Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy has extended the service life of the USS Nimitz until March 2027, reversing plans to retire the aircraft carrier. The Nimitz recently completed a nine-month deployment supporting U.S. Central Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, including operations against ISIS in Somalia. It will now shift to Naval Station Norfolk for inactivation and defueling.

The U.S. Navy has extended the service life of the USS Nimitz until March 2027, delaying its planned decommissioning. The carrier is currently shifting its homeport to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, after completing a nine-month deployment. This decision allows the Navy to maintain its fleet of 11 aircraft carriers while awaiting the delivery of the new Ford-class carrier, John F. Kennedy.

The USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) completed its sea trials in San Diego on March 14, 2026, following a significant overhaul. The U.S. Navy is modifying the destroyer to replace its Advanced Gun System with a Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic battery, aiming to enhance its deterrent capabilities against near-peer adversaries.

Julius Caesar commanded 60,000 Roman legionaries against over 330,000 Gallic forces at the Battle of Alesia in September 52 BC. The Romans constructed defensive walls and successfully repelled multiple Gallic attacks, leading to the surrender of Vercingetorix. This victory established Roman dominance in Gaul for the next 500 years.

The MiG-25 Foxbat, evaluated for its speed and combat legacy, was involved in significant air engagements, including the downing of a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet during the Gulf War. Lt. Viktor Belenko's defection in 1976 revealed its technical limitations to the West. The aircraft was retired from service by Algeria in July 2022, with the Syrian fleet destroyed by December 2024. Currently, 15 MiG-25 airframes are preserved in various museums.

The MiG-25 Foxbat, a Soviet interceptor, was operational from 1970 until its retirement in 2022. It achieved a notable air-to-air kill against a U.S. Navy F/A-18 during the Gulf War. The aircraft's technical limitations were exposed following Lt. Viktor Belenko's defection in 1976, leading to its analysis by Western forces. Ultimately, the MiG-25's legacy includes its role in various conflicts and its eventual obsolescence, with only a few specimens preserved in museums today.

A malfunction in the fuze of an M795 155mm artillery round caused it to explode prematurely during a live-fire demonstration at Camp Pendleton on October 18, 2025. The incident resulted in shrapnel falling onto Interstate 5, but no injuries were reported. Six M777 howitzers from the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment were involved in the demonstration, which was attended by high-ranking officials.

The U.S. Navy confirmed plans to increase production of the Hammerhead anti-submarine mine system through a contract modification with General Dynamics Mission Systems. This increase is necessary to meet operational fleet requirements beginning in fiscal year 2027. The Hammerhead system is designed to autonomously detect and engage enemy submarines, enhancing U.S. naval capabilities in undersea warfare.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon a contract modification worth up to $2.01 billion on March 13, 2023, to continue the development of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) terminal program. This program is crucial for secure military satellite communications, with work primarily taking place in Marlboro, Massachusetts, and Largo, Florida, and expected completion by August 9, 2031.

The U.S. Army awarded a $20 billion contract to Anduril Industries to integrate AI-driven battlefield technologies into a unified operational system. This contract, announced on March 13, 2023, will utilize the Lattice software platform to enhance data organization and analysis from various military sources. The agreement is set to last until March 12, 2036, and aims to improve situational awareness across operational areas.

The UK Ministry of Defence selected Persistent Systems’ Wave Relay® MANET for Project CAIN modernization on March 10, 2026, enhancing communication capabilities for the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team. This initiative includes the delivery of MPU5 tactical communication systems and associated equipment, enabling resilient connectivity in complex environments. The program builds on previous successes with the UK Royal Marines and aims to strengthen the UK's operational capabilities alongside allies.

U.S. officials at the Pentagon announced that Europe must be capable of leading its own conventional defense within NATO by 2027. This declaration follows increased defense spending by European nations since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, although U.S. officials expressed dissatisfaction with the current pace of capability development.

Alexandra ReevesSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

The Department of Veterans Affairs is developing a tool to scan documents for signs of fraud in disability compensation claims, projected for rollout in 2026. This initiative aims to combat fraudulent activities by private companies targeting veterans. Concerns have been raised by veterans regarding the potential implications of this tool on their benefits and privacy.

Lt. Col. Paul Anderson concluded his 36-year military career this month, achieving over 6,000 flight hours as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He served with the 305th Rescue Squadron, conducting combat search and rescue missions, including multiple deployments to Afghanistan and notable operations during Hurricane Katrina. Anderson is recognized for setting a record for the most flying hours among U.S. Air Force helicopter pilots.

NATO is transforming its defense strategy, focusing on integrated air and missile defense plans in response to hybrid threats, particularly from Russia. Operation Eastern Sentry was activated due to Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, showcasing NATO's shift in military priorities. By 2035, Europe aims to take a leading role in its conventional defense, supported by increased defense spending and strategic initiatives from the EU. Discussions are ongoing about establishing a permanent NATO mission in Greenland.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is on its final deployment, set for decommissioning in May 2026, which will reduce the U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier fleet to 10. The Navy faces a $1.8 billion maintenance backlog and an overtaxed operational tempo, leading to crew fatigue and technical issues. The fleet's size is at its smallest since WWI, complicating its ability to meet global demands, particularly against the Chinese Navy.

Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was killed in a shooting at Old Dominion University on Thursday, with two others wounded. The shooter, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, who had previously attempted to aid the Islamic State, was subdued and killed by ROTC students. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, and the firearm used had an obliterated serial number.

The U.S. Air Force awarded two contracts to Boeing for the development of the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, totaling over $5 billion. This decision follows congressional directives to continue the program after previous attempts to cancel it. The contracts will support the transition to the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase, allowing for system design maturation and testing. The E-7 is also being utilized in current operations, including deployments to assist in missile detection.

The Department of Defense is set to resume billing approximately 137,000 civilians for medical care received at military treatment facilities since June 21, 2023. This follows a pause to develop a new Military Health System Modified Payment and Waiver Program aimed at providing financial relief to those facing hardship. The program allows for sliding fee scales and payment plans, with applications evaluated based on federal poverty guidelines.

The U.S. Navy is transitioning the design of America-class amphibious assault ships to restore the well deck, enhancing amphibious operations by 2026. This change addresses previous design criticisms that favored aviation capabilities over logistical support for heavy equipment. The USS Bougainville (LHA-8) will lead this transition, reflecting a balanced approach to modern expeditionary warfare.