Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy canceled the construction of the USS Illinois (BB-65) at 20-25% completion on August 12, 1945, and the ship was subsequently scrapped in 1958. The battleship was laid down on December 6, 1942, and featured nine 16-inch Mark 7 guns. A bell from the ship is preserved at the University of Illinois, where it rings for touchdowns.

Acting Army Secretary Adam Telle announced a manufacturing rodeo in Washington to identify weaknesses in the U.S. Army's supply chain. The event, set for early next year, will involve competition among industrial partners to stress test the supply chain. Telle emphasized the need for modernization and control over production, particularly for attack drones.

Acting Army Secretary Adam Telle promoted a new drone marketplace for military procurement during a speech in Washington, D.C., in September 2023. The marketplace has generated $800 million in sales in four months, allowing soldiers to purchase drones quickly and efficiently. Telle highlighted its importance for soldiers deployed at the U.S.-Mexico border, where cartels are increasingly using drones. He also announced plans for a 'manufacturing rodeo' to test the defense supply chain.

L3Harris Technologies secured a $250 million contract from Lockheed Martin to produce solid rocket motors for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets at its new facility in Camden, Arkansas. This contract represents the largest quantity ordered in the program's history and reflects increased demand for GMLRS due to ongoing military operations in Ukraine. The facility is set to utilize advanced automation and robotics in production.

Harbinger showcased its uncrewed Praesidia hybrid truck at the Association of the U.S. Army's annual meeting in Washington, which powers a 30-kilowatt AeroVironment LOCUST X3 counter-drone laser. The system is designed for continuous operation as long as electrical power is available, highlighting its potential for military applications.

AEVEX showcases the Specter, a new jet-powered attack drone, at the AUSA annual meeting in Washington this week. The drone features swappable payload options and is designed for high-rate production. AEVEX, known for its military drones, has not disclosed specific performance details or customers for the Specter.

Lockheed Martin unveiled the PAC-3 Edge missile in Washington on October 12, 2023. This new interceptor is designed to outperform the existing PAC-3 MSE, featuring enhanced altitude and range capabilities. It is part of the U.S. Army's Future Interceptor program, aiming for operational readiness by 2031.

General Dynamics showcased a one-eighth-scale model of the Wolf XM30 infantry fighting vehicle at the AUSA 2026 in Washington. The full-size vehicle is currently undergoing testing by the U.S. Army. The Wolf XM30 is designed to replace the M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle and will undergo field trials with the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team in Texas. The U.S. Army plans to procure 108 units by fiscal 2031.

Acting Army Secretary Adam Telle delivered a speech in the United States, emphasizing the Army's commitment to controlling land and streamlining procurement processes. He announced initiatives to reduce bureaucratic delays and promote open-architecture systems for future vendors. Telle also introduced a 'manufacturing rodeo' to test the industrial base suppliers and highlighted the need for low-cost interceptors to enhance defense capabilities.

GM Defense announced the expansion of U.S. Army orders for Infantry Squad Vehicles from 649 to nearly 12,000 at the Association of the United States Army exposition. This increase represents a 1,750% growth in the ISV fleet, which is designed for adaptability on the battlefield. The ISV will be deployed across 39 active-duty and National Guard mobile brigades, enhancing the Army's operational capabilities.

The U.S. Navy is constructing 12 Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines to replace aging Ohio-class submarines, with a total estimated cost of $139.7 billion. This program is prioritized to maintain nuclear deterrence capabilities, as the Navy faces a potential gap in its submarine force by the 2030s. The first submarine, USS District of Columbia, is set for delivery in 2028, while resources are being diverted from Virginia-class construction to support this initiative.

FN America unveiled a new upgrade kit for the M240 machine gun at the annual meeting of the Association of the United States Army. The Tactical Long Rail Upgrade Kit allows soldiers to mount modern optics while preserving the weapon's original operating system. This upgrade aims to enhance target acquisition and shooter fit, extending the relevance of the M240 in current combat scenarios. FN has produced over 100,000 M240s for the U.S. military since its introduction in 1977.

NASA's X-43A program tested hypersonic flight capabilities, achieving speeds of Mach 9.68 in November 2004. The program, which ran from the late 1990s to 2004, aimed to validate scramjet technology and was budgeted at $230 million. Following its success, NASA shifted focus to lunar exploration, resulting in the program's cancellation.

Powerus unveiled its fully autonomous Guardian 3 drone interceptor in South Carolina at the Association of the United States Army’s annual meeting. This new system is designed to enhance U.S. military capabilities in drone defense amid increasing demand due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The Guardian 3 utilizes artificial intelligence for threat detection and engagement, marking a significant advancement in military drone technology.

The Army's UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter collided with a commercial jet over the Potomac River on January 29, 2025, resulting in 67 fatalities. The investigation revealed systematic failures, including broken radio communications and environmental challenges, which hindered the crew's ability to identify the civilian aircraft. The Army has since recommended improved training and equipment to enhance air safety in urban areas.

Forterra introduced the OASIS-OneLink technology at the AUSA conference in Washington, enabling service members to control various autonomous systems through a single user interface. This innovation aims to streamline operations and reduce the learning curve associated with different systems. The Army's Joint Readiness Training Center has begun piloting this technology, which builds on Forterra's existing OASIS-Fabric network.

The SR-71 Blackbird operated as a practice target for U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcats and U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagles from about 1982, conducting training missions over the Pacific Ocean and Nellis Air Force Base. Its extreme speed rendered it invisible to F-15 radar, complicating training for pilots. The program ended with the retirement of the SR-71 due to the rise of satellite reconnaissance and high maintenance costs.

The U.S. Navy is retiring four Ohio-class SSGNs between 2027 and 2029, resulting in the loss of 616 Tomahawk cruise missiles. The Virginia-class submarines being introduced cannot adequately replace this capability, as they carry significantly fewer missiles. The Navy plans to build 19 new Virginia-class submarines by 2038, while also testing a new hypersonic missile system.

Mountain Horse Solutions received a second order for the FD-1 interceptor under an Army Other Transaction Agreement in Sarasota. This acquisition reflects the Army's commitment to rapidly implement upgrades based on soldier feedback.

Anduril Industries unveiled the Steelfin family of surface-to-air interceptor missiles in Washington on October 12. The missiles are designed to target cruise, ballistic, and hypersonic threats at a lower cost than existing systems, with plans for mass production of several thousand units annually. They will utilize existing U.S. military launchers and fire control systems, enhancing the air defense capabilities of the U.S. military.