Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force and Space Force achieved their fiscal year 2026 recruitment goals five months early, enlisting 33,210 personnel. This includes 32,750 active-duty airmen and 730 new recruits for the Space Force. The success reflects the effectiveness of the Air Force Accessions Center and its Delayed Entry Program, which had its strongest numbers in a decade. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth commended these achievements during a Pentagon briefing.

The U.S. Army plans to award contracts in the coming months for experimentation with ultra long-range launched effects intended for the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES). This initiative aims to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The Army is adopting a teams-of-teams approach to foster innovation and competition among multiple vendors, with the goal of launching these effects from the sky within a year.

The U.S. Air Force is transitioning from the A-10 Thunderbolt II for combat search and rescue operations, with plans to retire the aircraft by fiscal year 2029. This shift raises concerns about pilot training and mission readiness, as no formal transition plan for the Sandy role has been confirmed. Congressional measures are being implemented to slow the A-10's retirement, emphasizing its critical capabilities in CSAR missions.

The U.S. Air Force is preparing to retire the A-10 Thunderbolt II by fiscal year 2029, raising concerns about the future of combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations. The Air Force is evaluating potential replacements and emphasizing the need for specialized training for pilots. Congressional measures aim to slow the retirement process, reflecting concerns about operational readiness and the effectiveness of successor platforms. The A-10 has played a crucial role in CSAR missions for decades, and its retirement poses significant challenges.

The U.S. Navy canceled the Constellation-class frigate program after spending $9 billion due to significant design changes and cost overruns. Originally planned to build 20 ships, only 2 will continue under the revised program. The cancellation reflects ongoing issues within the Navy's procurement processes and the impact of bureaucratic interference on military readiness.

U.S. Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein expressed concerns about the affordability of space-based interceptors during a recent congressional hearing. The projected cost for the Golden Dome missile defense system has reached $185 billion, raising questions about its feasibility. Guetlein indicated that if boost-phase interceptors cannot be produced affordably, alternative missile defense solutions will be pursued. The discussion reflects ongoing debates about the effectiveness and budgetary implications of missile defense technologies in the U.S.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) is undergoing Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News, Virginia, and will remain out of action until at least 2030. The carrier requires additional repairs after a collision with the merchant ship Besiktas-M near Port Said, Egypt, in February 2025. The Navy aims to avoid delays in the RCOH process, which has been impacted by previous supply chain issues.

Advocates urged Congress to expand Veterans Treatment Courts and restore VA benefits for incarcerated veterans during a recent hearing. They highlighted the need for better support for veterans transitioning to civilian life, particularly those with mental health issues. The first Veterans Treatment Court was established in 2008, and there are now over 600 such courts in the U.S. Many veterans remain unaware of available programs due to their discharge status, which limits access to benefits.

Veterans advocates are urging for the inclusion of military service considerations in sentencing reviews for veterans, highlighting that 107,400 veterans were incarcerated as of 2016. The Veteran Justice Commission is promoting second look policies, particularly in states like California and Washington D.C., to address the unique circumstances of veterans in the justice system. This initiative aims to provide support for veterans who have served their time and are seeking a second chance.

The U.S. Space Force is adopting on-orbit maneuverability and satellite refueling as part of its orbital warfare strategy, as stated by Gen. Chance Saltzman at the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. The Objective Force plan outlines the development of maneuverable platforms and logistics capabilities through 2040, with significant budget allocations for these initiatives. Companies like Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems are also planning demonstrations to support these capabilities.

The U.S. Army announced plans to halt the production of M109A7 Paladin howitzers and is exploring alternatives for mobile tactical cannons to enhance operational speed. Secretary Dan Driscoll informed lawmakers in Washington that the Army is seeking systems that can deploy more rapidly in response to threats. The budget request for the Paladin line has been significantly reduced, with only $84 million allocated for procurement in FY 2027.

Lockheed Martin was awarded a $105 million contract by the U.S. Space Force on April 16, 2026, to modernize the GPS ground control network in Denver. This contract aims to enhance the capabilities and resiliency of GPS services for military and civilian users, supporting critical operations. The upgrades will include the production of GPS IIIF satellites, which will provide improved signal resiliency and anti-jam capabilities.

Congress questioned Army leaders in Washington D.C. about the dismissal of Gen. Randy George, the former chief of staff of the Army, following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's request for his retirement. Lawmakers expressed bipartisan concerns over the implications of George's ouster, with several praising his service and warning of potential negative effects on military operations. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll confirmed the respect for George while stating that civilian leaders have the authority to make such decisions.

The SR-71 Blackbird achieved its fastest flight at Mach 3.56 during a test near Area 51 in Nevada. This unprecedented speed was reached for a brief 15 seconds during a routine flight test. The aircraft, known for its high-speed reconnaissance capabilities, was ultimately retired due to advancements in satellite technology and the end of the Cold War.

Senate Budget Committee chairman Lindsey Graham stated that the first GOP-led reconciliation bill will prioritize funding for immigration enforcement. He indicated the possibility of a subsequent bill focused on defense funding, contingent on the success of a supplemental funding request for military equipment used in operations against Iran. Graham aims to keep the immigration bill narrow while ensuring military funding is addressed in future legislation.

The SR-71 Blackbird experienced catastrophic engine failure at Mach 2.88 over Oklahoma in July 1968. The crew, consisting of pilot Ben Bowles and RSO Col. Richard Sheffield, managed to land safely at Carswell Air Force Base in Texas despite visible flames from the engine. The incident was significant enough to require extensive repairs and an Accident Board hearing afterward.

In August 2023, U.S. Navy officials faced a significant disruption during drone tests off the California coast due to a global outage of the Starlink satellite network. This incident left two dozen unmanned surface vessels unable to communicate or operate for nearly an hour, highlighting the military's growing reliance on SpaceX for critical communications. The outage raised concerns about vulnerabilities in military operations and the risks associated with depending on a single provider for essential national security capabilities.

In August 2023, a global Starlink outage disrupted communications for two dozen unmanned surface vessels operated by the U.S. Navy off the California coast, halting their operations for nearly an hour. This incident highlights the Navy's growing reliance on SpaceX's satellite network for military operations, raising concerns about vulnerabilities in command and control capabilities. The outage is part of a broader pattern of issues faced by the Navy during tests involving autonomous drones and vessels.

Canada is considering the purchase of the JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet as an alternative to the F-35, focusing on its advantages such as decentralized deployment, lower maintenance costs, and rapid upgrade capabilities. The Gripen's design allows for operations from unimproved runways, enhancing its survivability. This decision reflects Canada's commitment to improving its air force capabilities and interoperability with NATO forces.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the termination of most collective-bargaining agreements within the Department of Defense as of April 2025, citing alignment with national security requirements. This directive follows an executive order that limits union rights for federal employees in national security roles. The decision has faced backlash from union leaders, who argue it undermines workers' rights and is politically motivated.