Analysis & Reports

Dr. Andrew Latham argues that the Trump-class battleship, specifically the USS Defiant, is crucial for the U.S. Navy's strategic shift away from a carrier-centric model. He emphasizes that terminating the program after one hull would hinder the Navy's ability to adapt to modern warfare demands. The Trump-class is designed for networked, distributed combat, offering advantages in contested environments where traditional supercarriers may struggle.

The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) has completed its final cruise and is en route to Naval Station Norfolk for decommissioning. The process is expected to take over two years and cost at least $500 million, involving the defueling of its nuclear reactors and eventual scrapping. Despite calls to extend its service life, the Department of Defense plans to proceed with its retirement.

Overland AI raised $100 million to enhance the production of its ULTRA unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for the U.S. military, transitioning from experimental use to operational integration. The UGVs are designed for autonomous operations in challenging environments and have already supported missions with the 82nd Airborne Division. The funding will facilitate expanded manufacturing and field support as the technology is adopted by various military units.

The F-15EX Eagle II is being deployed by the U.S. Air Force and Oregon Air National Guard for various military operations, including air policing and ground strikes. It features 23-25 weapons stations and a payload capacity of 29,500 pounds, making it a versatile strike fighter. The aircraft is stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and will also be permanently based at Kadena Air Base in Japan, enhancing U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Canada is deliberating on the purchase of 88 F-35s, with Prime Minister Mark Carney considering the implications of U.S. influence and potential alternatives like the Saab JAS 39 Gripen. Celebrations occurred at Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth facility for the first Canadian F-35, while political pressures from the U.S. complicate the decision-making process regarding defense procurement.

The U.S. Air Force proposed the FB-22 as a stealthy strike platform to enhance its capabilities during the early 2000s. The design aimed to modify the F-22 Raptor for ground attack roles, but the project was ultimately sidelined due to changing military priorities and budget limitations. The FB-22 was envisioned to supplement existing bombers and replace some functions of the F-15E Strike Eagle.

The U.S. Navy is seeking commercial satellites capable of nighttime Earth observation to enhance its data collection capabilities. The focus is on electro-optical systems that have reached a Technology Readiness Level of 6 or higher. Contractors are required to provide detailed information on sensor capabilities and data processing methods. The deadline for submissions is February 22.

The U.S. Navy is seeking commercial satellites capable of nighttime Earth observation to enhance data collection and inform future collaborations. The focus is on electro-optical systems with a Technology Readiness Level of 6 or higher. Contractors must provide details on sensor capabilities, data processing, and security measures. The RFI deadline is February 22, 2024.

Joseph Anthony Felix, a former Marine Corps drill instructor, was arrested on January 25, 2024, in Beaufort County, South Carolina, and charged with cruelty to children. This follows his previous conviction in 2017 for hazing recruits, which resulted in the death of a recruit. Felix, who served 15 years in the Marine Corps, was released early from prison on March 25, 2024, and is scheduled to appear in court on March 12, 2024.

The U.S. Army is developing autonomous drones and ground robots as part of the Autonomous Decontamination System (ADS) to clean up chemical and biological weapons. This initiative aims to enhance decontamination capabilities while reducing manpower and resource strain. The Army is also upgrading the CBRN version of the Stryker armored vehicle to include onboard drones for contaminant scouting. A Request for Information regarding the ADS is due by February 20, 2025.

The U.S. Army is developing the Autonomous Decontamination System (ADS) to utilize autonomous drones and ground robots for cleaning chemical and biological weapons. This initiative aims to enhance decontamination capabilities while reducing manpower needs. Additionally, the Army is upgrading the CBRN version of the Stryker armored vehicle to include onboard drones for contaminant scouting. A Request for Information for the ADS is due by February 20, 2025.

Canada is currently debating the purchase of F-35 Lightning II fighters, focusing on the political implications of dependence on US military systems versus the need for advanced capabilities. The aging CF-18 fleet and NORAD commitments are central to this discussion, with Sweden's Saab Gripen being presented as a viable alternative. The decision reflects broader concerns about national sovereignty and military integration with the US.

The Pentagon announced 25 companies competing to provide low-cost one-way attack drones as part of its Drone Dominance Program. Evaluation for the first phase will begin on February 18, 2025, at Fort Benning, Georgia, with plans to order approximately $150 million in prototype drones. The program aims to rapidly acquire hundreds of thousands of drones by 2027, emphasizing the need for inexpensive combat capabilities.

The Pentagon announced 25 companies competing to provide low-cost one-way attack drones as part of the Drone Dominance Program. The evaluation phase will begin on February 18, 2025, at Fort Benning, Georgia, with plans to order 30,000 drones at $5,000 each. The program aims to enhance U.S. military drone capabilities by 2027, with a total budget of $1.1 billion across four phases.

The Canadian Army is currently assessing its readiness for modern land combat characterized by persistent observation and rapid targeting. The challenges include operating effectively under constant surveillance, maintaining cohesion during movement, and sustaining operations without external support. Key issues identified are personnel depth, sustainment vulnerabilities, and the need for adaptation to new combat conditions.

Chief Master Sgt. David Wolfe of the United States Air Force shared the significance of wearing his father's service pin, reflecting on the legacy of military service. He emphasized the importance of overcoming challenges in the military and announced his initiative to communicate with airmen through monthly letters addressing their questions. Wolfe was appointed as the Air Force's senior enlisted leader in November 2023.

Federal agencies in the United States are reopening after a partial shutdown that lasted less than four days, with most employees expected to return to work on Wednesday. The Department of Homeland Security will continue to operate under a stopgap funding measure until February 13. The House approved a spending package to fund various federal agencies, despite some political disagreements.

The U.S. House passed an $838.7 billion defense spending bill today, enabling President Trump to sign the fiscal 2026 defense budget into law. The vote was 217-214, with significant bipartisan support despite most House Democrats opposing the bill. This funding will resume federal operations for the Pentagon and other affected agencies following a partial government shutdown.

The U.S. Army plans to award a contract for a self-propelled howitzer program by July 2024, with prototype proposals expected later this month. This initiative is part of the Army Transformation Initiative, aiming to replace the towed M777 howitzers. Competitors include Hanwha, Rheinmetall, and General Dynamics, among others.

The Pentagon has selected 25 companies to demonstrate unmanned one-way attack drones at Fort Benning, Georgia, from mid-February to March 2025. This event is part of the Drone Dominance Program, which aims to reform military procurement and enhance capabilities. The total expected orders for these drones could reach $150 million, with a directive for Army squads to be equipped with small drones by the end of fiscal 2026.