Analysis & Reports

The A-10 Warthog named 'Diddy Kong' is currently engaged in combat operations against ISIS in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. This aircraft, part of the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, is involved in Operation Hawkeye Strike, which includes airstrikes in Syria. The A-10 is equipped with a GAU-8 Avenger 30 mm gun and has been actively participating in recent military campaigns.

President Trump proposed the construction of a new class of guided-missile battleships, the Trump-class, as part of the 'Golden Fleet' initiative. This program could cost between $15 billion and $22 billion per ship, with the first vessel, USS Defiant, expected to begin construction in the early 2030s. Concerns have been raised that this initiative may divert funding from the next-generation DDG(X) destroyer program, potentially delaying its development.

The U.S. Air Force's B-21 Raider program achieved a significant milestone in September 2025 with the addition of a second test aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base. This expansion allows for parallel testing of the bomber's flight envelopes and mission systems, accelerating its path to operational service. The B-21 is designed to replace the aging B-1B and B-2 fleets, featuring advanced stealth capabilities to penetrate modern air defenses.

The U.S. military recently tested swarm drone attack capabilities on domestic soil, where one operator controlled multiple combat drones to strike different targets. This operation highlighted the significant role of artificial intelligence in enabling such coordinated attacks. The successful test suggests potential advantages in asymmetric warfare, although challenges in command control and interference resistance remain.

Elbit Systems confirmed on January 26 that it received a $228 million contract to supply Iron Fist Active Protection Systems for the U.S. Army's Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle upgrades. This contract expands ongoing deliveries as part of the Army's effort to enhance the survivability of its armored vehicle fleet. The Iron Fist system will be integrated into upgraded Bradley IFVs, providing full-sphere protection against a range of battlefield threats.

The U.S. and British forces developed heavy tanks with large guns in response to Soviet threats during the Cold War. The Rheinmetall 120 mm smoothbore gun became the NATO standard, influencing global tank armament. Current developments include the MGCS program, which is exploring advanced 130 mm and 140 mm gun systems for future tanks. Soviet advancements in tank armament also shifted the landscape, introducing smoothbore technology.

Russia is closely monitoring U.S. intentions to deploy the Iron Dome missile defense system in Greenland, emphasizing the region's significance for its security. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov stated that the Russian military will analyze U.S. actions. President Trump has previously indicated the strategic importance of Greenland for U.S. national security and plans for the missile defense system's integration with existing capabilities.

The U.S. Navy's Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group has arrived in the Middle East and is conducting operations under U.S. Central Command. The U.S. Air Force announced plans to carry out military exercises in the region for several days, aimed at showcasing the ability to deploy and sustain air combat forces.

The U.S. Space Force activated a new element, Space Force Southern, on January 21, 2025, to focus on Latin America, following its involvement in operations against Venezuela. This unit, operating under U.S. Southern Command from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, will coordinate space-related activities in the region. It has been operational since December 1, 2025, and played a significant role in the recent operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The U.S. Army canceled the M10 Booker program in May 2025 due to excessive weight, which rendered it incompatible with its rapid-deployment role. Originally designed as an airdroppable assault gun for Infantry Brigade Combat Teams, the vehicle's weight increased to 38-42 tons, leading to unresolved maintenance issues and cost growth. Approximately 80 vehicles were in testing, with 26 delivered before the program's termination.

The USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) completed builder’s sea trials in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in 2023, marking a significant modernization to integrate hypersonic missiles. This upgrade allows the Zumwalt-class destroyers to strike targets anywhere in the world within 60 minutes. The modernization includes replacing the Advanced Gun Systems with missile tubes, enhancing the ship's combat capabilities alongside the other Zumwalt-class vessels, USS Michael Monsoor and USS Lyndon B. Johnson.

The XB-70 Valkyrie was developed by North American Aviation in the 1960s as a Mach 3 supersonic bomber but was ultimately canceled due to advancements in missile technology. Following a midair collision in 1966 that resulted in fatalities, the program shifted focus to supersonic transport research. The aircraft's design and capabilities influenced future commercial supersonic flights, culminating in the Concorde's first flight in 1976.

The U.S. Navy is planning the construction of Trump-class battleships, projected to cost between $18 and $22 billion each, making them the most expensive naval platforms ever. These battleships are designed to counter China's growing naval fleet and will incorporate advanced technologies such as lasers and hypersonics. The Navy aims to build 10 or more of these ships to reduce costs through economies of scale.

The U.S. Navy is constructing the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, which are 60% complete and scheduled for delivery in 2030. This $348 billion program aims to replace the aging Ohio-class fleet with 12 new submarines featuring advanced technologies such as an electric drive propulsion system and a life-of-core nuclear reactor. These innovations enhance stealth and operational capabilities, ensuring strategic deterrence against potential adversaries.

President Trump announced plans for the Trump-Class guided-missile battleship, USS Defiant, in December 2025, aimed at countering China's naval expansion. The program faces significant challenges, including a projected cost of $21 billion and concerns over its vulnerability to modern missile warfare. Political partisanship may threaten the program's future, as it is closely associated with Trump's legacy and could be targeted for cancellation by future administrations.

The Israel Defense Forces Central Command initiated a pre-planned military exercise on January 25 to enhance readiness for extreme scenarios. This exercise involves multiple brigade-level units and aims to test operational processes from the command level to the general staff. The IDF is primarily responsible for the West Bank and the border areas with Jordan.

The U.S. Navy faces significant challenges in constructing the proposed Trump-class battleships due to a workforce shortage and low wages in the shipbuilding industry. The first ship is estimated to cost over $20 billion, raising concerns about its feasibility. Executive Order 14269 aims to address these issues by increasing recruitment and wages to attract skilled labor back to shipyards.

The U.S. Navy's SSN(X) submarine program has faced significant delays, with procurement now expected in the early 2040s instead of the mid-2030s. The FY 2026 budget includes $222.8 million for research and development, but Congress has not yet committed to the program. Meanwhile, China's submarine production outpaces that of the U.S., raising concerns about undersea superiority.

The M103 heavy tank, developed by the U.S. Army in response to Soviet armor, weighed 65 tons and featured a 120mm M58 rifled gun. It was intended for use in Europe against Soviet heavy tanks but was retired in 1974 due to technological advancements that made heavy tanks obsolete. The U.S. Army withdrew the M103 from service by 1963, while the Marine Corps continued to use it until the early 1970s.

Two Slovenian officers departed for Greenland on the 25th to participate in the 'Arctic Resolve' joint military exercise organized by Denmark. The exercise involves multiple NATO countries and is set to continue until the end of 2026. Danish troops have already arrived in Greenland and are conducting shooting training in temporary military zones established there.