Analysis & Reports

The grounding of United Launch Alliance's Vulcan heavy lifter has led to potential delays and reassignments for multiple Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office satellite launches. Key satellites affected include the WGS-11 and Next-Gen GEO, with the latter's launch postponed until at least the end of March 2023. The GPS III SV-10 satellite's launch has been moved to a SpaceX Falcon 9. An investigation into the Vulcan's performance anomaly is currently underway.

The U.S. Navy is experiencing a significant shortfall in attack submarines, with the fleet expected to decline to 46 boats by 2030 due to the faster retirement of Los Angeles-class submarines compared to the production of Virginia-class replacements. Production issues have resulted in an average output of only 1.1 to 1.2 Virginia-class submarines annually since 2022. The Virginia-class is intended to enhance U.S. naval capabilities, particularly in long-range strike operations.

U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Josh Hawley introduced the Prioritizing the Warfighter in Defense Contracting Act of 2026 in Washington. The bipartisan bill aims to restrict defense contractors from conducting share buybacks, issuing dividends, and raising executive compensation unless they meet specific performance criteria. The Defense Department will review contractors with significant revenue to determine waiver eligibility, with penalties for non-compliance.

The House Armed Services Committee approved the ALERT Act to enhance aviation safety following a 2025 midair collision near Washington, D.C. The legislation mandates that military aircraft install crash prevention technology by 2031, aiming to prevent future accidents while addressing national security concerns. The committee voted unanimously in favor of the bill, which incorporates recommendations from federal investigators.

The U.S. Air Force and Space Force are implementing acquisition reforms to enhance the effectiveness of program managers responsible for delivering military capabilities. These reforms aim to address issues of cost overruns and delays in defense programs, emphasizing the need for improved training aligned with industry standards. The report highlights the critical role of program managers in ensuring timely delivery of next-generation military technologies and capabilities.

The U.S. Coast Guard's operations are significantly impacted by a government shutdown that began on February 14, 2023. Civilian employees have not been paid, leading to halted processing of merchant mariner credentials and fisheries enforcement operations. The service has incurred over $200 million in unpaid bills, affecting its ability to recruit new personnel and maintain operational readiness. The vice commandant expressed concerns about the long-term implications of the shutdown on the Coast Guard's capabilities and trust in government support.

French Prime Minister Sebastian Lecornu announced an increase in military spending, with an additional 8.5 billion euros allocated for arms orders by 2030. This announcement includes the establishment of a new 'national security alert' mechanism to expedite decision-making in response to threats. The military budget is set to rise by 6.5 billion euros in 2026, alongside the creation of a platform to supply military needs and a 300 million euro support plan for dual-use military supplies.

In 1974, the CIA executed Project Azorian to recover the Soviet submarine K-129 from the Pacific Ocean using the Hughes Glomar Explorer. This covert operation involved lowering a mechanical capture vehicle to the seabed and lifting parts of the submarine to the surface. While Soviet vessels observed, they were unaware of the true nature of the mission, which aimed to obtain sensitive Soviet technology.

NATO allies committed to a defense spending target of 5% of GDP by 2035, reflecting a significant shift in European defense policy. Collective EU defense budgets are projected to reach €381 billion in 2025, with Germany increasing its spending by 23% in 2024. Poland leads with 4.48% of GDP allocated to defense, while Hungary awaits approval for its national defense plan.

Alexandra ReevesThu Mar 26 2026Loading...

NATO allies committed to allocating 5% of GDP to defense by 2035 during a summit in The Hague. This includes 3.5% for core military expenditures and 1.5% for broader defense measures. All NATO members, except Spain, pledged to meet this ambitious target, reflecting a major shift in European security policy and fiscal priorities.

Alexandra ReevesThu Mar 26 2026Loading...

MBDA plans to double its Aster air-defense missile production in 2026 due to rising demand, as stated by CEO Éric Béranger in Paris. The company will also increase overall missile output by 40% this year and hire 2,800 additional workers. With a record order backlog of €44.4 billion, MBDA is expanding its production capabilities and investing heavily in new sites and equipment.

The U.S. Army is offloading equipment from its floating Army Prepositioned Stock (APS-3) to bases in South Korea and the Philippines. This operation is part of a broader strategy to reevaluate and disperse APS equipment throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Currently, there are seven APSs globally, and the Army is considering the future of APS-3, with no major decisions made yet regarding its complete disbandment.

The Unified Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising 6,000 soldiers, was established in December 2025 in Niamey, Niger, to combat escalating violence in the Sahel. The region has seen a dramatic increase in security incidents, with over 9,000 deaths reported in 2025. JNIM and ISSP have intensified their operations, including a notable attack on Niamey's airport. The AES aims for operational autonomy and has diversified its military partnerships, moving away from reliance on France.

Marie DuboisThu Mar 26 2026Loading...

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu proposed an €8.5 billion munitions spending plan to address urgent military needs. This initiative is part of a multiyear package aimed at enhancing defense capabilities, including ground-based air defense and drone technology. The updated Military Programming Law will significantly increase funding for munitions, with plans to establish a new platform for bulk weapon purchases. The initiative is set to be discussed in the National Assembly in early May 2023.

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) requires significant repairs following a lengthy deployment to Venezuela and the Middle East, during which it supported critical military operations. The carrier faced plumbing issues and a fire that resulted in smoke inhalation treatment for 200 sailors. Despite these challenges, its advanced systems performed effectively, indicating a potential for future operational success.

The Rafah border crossing reopened, allowing approximately 1950 tons of humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. Since the ceasefire in October, 671 people have died from Israeli military actions, with only 41% of the required aid reaching the region. The situation remains dire as international attention shifts to other conflicts, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Mexico selected the Canadian-made Roshel Senator MRAP armored vehicle for its armed forces and federal police after successful trials at the end of last year. The decision reflects the need for protected mobility platforms to confront threats from organized criminal groups. The Senator MRAP, built on a Ford F-550 chassis, is designed for high-risk environments and can be adapted for various missions.

Uvision established Uvision Europe GmbH in Munich, Germany, on March 26, 2026, to enhance its commitment to European defense customers. The new subsidiary will provide local support, sourcing, and manufacturing capabilities, addressing the growing demand for defense partners in Europe. Uvision's loitering munitions are already integrated into NATO procurement frameworks, reinforcing its operational credibility in the region.

The Space Development Agency (SDA) is three months behind schedule in demonstrating optical intersatellite links for its satellite network in the Indo-Pacific region. SDA aims to establish an optical mesh network within the next six months, involving 154 satellites, including data relay and missile tracking systems. A strategic pause has been initiated to address issues with the Transport Layer satellites, with follow-on launches expected in May or June 2024.

The Israel Ministry of Defense announced the landing of the 200th aircraft in the ongoing Operation Roaring Lion, which has delivered over 8000 tons of military equipment and munitions. This operation, led by Defense Minister Israel Katz, aims to expand Israel's defense industrial base and enhance military readiness. The air and sea bridge operations are crucial for supporting the Israel Defense Forces' needs.