Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army introduced the M1E3 Abrams tank at the Detroit Auto Show, showcasing its significant redesign focused on survivability and modern warfare capabilities. The tank integrates advanced technology and is intended to operate within a combined-arms system, reflecting lessons learned from the Russo-Ukraine War. While some question the future of tanks, the M1E3 acknowledges their continued relevance in modern combat scenarios.

Breaking Defense launched a new video series titled Pentagon Buzz, focusing on national security policies and the Department of Defense. The series aims to provide insights into the people and politics that shape military and defense industry decisions. Viewers are encouraged to stay tuned for the first episode.

The US Marine Corps selected L3Harris to develop the Precision Attack Strike Munition, a new weapon system for the AH-1Z helicopter, under an $86.2 million contract. The delivery is expected by the end of fiscal 2027, enhancing the Marine Corps' capabilities with a longer-range precision weapon. This initiative aligns with the Marines' operational focus in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. Army's M1E3 Abrams tank is under development, focusing on weight reduction and active protection integration, while Israel's Merkava Mk IV is recognized for its survivability and combat effectiveness. Both tanks feature advanced systems, with the M1E3 aiming for future versatility and the Merkava being a proven choice for urban combat. The comparison was presented at the Detroit Auto Show on January 17, 2026.

U.S. Navy unit VX-9 was observed flying an F-35A Lightning II at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, on January 23. This flight is part of an exchange program between the U.S. Navy and Air Force. The Navy has received nearly 90 F-35C aircraft, and the F-35A is being tested for compatibility with Navy operations.

The U.S. Navy retired the F-14 Tomcat on October 4, 2006, due to escalating maintenance costs and safety concerns. Despite its impressive capabilities, including a speed of Mach 2.3 and the ability to engage targets at 100 nautical miles, the aircraft became increasingly difficult to maintain. The F-14's retirement marked the end of an era for a platform that had been in service since its maiden flight in 1974.

The U.S. Navy has forward-deployed eight Arleigh Burke-class destroyers across the Middle East, preparing for potential confrontation with Iran. This deployment supports the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and includes destroyers positioned in critical areas such as the Strait of Hormuz and Arabian Sea. The military buildup has prompted Iran to engage in serious discussions with the U.S., marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.

The U.S. Navy continues to enhance the Virginia-class submarines, with Block VI production now underway. These nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines are designed for various missions, including strike and reconnaissance, and are expected to remain in service into the 2040s. The introduction of the Virginia Payload Module significantly increases their Tomahawk missile capacity, reflecting the Navy's commitment to maintaining undersea dominance.

The Senate approved Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan's promotion to four stars and his appointment as head of U.S. Southern Command in Washington, D.C. Donovan will succeed Acting Commander Lt. Gen. Pettus. This leadership change follows Adm. Alvin Holsey's announcement to step down, coinciding with a shift in U.S. military focus towards the Western Hemisphere.

A Russian drone strike killed at least a dozen civilians in Dnipro, Ukraine, while Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in 32 fatalities. In Minnesota, U.S. Border Patrol officials reported ongoing immigration enforcement operations, including a recent incident involving the fatal shooting of a nurse by immigration agents. A judge criticized ICE for its handling of asylum seekers, highlighting broader concerns about immigration enforcement practices.

The U.S. government has failed to address nuclear proliferation in its recent National Defense Strategy, opting for a case-by-case approach over the past 16 years. This strategy has led to concerns about the implications of nuclear weapons in the hands of allies and adversaries alike. The report advocates for a renewed and effective nuclear nonproliferation policy to mitigate risks associated with the spread of nuclear weapons.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has ended nearly all abortions at VA facilities, reverting to a pre-2022 policy that requires patients to seek care outside the department. This final rule, issued on December 31, 2022, allows abortions only when the mother's life is at risk. Democratic lawmakers are seeking to overturn this decision, which they argue limits healthcare options for women veterans.

The U.S. Air Force is developing the F-47 stealth fighter as part of its Next-Generation Air Dominance program. This 6th-generation aircraft will enable pilots to control drones directly from the cockpit, enhancing air combat capabilities and mission execution. The F-47 is designed to function as a command and control node, allowing for simultaneous operations of multiple drones for ISR and strikes.

The U.S. Army is experiencing an increase in the average enlistment age of new recruits, now at 22.7 years for fiscal year 2026. This shift reflects changes in recruitment strategies aimed at older Americans, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Army leadership indicates a focus on attracting individuals with specialized skills, suggesting a potential long-term change in enlistment demographics.

Booz Allen Hamilton is actively developing advanced technology and engineering solutions for defense needs in the United States. The company operates multiple engineering and manufacturing facilities and has established a $300 million venture capital fund to support small businesses in defense technology. They are collaborating with L3Harris on the Tactical Operations Center-Light (TOC-L) prototype and advancing hypersonic technologies to enhance military capabilities.

The USS Missouri (BB-63) was commissioned in 1944 and played a significant role in World War II, including the Japanese surrender ceremony. It later served in the Korean War and the Persian Gulf War, showcasing its adaptability with modern weaponry. Decommissioned in 1992, it now serves as a memorial at Pearl Harbor, representing American naval power and engineering excellence.

The U.S. Navy plans to commission a single Defiant-class battleship, known as the Trump-Class, which may be canceled after one hull. This decision could be misinterpreted as a procurement failure, but it would significantly impact the Navy's strategic direction, limiting its ability to move beyond a carrier-centric fleet. The Trump-Class is intended to enhance combat relevance in contested environments through missile-centric capabilities.

U.S. Space Forces Northern was activated at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado on January 30, 2026, as part of U.S. Northern Command. This new command focuses on providing space capabilities for homeland defense, including missile warning and tracking, and will enhance the military's operational readiness in the Northern Hemisphere. The activation aligns with the Department of Defense's strategic priorities for the region.

The U.S. Air Force conducted a successful live-warhead test of the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) at the Eglin Test and Training Range in Florida. This test, which met all primary objectives, marks a significant milestone in the program's accelerated development, occurring less than 16 months after the initial contract award. Zone 5 Technologies confirmed its support during the testing, which validated the capabilities of the ERAM system designed for long-range strike operations.

U.S. military presence in the Middle East is reinforced with the USS Abraham Lincoln and additional naval assets as tensions with Iran escalate. President Trump indicated that Iran is engaging in dialogue, suggesting a potential agreement to avoid military action. Iran's Supreme Leader warned that any U.S. attack would trigger regional conflict, highlighting the precarious situation. The U.S. seeks to balance military deterrence with diplomatic overtures.