Analysis & Reports

The USS Enterprise, the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was towed from Newport News, Virginia to Mobile, Alabama for dismantling on November 2, 2023. The dismantling process is expected to take until 2030 due to the complexities of safely handling nuclear materials and the associated costs, which have risen significantly over the years. The U.S. Navy has contracted Polar Star Maritime to oversee the dismantling, which includes the removal of nuclear fuel and low-level radioactive waste.

Fairbanks Morse Defense is negotiating with the US Navy to repair three Seawolf-class submarines as part of an expansion of its submarine maintenance capabilities. This follows a $100 million contract for overhauls on Los Angeles- and Ohio-class submarines, with work on the Seawolf-class expected to begin after the late 2020s. The company aims to address ongoing maintenance delays and enhance operational readiness.

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.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) is undergoing a $5.1 billion refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) after being awarded a contract on September 30, 2026. The carrier is expected to remain out of action until November 2031, impacting U.S. Navy operational capabilities. The overhaul follows a collision incident in February 2025, which resulted in command changes.

The EDGE Group successfully tested a 155mm artillery shell in the United Arab Emirates on November 3, 2026. This test, part of the HAZEEM program, aimed to enhance the UAE's defense independence by developing local ammunition production capabilities. The shell demonstrated accurate targeting and is intended to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for military ammunition.

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Hanwha WB Advanced System (HWBAS) held a groundbreaking ceremony for a production plant in Gorzów Wielkopolski on November 4, 2026, aimed at manufacturing CGR080 guided missiles. This facility represents a significant step in establishing local production capabilities in Poland, enhancing the defense industrial base and supporting the Polish Armed Forces. The event was attended by approximately 250 representatives from Polish and Korean governments and the defense industry.

On November 4, 2026, Indra and several partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Paris to develop the SIPRIS project, aimed at enhancing Spain's underwater surveillance capabilities. The collaboration includes contributions from companies specializing in underwater acoustics, autonomous vehicles, and satellite communications. This initiative seeks to establish technological sovereignty and strengthen Spain's defense industry in response to increasing military activities in underwater domains.

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems will produce components for the hypersonic glide body used by the U.S. Army and Navy under a subcontract with Leidos, which extends through 2031. The glide body, capable of hypersonic speeds, is integral to the Army's Dark Eagle and the Navy's Conventional Prompt Strike systems. The Army's first Dark Eagle unit was deployed to Australia in 2025, demonstrating the weapon's reach.

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 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.

HAVELSAN's ADVENT Common Operational Picture system integrated information from over 40 platforms, including surface, air, land, and underwater, at TURNAs-2026. This integration enhances command and control capabilities for military operations.

Germany is restructuring its naval capabilities, focusing on local shipbuilding in Kiel. The German Navy aims to enhance its fleet by 2035, creating 1700 new jobs by October 2027. Key players TKMS and Rheinmetall are expanding their operations, particularly after the cancellation of the F126 project, which redirected contracts to TKMS for smaller corvettes.

The U.S. signaled potential changes to its $4 billion military aid to Israel during November 3-4, 2026, while maintaining readiness for conflict. Increased C-17 activity towards Israel and Kuwait suggests contingency logistics. The U.S. has stated there will be no immediate strike on Iran, but military options remain available. Gulf leaders are concerned about escalating tensions with Iran.

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The U.S. Air Force is developing mobile 3D concrete printers to quickly construct buildings at bases in the Middle East, responding to damage from Iranian bombardment. This initiative aims to enhance the survivability of military structures against missile and drone attacks. The project is ongoing, with a solicitation closing in January 2027, and focuses on using locally available materials and innovative construction techniques.

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.

ST Engineering presented a scale model of the Submarine Support & Rescue Vessel (SSRV) at Euronaval 2026 in Paris, showcasing its integrated capabilities for submarine rescue operations. The SSRV combines multiple rescue systems, including a Submarine Rescue Vehicle and medical facilities, to enhance response times and operational efficiency during emergencies. This vessel is designed to operate effectively in challenging sea conditions and aims to provide a coherent rescue capability for European navies.

Leonardo and Fincantieri announced a restructuring of their joint venture in Paris this week, aiming to reduce the build time for frigates by 18 months. The joint venture will revert to its previous model, enhancing competitiveness in European and export markets. A contract worth €3.7 billion was signed for the development of new-generation destroyers, and Fincantieri secured a €3.9 billion order from Portugal for three FREMM EVO frigates.

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.