Analysis & Reports

USNS Kanawha will receive the Presidential Unit Citation in mid-July 2026 for its logistical support during Operation Epic Fury. The ship, part of the Military Sealift Command, completed 113 replenishments and delivered over 17 million gallons of fuel to U.S. and partner ships. This award marks a historic achievement as it is the first auxiliary ship in the command's history to receive such an honor.

The U.S. is deploying hundreds of military personnel, including Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard, to Caracas, Venezuela, to assist in relief operations following devastating earthquakes on June 24, 2026. Two warships, the USS Billings and USS Fort Lauderdale, along with various aircraft, are being utilized to transport aid and search and rescue teams to the affected areas. The operation aims to provide critical assistance to the Venezuelan government in the wake of the disaster.

Embraer signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 2 S.A. (WZL-2) in São José dos Campos on June 25, 2026, to advance industrial cooperation in Poland. This partnership aims to enhance maintenance and support capabilities for the KC-390 Millennium aircraft, contributing to the Polish defense industry and creating jobs. The agreement marks a significant step in strengthening Poland's aerospace capabilities.

The U.S. military is assisting in planning humanitarian relief efforts for Venezuela following magnitude 7.1 and 7.5 earthquakes that occurred on Wednesday, resulting in at least 164 fatalities. U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is coordinating with the State Department to mobilize search and rescue teams, medical supplies, and other resources to aid the Venezuelan government during this crisis.

Embraer signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 2 S.A. (WZL 2) in São José dos Campos on June 25, 2026, to enhance industrial cooperation in Poland. This partnership focuses on maintenance and support for the KC-390 Millennium aircraft, aiming to strengthen Poland's aerospace and defense capabilities. The collaboration is expected to create jobs and facilitate technology transfer.

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) completed a naval exercise in South America, demonstrating its military presence. The carrier, the oldest in the U.S. Navy, requires a Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) before further deployments. The USS John F. Kennedy is anticipated to be operational by 2027, raising concerns about the Nimitz's future missions and readiness.

The U.S. Army awarded a $43.5 million contract modification to General Dynamics Land Systems for the production of M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks. This contract supports ongoing production efforts and is expected to continue through January 31, 2028. The M1A2 SEPv3 is the most advanced variant of the Abrams tank, featuring significant upgrades in technology and capabilities. Poland has also ordered 250 of these tanks, with deliveries set to begin in 2025.

Embraer is increasing its final assembly workshare for the JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet in São José dos Campos, Brazil, to meet rising demand. The Brazilian Air Force has committed to 15 Gripens, with plans for an additional 20. The first Brazilian-produced Gripen E was completed in March 2023, and Saab is considering shifting some production to Brazil to optimize deliveries.

The Pentagon is seeking an additional $13.7 billion to enhance the sustainment of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, as its readiness rates have significantly declined. The full mission capable rate fell from 38% in fiscal 2021 to 25% in FY25. The Government Accountability Office highlighted multiple risks in the sustainment plan, including funding challenges and production capacity issues for critical components. Recommendations were made to improve the sustainment strategy and address funding gaps.

On June 4, 2023, Argentina's Defense Minister Carlos Alberto Presti signed agreements with the U.S. to enhance cooperation in military drone technology and fuel supply. The agreements enable the Argentine military to utilize U.S. logistics for fuel during international exercises and training. Additionally, Argentina will participate in a U.S.-managed digital platform for military drones and counter-drone systems, aimed at modernizing its military capabilities.

GDIT is testing its AI logistics and maintenance systems during the upcoming Baja 1000 race in the Baja Desert, California, and Mexico. The AI will provide predictive analytics for when riders need to pit and replace batteries, simulating conditions relevant for military operations. This project, in collaboration with AWS, aims to enhance logistics for military applications in remote and disconnected environments.

SIATT delivered the first production batch of MAX 1.2 AC anti-tank guided missiles to the Brazilian Army in Formosa, Goiás, on May 14, 2026. This marks the transition of the domestically designed missile into a fielded weapon, produced at SIATT's new facility in Caçapava, São Paulo. The MAX 1.2 AC is a laser-guided missile with significant armor penetration capabilities, enhancing the Brazilian Army's anti-tank capabilities.

U.S. Southern Command is reassessing troop deployment strategies in response to the increasing threat of drones on the battlefield. Marine Gen. Francis Donovan highlighted the vulnerabilities created by large troop concentrations and bases during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He advocates for smaller, more dynamic deployments in South America to avoid becoming easy targets for enemy drones.

The Peruvian Air Force ordered a fifth C-27J Spartan aircraft on 14 May 2026 to enhance its air mobility capabilities. This acquisition is part of a program to address the country's challenging geography and improve access to remote areas. The new aircraft will be delivered to FAP's Grupo 8 in 2027 and will feature advanced avionics and aerodynamic enhancements, further boosting operational performance.

Peru ordered a fifth C-27J Spartan tactical airlifter, set to be delivered in 2027. This order brings the total number of C-27Js sold worldwide to 100, marking a significant milestone for Leonardo. The Peruvian Air Force has been operating the C-27J since 2015, utilizing it for various missions across challenging terrains. The new aircraft will feature upgraded systems to enhance performance and efficiency.

Argentina's Air Force is actively pursuing the acquisition of two KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft to enhance the combat range of its F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcons. This acquisition process is underway, pending aircraft availability, and aims to restore long-range air transport capabilities that have been lacking since the retirement of the Boeing 707 fleet. The KC-135R will enable the F-16s to project combat power across South American airspace, particularly around strategic areas such as the Falkland Islands and the Patagonian coast.

U.S. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith stated that every combatant commander has requested an amphibious ready group with a Marine Expeditionary Unit on board. Currently, the 22nd MEU is off South America supporting Operation Southern Spear, while the 31st MEU is in the Middle East. The Navy has 32 amphibious ships, but only half are deployable, highlighting a logistical challenge in maintaining operational readiness.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is currently on her final deployment, transiting around Cape Horn to Naval Station Norfolk, with a planned decommissioning in March 2027. The U.S. Navy extended her service for 10 months to maintain a statutory requirement for 11 operational carriers, despite her not being certified for national tasking. The Nimitz has served for 51 years and participated in four wars.

Mexico is constructing the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a 300+ km land bridge connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, which began in 2020. The project aims to modernize ports at Salina Cruz and Coatzacoalcos to enhance trade and economic integration, particularly benefiting the Southern states. Despite facing controversies over indigenous rights and environmental issues, the government continues to advance the project.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) has been deployed continuously for 295 days, supporting operations across the Atlantic, Caribbean, eastern Mediterranean, and Red Sea. A non-combat fire in March 2026 caused damage, necessitating repairs in Souda Bay and Split. The extended deployment raises concerns about the ship's condition and maintenance requirements, as it is the longest U.S. Navy carrier mission since the Vietnam War.