Analysis & Reports

Lockheed Martin announced that Greg Ulmer will retire as the head of Aeronautics in June 2023, with OJ Sanchez appointed as his successor. Sanchez, who previously led Skunk Works, will oversee a division that includes major aircraft programs such as the F-35 and F-22. Ulmer will assist in the transition as a strategic advisor.

Leonardo DRS reported strong quarterly earnings for Q1 2026, with revenue of $846 million and net earnings of $62 million. The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to between $3.9 billion and $3.975 billion, reflecting robust demand for tactical radars, infrared sensing, and electric power systems. The funded backlog reached a record $4.7 billion, indicating sustained interest in defense electronics.

The U.S. Army proposed a $2.1 billion increase in research and development funding as part of its $253 billion budget request for 2026-2027. This increase aims to enhance military technology and capabilities, including funding for the Next Generation Command and Control system and the MV-75 Cheyenne II tiltrotor aircraft. However, congressional leaders expressed concerns about declining funding for financial management and audit readiness, potentially impacting accountability in spending.

The U.S. Navy issued a warning that failing to fund the F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter by August 2026 would severely weaken its strategic position against China and Russia. The Navy is set to select between Boeing and Northrop Grumman for the F/A-XX program, which is critical for maintaining air superiority. Meanwhile, China is advancing its own sixth-generation fighter capabilities, with operational readiness expected by the mid-2030s.

L3Harris emphasizes the urgent need for advanced air and missile defense systems to counter evolving threats from adversaries like Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea. The company is developing a multi-layered defense architecture that includes sensing, communication, and intercept capabilities. Significant investments are being made in manufacturing facilities to enhance production capacity for critical missile programs.

The U.S. Navy plans to retire 14 vessels, including 3 nuclear submarines and 2 cruisers, by the end of fiscal year 2026, marking a significant reduction in fleet size. This will result in the smallest Navy since World War I, as the service transitions from older classes of ships to newer models. The retirement includes various support vessels and littoral combat ships facing operational challenges.

The Pentagon is focusing on increasing production capacity for 14 key munitions as part of its Fiscal Year 2027 budget. This includes both mature weapons systems and new technologies to meet operational demands. The budget request for missile procurement has risen to $70.5 billion, reflecting a significant investment in defense capabilities. Contracts have been established with various companies to support this initiative.

38 Sierra launched a new training program called Drone Incident Response Training (DIRT) in Barboursville, Virginia, on May 5, 2026. The program aims to enhance the response of security personnel to grounded drone threats, addressing operational gaps in current training. DIRT focuses on hazard recognition, risk assessment, and safe response procedures for various environments, including military and law enforcement settings.

Norwegian officials confirmed receipt of a notification from the U.S. regarding delays in the delivery of weapons ordered by Norway. This delay is attributed to the significant consumption of U.S. military stockpiles due to ongoing military operations in Iran, with estimates indicating that several missile types have lost about half of their inventory. The replenishment of these stocks is expected to take years.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) completed its Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) and returned to service on April 24, 2026, after 15 months of maintenance. The carrier is now operational and ready to support U.S. military operations, particularly in the Middle East. This return is significant for the U.S. Navy, which has faced delays in carrier readiness.

The U.S. Navy inactivated the USS Boise on April 10, 2023, due to cost-effectiveness concerns and ongoing maintenance delays. This decision reflects a broader issue within the Navy, as it struggles to maintain its submarine fleet amidst increasing demand for undersea capabilities. The Navy's reliance on aging Los Angeles-class submarines is diminishing, while production of Virginia-class replacements has not met expectations, exacerbating the shortfall in operational submarines.

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio announced the conclusion of the 'Epic Fury' military operation against Iran on May 5, 2023. This operation, which began in late February, has completed its objectives as stated by the U.S. government.

Marine Corps leaders are considering establishing a new Primary Military Occupational Specialty for Scouts, akin to roles like Machine Gunners and Mortarmen. This potential change aims to enhance the professional development of Scouts and improve training efficiencies within the Marine Corps. Currently, Scouts operate under additional MOS designations, and the decision-making process is ongoing without a specified timeline.

Gerald E. Brown, a retired U.S. Air Force pilot, taught Chinese airmen U.S. military tactics and engaged in espionage activities from 2023 to 2026. He was arrested after returning to the U.S. and is accused of sharing sensitive information about dogfighting techniques and air defense suppression. Brown was allegedly motivated by financial gain and a desire to fly again, receiving over $18,000 monthly from a Chinese company. He faces serious charges related to his actions while working in China.

On November 15, 1967, Major Michael J. Adams was killed when the X-15 broke apart at Mach 3.93 during a test flight over the Mojave Desert. This incident was the only fatality in the 199-flight X-15 program, which was crucial for advancing hypersonic flight and space exploration technology. The aircraft disintegrated at 65,000 feet, scattering wreckage across the desert.

Rear Adm. Joseph Cahill has been nominated to serve as the Navy's top surface warfare officer, while Lt. Gen. Daniel Tulley is nominated to lead Air Mobility Command. If confirmed, Cahill will replace Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, who took command in December 2023. The nominations were communicated to lawmakers last week, reflecting ongoing changes in military leadership.

The U.S. Air Force cleared a Critical Design Review for the B-52J Stratofortress, marking significant upgrades including new Rolls-Royce F130 engines and modern avionics. The aircraft is set to remain operational until the 2050s, with modifications beginning this year at Boeing's facility in San Antonio, Texas, before testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The B-52J will enhance the U.S. long-range strike capabilities with the ability to launch hypersonic weapons.

The U.S. Air Force is enhancing its command-and-control system for air, space, and cyber operations by integrating AI tools into the Air Operations Center. This initiative includes a request for information and aims to establish a flexible acquisition plan. The Air Force is exploring various procurement strategies to ensure competition and efficiency in the development of these capabilities.

NATO is seeking to update its intelligence-sharing policies to enhance collaboration among its 32 member countries. Maj. Gen. Paul Lynch emphasized the need for new data-use policies and security classification guides to improve military decision-making. He highlighted the importance of integrating AI-generated intelligence into NATO's framework, as the current security environment remains contested. The alliance aims to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, reflecting a significant shift in its approach to security.

NATO requires updated policies for sharing intelligence among its 32 member countries to enhance military decision-making. Major General Paul Lynch highlighted the need for new data-use policies and security classification guides during the GEOINT Symposium in Aurora, Colorado. He emphasized that timely intelligence sharing is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in a contested security environment. NATO members have also committed to increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.