Analysis & Reports

The Pentagon is urgently seeking counter-drone sensors to protect military installations across the United States, with a demonstration planned for Spring 2026 at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. The Defense Innovation Unit requires these sensors to detect small drones and provide mobile capabilities for military units, ensuring they can operate safely in populated areas and complex environments. The project emphasizes the need for rapid integration with existing fire control systems.

The 3rd Marine Wing and 1st Marine Expeditionary Force conducted the Steel Knight 25 exercise in Southern California from December 1-14, 2025, testing distributed operations and kill web concepts. The exercise highlighted the importance of logistics and the need for rapid adaptation in contested environments. Key innovations included the S²D framework for force insertion and the emphasis on digital interoperability.

Canada has begun payments for 14 additional F-35s as of February 2026, despite ongoing contract reviews. The initial order of 16 F-35s is set to arrive between 2026 and 2029, while speculation about a dual-fleet strategy with Saab's Gripen fighters intensifies. The Royal Canadian Air Force faces challenges with 40% of its CF-18 fleet out of service, prompting discussions on modernization and procurement strategies.

USS Iwo Jima is set to undergo a $204.2 million modernization overhaul at Norfolk Naval Shipyard starting in June 2026. This maintenance follows its involvement in Operation Southern Spear, where it played a crucial role in capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The overhaul will further strain the U.S. Navy's amphibious fleet, which is already limited after the decommissioning of the USS Bonhomme Richard.

The U.S. Army is restructuring officer positions, moving some into new specialties or transferring them to different services as part of a review process conducted over the last 10 months. Affected officers, numbering a couple thousand, have been notified and will have a 36-month transition period to adapt. The restructuring aims to align officer career paths with emerging operational needs, while also expanding opportunities in Space Operations and Operations Research/System Analysis.

The Marine Corps selected the Red Wolf missile system for deployment from AH-1Z Viper helicopters, enabling strikes on targets over 230 miles away. This decision, made on January 30, 2023, is part of the Marine Corps' Force Design 2030 initiative aimed at enhancing long-range strike capabilities in the Pacific. The Red Wolf system is designed to be cost-effective and versatile, addressing emerging threats in the region.

The U.S. Navy is establishing Information Warfare Squadron Two and plans to create Squadron Nine to enhance operational capabilities and readiness at sea. This initiative aims to improve information warfare lethality within carrier strike groups, ensuring personnel maintain a persistent presence throughout deployment cycles. Senior information warfare officers will also be assigned to destroyers to drive expertise to the tactical edge.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is being deployed to the Middle East to bolster U.S. military presence alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln. This move aims to apply pressure on Iran regarding its nuclear program amid ongoing tensions and discussions. The deployment follows warnings from Gulf Arab nations about the risks of regional conflict and coincides with internal unrest in Iran.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is being deployed to the Middle East to bolster U.S. military presence alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln. This move aims to apply pressure on Iran regarding its nuclear program, coinciding with ongoing internal unrest in Iran. The deployment follows recent discussions about potential negotiations with Iran, highlighting the strategic military posture of the U.S. in the region.

Kvertus successfully tested the Azimuth electronic intelligence system for maritime applications, demonstrating its capability to detect radio-controlled UAVs at sea. The system provides early warning of threats and identifies drone types to aid in countermeasure selection. This testing highlights the importance of electronic intelligence in protecting naval platforms and coastal infrastructure.

The U.S. military is facing a systemic acquisition crisis as of February 2026, with major programs like the M10 Booker and M1 Abrams SEPv4 sidelined due to excessive weight and aging architectures. The shift towards mass-produced, low-cost drones highlights the need for adaptability in modern warfare. The U.S. defense industrial base has eroded, complicating the integration of next-generation technologies into military platforms.

On June 12, 1944, soldiers at Camp Forest in Tennessee exchanged letters with loved ones, providing emotional support during World War II. Joseph Brenner, part of the U.S. Army’s 740th Field Artillery Battery, received letters from his wife, Norma, which included a kiss mark. The Veterans History Project highlights the importance of these letters in maintaining morale among troops, with many soldiers, including Pfc. Sumner Grant and Ralph Samuel Jaffe, sharing their experiences through correspondence.

The U.S. Department of War awarded BAE Systems a $145 million contract for the development and delivery of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems weapon systems on Feb. 11, 2026. The initial delivery order is valued at $66,673,298, with work to be performed in Hudson, New Hampshire, and expected completion by July 31, 2027. This contract addresses the growing operational concern of unmanned aerial threats for U.S. and allied forces.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) successfully integrated mission autonomy software into the YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, conducting its first semi-autonomous airborne mission in San Diego on 12 February 2026. The Sidekick software, provided by Collins Aerospace, enabled the aircraft to execute commands with high accuracy for over four hours. This milestone underscores GA-ASI's commitment to advancing autonomous systems for defense applications.

USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) completed its first sea trial in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to be delivered to the U.S. Navy early next year. The Ford-class carrier features an advanced Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), which aims to enhance aircraft launch capabilities. Concerns remain regarding the reliability of this new system compared to traditional steam catapults, and the Kennedy is anticipated to be stationed at a naval base on the West Coast after entering service.

The U.S. Navy has ordered the deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East as of February 12, 2023. This move indicates an increase in naval presence in the region.

The U.S. Air Force is testing autonomy on multiple drone wingman prototypes using the Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA). This framework allows integration of various technologies from different vendors, promoting a competitive ecosystem for future collaborative combat aircraft. General Atomics and Anduril have successfully conducted semi-autonomous flights, while Northrop's Project Talon CCA is set to compete in the program.

Adm. Daryl Caudle and Gen. Eric Smith, at the WEST Conference in San Diego, stressed the importance of timely delivery of military contracts and advocated for multi-year funding to stabilize the workforce in the defense industry. They acknowledged the challenges posed by erratic government funding and emphasized the need for collaboration with Congress to secure necessary resources. The officials also discussed the rising costs of shipbuilding and the need to attract skilled workers through competitive wages.

On February 12, U.S. Customs and Border Protection used military-grade laser equipment to shoot down multiple aerial targets identified as party balloons near El Paso International Airport. Following the incident, the FAA issued a temporary flight restriction for the airspace, affecting flights below 18,000 feet for up to 10 days. The event led to confusion and blame within the Trump administration regarding inter-departmental coordination.

U.S. allies are increasingly reconsidering their reliance on the American nuclear umbrella as President Trump's foreign policy shifts towards hostility, particularly with threats regarding Greenland. This instability may lead allies in Europe and Asia to pursue their own nuclear deterrents, breaking the longstanding defense-for-nonproliferation bargain. The situation reflects a significant change in international relations and military alliances.