Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy announced the establishment of five new portfolio acquisition executives (PAEs) in Washington as part of a broader acquisition reform initiative. This restructuring aims to consolidate management of weapons programs and enhance accountability within the Navy's acquisition process. The new PAEs will oversee various domains, including Maritime and Undersea systems, and are expected to streamline decision-making and improve program success rates.

A federal judge in Rhode Island reinstated a collective bargaining agreement for approximately 300,000 employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The ruling, issued on Friday, found that the VA's termination of the agreement was retaliatory and not justified by national security concerns. The American Federation of Government Employees plans to ensure compliance with the ruling, which may impact labor relations within the VA.

U.S. President Trump pressured NATO allies to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, warning of dire consequences if they do not respond. Allies, including the UK and Germany, expressed reluctance to engage militarily, with some countries outright rejecting participation. Trump indicated he has requested naval support from around seven nations, while discussions about forming an 'escort alliance' are ongoing.

Lockheed Martin conducted the first flight test of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 2 in Washington, successfully demonstrating its capability to target moving maritime threats. The missile, launched from a HIMARS system, has a range of 500 km and is currently in the technology-maturation phase. Additional flight tests are planned for later this year as the program progresses towards operational capability.

The U.S. Army plans to establish a research and manufacturing center at Blue Grass Army Depot, Kentucky, to enhance the production of explosives, specifically RDX and HMX. The facility is expected to be completed before 2031 and may adopt either an integrated or distributed model. This initiative is driven by the urgent need to supply explosives to U.S. allies amid ongoing global conflicts.

David Goggins reenlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 51 and is currently undergoing special operations training with the Special Warfare Training Wing. His return to active duty has generated discussion within veteran communities, particularly regarding his attempt to become a pararescueman after previously dropping out of training. Goggins is recognized for his unique fitness challenges and motivational speaking career.

Navy personnel in Chimera Detachment Alpha are earning the Craftmaster Insignia for their roles in operating medium unmanned surface vessels, including Sea Hawk and Sea Hunter. This initiative, revealed in January 2023, aims to integrate unmanned warfare specialists into the fleet and recognize their competencies. The Navy is also developing an Advanced Qualification Designation for Unmanned Surface Vessel Operators as part of this effort.

Ukrainian forces intensified their medium and long-range strike campaign against Russian military infrastructure in March 2026, targeting locations such as Krasnodar Krai and Belgorod City. France committed to supplying Ukraine with SAMP/T NG air defense systems for battlefield testing. Ukrainian operations included strikes on oil facilities and air defense systems, while Russian forces launched a significant number of drones and missiles. The situation indicates a strategic effort by Ukraine to degrade Russian capabilities ahead of anticipated offensives.

Dmitri VolkovMon Mar 16 2026Loading...

Fincantieri Marine Group is preparing to build various naval vessels, including Marine Landing Vessels, for the U.S. Navy in Wisconsin. The company has a workforce of 3,000 and has invested $800 million in its facilities. The U.S. Navy is currently ordering smaller vessels and is planning for a larger fleet expansion, with Fincantieri positioned to take on future contracts.

Lockheed Martin successfully conducted the initial flight test of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 2 in the United States. This marks a significant advancement in the US Army's long-range strike capabilities. The test demonstrates the ongoing development of this new weapon system.

The U.S. Department of Defense is actively working to reduce its reliance on China for rare earth minerals, which are crucial for manufacturing and national security. Recent investments include nearly a billion dollars aimed at enhancing the U.S. industrial base and securing critical minerals. A new processing plant in South Korea is set to meet a significant portion of global tungsten demand outside of China, further breaking China's monopoly in this sector.

Six new soldiers from the 72nd Group Army participated in rigorous training at the Southeast training ground, focusing on artillery operations. They were awarded commendations for their performance, with one soldier injured during training. The unit was recognized as a 'Model Rocket Artillery Company', and the soldiers chose to extend their service beyond their mandatory term.

The U.S. Air Force's F-47 NGAD integrates the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) to enhance air superiority and suppress enemy defenses. This capability is designed for Operation Epic Fury in 2026, allowing the F-47 to target advanced air defense systems effectively. The SiAW's internal carriage within the F-47's stealth bays enables close-in strikes, improving responsiveness against mobile threats.

The Trump administration announced a plan to initiate legal guardianship proceedings for approximately 700 vulnerable veterans in the United States who are unable to make their own health care decisions. This initiative, involving the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Justice, aims to provide legal support for veterans lacking family or legal representation. Advocacy groups have expressed concerns about the implications for veterans' rights and autonomy.

The Pentagon released the 2026 National Defense Strategy, emphasizing deterrence by denial in the Indo-Pacific. The strategy calls for increased defense spending from allies and outlines plans for enhanced military presence, including rotational deployments and advanced weapon systems. However, it notably omits explicit commitments regarding Taiwan, raising concerns about deterrence credibility. Allies are responding with increased defense budgets, while the U.S. seeks to balance its commitments between the Indo-Pacific and the Western Hemisphere.

Marcus ChenSun Mar 15 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy revived its railgun program for the Trump-Class Battleship, conducting tests at White Sands Missile Range in February 2025. This initiative aims to integrate advanced weaponry, including railguns, into the 35,000-ton battleship design. Concurrently, Japan is advancing its own railgun technology through the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency.

Canada plans to invest billions in upgrading military facilities in the Arctic, focusing on Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Iqaluit. This investment aims to enhance the Canadian Armed Forces' ability to defend the Arctic independently by 2035. The funding will be used for airport upgrades, new hangars, and ammunition storage facilities, reflecting a significant shift in Canada's defense policy towards the Arctic region.

North Korea launched over 10 ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan on March 14, 2026, prompting Japan to restructure its Maritime Self-Defense Force, with a new 'Fleet Surface Force' set to be established on March 23. Japan plans to deploy medium-range surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island by March 2026, enhancing its defense capabilities amid rising tensions in the region. Concurrently, Japan and South Korea are deepening defense cooperation, including joint naval exercises.

Tanaka TakashiSun Mar 15 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy is decommissioning early models of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) due to significant mechanical issues and combat ineffectiveness. The program, which cost $22 billion, has been criticized for failing to meet operational requirements, leading to a reliance on the delayed Constellation-class frigate. The Navy has also canceled the Anti-Submarine Warfare module, further highlighting the program's shortcomings.

The U.S. Navy conducted live-fire testing of an electromagnetic railgun prototype at White Sands Missile Range in February 2025. This testing supports the development of hypersonic weapons, marking a revival of the railgun program that was shelved in 2021 due to technical issues. The railgun is now being utilized as a research tool for hypersonic materials and sensors.