Analysis & Reports

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivered a speech at the AUSA conference, emphasizing military autonomy. The event showcased various military equipment, including tanks and drones, before concluding. This conference gathered servicemembers and industry figures to discuss key themes in defense policy.

Florida National Guard leaders reported that nearly 30% of their troops are deployed overseas, leading to unsustainable demands and a significant drop in equipment readiness. Maj. Gen. Carruthers emphasized the need for better management of activation requests to address the challenges faced by the Guard. Discussions are ongoing about the political pressures and logistical issues impacting the National Guard's capacity to respond effectively.

Joint Task Force-Gold (JTF-Gold) is coordinating cyber warfare capabilities for Golden Dome air and missile defense, focusing on defense against adversary attacks. The task force, consisting of approximately 100 personnel, is involved in developing operational sites, including the first at Fort Story, Virginia. A planning sprint was conducted to clarify roles among major operations centers.

The U.S. Navy built 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers, which served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, with none lost to enemy action. The USS Franklin, which suffered severe damage, had the most decorated crew in U.S. Navy history. Today, four Essex-class carriers are preserved as museums, while the USS Franklin was scrapped without any remnants remaining.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined plans for the Autonomous Warfare Command (AUTOWARCOM) during a panel in Washington, D.C., emphasizing the need for rapid adaptation and procurement of autonomous systems. The command is set to activate by October 1, 2027, and will focus on integrating unmanned platforms and training. The Army announced a rebranding of its Futures and Concepts Command to align with this initiative, while the Air Force is testing autonomous fighter aircraft.

The Trump administration's retreat from foreign influence tracking programs has weakened U.S. defenses against disinformation campaigns as the 2024 midterm elections approach. State officials report reduced federal briefings and diminished cooperation with technology companies in countering false information. AI tools are increasingly utilized by foreign influence operators, complicating efforts to safeguard election integrity.

The AUSA conference in Washington, D.C. showcased a wide array of military equipment, including vehicle-mounted counter-drone systems and tactical trucks. Notable displays included Diehl Defense's Cicada counter-drone munition and AeroVironment's Bullfrog M240 autonomous weapon system. GM Defense introduced the Autonomous ISV-Utility, while Kratos Defense presented the Tactical Firejet drone. The event highlighted advancements in military technology and defense capabilities.

Protesters interrupted a panel featuring U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, accusing him of being a 'war criminal' and a 'Nazi'. The protest occurred during the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual meeting, where Hegseth was discussing Project Agincourt. He responded to the hecklers with quips but appeared increasingly irritated as the protest continued.

U.S. Army Special Operations Command tested a Performance Drone Works quadcopter equipped with a Leonardo DRS laser designator for precision mortar targeting at Dugway, Utah, on October 14, 2023. The system successfully engaged targets beyond the standard range of a 120 mm mortar, demonstrating enhanced targeting capabilities. This event was part of the Iron Sting Precision Mortar Validation Event.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans to scale autonomous weapons and establish the Autonomous Warfare Command (AUTOWARCOM) during the AUSA conference in Washington. The Pentagon aims to invest nearly $55 billion in autonomous warfare initiatives, with the Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for autonomy transitioning to Project Agincourt. The Defense Autonomous Working Group (DAWG) is being integrated into a new Task Force to enhance capabilities in this area.

Forterra and Hypercraft unveiled an autonomous vehicle designed for high-risk military missions at the Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. The Razorback vehicle, equipped with Forterra's AutoDrive software, can carry various weapons and has a range of 500 miles. The Mobile Autonomous Uncrewed Lanemaker (MAUL) was demonstrated at Fort Bragg, successfully clearing mines while defending against drone attacks. This initiative aims to reduce risks to soldiers during operations.

The 7th Army Training Command in Hohenfels, Germany, reported a significant increase in the use of unmanned aerial systems during training exercises, rising from 400 to nearly 2,000. This includes over 1,000 consumable munitions. U.S. units are now mandated to have prior experience with drones, and Ukrainian units are participating in training to enhance effectiveness. The training centers are adapting to include diverse environments and threats, particularly in the Pacific theater.

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) was awarded a $56.2 million contract by the U.S. Navy in October 2026 for engineering and design work related to nuclear submarine capabilities under the AUKUS partnership. The contract aims to support Australia and the UK in developing their submarine capabilities, with completion expected by September 2027 or 2028. Most of the work will be conducted in Virginia, highlighting the reliance on U.S. expertise for this initiative.

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The U.S. Army awarded contracts totaling $93.6 million to nine defense technology companies for the development of its Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) software. This initiative aims to enhance battlefield decision-making and interoperability among various technologies. The Army is currently delivering the NGC2 software to I Corps in the Indo-Pacific, transitioning from prototype to operational use.

The head of U.S. Army Cyber Command reassured soldiers in Washington that the new Cyber Mastery Incentive program, launched on October 1, 2023, would not reduce their pay. Despite reports of potential pay cuts for some soldiers, Lt. Gen. Christopher Eubank emphasized that no one would lose pay. The program aims to reward technology mastery and performance in demanding tasks, with adjustments planned to ensure soldiers' wages remain stable.

The U.S. Air Force received over 30 proposals for flight tests of the AI-controlled X-62 VISTA during a symposium at Edwards Air Force Base in August 2023. The event attracted over 80 participants from various sectors, highlighting significant interest in the aircraft. The X-62, a modified F-16D, is currently undergoing upgrades to enhance its capabilities for future testing alongside other autonomous systems.

General George S. Patton developed the U.S. Army's tank corps and led significant tank exercises in the 1940s. He emphasized the independent use of tanks in warfare, which shaped U.S. armored strategies during World War II. Patton's contributions to tank warfare began in World War I and continued to influence military tactics until his death in 1945.

WingXpand unveiled the xPAIR, a removable control unit for drones and ground vehicles, on October 13, 2023, in Schaumburg, Illinois. This system allows for multi-domain operations across air, land, and water, utilizing a shared AI library and user interface. The technology is reportedly being adopted by the U.S. Department of War and has been demonstrated with U.S. Special Forces.

U.S. Army Pacific Command (USARPAC) faces significant challenges due to the continuing resolution affecting funding for new capabilities. General Ronald Clark stated that the delay in passing the fiscal 2027 budget hampers the development of essential programs, particularly those related to the Mission Partner Network and long-range precision fires. The Defense Department's budget includes over 150 new start programs, with specific funding allocated for critical defense systems.

Leonardo DRS, Inc. was awarded a $500 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract by JIATF-401 on October 14, 2026, to enhance counter UAS capabilities. The contract focuses on the rapid delivery of integrated sensing technologies for force protection and low-altitude air defense missions. DRS aims to provide operationally relevant capabilities to meet evolving threats.