Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army and German Army collaborated on the MBT-70 tank from 1963 to 1971, but the project failed due to design disagreements and escalating costs. The program's budget increased from $80 million to over $303 million, leading both nations to independently develop the M1 Abrams and Leopard II tanks. The failure highlighted the need for standardization within NATO.

The Russian Navy accepted the final Improved Kilo-II-class submarine, Yakutsk, into service with the Pacific Fleet in June 2025. These submarines displace 3,950 tons submerged and can dive to 980 feet, equipped with 18 torpedoes or four Kalibr cruise missiles. They have been actively used in military operations, including attacks against Islamic State targets in Syria and Ukraine.

The Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Houthi forces towards the Medina region on the 5th. This action was confirmed by coalition spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki, with no immediate response from the Houthi side.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53K helicopter airlifted a U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk from a mountainside in California's Sierra Nevada in late September. The MH-60S had made a hard landing at 10,000 feet but was undamaged. The CH-53K, the only aircraft capable of this recovery, used a special rigging setup to ensure the Seahawk remained intact during the lift.

The U.S. Air Force is conducting market research for a new electromagnetic battle management capability named DAF-MAMBA at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. The notice, posted on Nov. 4, 2023, seeks information on technologies to enhance situational awareness and command control in the electromagnetic spectrum, with responses due by Nov. 11, 2023. This initiative is part of the broader Advanced Battle Management System effort.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking contractors to produce over 1,000 Extended Range Attack Munitions, with deliveries starting within three months and completing within 15 months. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance Ukraine's military capabilities, specifically for its F-16 aircraft. Bidders must meet specific integration requirements and demonstrate the ability to produce these missiles at a rate of over 80 per month.

Boeing received a $119.7 million contract modification from the U.S. Navy on Nov. 4, 2023, to procure nine Increment 3 Block 2 retrofit kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft, with seven kits for the U.S. Navy and two for the Royal Australian Air Force. The majority of the work will be completed in Jacksonville, Florida, and is expected to finish by May 2030. This upgrade significantly enhances the aircraft's anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

The US Navy was ordered to reevaluate Saildrone's proposal for the medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) program after a court found the Navy's evaluation process unfair. The ruling prohibits the Navy from spending a significant portion of its MUSV budget until the reevaluation is complete. The court determined that Saildrone was treated differently than other firms, specifically Sea Machines, which faced similar issues. Blue Water Autonomy's proposal was upheld as unacceptable by the court.

Two U.S. airmen died in non-hostile incidents last week, raising American fatalities in the Iran conflict to 23. One airman died in the U.S. Central Command area, while the other died in the United States. Their deaths are classified as non-combat related, with one under investigation. The Pentagon has categorized these incidents under Overseas Operations.

House Democrats plan to investigate the effects of cuts to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on federal cybersecurity and election security. Senate Democrats will examine whether intelligence agencies can provide findings that contradict the president without risking analysts' jobs. Rep. Bennie Thompson aims to scrutinize the Department of Homeland Security's actions against Americans and its immigration policies, while CISA's staffing cuts have raised concerns about its operational capabilities.

Rear Adm. Jonathan Rucker has been appointed to lead the Portfolio Acquisition Executive Maritime in Washington. He will oversee the Navy's surface ship acquisition efforts as part of a broader acquisition reform initiative. Rucker emphasized the need to deliver ships with speed and capability to maintain competitive advantage for U.S. forces.

The U.S. military is experiencing a crisis in its weapon supply chains due to heavy reliance on imported strategic minerals and structural issues within the defense industry. Recent reports indicate that over 241 forging facilities have closed in the past 20 years, leading to significant delays in the production of critical military equipment. The Virginia-class submarines and F-35 fighters are particularly affected, highlighting vulnerabilities in the supply chain.

The Pentagon is increasing ammunition production at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Virginia due to depleted stockpiles from the Iran War, raising environmental and safety concerns. The plant has a history of violating environmental regulations, and advocates warn that the push for more ammunition could exacerbate pollution and health risks for nearby communities. U.S. inventories of critical munitions, including Patriot missiles, have significantly declined during the conflict.

An Army Black Hawk helicopter narrowly avoided fireworks during a flyover at an NFL game in Seattle on November 2. The crew and aircraft were unharmed, with no reported injuries or damage. The incident has raised safety concerns regarding military flyovers at public events, highlighting the need for better coordination.

House lawmakers are pressing the Air Force for clarification on the planned downsizing of the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) by November 20, citing concerns that reduced resources could undermine U.S. understanding of China's aerospace strategy. The Air Force's decision to cut CASI's civilian workforce has raised alarms about the potential impact on national security, particularly regarding China's growing military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Democratic candidates won significant congressional races in the 2026 midterm elections, leading to a shift in defense policy direction. Notably, Sen. Susan Collins lost her seat, impacting defense budget decisions. Rep. Rob Wittman's race remains undecided, which could affect leadership in the House Armed Services Committee. Democratic leaders are poised to take over key defense committees, indicating a potential reshuffling of defense priorities.

The US Navy maintains a fleet of 68-71 nuclear submarines, opting against the construction of diesel or AIP submarines due to their limitations in speed and endurance. Nuclear submarines can reach strategic locations like the South China Sea from San Diego in 12-15 days, providing a significant operational advantage. The choice reflects broader strategic, practical, and logistical considerations favoring nuclear power for global naval operations.

Saronic launched its second Marauder autonomous ship in Franklin, Louisiana, on November 3. The new vessel, designed for autonomous operation, took 8% fewer labor hours to build than the first. The company aims to produce 20 Marauders annually by the end of 2026 and is collaborating with NVIDIA on the ship's autonomy software.

The U.S. Air Force has conducted at least 16 C-17 missions to Ovda Air Base in Israel since mid-October, with additional flights to Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. These missions are likely transporting air defense systems, including Patriot and THAAD systems, as part of ongoing military logistics in the region. The Pentagon has not confirmed the cargo details, but flight data indicates a significant military presence and ongoing operations.

U.S. Army soldiers conducted training with the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) on November 2 near Fort Hancock, Texas, as part of counter-drone operations against cartel-linked drones. The 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division operated the system mounted on an Infantry Squad Vehicle. The AMP-HEL has been effective in downing drones, with a reported 15 takedowns in a recent 30-day period.