Analysis & Reports

USS Gerald R. Ford is extending its deployment to the Middle East, potentially exceeding 300 days at sea, which would break the previous record for aircraft carrier deployments. This decision comes amid rising tensions with Iran and highlights the operational demands on the U.S. Navy. Chief of Naval Operations has raised concerns about the impact of such long deployments on sailor morale and maintenance schedules.

The Major Richard Star Act seeks to eliminate the reduction in retirement pay for over 50,000 disabled veterans in the U.S. due to disability compensation offsets. This legislative effort has gained significant bipartisan support but faces opposition from some lawmakers who label it as double-dipping. Advocates argue that the current policy is unjust and does not fulfill the government's contractual obligations to veterans.

The U.S. Army is experiencing significant readiness challenges as 6% of its Abrams tank fleet is non-mission capable due to delays in spare parts. Advanced manufacturing techniques could restore operational capability quickly, but current procurement policies hinder this process. The Army has identified nearly 1,700 parts suitable for rapid production, which could preserve substantial training value. Congress is beginning to recognize the need for policy changes to improve readiness.

The U.S. Navy built only three Seawolf-class submarines, commissioned in 1997, 1998, and 2005, due to budget constraints and the end of the Cold War. The submarines, designed for undersea dominance, faced production cuts from an initial plan of 29 hulls. Currently, all three submarines are homeported at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington, where they continue to serve despite the challenges in submarine production.

The F-15I Ra’am, used by the Israeli Air Force since the late 1990s, is optimized for long-range precision strikes, featuring Israeli-specific avionics and heavy payload capabilities. In contrast, the U.S. Air Force's F-15EX Eagle II focuses on air superiority and modernization for fifth-generation aircraft support. Both aircraft represent different operational philosophies and requirements within their respective air forces.

The U.S. Armed Forces are preparing for a potential strike campaign against Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure in 2025. This operation could significantly damage Iran's capabilities but may also provoke retaliation from Iranian proxies, expanding the conflict. The U.S. would need to maintain a sustained military presence in the region to manage the escalation and potential energy market disruptions.

USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) is undergoing major maintenance and repairs, which are expected to sideline the ship until February 2028. The U.S. Navy has awarded a contract to BAE Systems for repairs worth between $204.1 million and $255.8 million. While currently operating in the Caribbean, the ship's readiness may be impacted by rising tensions with Iran, potentially delaying its maintenance schedule.

The U.S. Army conducted live-fire tests of new explosive rounds for the AH-64 Apache helicopter at Yuma Proving Grounds in December. These 30x113mm XM1225 Aviation Proximity Explosive rounds are specifically designed to target enemy drones, featuring a proximity fuse that allows for airburst detonation. The Army aims to enhance the Apache's capabilities as a drone hunting tool, with plans for urgent fielding of the new ammunition.

TTTECH North America secured a contract to provide advanced TSN solutions for the US Army’s HADES aerial ISR initiative.

Amentum was selected to advance the UK’s hypersonic strike capabilities under a contract awarded by Team Hypersonics UK on February 17, 2026. The contract includes missile design engineering and program management, with a focus on collaboration with Australia and the United States. A Joint Programme Office will be set up to oversee the development of the hypersonic weapon system.

Denmark's Air Force established Squadron 729 at Aalborg Air Base to operate four newly acquired MQ-9B drones for Arctic surveillance. The squadron aims to enhance monitoring and reconnaissance capabilities in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions, with aircraft delivery expected to begin in 2028. The MQ-9B systems will also support environmental monitoring and search-and-rescue operations, reflecting Denmark's dual-use approach to Arctic operations.

Sierra Nevada Corporation purchased a Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft to support the U.S. Army’s HADES program, with the acquisition completed at the close of 2025. This aircraft will enhance the Army's aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, transitioning from legacy ISR platforms to high-altitude, jet-powered systems. Modification work is taking place in Hagerstown, Maryland, as part of a broader effort to modernize airborne intelligence collection.

L3Harris Technologies secured a $400 million contract to produce propulsion components for the U.S. military's THAAD missile defense system, including solid rocket boost motors and Liquid Divert and Attitude Control Systems. The production will take place in Huntsville, Camden, and Los Angeles. This contract follows increased operational demand for THAAD interceptors, particularly during recent conflicts involving ballistic missile threats.

The U.S. military is significantly increasing its presence in the Middle East, redeploying aircraft and extending troop deployments in response to ongoing negotiations with Iran. Recent weeks have seen dozens of military transport aircraft delivering equipment to Jordan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, while F-15 fighter jets have been stationed at a base in Jordan. A second aircraft carrier strike group is also being sent to the region as a show of force ahead of talks scheduled for the 17th in Geneva.

USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln are advancing towards the Gulf in February 2026 amid ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations in Geneva. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, are expressing concerns and urging Washington to avoid military conflict. The presence of over 35,000 U.S. troops in the region complicates the security dynamics, as Gulf nations balance their strategic interests with the risks posed by Iran's military capabilities.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Feb 17 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force is upgrading the B-52 Stratofortress with new engines, an expanded weapons bay, and hypersonic missile capabilities. The aircraft will also feature an advanced AESA radar system to improve target tracking and survivability. These enhancements position the B-52 as a versatile platform for both nuclear and conventional missions, capable of operating as a command-and-control hub and launching drones.

The U.S. continues to bolster its military presence in the Middle East, deploying dozens of aircraft and extending the deployment of troops ahead of indirect negotiations with Iran. Recent movements include the repositioning of fighter jets to Jordan and the delivery of air defense systems to the region. A second aircraft carrier strike group is also being sent to enhance military readiness.

On February 16, 18 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from the U.S. Air Force departed from Lakenheath Air Base in the United Kingdom to the Middle East, supported by tanker aircraft. This deployment is one of the largest single movements of F-35s in recent months and is a direct response to escalating tensions with Iran.

U.S. Army soldiers conducted training with the TRV-150 unmanned aerial vehicle at Fort Stewart, Georgia, on February 12, 2026. This exercise evaluated the drone's performance and operator readiness for logistics missions. The TRV-150 is capable of transporting payloads up to 68 kilograms and is designed to support frontline resupply while minimizing personnel exposure in contested environments.

The U.S. Army is developing the M1E3 Abrams tank to enhance its capabilities against modern threats such as drones and anti-tank missiles. This new model, weighing 60 tons, aims to improve mobility and survivability in various terrains. It will feature advanced counter-drone technologies and a hybrid diesel-electric engine to support onboard systems and AI capabilities.