Analysis & Reports

A wargame assessment revealed that the U.S. Air Force is unprepared to defend Taiwan against a potential Chinese invasion by 2035. Conducted in April 2026, the assessment involved 60 participants and highlighted the inadequacies of current U.S. airpower. The findings indicate that without modernization and increased capabilities, the U.S. risks failing to meet its security commitments in the Western Pacific.

The U.S. Navy announced plans to mothball the USS Boise, a Los Angeles-class attack submarine, due to over a decade of inactivity and maintenance delays. This decision is part of a broader initiative to enhance the Navy's fleet capabilities. The inactivation process timeline is unclear, but it aligns with the Navy's focus on reallocating resources to new submarine classes and improving fleet readiness.

Finland signed a €547 million contract with South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace to procure 112 additional K9 self-propelled howitzers, increasing its total K9 inventory to over 200 systems. The delivery of these howitzers is scheduled to begin in 2028, following national modifications. This procurement reflects Finland's ongoing efforts to enhance its artillery capabilities and strengthen defense cooperation with Northern European nations.

Countries including France, Germany, Japan, and India are actively developing military spaceplanes and bodyguard satellites to enhance the protection of their orbital assets. India is testing the Pushpak prototype, while France is advancing the YODA program for satellite protection. Germany's Ministry of Defence has outlined a strategy for agile surveillance satellites. China continues to enhance its capabilities with satellites designed to monitor and potentially interfere with other orbital assets.

China claims its J-20 fighter jet defeats the F-22 Raptor 95% of the time when supported by drones, but loses over 90% of the time without them. The J-20 is part of China's military modernization efforts in the Indo-Pacific, particularly regarding Taiwan, which is crucial for semiconductor production. The U.S. F-22 Raptor is still considered superior in dogfighting capabilities.

Iran fired 101 missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Indian Ocean by the end of March, with none successfully hitting the carrier. The USS Gerald R. Ford was not deployed due to operational issues, while the USS Abraham Lincoln conducted successful sorties against Iranian military targets. The U.S. Navy's carrier operations demonstrated effectiveness despite the missile threats.

U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, including the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln, conducted extensive airstrikes against Iranian targets in 2026, maintaining operations hundreds of miles from the Iranian coastline. They executed around 800 sorties daily, effectively utilizing long-range strike capabilities while minimizing exposure to Iranian missile threats. The carriers demonstrated their continued relevance in modern warfare despite challenges posed by advanced missile systems.

Ukrainian defense companies met with French counterparts in Paris this week to establish co-production deals, focusing on drone technology and integration with the European defense-industrial base. The discussions aim to enhance collaboration, as Ukraine seeks to share its expertise in drone warfare while French firms look to strengthen their defense capabilities. This meeting marks a significant step in fostering military-industrial partnerships between Ukraine and France.

The U.S. Armed Forces expended 850 Tomahawk missiles during the first month of Operation Epic Fury in Iran, costing approximately $3.1 billion. This unprecedented usage raises concerns about the depletion of missile inventories, with replenishment expected to take 2-3 years. The Navy is seeking congressional support to produce additional missiles, while Japan's order for 400 missiles has been delayed due to the ongoing conflict.

The U.S. Army is expanding its supply of Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) with a budget request for 1,134 missiles, aiming to enhance its capabilities in ongoing operations against Iran. Lockheed Martin has secured a $5 billion contract to quadruple PrSM production. Additionally, the U.S. Navy's extensive use of Tomahawk missiles in recent operations has raised concerns about stockpiles and production capacity for future conflicts.

The U.S. Space Force requested a substantial budget increase for FY27, totaling $6.4 billion for missile warning and tracking programs to support the Golden Dome missile defense initiative. Key allocations include $1.4 billion for the Resilient MWT-MEO program and $3.56 billion for the Tracking Layer. Additionally, $1.48 billion is earmarked for the Space Data Network, with a notable rise to $2 billion for Special Space Activities.

The U.S. Air Force has initiated market research for the remanufacture of the B-2 Receiver Countermeasure in Oklahoma City. This process, outlined in a sources sought notice published on April 10, 2023, aims to identify qualified companies capable of restoring unserviceable units. The Air Force anticipates needing between four to 24 units to maintain operational readiness of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber's defensive systems.

BAE Systems was awarded a $33.5 million contract by the U.S. Navy for maintenance and modernization of the USS Augusta (LCS 34) in San Diego. The contract covers the ship's Fiscal 2026 Docking Selected Restricted Availability, expected to last until August 2027, and includes comprehensive repairs and upgrades to ensure the vessel's readiness for future operations.

The U.S. Navy is seeking to purchase 785 additional Tomahawk missiles after firing over 850 in operations against Iran, leading to historically low stockpiles. The Department of Defense's Fiscal Year 2027 budget request includes $3 billion for this procurement. Japan's order for 400 Tomahawk missiles is also delayed due to production issues, raising concerns about U.S. missile readiness in the Indo-Pacific.

Saab received a $23.9 million contract modification from the U.S. Army to deliver 10 Giraffe 1X radars to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This delivery aims to strengthen air surveillance coverage across NATO's Baltic front line, with completion scheduled for February 28, 2027. The radar systems will enhance regional air defense capabilities, particularly against low-altitude threats such as drones.

Lockheed Martin secured a $4.76 billion contract from the U.S. Army for the production of PAC-3 MSE interceptors, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2030. The contract includes associated hardware and technical support, reflecting strong international demand for the missile system. Key manufacturing locations include Huntsville, Clearwater, and East Aurora, among others.

The French Navy ordered five additional CAMCOPTER S-100 unmanned aerial systems for integration into FREMM frigates, bringing the total to eight systems. Deliveries are set to begin in 2026, enhancing the Navy's capabilities in maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. This order reflects the Navy's ongoing commitment to expanding its unmanned aviation capabilities.

Mali's army received a shipment of YITIAN-L air defense systems from China, mounted on Dongfeng Mengshi tactical vehicles. This delivery enhances Mali's military capabilities amid ongoing security challenges in the region. The YITIAN-L system is designed for short-range air defense, suitable for countering low-flying aerial threats.

Ukraine's Defense Forces are currently deploying 30% more strike drones than Russian troops, achieving a 1.3 to 1 usage ratio. In March 2026, they completed over 9,000 missions using ground robotic systems, indicating a significant operational advantage. The use of fiber-optic drones, which are less susceptible to jamming, has also increased, contributing to this shift in capabilities.

Russian forces have integrated the North Korean Type 75 107mm multiple launch rocket system onto the Courier unmanned ground vehicle in Ukraine. This development enhances Russia's artillery capabilities, allowing for remote operation without crew exposure. The Courier, a modular platform, is now equipped to deliver a 12-rocket salvo from a distance of nearly 9 kilometers, reflecting ongoing advancements in Russian military technology and tactics.