Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army is rolling out pilot programs to enhance soldiers' dining experiences with campus-style dining venues at five installations, including Fort Bragg and Fort Hood, starting in September 2025. These facilities, operated by private contractors, have reported high utilization rates among soldiers, with Fort Carson seeing 67% usage. The Army aims to expand this initiative as part of a broader quality-of-life improvement effort for service members.

The U.S. Army is expanding its Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (CAML) program by adding a light variant in collaboration with the Australian military. A request for information will be issued soon, with early selections anticipated between March and April, leading to a potential live-fire demonstration in June or July. This new variant aims to replace the Typhon long-range launcher, which was deemed too large for battlefield operations.

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was intentionally designed to leak fuel while on the ground, utilizing its JP-7 fuel as a coolant during flight. This aircraft could reach speeds over Mach 3 and operated at altitudes above 80,000 feet, with its titanium airframe expanding due to aerodynamic heating. The engineering solutions implemented allowed the SR-71 to manage extreme conditions effectively, making it a significant achievement in military aviation history.

The U.S. Army is developing a lightweight wearable device to alert soldiers to hostile drones, enhancing situational awareness without adding to their combat load. This initiative is part of ongoing innovation efforts at the Combat Capabilities Development Command in Washington, D.C. The technology is still in early development and has not yet been field-tested, but aims to improve soldier safety in combat environments.

The U.S. Army is training warrant officers as robotics technicians (MOS 390A) to adapt unmanned systems for battlefield use. Their final exercise will take place at Clarke Range, Alabama, in November, where they will demonstrate their ability to operate under stress and without reliance on external technology. This training is informed by experiences from recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Six anti-war protestors disrupted a military conference in Washington featuring Pentagon officials. The event showcased 165 international companies, including Ukrainian firms, and discussed advancements in defense technology and biothreat preparedness. The U.S. Army emphasized the need for biothreats in military exercises and announced new counterdrone systems. Additionally, the Pentagon signed an agreement to enhance funding access for defense manufacturers.

The U.S. Army is set to introduce the MV-75 Cheyenne II, a next-generation tiltrotor assault and utility aircraft, expected to arrive in 2027. This aircraft features enhanced speed and range, along with a digital-first approach that allows for easier upgrades and maintenance. The Army has allocated $2.1 billion for the Cheyenne program in fiscal 2027, reflecting strong political support. The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade will be the first unit to field the aircraft.

Canada is reviewing its purchase of 16 F-35s and considering the JAS-39 Gripen due to a shortage of qualified pilots and technicians. The Royal Canadian Air Force faces challenges in transitioning to two new fleets, with operational readiness at risk. The Auditor General's report indicates that the F-35 training program will not produce enough pilots by 2032-33. Transition to the new fighter jets is scheduled to begin in 2028.

Lockheed Martin announced plans to create 6,000 jobs across the United States, including 2,000 in Texas, to expand munitions production. The $300 million expansion of the Grand Prairie missile parts plant will enhance production capabilities for various missile systems. This initiative aims to meet increased production targets set by the U.S. Department of War, including a significant rise in PAC-3 MSE and THAAD interceptor outputs by 2027.

The U.S. Army is establishing a second expeditionary cyber battalion in Washington, expected to begin operations within the next couple of months. This new unit will mirror the 11th Cyber Battalion, which focuses on cyberspace and electromagnetic warfare. Initial operating capability is anticipated within a year, as the Army aims to enhance its cyber capabilities.

The U.S. Army plans to replace aging barracks with new, cheaper buildings designed to last 25 years, utilizing modular construction methods. Seven projects are set for fiscal year 2026, with significant cost savings reported at Fort Stewart. The Army is leveraging new Congressional authorities to expedite construction and address maintenance issues, although concerns remain about the sustainability of these new barracks.

Leonardo DRS has been awarded a contract by the Pentagon to assist the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) in countering small uncrewed aircraft systems (C-UAS). This contract highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance military capabilities against drone threats.

On May 6, 1956, the USS Wisconsin collided with the USS Eaton at 17 mph in heavy fog off the Virginia Capes, resulting in severe damage to both ships. The collision broke the keel of the USS Eaton and crumpled 68 feet of her bow, while the USS Wisconsin suffered a twisted bow. Miraculously, only two injuries were reported, and the USS Eaton managed to return to Norfolk for repairs.

President Trump announced that Nidal Hasan's execution will be carried out by firing squad on December 3, 2025, at Fort Hood, Texas, but it will not be livestreamed. This decision reverses the Pentagon's earlier plan to broadcast the execution, which faced significant public controversy. Hasan, sentenced to death in 2013 for a mass shooting, will have victims' families present at the execution.

The Russian Navy has completed seven Yasen-class submarines, with three more under construction and orders for two additional units. The Severodvinsk, the first of its class, has demonstrated advanced capabilities, operating undetected off the US East Coast and in the Mediterranean. The submarines are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a wrap-around passive sonar system and a quiet propulsion system, making them formidable in naval warfare.

On November 2, 1985, the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) grounded on Cortez Bank while responding to a false active shooter report. The incident caused a 40 to 60-foot gash in the hull, leading to significant flooding. The crew successfully managed the situation through counter-flooding and damage control measures. Following the incident, Captain Robert L. Leuschner was relieved of command due to navigation errors that led to the grounding.

The U.S. Navy successfully demonstrated a drone landing on a moving ship at Patuxent River, Maryland, without GPS, using only onboard cameras and sensors. This advancement allows for autonomous operations in contested environments, enhancing naval capabilities. The software is now ready for operational testing on fleet platforms, marking a significant step in drone technology for military applications.

DARPA awarded a contract worth up to $499.8 million to Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory for engineering and development projects. This contract, announced on October 14, 2023, will support work through October 2031, continuing a long-standing relationship between DARPA and APL. The lab, located in Laurel, Maryland, is involved in various defense-related research and development activities.

The U.S. Army has acknowledged that its first hypersonic weapon, the Dark Eagle, has not yet completed full deployment, with delays exceeding three years. The Army stated that further training and maintenance are necessary before the system can be fully operational. The U.S. is currently lagging behind China and Russia in hypersonic technology development, despite significant investment since 2018.

The U.S. Army expects to experience some impact on defense contractors as they struggle to comply with Executive Order 14415, which mandates the cessation of critical mineral use from adversary nations by January 2027. Army officials highlighted the challenges in mapping supply chains and the need for domestic sourcing of materials like tungsten and germanium. Concerns have been raised about the feasibility of meeting the deadline, with industry leaders calling for clarity on mitigation plans and waivers.