Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
AUKUS Turns Five in 2026 With a Virginia-Class Submarine Gap
Australia is training personnel and integrating local companies into submarine supply chains in Western and South Australia as part of the AUKUS partnership. The partnership has not yet produced an Australian nuclear-powered attack submarine, with the first expected in the early 2040s. The U.S. Navy's production of Virginia-class submarines is facing significant delays, impacting Australia's submarine capabilities.
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Contractors Glued Bolt Heads On Inside Britain’s Nuclear Submarine HMS Vanguard. Seven of 3,000 Bolts, and the Logbook Never Mentioned Glue.
An inspection of HMS Vanguard revealed that seven of its 3,000 bolts were glued back on after being sheared off due to overtightening. This maintenance issue, involving insulation on cooling pipes, was not documented in the logbook. The Royal Navy expressed significant concern over the implications for trust and safety in military operations.
SDA misses self-imposed deadline on orbital mesh network
The Space Development Agency (SDA) is currently a year behind schedule on its orbital mesh network for satellite data relay, as revealed by SDA director G.P. Sandhoo at the AFA 2026 conference in National Harbor, Maryland. The network is crucial for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PSWA) and aims to enhance data transfer between satellites. Delays are attributed to supply chain issues with Optical Communication Terminals (OCTs), prompting SDA to explore alternative suppliers for future satellite tranches.
How the industrial base is responding to Air Force, Space Force needs
Air Force and Space Force are currently relying on the industrial base to enhance their capabilities and capacities, responding to demand signals from military leadership. Ursa Major CEO Chris Spagnoletti discussed these needs at the AFA event.
US Navy's 7 LCU-1700s Expose the Indo-Pacific Logistics Problem
The U.S. Navy is procuring seven LCU-1700 vessels to enhance logistics capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, with an initial construction obligation of $21.5 million. This move aims to address the logistical challenges of moving equipment from ships to shore, especially in the context of potential conflicts. The procurement involves multiple shipyards and is part of a broader strategy to improve maritime logistics in the region.
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FNSS finishes testing first Kaplan APC for Indonesian Army
FNSS completed pre-delivery acceptance tests for the first Kaplan APC in Turkey. The vehicle will be shipped to Indonesia for final acceptance tests with the Indonesian Army. A second Kaplan APC is concurrently being built in Indonesia as part of a technology transfer agreement. The Kaplan APC is designed to carry a crew of up to 13 and can be configured for various military roles.
BAE gets $818M more to build U.S. Army’s AMPVs
The U.S. Army is investing an additional $818 million in the production of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) to replace the aging M113 troop carriers. This funding increases the total contract value with BAE Systems to over $3.3 billion, with production expected to continue until May 31, 2030. The AMPV will be produced in multiple variants to fulfill various roles within the Army's armored brigade combat teams.
U.S. Army rebuilds long-range missile stocks drained by the war on Iran
The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.21 billion contract to develop the Precision Strike Missile Increment 2, aimed at replenishing stocks depleted during combat against Iran. This missile will enhance capabilities to target moving threats and is expected to be completed by September 13, 2031. The contract reflects the urgency of rebuilding missile inventories after significant usage in recent military operations.
Patriot PAC-3 Production Is Tripling While NATO Still Runs Short
Lockheed Martin and L3Harris are significantly increasing the production of Patriot PAC-3 missiles, aiming for 2,000 units annually by 2027. This surge responds to urgent demands from Ukraine and NATO allies facing missile threats. The production expansion highlights the need for a diversified air defense strategy, as current reliance on expensive interceptors is unsustainable against cheaper drone threats. NATO's air defense capabilities remain under strain, necessitating coordinated procurement and increased production efforts across Europe.
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The PLA Dali Ship Participates in the 2026 China-Singapore Military Exercise, Exposing New Focus Areas for South China Sea Cooperation in Five Subjects
The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted a joint naval exercise with the Singapore Navy from September 3 to 9, 2026, near Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China. The exercise included various activities such as communication drills, live-fire exercises, and joint search and rescue operations, focusing on operational interoperability. The Dali frigate represented China, highlighting a shift towards lower-cost naval assets for regional cooperation.
