Analysis & Reports

The USS Connecticut (SSN-22) is undergoing extensive repairs at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, after a collision with an uncharted seamount in 2021. The repairs are expected to be completed by late 2026 or early 2027, highlighting significant challenges in the U.S. Navy's shipbuilding and repair infrastructure. The command element of the submarine was relieved following an investigation into the incident, which was deemed preventable.

The U.S. Air Force continues testing the KC-46A Pegasus tanker, which has unresolved technical defects related to its Remote Vision System and Boom Telescope Actuator. Despite being deployed, the aircraft has not completed its initial operational test and evaluation since 2019, affecting its operational availability and mission capable rates. The Air Force is collaborating with Boeing on necessary upgrades to meet performance standards.

In March 2026, the European Union is undergoing a significant defense policy shift, marked by an 800 billion euro investment in military capabilities through the Rearm Europe Initiative. Germany plans to establish the strongest conventional army in Europe, while France has doubled its defense budget. However, 78% of defense equipment has been sourced outside the EU, highlighting a critical dependency on foreign suppliers.

Dr. Klaus WeberTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

Terrorist groups, including JNIM and ISSP, have escalated their operations in the Sahel, utilizing forests as strategic bases for attacks and illegal activities. In 2025, over 9,362 people were killed in security incidents across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The U.S. has deployed drones to Nigeria to assist in counter-terrorism efforts, while the region faces increasing violence and humanitarian crises due to armed groups blocking aid and targeting civilians.

Marie DuboisTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy's MQ-25 Stingray program faced significant delays, missing its Milestone C decision originally scheduled for fiscal year 2023 due to production and testing issues. The first MQ-25 Engineering Development Model was received in May 2025, with the first flight test expected in early fiscal year 2026. The Pentagon's Director, Operational Test and Evaluation reported that inadequate data from prototype testing hindered progress towards production readiness.

The MARTE consortium, led by Germany, is developing a new Main Battle Tank system with participation from 11 European Member States. The project, funded by the European Defence Fund, aims to achieve Preliminary Design Review maturity within 24 months. Significant progress has been made in technical and organizational aspects, with a comprehensive Concept of Operations established. The consortium's efforts were showcased at a General Assembly in San Sebastián, Spain, in November 2025.

Sela Projects EU designs and builds high-end military models for defense and aerospace exhibitions in the Netherlands. The company utilizes advanced production techniques, including CNC machining and 3D printing, to create detailed representations of military systems. Prices for these models vary significantly based on complexity, with smaller models costing between €2,000 and €10,000, while larger, more intricate models can exceed €150,000. Sela Projects emphasizes the importance of visual accuracy and interactivity in their designs to effectively communicate the capabilities of military systems to potential clients.

U.S. Central Command reported over 9,000 targets struck in Iran, including significant damage to oil infrastructure. Iran retaliated with attacks on Gulf oil facilities and launched cyberattacks. A contingent of U.S. Marines is deploying to the region aboard USS Tripoli. The conflict continues to impact global energy markets and poses strategic challenges in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain on March 21, 2023, using medium-range missiles. The strike targeted key supply and technical facilities, temporarily incapacitating the fleet's operations. This incident highlights a significant shift in regional power dynamics and poses challenges for U.S. naval operations in the area.

Japan is considering importing oil from Kazakhstan as part of its energy security strategy due to threats in the Strait of Hormuz. This move marks a significant shift in Japan's energy procurement approach, aiming to reduce reliance on Middle Eastern oil. The government is also exploring logistics options, including direct transactions and swap deals, to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Additionally, Japan plans to strengthen its strategic oil reserves in collaboration with the United States.

Tanaka TakashiTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

The Eastern Theater Command Navy conducted realistic training exercises with multiple vessels in a certain sea area. The training focused on joint main gun fire against sea targets, resupply operations, and air defense. This exercise aimed to enhance the emergency response capabilities and coordination of the naval forces.

On March 12, a KC-135 crashed in Iraq, killing six airmen, while another landed safely in Israel. This incident has prompted calls from former Air Force leaders for urgent upgrades to the KC-135's communication systems to enhance battlespace awareness. The crash is noted as the deadliest for the KC-135 in over a decade, highlighting ongoing concerns about the aircraft's operational safety and communication capabilities.

A KC-135 aircraft crashed in Iraq on March 12, 2023, prompting calls from former Air Force leaders for urgent upgrades to the aircraft's communication systems. The crash, which was not caused by enemy fire, highlighted the need for improved situational awareness and connectivity for aircrews. The U.S. Air Force has requested significant funding for these upgrades to enhance operational safety and effectiveness in contested environments.

USS Gerald R. Ford docked at Souda Bay, Greece, for maintenance following a fire on March 12, 2025, which injured two sailors. The carrier, part of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, continues its overseas deployment and remains fully mission capable. Over 600 service members were affected by the fire, leading to logistical challenges in berthing.

The Space Force plans to issue contracts for the Kronos project in April 2024 to modernize command and control software for space operations. This initiative follows the separation of Kronos from the troubled Advanced Tracking and Launch Analysis System (ATLAS), which is still not operational. The Space Force aims to enhance its capabilities in operational command, control, and space battle management.

Texelis Defense is accelerating its military mobility programs in 2026, focusing on the development of the Serval and Celeris vehicles, and entering the tracked vehicle market with the TED for the VECTOR. The company aims to deliver 2,038 vehicles by 2035, with significant export contracts anticipated. Texelis is also expanding into the 8×8 vehicle market, leveraging partnerships and local production capabilities.

Anduril Industries has commenced production of the Fury autonomous combat drone at its Arsenal-1 facility in Columbus, Ohio, with plans to expand to other military systems by the end of the year. The factory, which will employ 4,000 workers, aims to produce 150 aircraft annually at full capacity. Anduril's approach emphasizes low-cost, highly producible weapons for the US military, contrasting with traditional defense contractors.

A fire broke out in the laundry facilities of the USS Gerald R. Ford on March 12, 2026, displacing 600 sailors who are now sleeping on decks. The fire, which took over 30 hours to extinguish, was not combat-related and has led to speculation about possible sabotage by crew members. The aircraft carrier is currently docked at Souda Bay, Crete for repairs.

A fire broke out in the laundry facilities of the USS Gerald R. Ford on March 12, 2026, displacing 600 sailors who are now sleeping on floors. The fire, which lasted over 30 hours, was not combat-related and has led to speculation about possible sabotage by crew members. The aircraft carrier is currently docked in Souda Bay, Crete, for repairs after departing the northern Red Sea.

The U.S. Government is enhancing domestic processing of critical minerals to reduce reliance on China, which controls a significant portion of the market. Investments have been made to improve processing technologies, aiming to bolster national security and economic stability. The urgency is heightened by rising tensions with China, particularly concerning trade and military preparedness.