Analysis & Reports

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) established the 96th Division in June 2025 to enhance security in the Jordan Valley. This division coordinates responses to threats and oversees existing military units. The IDF is refurbishing old outposts and preparing for potential incidents, including drone smuggling and terrorist attacks. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Israel's military capabilities along its borders.

Leonardo S.p.A. has transformed its operations from 2022 to 2025, increasing its workforce and expanding its product portfolio across various domains. The company reported a 38% rise in orders and a significant increase in market capitalization, driven by strategic partnerships and a focus on cybersecurity and digitalization. The launch of the Michelangelo Dome in November 2025 marks a key development in their defense capabilities.

James Michael Fisher, a retired Air Force civilian engineer, was found not guilty on March 5, 2024, of charges related to the 2017 KC-130T crash in Mississippi that killed 16 service members. The crash was attributed to maintenance failures, including a corroded propeller blade. Fisher maintained he was a scapegoat, asserting he did not approve the waiver for a safety inspection that could have prevented the disaster.

The U.S. Army conducted tests of a new 30 mm Aviation Proximity Explosive (APEX) round for AH-64 Apache helicopters at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. The tests evaluated the round's effectiveness against unmanned aerial systems, with approximately 1,200 rounds fired. The APEX round is designed to detonate near targets, enhancing the Apache's counter-drone capabilities. This testing is part of the Army's broader effort to improve defenses against small drones.

The 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy emphasizes deterrence by denial against China, directing U.S. forces to strengthen defenses along the First Island Chain. On March 12, 2025, the U.S. Navy transitioned from the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Robert Smalls to the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Mustin as part of modernization efforts. The strategy also demands increased defense spending from allies, totaling 5% of GDP, while notably omitting Taiwan from its discussions, creating strategic ambiguity.

Marcus ChenFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency awarded Raytheon a $267 million contract modification for the production of 23 additional SM-3 Block IB interceptors, increasing the total to 78. This modification restarts the production line and supports operational readiness for missile defense missions. The work will primarily take place in Tucson, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama, with the program expected to continue through May 2030.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.34 billion contract modification to develop the E-7A Wedgetail radar aircraft, enhancing its airborne command and control capabilities. The contract includes work primarily in Seattle and additional locations in Oklahoma City, Huntsville, and Heath, with completion expected by August 2032. This program aims to modernize the Air Force's battle management platform.

The USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23) operates covertly for the U.S. Navy, utilizing its Multi-Mission Platform for specialized undersea missions, including tapping undersea fiberoptic cables. Commissioned in 2005, it is equipped with advanced technologies such as remotely operated vehicles and specialized sensors, making it a key asset in modern naval warfare. The submarine's capabilities reflect a shift towards undersea infrastructure warfare.

Rick Freeman left his position as head of Amazon Leo for Government in Washington in late February 2026. Amazon Leo, which focuses on military space communications, plans to invest an additional $1 billion in 2026 to expand its satellite network. The company remains committed to serving government and public sector customers despite the leadership change.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that a B-21 Raider conducted a close-proximity flight test with a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Mojave Desert on Tuesday. This flight, lasting approximately 5.5 hours, is part of the ongoing test campaign to validate the B-21's capabilities. The event is significant for the B-21's long-range strike role, although details on aerial refueling were not disclosed.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that a B-21 Raider conducted a close-proximity flight test with a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Mojave Desert on Tuesday. This flight, lasting about 5.5 hours, is part of the ongoing test campaign to validate the B-21's capabilities for long-range strike missions. The program remains on track for the delivery of operational B-21s to Ellsworth Air Force Base by 2027.

The U.S. Navy has partnered with Anduril to develop the Dive-XL, an extra-large unmanned underwater vessel as part of the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform Project. This vessel is designed to operate in GPS-denied environments, dive to depths of 200 meters, and carry various payloads, including smaller unmanned vehicles. The project aims to enhance capabilities in the Pacific and Arctic regions, addressing the need for advanced underwater systems.

The U.S. Navy has partnered with Anduril to develop the Dive-XL, an extra-large unmanned underwater vessel as part of the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform Project (CAMP). This vessel is designed to operate in GPS-denied environments, dive to depths of 200 meters, and carry various payloads. Anduril will conduct an extended demonstration of the Dive-XL within four months of the contract award, enhancing capabilities in maritime operations.

NATO conducted the Cold Response exercise in the Arctic in March 2026, emphasizing civilian preparedness. The EU announced defense partnerships with Australia, Iceland, and Ghana, reflecting a shift towards strategic autonomy. Tensions in EU-NATO relations escalated due to U.S. policies, prompting the EU to explore independent defense strategies. Cooperation between NATO and the EU continues to focus on countering hybrid threats.

Alexandra ReevesThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member, killed one person and injured two others in a shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. Jalloh, who had a prior conviction for attempting to support the Islamic State, was subdued by students before law enforcement arrived. The university has since suspended operations and classes.

The Israeli Air Force is acquiring 25 F-15EX aircraft for long-range missions, while the Qatar Air Force recently used its F-15QA variant to shoot down two Iranian Su-24 bombers. Poland and Saudi Arabia are also considering the F-15EX for their air forces, highlighting its significant payload capacity and advanced combat technology. The aircraft's capabilities position it as a key player in regional military dynamics.

The Pentagon is requesting over $50 billion in supplemental funding to replace and procure new military equipment for operations in Iran. This includes a focus on both legacy systems and new technologies, as U.S. officials confirm adequate munitions stockpiles. The funding request is currently being prepared for Congress, with expectations of bipartisan support due to concerns over munitions depth.

HDT Robotics deployed several Hunter WOLF unmanned ground vehicles for military training and operational evaluation in the United States. The vehicles are designed to support soldiers by performing logistics, communications, and casualty evacuation roles. Training activities allow personnel to operate the system under realistic conditions, enhancing their familiarity with its capabilities.

Veterans filed a lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs in Virginia on March 5, 2024, alleging that the VA denied GI Bill benefits to over 1 million eligible veterans by imposing new, unjustified eligibility requirements. The lawsuit claims these rules contradict a recent Supreme Court ruling that clarified veterans do not need a break in service to access both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Veterans argue that the VA's actions cause significant financial harm and impede their educational pursuits.

The U.S. Navy rotated the USS Robert Smalls, the last Ticonderoga-class cruiser homeported overseas, from Yokosuka, Japan, to San Diego, California. This change is part of a scheduled force rotation, with the USS Mustin replacing the Smalls. The USS Robert Smalls was previously assigned to Carrier Strike Group Five in support of U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific region.