Analysis & Reports

The Marine Corps launched the Ground Reconnaissance Course on April 27, 2025, at Camp Pendleton, replacing the Basic Reconnaissance Course. This update aims to enhance reconnaissance training and infantry skills, aligning with the 2030 Force Design objectives. The new curriculum includes practical training in various areas essential for reconnaissance operations.

The US Army is exploring increased autonomy for AI agents in cyber warfare following a recent wargame involving 14 tech executives and US Cyber Command. The exercise simulated a 2027 cyber war scenario, prompting discussions on AI's role in defense. The Army plans to rapidly acquire AI tools for testing and is developing a risk continuum policy to guide AI decision-making in critical situations.

The 673d Security Forces Squadron is conducting trial courses for a new Arctic Combat Development Course at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, aimed at enhancing military capabilities in extreme conditions. The five-day course includes training in arctic medicine, combat patrolling on snowmachines, and cold weather weapons tactics. This initiative is part of a broader effort to prepare service members for long-term combat operations in the Arctic, which is gaining geopolitical significance.

The U.S. Army canceled the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter program in 2004 after investing $7 billion, with only two prototypes built. The decision was influenced by rising costs and the effectiveness of combat drones like the MQ-1 Predator. The Comanche was intended to provide stealthy attack and reconnaissance capabilities but faced numerous technical challenges.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supports the Maj. Richard Star Act, which aims to provide full retirement pay and VA disability compensation to combat-wounded service members. The legislation has backing from 79 Senators and 323 House members but faces funding objections from some Republicans. The estimated cost for the bill is $11 billion over 10 years for eligible medical retirees. It is a priority for major veterans groups.

The U.S. Marine Corps established a portfolio acquisition executive on April 10 to accelerate Project Dynamis, enhancing command and control capabilities. This initiative aims to improve the integration of existing technologies and facilitate quicker acquisition decisions. The project addresses the need for unclassified data coordination with mission partners to enhance battlespace awareness.

Seven AI firms, including Amazon Web Services and Google, were cleared to provide tools for classified Pentagon networks to enhance national security. This initiative aims to prevent vendor lock and improve decision-making for warfighters. The AI tools will be accessible through the Pentagon's GenAI.mil platform, following previous tensions with Anthropic regarding its product usage.

The U.S. Department of Defense has cleared eight AI firms, including Amazon and Google, to install tools in classified networks to enhance national security. This initiative aims to prevent vendor lock and improve decision-making for warfighters. The AI tools will be accessible through the Pentagon's GenAI.mil platform, following previous tensions with Anthropic regarding the use of AI in military applications.

The U.S. Space Force launched the final GPS III satellite (SV-10) into orbit from Cape Canaveral in April 2023, enhancing military and civilian navigation capabilities. This satellite provides significantly improved accuracy and security for various users, including military personnel. The Space Force is preparing for the next generation of satellites, GPS IIIF, set to launch in May 2027, while also addressing challenges in ground station modernization.

The U.S. Army's M1 Abrams tank utilizes the M829 depleted uranium sabot round, known for its ability to penetrate 1.6 feet of armor at over a mile. This round, which ignites upon impact, was notably effective during Operation Desert Storm against Iraqi forces. The use of depleted uranium rounds remains controversial due to potential health risks, but they are favored for their effectiveness against armored targets.

The Pentagon announced agreements with seven tech firms to deploy their AI systems on classified networks, enhancing military capabilities. This initiative aims to transform the U.S. military into an AI-first fighting force, improving decision-making across warfare domains. The approved firms include Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, SpaceX, NVIDIA, and Reflection. Notably, Anthropic's AI is excluded due to a government ban, despite its use by the NSA.

The Pentagon cleared eight tech firms, including Amazon Web Services and Google, to deploy their AI technologies on classified networks as of May 1, 2026. This initiative aims to enhance the U.S. military's capabilities in decision-making and situational awareness. Notably, Anthropic's AI was excluded from this list due to legal challenges, despite its previous use in classified settings.

Various defense contractors showcased military equipment and technology at Modern Day Marine 2026 in Washington. Notable displays included Oshkosh's MTRV 4×4, Anduril's Omen drone, and General Atomics' Long Range Maneuvering Projectile. The event highlighted advancements in unmanned systems and artillery rounds.

Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess has been nominated as the new Chief of Space Operations, succeeding Gen. Chance Saltzman. He currently serves as the deputy chief of operations for the U.S. Space Force and has extensive experience in managing operations and policy. The Space Force's budget request for FY27 is $71.2 billion, reflecting significant growth in personnel and capabilities.

The U.S. Army is hiring bat researchers to conduct ecological monitoring at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland from July to August 2026. This project involves mist-netting and radio telemetry of imperiled bat species, reflecting the Army's commitment to environmental compliance. The solicitation was published on April 30, 2026, with proposals due by May 21, 2026.

The U.S. Space Force is seeking contractors to demilitarize and destroy a minimum of 178 Minuteman II missile motors, with a potential total of 282. This Request for Information was published on April 30, 2026, with responses due by May 15, 2026. The motors are currently stored at Camp Navajo, Arizona, and the demilitarization process involves complex handling and environmental considerations.

Canada and France collaborated to develop the M1 MRAP, a NATO-aligned mine-resistant vehicle, introduced by INKAS and KNDS Mobility at the end of April 2023. The M1 MRAP features a modular design for various missions and complies with NATO STANAG standards for protection. This partnership highlights a trend in defense procurement, combining expertise to enhance operational capabilities among allied forces.

The U.S. military has invested over $178 million in sustaining the J85 jet engine production through contracts with General Electric Co. from December 2024 to June 2026. This investment ensures the continued operation of the T-38 Talon trainer and F-5 fighter aircraft, which are critical for pilot training and adversary simulation. The Defense Logistics Agency in Richmond, Virginia, oversees these contracts.

The U.S. Army awarded Rockwell Collins a $472 million contract for the modernization of the CH-47 Chinook's avionics systems at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. This contract, which runs through April 29, 2031, includes command, control, and communications integration and support. Rockwell Collins will address all variants of the Chinook, ensuring continued operational capability and modernization of the aircraft's systems.

General Dynamics Land Systems secured a $716 million contract for Abrams sustainment services, covering various armored vehicles, announced by Army Contracting Command in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The contract, effective until April 30, 2031, includes field service representatives and technical support for both U.S. Army and international customers. Additionally, a $13.5 million modification increased a separate contract's total value to over $1 billion, reflecting ongoing Army investment in maintaining the M1 fleet.