Analysis & Reports

Boeing is manufacturing the F-47 NGAD fighter in St. Louis, with its maiden flight scheduled for 2028. This sixth-generation aircraft will transform pilot roles into mission commanders managing autonomous drone swarms. The F-47 will feature advanced technologies, including an AI-enhanced cockpit and a tailless design for improved stealth.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned Israel against continuing attacks on Lebanese and Palestinian civilians, threatening missile and drone strikes in retaliation. The warning was issued on March 24, 2023, citing the attacks as intolerable and promising a strong military response if they persist.

U.S. President Trump criticized NATO allies for their reluctance to secure the Strait of Hormuz, claiming it would be a simple military maneuver. Analysts warn of significant risks due to Iran's military capabilities, including over 1,000 fast attack craft and extensive mine stockpiles. Recent incidents have targeted commercial vessels, resulting in casualties, highlighting the strategic importance of the Strait for global trade.

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.

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 U.S. Marine Corps conducted a live-fire engagement using the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, in March 2026. This exercise involved units from the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment and focused on enhancing short-range air defense capabilities against drone threats. The MADIS system, mounted on a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, employs the XM914 30mm chain gun for rapid-fire engagement of low-altitude targets.

Saab signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Canadian AI company Cohere to collaborate on advanced AI technologies for GlobalEye. This partnership aims to enhance Saab's global product offerings and competitiveness, focusing on data-driven mission support and maintenance tools. Initial pilot projects have been identified to assess cooperation pathways.

Lockheed Martin has commenced the final assembly of the first F-35A Lightning II fighter jet for the German Air Force at its Fort Worth, Texas facility. This aircraft is part of a batch of eight being produced, with major assembly having started in December 2024. The F-35A is designed for multi-role missions and will support NATO operational requirements, with delivery planned to Ebbing Air National Guard Base for pilot training.

AZAK will present its second-generation unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) at the AUSA Global Force Symposium & Exposition in Huntsville, Alabama, from March 24 to 26, 2026. The company confirmed its participation following its victory in the xTech Edge Strike Ground competition, aimed at identifying emerging technologies for tactical operations. The UGV is designed for mobility in challenging terrains and features a modular architecture for various mission sets.

Markwayne Mullin was confirmed as the new Secretary of Homeland Security by the Senate on a 54-45 vote. The Department of Homeland Security is currently shut down due to a funding lapse, with over 100,000 employees working without pay. Mullin plans to implement changes, including restructuring FEMA and addressing funding policies, while Congressional Democrats are holding out on funding until reforms are agreed upon regarding immigration enforcement.

The U.S. military is set to receive over 100 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters starting in autumn 2024, but these aircraft will be delivered without their primary radar systems due to delays with the AN/APG-85 radar. This situation renders the jets airworthy but not combat-ready, as they will instead carry ballast to maintain flight balance. The U.S. Marine Corps will be the first to receive these radar-less aircraft, impacting their operational capabilities for the foreseeable future.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress was photographed on March 21, 2026, over California carrying two AGM-181 Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) test missiles. The aircraft, operating under the TORCH92 callsign, was escorted by an NKC-135R Stratotanker and an F-22 Raptor, indicating a coordinated test flight. This event marks the second confirmed sighting of the AGM-181, which is being developed to replace the AGM-86B missile by 2030.

The U.S. Navy's counter-mine ships, including three Independence-class littoral combat ships, are facing significant reliability issues in mine warfare as of 2025. Despite being declared operationally capable, the MCM mission package has not proven effective in combat scenarios, raising concerns among military experts. Iran continues to pose a mine warfare threat in the Strait of Hormuz, complicating U.S. naval operations in the region.

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.

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.

Russian forces launched a spring offensive in eastern Ukraine, focusing on Lyman, Slavyansk, and Kostyantynivka. The offensive has seen over 1,300 attacks on Ukrainian positions in the past week, with significant use of tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, and drones. Ukrainian military officials reported approximately 1,275 personnel losses during this period, indicating a substantial escalation in hostilities.

The Cheyenne Mountain Complex functions as a backup command center for NORAD and USNORTHCOM, ensuring national defense readiness against nuclear attacks and other emergencies. Located in Colorado, this underground facility was designed in the 1960s to withstand significant destructive forces and remains operational today, supporting military functions and strategic decision-making.

The U.S. Air Force is currently facing significant operational challenges due to chronic underinvestment, resulting in the oldest and smallest fleet in its history. The average age of aircraft has nearly tripled since the Persian Gulf War, with many still in service for over 50 years. This situation has led to reduced flight hours for pilots and a critical shortage of trained crews and munitions, impacting readiness amid ongoing operations in Iran and elsewhere.

The Space Force established two new cyber squadrons to defend against potential cyberattacks during launches. The 630 Cyberspace Squadron was activated on March 10, 2023, at Vandenberg Space Force Base, while the 645 Cyberspace Squadron was reassigned from Delta 6. These units aim to enhance security for launch systems amid rising cyber threats and increased digitization of space operations.

The U.S. and U.K. are collaborating on the Robotic Exclusion and Engagement Framework (REEF) to develop systems that detect and neutralize underwater drones threatening ports and critical infrastructure. This initiative aims to enhance security in U.S. waterways using advanced technologies, including AI-driven sensors and various defensive methods. The project is supported by a new export control rule facilitating cooperation between the two nations.