Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force deployed dozens of fighter jets, including F-22 Raptors and F-35As, to the Gulf, demonstrating operational readiness. On January 31, 2025, the 1st Fighter Wing conducted an Elephant Walk at Langley Air Force Base. This buildup of air power follows the successful Operation Midnight Hammer, where B-2 Spirits targeted Iranian nuclear sites. U-2 spy planes are also involved in intelligence missions, indicating a strategic pivot towards air-centric dominance in the region.

The U.S. is preparing to resume nuclear testing and modernize its nuclear arsenal following the expiration of the New START Treaty in February 2026. This shift, advocated by political figures like Sen. Tom Cotton, could lead to a dangerous arms race involving Russia and China. The U.S. has also withdrawn from several key arms control agreements, further escalating tensions in global nuclear strategy.

Canada is reviewing its 2023 agreement to purchase 88 F-35 Lightning II fighters from the U.S. while considering alternatives like the Saab JAS 39 Gripen. This review is influenced by deteriorating U.S.-Canada relations and concerns over reliance on American defense supply chains. Despite the review, Canada continues to fund long-lead components for the F-35, indicating a likely continuation of the purchase.

The U.S. Air Force concluded A-10 Thunderbolt II depot-level maintenance at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, with a farewell ceremony on February 12, 2023. The final Warthog, tail number 78-0655, is set to depart by the end of February, leading to the deactivation of the 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. This marks the end of an era for the A-10 at Ogden ALC, which has been the primary depot for its maintenance since 1998.

The U.S. military is preparing for potential airstrikes against Iran, with significant air power deployed in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and North Arabian Sea. President Trump has set a ten-day deadline for Iran to reach a meaningful agreement, or face consequences. Israel has stated it is ready for any situation, while Iran is simultaneously conducting military exercises and reinforcing its defenses. The situation remains tense as military readiness increases on both sides.

The U.S. Army canceled the M60A4 tank project, which aimed to enhance the M60 series, in favor of the M1 Abrams. The M60 main battle tank served as the Army's primary armored vehicle from 1959 to 1991, with over 15,000 units produced. Upgrades to existing M60 models continued through the RISE program until their retirement in 1997.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu threatened Iran with severe retaliation if it attacks Israel in response to U.S. military actions. He stated that Israel is prepared for any situation and is coordinating closely with the U.S. The U.S. is reportedly increasing its military presence in the Middle East and considering military action against Iran, with Israeli officials suggesting that such actions may occur sooner than anticipated.

Embraer and Northrop Grumman are collaborating to promote the KC-390 Millennium to the US Air Force and other foreign militaries, focusing on integrating an autonomous boom refueling system. This partnership aims to enhance Embraer's market entry into the US defense sector, following a previous failed agreement with L3Harris. The KC-390 is designed to meet the refueling needs of various aircraft, including those of the US Air Force, and Embraer is prepared to increase its investment in the US manufacturing sector.

The U.S. Army conducted its inaugural Best Drone Warfighter competition in Huntsville, Alabama, involving teams from active, Reserve, and National Guard components. The event tested drone operators' skills through obstacle courses and target identification scenarios. Col. Nicholas Ryan highlighted the importance of communication among operators and indicated plans to incorporate realistic threats in future competitions.

SpaceX and Blue Origin are redirecting their efforts toward lunar development, influenced by the U.S. Department of Defense's Golden Dome missile defense initiative. SpaceX announced plans to establish a lunar city, while Blue Origin paused its New Shepard program to focus on lunar logistics. These shifts suggest a strategic alignment with national defense goals, aiming for a permanent lunar presence by 2030.

SpaceX and Blue Origin are redirecting their efforts towards lunar development, influenced by U.S. Department of Defense initiatives. SpaceX announced plans to establish a lunar city, while Blue Origin paused its New Shepard program to focus on lunar logistics. These shifts align with the Pentagon's Golden Dome initiative, which aims to enhance missile detection and surveillance capabilities through lunar infrastructure. The timeline for these developments is set for 2025 to 2030.

BAE Systems and SURVICE Engineering signed a framework agreement to develop uncrewed air system technologies in the United States. This collaboration aims to enhance military logistics and tactical operations, building on their existing partnership since 2015. The T-150 platform, utilized by the U.S. Marine Corps as the TRV-150, will be central to this initiative, which seeks to expand the operational roles of uncrewed aircraft.

President Trump dispatched the USS Gerald R. Ford and additional warships to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran. The deployment aims to pressure Iran into a nuclear deal, with military action considered if diplomacy fails. U.S. military assets, including various aircraft, are being positioned closer to Iran, while indirect negotiations continue to show some progress.

President Trump dispatched the USS Gerald R. Ford and additional warships to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran. The deployment signals a potential military response if diplomatic negotiations fail, with U.S. military officials emphasizing readiness for action. Iran's leadership has responded with threats against U.S. naval forces, highlighting the ongoing standoff.

Vietnam veteran Andrew Laffon, along with several law firms, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on February 17, 2023, challenging a new rule that requires medical examiners to consider the effects of medication on disability ratings. The rule has sparked significant backlash from veterans and advocacy groups, who argue it unfairly penalizes those who comply with medical treatment. The lawsuit aims to have the rule set aside due to procedural concerns and potential economic harm to veterans.

The Pentagon's Chief Technology Officer criticized Anthropic's restrictions on military use of its Claude AI, labeling them as undemocratic. He emphasized that military policy should be determined by Congress and the President, not a private company. The Pentagon is reviewing its relationship with Anthropic, which has contracts worth up to $200 million for military AI applications, amid concerns over the company's usage policies.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions secured a contract from the US Department of Defense to support test and evaluation activities for thermal protection systems in hypersonic vehicles.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs implemented a new rule effective February 17, 2026, that evaluates veterans' disability ratings based on the effectiveness of prescribed medications. Major veteran advocacy groups, including the VFW and American Legion, oppose this rule, arguing it may discourage veterans from taking necessary medications to avoid lower disability ratings. Critics claim the rule undermines previous court protections and is a budget-cutting measure.

The Government Accountability Office reported that over 90% of troops with involuntary absences are eventually found dead, prompting commanders to assume these absences indicate potential danger. The report analyzed 295 cases from 2015 to 2024, revealing that most fatalities resulted from accidents or suicide. It criticized inconsistent policies across military branches regarding the classification and response to missing personnel, highlighting the need for urgent action to improve safety and mental health considerations.

The U.S. Army is fast-tracking the M1E3 Abrams main battle tank, with four prototypes set for soldier evaluation in Detroit by Summer 2026. This new tank features a hybrid-drive system and a remote-controlled turret, enhancing fuel efficiency and operational capabilities. The initiative aims to prepare soldiers for modern battlefield conditions, particularly against drone threats, and to gather feedback for further refinements before full operational capability is achieved in the early 2030s.