Analysis & Reports

Boeing received an additional $125 million for the VC-25B program, increasing the total contract value to $4.445 billion. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, focusing on long lead spare parts procurement for the next-generation Air Force One replacement. The program is currently behind schedule, with expected delivery of the aircraft in 2028.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer returned to active service on April 22, 2023, after extensive maintenance at Tinker Air Force Base. The aircraft, which had been in storage since 2021, underwent a comprehensive regeneration involving over 200 personnel. It is now stationed at Dyess Air Force Base and is fully mission-capable, contributing to the Air Force's operational capabilities.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick promoted foreign investment at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in National Harbor, Maryland, on Monday. He announced that the Department of Commerce would assist foreign companies in obtaining L-1 visas for their employees to facilitate project launches in the U.S. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt revealed a partnership with Hitachi to explore AI in infrastructure, while Iowa seeks business ties with Middle Eastern nations despite regional conflicts.

Thirty Democratic Congress members sent a letter to Secretary of State Rubio on May 4, 2023, demanding the disclosure of details regarding Israel's nuclear weapons program. They argue that the U.S. should not apply double standards on nuclear non-proliferation and emphasize the risks of misjudgment in military actions against Iran. The letter calls for transparency about Israel's nuclear capabilities and its implications for U.S. policy.

U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian diplomatic talks collapsed in February 2026 before the Iran war began, indicating that the Ukraine peace process was already failing. Putin offered to assist in managing Iran's uranium stockpile during a call with Trump, positioning Russia as a key partner for the U.S. The report highlights that the frozen conflict in Ukraine predates the Iran war and that Russia's demands have remained unchanged throughout the period.

The U.S. Space Force announced a $4.4 billion increase in funding for its Andromeda space monitoring program, raising the contract ceiling to $6.2 billion. This funding will support the development of the RG-XX satellite constellation, intended to replace existing GSSAP satellites, with the first launches planned for early FY29. Additionally, the Space Force is set to develop the SG-XX constellation, with a budget allocation of $1.7 billion through FY31.

The Defense Department Inspector General's report revealed that weapons were stored for up to a week in an unguarded warehouse at Travis Air Force Base, California. The Air Force acknowledged the security deficiencies and plans to implement fixes. The report highlighted significant risks of unauthorized access and theft due to the lack of a secure facility for weapon storage. Air Mobility Command is working on interim solutions and long-term plans to address these issues.

The Inspector General's report revealed that weapons, including rifles and machine guns, were stored for up to a week in an unguarded facility at Travis Air Force Base, California. The Air Force acknowledged the security risks and plans to implement fixes, including a review of airfield security shortfalls. The facility was found to lack proper security measures, raising concerns about unauthorized access and theft of military equipment.

The U.S. Coast Guard is establishing a new Special Missions Command to centralize its deployable specialized forces, set to be officially commissioned in October 2023. This command will enhance operational effectiveness in response to various threats and emergencies, including maritime terrorism and natural disasters. It will be based in Kearneysville, West Virginia, amid increasing demand for elite units.

The U.S. Air Force announced that the B-52H Stratofortress will undergo modifications to the B-52J configuration, starting with engine replacements in San Antonio. The program, which includes swapping out the aging Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines for Rolls-Royce F130 engines, is set to begin in fiscal 2027, with initial operational capability targeted for fiscal 2033. This modernization is part of a broader effort to sustain the B-52's operational capabilities into the 2050s.

Northrop Grumman petitioned the Federal Trade Commission on April 2, 2023, to remove restrictions on its solid rocket motor business, which Lockheed Martin opposes. This regulatory battle could affect the Pentagon's missile production capabilities and the defense industrial base. Lockheed argues that the removal of restrictions would limit access to solid rocket motors and jeopardize military readiness.

The F-35 Joint Program Office is modifying the In-Line File Encryption Device software to incorporate quantum-resistant algorithms, as announced in a presolicitation notice on May 6, 2026. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics will be awarded a sole source contract for this modification, which is crucial for maintaining the aircraft's cryptographic integrity against potential quantum computing threats. The update must be deployable in the field without requiring hardware returns, highlighting significant logistical considerations.

DARPA successfully conducted the first flight of the XRQ-73 hybrid-electric unmanned experimental aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base in April 2026. This milestone, announced on May 6, 2026, is part of the SHEPARD program, which aims to explore new propulsion technologies for military applications. The hybrid architecture enhances efficiency and operational flexibility, potentially transforming military aircraft design and capabilities.

Otto Aerospace completed a successful flight-test campaign for a laminar-flow unmanned aircraft at Spaceport America, New Mexico, on May 6, 2026. The tests validated the aircraft's drag-reduction performance, which is crucial for enhancing energy efficiency in unmanned systems. This development is part of a DARPA program aimed at improving long-endurance flight capabilities. Swift Engineering supported the campaign by providing vehicle preparation and telemetry services.

BAE Systems and Kongsberg are sending two AMPV 30 prototypes to the U.S. Army's Transformation in Contact (TiC) 2.0 exercise in Washington this summer for evaluation. The prototypes aim to demonstrate alternative capabilities to the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, although they are not officially recognized as a replacement. The AMPV 30 features counter-drone technology and is intended to encourage the Army to consider different options for combat vehicles.

Lithuania's Ministry of National Defence unveiled its first HIMARS launchers in Arkansas, United States, in a joint effort with Lockheed Martin. This event marks a significant development in Lithuania's military capabilities.

Boeing has begun assembling the first F-47 NGAD fighter in St. Louis, with a first flight targeted for 2028 and operational entry planned for 2029. The F-47 is designed to have a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles and will function as a flying command node, coordinating unmanned combat aircraft. The program is projected to cost over $20 billion.

The U.S. Army plans to field Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) capabilities to all 11 divisions within a five-year window, as stated by Brig. Gen. Shane Taylor in Washington. Prototyping is currently being conducted with the 4th and 25th Infantry Divisions, and the Army aims to begin delivering equipment formations next year. A continuous delivery model will be implemented following the prototype phase.

ThinKom Solutions won the U.S. Space Force's 'Fight Tonight' competition on May 6, 2026, for its Containerized Digital Array, a mobile satellite ground station designed to enhance military communications. This system replaces traditional fixed dish antennas, addressing vulnerabilities by being transportable and concealing its antenna modules. It supports various satellite networks and is customizable for different mission requirements.

Raytheon secured a 120-unit order for its SharpSight surveillance radar from Blue Raven, marking its largest single order to date. This partnership aims to enhance global distribution and accessibility of the radar, which is designed for diverse military applications. The move indicates a growing demand for advanced surveillance capabilities and a shift towards bulk production to reduce lead times for international customers.