Analysis & Reports

The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes deterrence by denial in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on strengthening alliances and military capabilities while avoiding direct confrontation with China. The strategy calls for allies to increase defense spending significantly and identifies China as the primary challenge. However, it notably omits specific commitments regarding Taiwan, raising concerns about U.S. resolve in the region. The proposed defense budget is set to reach $1.5 trillion by 2027, reflecting a substantial investment in military capabilities.

Marcus ChenTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

The Military Medical Malpractice Claims Appeals Board ruled that the Pentagon is not liable for the death of Spc. Maria Martinez, who died of breast cancer in 2021 after a delayed diagnosis at Fort Bliss, Texas. The board concluded that military health care providers had no reason to suspect her condition prior to May 2019. The family plans to pursue legislative changes to allow for judicial review of such cases.

The U.S. Air Force is conducting an industry survey to benchmark the progress of the Northrop Grumman Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) program, which aims to enhance munitions capacity. The survey, posted on March 4, 2023, seeks feedback on potential alternatives and improvements to the missile's capabilities. Northrop Grumman remains committed to the program, although production has not yet started and timelines for operational capability are unclear.

The U.S. Department of Defense requested a $200 billion supplemental package to fund Operation Epic Fury against Iran on March 19, 2026. This funding exceeds the total estimated value of Iran's military, which has been severely diminished. The U.S. has already expended over $11 billion in the initial days of the operation, highlighting the financial asymmetry in the conflict. Political challenges regarding this funding are anticipated in Congress, with some lawmakers opposing further expenditures.

Lockheed Martin completed the first integrated live-fire test of a HELLFIRE missile from its GRIZZLY containerized launcher on March 24. The test demonstrated the system's ability to load and launch missiles from a standard 10-foot Tricon container, validating its capabilities for mobile and discreet missile delivery. The GRIZZLY launcher is designed to enhance operational flexibility and reduce acquisition costs by using commercial off-the-shelf materials.

China is conducting extensive undersea mapping and monitoring operations across the Pacific, Indian, and Arctic oceans using dozens of research vessels and hundreds of sensors. The Dong Fang Hong 3 has been active near Taiwan and Guam, gathering data crucial for submarine warfare against the U.S. and its allies. This initiative reflects China's military strategy to enhance its naval capabilities and gather intelligence on underwater conditions.

China is conducting extensive undersea mapping and monitoring operations across the Pacific, Indian, and Arctic oceans, utilizing the Dong Fang Hong 3 research vessel and numerous sensors. This effort aims to enhance its submarine warfare capabilities against the United States, focusing on strategically important areas such as Taiwan, Guam, and the Malacca Strait. The operation involves dozens of research vessels and is part of a broader military strategy to gather intelligence on underwater terrain and conditions.

The U.S. Army awarded a contract for P550 Long Range Reconnaissance unmanned aircraft systems on March 20 to enhance reconnaissance capabilities. This procurement, part of the UAS Marketplace program, aims to provide commanders with advanced tools for surveillance and target acquisition while minimizing exposure to threats. The streamlined acquisition process allows for faster delivery of these systems to deployed units, supporting operations in contested environments.

The U.S. Army received its first H-60Mx Black Hawk helicopter equipped with autonomy systems, allowing for pilot-optional flight. This helicopter will undergo rigorous testing to evaluate its autonomous capabilities and performance in complex scenarios. The initiative is part of the Strategic Autonomy Flight Enabler program, aimed at enhancing operational flexibility.

The U.S. Army received its first H-60Mx Black Hawk helicopter equipped with autonomy systems for pilot-optional flight on March 20, 2023. The aircraft will undergo rigorous testing to evaluate its autonomous capabilities and is part of a larger initiative to enhance military aviation technology. This helicopter can operate independently or with remote supervision, marking a significant advancement in military operations.

The U.S. Army received its first H-60Mx Black Hawk helicopter equipped with autonomy systems for pilot-optional flight testing. This aircraft will undergo rigorous evaluations to assess its autonomous capabilities and is part of the Strategic Autonomy Flight Enabler program. The technology aims to reduce crew workload and enhance operational flexibility.

The U.S. Army received its first H-60Mx Black Hawk helicopter equipped with autonomy systems for pilot-optional flight. The aircraft will undergo rigorous testing to evaluate its ability to operate autonomously or with minimal crew. This initiative is part of the Strategic Autonomy Flight Enabler program, aimed at enhancing operational flexibility in various missions.

Leonardo DRS was awarded a place on the Advanced Technology Support Program V (ATSP5) contract by the U.S. Department of War, valued at over $25 billion. This contract allows the company to compete for task orders related to advanced military technology development, including areas such as quantum computing and integrated mission systems. The award positions Leonardo DRS among 13 selected companies to support the U.S. military's future operational capabilities.

Epirus, General Dynamics Land Systems, and Kodiak AI unveiled the Leonidas Autonomous Ground Vehicle in Huntsville, Alabama, on March 24. This new mobile counter-UAS system is designed for autonomous critical point defense missions, combining high-power microwave technology with autonomous mobility. The Leonidas AGV can operate without human intervention or be teleoperated, providing flexible defense against drone threats.

The 81st Group Army conducted live explosive operations training at a training ground, where troops accurately calculated explosive amounts based on target characteristics and completed the detonation process independently. This exercise aimed to enhance their professional skills in handling explosives.

The US Army has placed an order worth over $52 million for more than 2,500 X10D small uncrewed aircraft systems from Skydio. This procurement marks the largest sUAS order to date for the Army.

Russian forces launched a Spring 2026 offensive in eastern Ukraine on March 19, employing battalion-sized mechanized assaults in the Lyman direction. Despite initial attacks being repelled by Ukrainian forces, Russia is redeploying elite units to bolster its operations. Concurrently, Ukrainian counteroffensives have disrupted Russian plans, leading to significant territorial gains. The air campaign has intensified, with numerous drone strikes targeting Ukrainian infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

General Dynamics, Epirus, and Kodiak AI unveiled the Leonidas Autonomous Ground Vehicle in Huntsville, Alabama. This prototype is designed for counter unmanned aerial system missions, integrating autonomous driving technology with a high-power microwave system. The companies aim to test the vehicle with the Army's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 to enhance military and homeland security capabilities. The vehicle is expected to operate in diverse terrains while minimizing collateral damage during drone engagements.

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 USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr., a new guided-missile destroyer of the U.S. Navy, is set to be commissioned on April 11, 2023, at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. The ship honors retired Marine Col. Harvey C. Barnum Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient, and features a distinctive grizzly bear battle flag. The crew, known as 'Grizzlies', reflects the ship's identity and legacy of service.