Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy is urged to accelerate the F/A-XX stealth fighter program to address the growing threat from advanced Iranian air defenses. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle emphasized the need for enhanced capabilities, including stealth and electronic warfare, to ensure operational effectiveness in the future. A recent defense spending bill allocates $897 million for the program, highlighting its importance amid evolving regional threats.

The families of Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government in Massachusetts, claiming their deaths resulted from an unlawful military strike on a boat in October. The lawsuit asserts that the men were civilians with no ties to drug trafficking and challenges the legality of the U.S. military's actions in international waters. President Trump had previously characterized the strike as a necessary action against narcoterrorists.

The U.S. Coast Guard has begun training personnel on Jet Skis for border security operations off the coast of San Diego, California, as part of its Force Design 2028 initiative. This new tool aims to enhance the Coast Guard's capabilities in securing the U.S.-Mexico border. The introduction of Jet Skis coincides with a notable increase in recruitment for the service in fiscal 2025.

RTX and Northrop Grumman executives affirmed their commitment to paying dividends while addressing concerns from the Defense Department about production and investment. In Washington, D.C., RTX plans to increase its capital expenditure to enhance production capacity for various weapon systems in 2026. Northrop Grumman will halt stock buybacks and focus on developing lower-cost weapons. Trump's executive order mandates the Defense Department to identify underperforming defense contractors.

Active duty family members in the United States will receive covered prescriptions for free starting February 28, as announced by the Defense Health Agency. This change applies to all covered prescriptions, including generic and brand-name drugs, benefiting approximately 167,000 enrolled beneficiaries. The waiver aims to reduce pharmacy costs for military families without access to military pharmacies.

Ninth Air Force announced the Operation Agile Spartan exercise in the Middle East, aimed at demonstrating the ability to deploy and sustain combat airpower. A dozen F-15E Strike Eagles from the 494th Fighter Squadron have landed in the region. This exercise is part of routine training and is not linked to specific threats, despite heightened tensions with Iran following recent protests. The Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group also arrived in the area shortly before the exercise was announced.

The U.S. Department of Defense has released a new National Defense Strategy that outlines the Trump administration's approach to reshaping existing norms. This strategy emphasizes changes in military policy and defense planning in the United States.

The U.S. Air Force launched eight C-17 Globemaster III aircraft back-to-back from Joint Base Lewis-McChord on January 7, 2026, as part of Exercise Kraken Reach 2026. This exercise tested the rapid deployment capabilities of heavy airlifters under pressure, emphasizing the importance of speed in military operations. The event highlights the U.S. Air Force's readiness amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) 401 announced an expansion of counter-drone authorities in the United States, allowing commanders to engage threats beyond the perimeter of military installations. This new guidance classifies unauthorized drone surveillance of designated facilities as a threat and enhances interagency cooperation for counter-drone operations. The Pentagon has reported a significant rise in drone incursions over military sites, prompting these changes.

Salesforce secured a 10-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with the US Army, valued at $5.6 billion. This contract indicates a significant partnership between the technology company and the military, enhancing the Army's operational capabilities.

Advocates are urging a new strategy to combat rampant fraud against U.S. service members and veterans, citing significant financial losses. In 2024, the FTC reported 210,000 fraud complaints from military families, amounting to nearly $600 million. The CFPB and FTC have not enforced the Military Lending Act in the past year, leaving many vulnerable to scams. Job scams particularly affect military spouses, who often face challenges in securing stable employment.

The F-15EX Eagle II demonstrates effectiveness in air-to-air combat against fifth-generation adversaries, utilizing advanced speed and sensing capabilities. It is equipped with a high-speed computer and can fire hypersonic weapons, enhancing its combat potential. The U.S. Air Force continues to develop and integrate this aircraft into its operations, supporting stealthier platforms in complex air campaigns.

Zachary Harader was sentenced to an additional nine months in prison for attempting to escape from Fort Leavenworth on April 29, 2025. During the escape, he became entangled in concertina wire, while his accomplice, Mason Wollersheim, was injured. Both inmates were recaptured shortly after the attempt.

The U.S. Navy plans to retire the USS Nimitz in 2026, marking the end of its over 50 years of service. This decision is framed as a strategic move to adapt to modern maritime warfare, which emphasizes survivability and integration over traditional large carrier presence. Experts argue that maintaining the aging carrier could hinder necessary adaptations to the evolving naval landscape.

Federal agents in Minneapolis shot three Americans, leading to two fatalities and significant public outcry. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino was ordered to leave the city amid rising tensions and accusations of excessive force. A federal judge has ordered ICE's acting director to appear in court for repeated violations of court orders, further escalating the political backlash against federal operations in the area.

The United States Marine Corps is training and certifying operators for small attack drone missions at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The course focuses on the combat use of first-person view (FPV) drones, teaching Marines to prepare payloads, assemble drones, and execute missions. This initiative aims to standardize drone operations across units and enhance battlefield capabilities with unmanned systems.

The U.S. Navy is enhancing the survivability of its supercarriers against Chinese anti-ship missiles by implementing advanced technologies such as the MQ-25 Stingray drone, which extends the operational range of carrier-based aircraft. The Navy is also integrating layered defense systems, including Electronic Warfare and laser weapons, to counter threats. These developments are part of a broader strategy to maintain operational readiness in contested maritime environments.

The U.S. Marine Corps approved the HANX, its first fully compliant 3D-printed drone, developed by the 2nd Marine Logistics Group at Camp Lejeune. This drone is designed for multiple missions, including reconnaissance and logistics, and aims to enhance U.S. drone capabilities by 2028. The project emphasizes low-cost production and compliance with security standards.

The U.S. Navy integrated 3D printing into frontline fleet operations in 2025, significantly reducing part lead times by up to 70%. A notable achievement was the installation of a 1.5-meter metal valve manifold on a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. This technology is now embedded in the Navy's supply chain and maintenance systems, enhancing operational efficiency and enabling international cooperation through the AUKUS partnership.

Hanwha signed multiple memoranda of understanding with Canadian companies on January 26, 2026, to support the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project. The agreements involve partnerships in steel, space, AI, and advanced technologies, aiming to enhance Canada's defense capabilities. Hanwha plans to deliver four KSS-III submarines by 2035, with a total of 12 submarines by 2043, reinforcing the strategic partnership between South Korea and Canada.