Analysis & Reports

President Trump nominated Erich Hernandez-Baquero as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration and Roger Mason as the next director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Washington on Tuesday. Hernandez-Baquero, a Raytheon executive, will take over from Frank Calvelli, while Mason succeeds Christopher Scolese. Both nominations require Senate confirmation.

OMB director Russ Vought warned shipbuilders at the Sea Air Space conference in National Harbor about production delays and the potential for the Trump administration to seek alternative sources if traditional shipyards fail to deliver on time. He highlighted that backlogs in shipbuilding are detrimental to military readiness and indicated that the administration is exploring options, including foreign shipbuilders, to meet Navy requirements.

In Spring 1918, the influenza virus outbreak began at Camp Funston, Kansas, affecting 1,100 of the 56,222 troops. The outbreak led to approximately 43,000 military deaths, surpassing combat fatalities during WWI. The epidemic ultimately claimed an estimated 50 million lives globally, significantly impacting U.S. life expectancy and military health policies.

The U.S. Army unveiled plans for significant modernization of its ground vehicle fleet, including the procurement of over 100 XM30 vehicles and a $4 billion investment in the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) program. The budget request includes $697 million for the Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) program and $474 million for the M1E3 Abrams tank. These initiatives reflect the Army's commitment to enhancing its capabilities in response to modern warfare demands.

The Pentagon plans to add 44,500 troops, including 40,100 active duty and 4,400 reservists, in its Fiscal Year 2027 budget. This increase follows a successful recruiting effort, with the Army aiming for 469,000 soldiers and the Air Force seeking to add 11,700 personnel. The proposed budget of $1.5 trillion includes funding for weapons and military facilities enhancements.

The U.S. extended the ceasefire with Iran while Iran refused to attend negotiations in Pakistan, maintaining a high alert status. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps showcased missile capabilities, asserting readiness for retaliation. The U.S. military remains prepared for combat, indicating ongoing tensions in the region.

U.S. Navy leaders emphasize the necessity for specialized unmanned systems tailored to different maritime regions during discussions at the Sea-Air-Space mega-conference. They highlight the importance of adapting strategies based on lessons learned from operations in the Gulf and Black Sea, noting that capabilities effective in one area may not translate to others. The Navy plans to diversify its unmanned vessel capabilities and improve industrial partnerships to meet these needs.

The United Kingdom will operate 148 Challenger 3 main battle tanks by 2030, significantly fewer than the 4,600 M1 Abrams tanks in the United States and 320 Leopard 2 tanks in Germany. The Challenger 3 features a rifled main gun, enhancing its capabilities, but the limited number raises concerns about the UK's armored force readiness against potential threats. The Royal United Services Institute highlights the inadequacy of the UK's tank numbers compared to NATO standards.

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.

Lockheed Martin upgraded the F-22 Raptor, enhancing its combat range by 850 nautical miles with new stealth-compatible fuel tanks. The U.S. Air Force continues to deploy the F-22 in operations across the Indo-Pacific, including recent missions in Estonia and against threats in Iran. The addition of infrared search-and-track sensors improves the aircraft's survivability and situational awareness, ensuring its role in maintaining air superiority.

The U.S. Navy successfully tested the JDAM-LR missile off the coast of California earlier this month. This new precision-guided missile can reach targets up to 350 miles away and can be launched from F/A-18 Super Hornets. The JDAM-LR features advanced technology for improved accuracy and can operate in contested environments, marking a significant enhancement in U.S. military capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force's B-2 Spirit bomber program was reduced to just 21 units due to changing geopolitical conditions after the Cold War. The B-21 Raider program is currently advancing, with a second test aircraft arriving at Edwards Air Force Base on September 11, 2025, aiming to provide long-range strike capabilities in a more complex strategic environment involving threats from China and Russia.

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.

US Army Infantry Drone Operators successfully tested a new air-delivered bunker-busting warhead at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The live-fire test demonstrated the capabilities of this new weapon system.

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.

Northrop Grumman plans to deliver its surface electronic warfare capability to aircraft carriers by 2028. This capability is part of the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP), which upgrades the AN/SLQ-32 system to enhance electronic attack and self-protection against anti-ship missiles. The company has received a contract modification to produce nine additional ship sets, including the first for carriers.

The F-35 Lightning II, central to U.S. military aviation, faces scrutiny regarding its effectiveness in potential conflicts with China. Experts argue that while it was designed for regional threats, its capabilities may not suffice in a prolonged Pacific War. The U.S. plans to continue investing in the F-35 while developing the next-generation F-47 fighter to address future military needs.

Boxer Battery of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment conducted a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) rapid infiltration exercise from Yakima Training Center to Dugway Proving Ground on April 17. This exercise validated the Edge Node command and control framework as part of Operation Courage Lethality 26, which aimed to enhance long-range precision fire capabilities. The HIMARS system demonstrated its ability to operate outside adversary detection ranges, contributing to I Corps' operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. Army will implement a new Combat Field Test (CFT) for all soldiers in 24 combat specialties starting in Spring 2027. This pass-fail assessment aims to ensure soldiers are prepared for modern combat challenges. Soldiers who fail the test may face reclassification or separation, with a one-year transition period before administrative actions are enforced. The CFT will be sex-neutral and age-neutral, reflecting the Army's commitment to maintaining high fitness standards across all combat roles.

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.