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U.S. Army spends $18M turning cavalry regiment into tank brigade
The U.S. Army is spending $18 million to transform a cavalry regiment into a heavy brigade combat team, involving extensive equipment repair and refitting. This process includes replacing lighter reconnaissance vehicles with M1 Abrams tanks and M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. The work is expected to be completed by October 18, 2027, and is being managed by Akima Facilities Operations.
British Army Tests Deployment of War Horses on the Battlefield
The British Army tested camouflage horses for covert movement in rugged terrain at Longmoor training area in Hampshire on September 11, 2023. This initiative aims to explore the use of horses in military operations, drawing inspiration from allied experiences. The U.S. maintains an expeditionary cavalry unit for similar purposes, highlighting a potential shift in operational tactics.
Russia builds new foothold in Africa
Russian-linked vessels unloaded military equipment at Tobruk port, Libya, indicating its growing role as a logistics hub for Russian military operations in North Africa. This follows multiple arms shipments since April and a transition of Russian personnel to formations under the Defense Ministry. Discussions are ongoing between Russia and Libyan National Army commander Khalifa Haftar regarding a defense arrangement.
The US Navy Spent $1,840,000,000 Modernizing Four Ticonderoga-class Cruisers, Hue City, Anzio, Cowpens, and Vicksburg. None of Them Ever Deployed Again.
The U.S. Navy retired four Ticonderoga-class cruisers, USS Hue City, USS Anzio, USS Cowpens, and USS Vicksburg, after spending $1.84 billion on modernization efforts that ultimately failed. This retirement results in a significant loss of Tomahawk missile launch capacity, as these cruisers were equipped with 122 Mk 41 launch cells each. The Navy's ongoing challenges with aging vessels and modernization have led to a decrease in available missile capacity at a critical time for long-range strike capabilities.
F-35 engine upgrade clears key design review, Pratt says
Pratt & Whitney announced that the F-35 engine upgrade has successfully passed a crucial design review, allowing the program to advance to testing phases. Ground testing is set to commence in 2027, followed by flight testing around 2030, with production expected to start in 2031. The upgrade aims to enhance engine performance and reduce maintenance costs, benefiting all variants of the F-35.
Tanker fleet modernization will continue for decades, US Air Force officials say
The U.S. Air Force is modernizing its aerial refueling tanker fleet, focusing on the KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46A Pegasus. This ongoing recapitalization aims to enhance mission capability and ensure the joint force's success. Officials emphasize the importance of connectivity and industry partnerships to expedite the delivery of capabilities. The modernization efforts will continue for decades, supporting both legacy and new platforms.
Anduril officials say company can’t start on CCA production contract without FY27 budget
Anduril Industries is unable to commence production of FQ-44 Fury drones until the FY27 budget is approved by Congress, expected by December 2023. The company is currently building prototypes and integrating munitions at its Arsenal-1 facility in Columbus, Ohio. The U.S. Air Force anticipates having 500 Collaborative Combat Aircraft in service by 2032, with ongoing tests and integration efforts underway at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada.
Iran war costs: $38B, plus $2-3B per month going forward, CBO says
The U.S. Department of Defense has incurred approximately $38 billion in costs for combat operations in Iran as of August 1, 2023, with ongoing monthly expenses projected at $2-3 billion. Significant expenditures include $21.7 billion for replacing munitions, with a notable depletion of interceptor inventory. The report highlights the financial strain on military resources and the potential implications for future conflicts.
Iranian strikes damaged hundreds of US military buildings, dozens of aircraft
Iranian strikes damaged hundreds of U.S. military and diplomatic buildings across Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan. As of August 27, 2023, the strikes resulted in the destruction of dozens of U.S. aircraft and 18 military personnel fatalities. The total cost of Operation Epic Fury has reached approximately $33.4 billion, with significant impacts on U.S. military infrastructure and logistics.
F-35 proved combat readiness during Middle East deployments, Air Force officials say
U.S. Air Force officials praised the F-35 Lightning II for its combat readiness during recent operations in the Middle East. The aircraft demonstrated high mission-capable rates and effective maintenance, even in contested environments. Officials noted the F-35's versatility and the need for rapid certification of new weapons to meet emerging mission requirements. The demand for the F-35 is expected to increase as operational needs evolve.
