Analysis & Reports

The USS Benfold experienced a generator failure in the South China Sea on July 24, 2023, resulting in a complete power loss and drifting for four days. The destroyer was towed to Subic Bay for repairs, which were completed by July 30, 2023. After refueling, the ship departed Subic Bay on August 8, 2023, but did not rejoin the USS Washington carrier strike group as expected.

The U.S. Navy awarded Raytheon a $22.9 billion contract to ramp up Tomahawk cruise missile production to 1,000 rounds annually. This increase will take place over a multiyear period, following a framework agreement with the Pentagon. Raytheon is making substantial investments in its workforce and facilities to meet the rising demand for munitions.

The Bundeswehr has ordered additional mobile rescue stations from Rheinmetall as an extension of a previous order. This procurement is part of the German armed forces' efforts to enhance their operational capabilities.

Germany's first F-35A, designated MG-01, is undergoing final finishes at Lockheed Martin's facility in Fort Worth, Texas, where it will receive a stealth coating before delivery to the Luftwaffe. The aircraft is part of a 35-unit order and is expected to be delivered by late 2027, with initial training at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas. This new aircraft will replace the aging Panavia Tornado fleet in Germany.

USS Benfold experienced a generator casualty leading to a blackout in the South China Sea on July 24, 2023, requiring external assistance for recovery. The ship was towed to Subic Bay, where repairs were completed by August 7, and it returned to service on August 8. This incident underscores the logistical challenges and lack of spare destroyers within the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Marcus ChenMon Aug 17 2026Loading...

A Patriot air defense battery in Ukraine has remained inactive for six weeks due to a shortage of interceptor missiles. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that the country requires 5% of the U.S. Patriot stockpile to survive the winter but currently has access to only 1%. The situation has been exacerbated by a rise in Russian missile strikes, making July the deadliest month for civilians since May 2022.

President Trump proposed the establishment of a fifth public shipyard in Washington to enhance the U.S. Navy's repair capacity for nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines. The initiative aims to address ongoing maintenance delays and is expected to cost between $10 and $20 billion. However, analysts warn of logistical challenges and workforce shortages that could hinder the project's success. Congressional approval will be necessary for funding the initiative.

The US Navy has postponed the procurement of the SSN(X) nuclear attack submarine to fiscal 2040 due to budget constraints and full shipyards. The submarine, designed to integrate features from the Seawolf, Virginia, and Columbia classes, is projected to cost $8.7 billion per unit. Current shipyards are unable to accommodate additional construction without delaying existing projects.

Rheinmetall will supply 149 additional mobile rescue stations to the Bundeswehr, with production set to begin in Q1 2027. This order, valued at over €500 million, is part of a larger contract that will increase the total number of rescue stations to 165. The mobile systems are designed to provide rapid emergency medical care to troops in the field.

The U.S. military awarded Raytheon a $22.9 billion contract to significantly increase Tomahawk missile production from 60 to over 1,000 missiles annually. This contract, lasting seven years, aims to replenish depleted stocks of high-tech weaponry amid ongoing military commitments. The Tomahawk missile is a key asset for the Navy, providing long-range precision strike capabilities against land targets.

On August 17, 2023, the U.S. Navy announced a $22.9 billion contract with Raytheon Technologies to enhance the production of Tomahawk missiles. The contract, lasting seven years, will result in the annual production of over 1000 missiles. The Navy aims to expand its ammunition production capacity through close collaboration with industry partners.

Ukrainian forces conducted strikes on Novorossiysk, damaging four warships and grain terminals on August 12. In retaliation, Russian strikes hit Izmail and Odesa, injuring civilians and damaging infrastructure. This mutual targeting of grain ports marks a significant escalation in the conflict, impacting both military operations and logistics.

Dmitri VolkovMon Aug 17 2026Loading...

Raytheon secured a $22.9 billion contract to enhance Tomahawk cruise missile production, aiming to exceed 1,000 missiles annually. This initiative, part of the Department of War's Arsenal of Freedom, will support the U.S. Navy and allied forces. The company is increasing its investment in workforce and facilities to meet the rising demand for this critical weapon system, which can strike targets from approximately 1,000 miles away.

USS Gerald R. Ford completed its longest operational deployment on May 16, 2026, covering 57,713 nautical miles and supporting 12,200 aircraft launches. The carrier faced internal challenges, including a fire that injured three sailors. It is currently undergoing maintenance at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, with no deployments expected for at least a year. Meanwhile, USS Abraham Lincoln is set to be relieved after over 260 days in the Middle East.

The U.S. Air Force halted production of the F-22 Raptor in 2009 after completing only 187 units, despite an initial plan for 750. The total acquisition cost reached approximately $67.3 billion, with significant logistical challenges preventing a restart of production. The F-22 was intended to replace the F-15 fleet and remains unmatched in its capabilities, but the Air Force has no plans to resume its production.

The U.S. Air Force halted production of the F-22 Raptor at 187 aircraft in 2009, despite an initial plan for 750. The total acquisition cost reached approximately $67.3 billion, with significant implications for air superiority capabilities. A study indicated that restarting production would require around $50 billion, making it economically unfeasible. The F-22 remains a critical asset for U.S. air defense, but its limited numbers hinder operational effectiveness.

Voyager Technologies is expanding its solid rocket motor manufacturing capabilities at a new facility in Pueblo, Colorado, expected to be operational later in 2026. This expansion aims to meet the increasing demand from the Department of War for tactical solid rocket motors. The company has reported significant contract awards and emphasizes its innovative production processes to ensure rapid delivery and quality assurance.

The U.S. Navy has decided to retire the USS Nimitz, allocating $562 million for its inactivation. The carrier, which completed its last combat deployment in December 2025, will serve as a training vessel until March 2027. Following this period, it will undergo defueling and dismantlement as it has reached the end of its nuclear life cycle.

GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions were awarded a contract by the U.S. Air Force to develop the F143-ZZ-100 turbofan engine for the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). The new engine, generating 800 pounds of thrust, is part of efforts to provide a second-source propulsion system for JASSM, which currently relies on a single engine supplier. Testing has included over 50 engine starts and altitude testing at Purdue University.

Voltage Vessels tested basalt-fiber drones and a small surface-water drone during the Rim of the Pacific exercise in Hawaii from June 24 to July 2026. The U.S. Navy participated in this exercise, which involved over two dozen unmanned systems experiments. The new material, Eclipse X9, is claimed to be stronger than traditional drone materials and has potential military applications.