proposed fiscal 2027 defense budget. The system aims to protect the continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii from various missile threats but may not effectively counter large-scale attacks from adversaries like Russia or China.

The U.S. Navy confirmed that the Trump-class battleship will be equipped with the same A1B nuclear reactor as the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. The Navy plans to have 15 of these battleships by 2056, with the first expected to be delivered in 2036. The total estimated cost for the design and development of the battleship is around $46 billion over the next five years, highlighting its significance for future naval operations in the Pacific.

Pete Hegseth is reconsidering the Army's aviation reforms and budget cuts during a recent House Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington D.C. The Army's proposed budget cuts over $5 billion from the aviation sector, impacting procurement of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and AH-64D Apaches. The Army Secretary indicated that the Humvee may still play a role in various missions despite previous plans to phase it out.

US Space Command (SPACECOM) and its allies are finalizing a joint plan for orbital warfare capabilities by the end of the year. This initiative involves collaboration among Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the UK, New Zealand, and the US, focusing on enhancing space operations through exercises and developing counterspace capabilities. Recent successful exercises, including Operation Selene, have laid the groundwork for this military cooperation.

Defense contractors donated nearly $5 million to members of Congress in 2023, significantly influencing defense acquisition legislation. Notably, Rep. Ken Calvert raised $200,000 from defense PACs, while Rep. Adam Smith received $130,000. The report highlights ongoing efforts to deregulate defense procurement, exemplified by the SPEED Act, and introduces a bill by Rep. Brian Mast to facilitate U.S. arms loans to foreign nations.

The Pentagon reported that the costs of the ongoing war with Iran have risen to $29 billion, primarily due to equipment repair and replacement needs. This figure includes $24 billion allocated for munitions, drones, and aircraft. Congressional hearings revealed lawmakers' concerns about military expenditures and the need for a detailed cost breakdown by June 11. The Pentagon is also evaluating damage to military installations and future reconstruction costs.

The 101st Airborne and 1st Armored divisions are deploying to the U.S.-Mexico border this summer as part of a troop rotation, with approximately 8,700 active-duty soldiers currently stationed in the region. The deployment includes the replacement of several units and aims to support Joint Task Force-Southern Border. Concerns have been raised about the living conditions for troops and the potential threats from drug cartels in the area.

Congress is deliberating on the 2027 defense budget, which includes costs from the Iran war estimated at $29 billion. Lawmakers express frustration over the Pentagon's lack of transparency regarding military expenditures. A War Powers resolution is being considered to formally end military operations in Iran, as the U.S. continues a naval blockade and military readiness remains a concern.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that a proposed national missile defense system could cost up to $1.2 trillion over 20 years. This system, similar to the Golden Dome project, would primarily engage threats from regional adversaries. The CBO highlighted that the most significant costs are associated with space-based interceptors, which account for 70% of acquisition expenses. U.S. officials are considering affordability in the development of this system.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Golden Dome missile defense system could cost up to $1.2 trillion over 20 years. This estimate is based on a notional national missile defense architecture, as the Department of Defense has not provided specific details. Previous estimates for initial deployment costs ranged from $175 billion to $185 billion. The report is ongoing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

U.S. intelligence agencies are engaged in discussions about the necessity of early access to advanced AI models for hacking and cyberdefense. Rep. Jim Himes highlighted the critical role of the NSA in utilizing these tools. The Trump administration is contemplating an AI executive order, with debates ongoing about oversight responsibilities between the Commerce Department and intelligence community. Additionally, legal disputes involving Anthropic may influence future AI policy decisions.

The U.S. seeks additional funding for the war against Iran, with costs rising to $29 billion. Senior defense officials indicated that operational costs and equipment repairs are driving the increase. Despite a declared ceasefire, limited exchanges of fire continue near the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. maintains plans for potential escalation or retrograde of military operations.

The Pentagon plans to fund the E-7 Wedgetail program after initial cancellation plans, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This decision follows significant pushback from lawmakers concerned about airborne detection gaps. The Air Force has contracted for five additional E-7 aircraft and two rapid prototypes, indicating a renewed commitment to the program despite earlier resistance. Hegseth emphasized the aircraft's relevance on the modern battlefield.

Lockheed Martin completed the Seeker Characterization Flight Test for the QuadStar missile in the United States. This test is a crucial step in the US Army's Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor programme, indicating progress in missile development.