Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
The US Marine Corps Had More Than 450 M1 Abrams Tanks. Force Design Reduced the Number to Zero
The US Marine Corps eliminated all tank companies as part of Force Design 2030, transferring over 400 M1A1 Abrams tanks to the US Army. This strategic shift, initiated in 2020, aims to adapt to modern warfare needs, focusing on lighter, more mobile forces capable of operating in contested environments. The Corps is reallocating resources towards missiles, drones, and air defense systems to enhance its operational capabilities in the Western Pacific.
Army picks M1 to lead Flight School Next pilot training program
The U.S. Army selected M1 Support Services to lead the Flight School Next initiative in Washington, aimed at training the next generation of helicopter pilots. This contract, valued at up to $10 billion, will span 26 years, with the initial task order covering 3-4 years. M1 plans to utilize the R-66 helicopter for training, focusing on improving foundational flying skills for new pilots.
Foreign-Built Warships Mean American Shipbuilding Already Failed
On August 13, the White House directed the U.S. Navy to consider purchasing foreign-built warships and revert to steam catapults for future carriers due to domestic shipbuilding shortfalls. The Navy currently produces 1.1 to 1.2 Virginia-class submarines annually, falling short of its requirement. This shift raises concerns about the viability of the AUKUS agreement, as the U.S. struggles to meet its own naval needs while relying on foreign suppliers.
Marcus ChenFri Aug 14 2026Loading...
Trump Has Ordered US Navy Ford-Class Aircraft Carriers Back to Steam Catapults. Nobody Has Built One in 20 Years.
President Trump mandated the U.S. Navy to redesign the CVN-78 class aircraft carrier, replacing the electromagnetic catapult system with steam catapults, which will delay the construction of the fourth ship, CVN-81. This decision is expected to incur significant costs and challenges due to the lack of recent steam catapult production. The first three ships will retain the EMALS system, while the redesign will fundamentally alter the capabilities of CVN-81.
Trump opens door for foreign-built Navy ships. It could get complicated.
President Trump announced plans to outsource the construction of Navy ships to foreign shipyards, specifically advocating for the 'Finland model' in Washington. This model allows for initial vessels to be built abroad, with future work to be done domestically. The proposal faces significant political opposition in Congress, which has imposed restrictions on foreign shipbuilding. Analysts warn of both technical and political challenges in integrating foreign-built ships into the U.S. Navy.
The process of the U.S. selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey has stalled.
The U.S. is considering the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, but progress has stalled as of August 14, 2023, due to Turkey's possession of the Russian S-400 air defense system. U.S. lawmakers and Israeli officials oppose the sale, citing security concerns. Turkey was previously removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after acquiring the S-400 system, and it currently has six F-35 jets that remain in the U.S.
As warfare becomes engineering, the era of the digital mercenary dawns
The U.S. government announced a new policy allowing private cybersecurity firms to conduct offensive cyber operations against foreign threats. This initiative aims to enhance national security by leveraging private sector capabilities, with oversight from the Justice and Homeland Security departments. Experts predict this policy will lead to an increase in cyberattacks and a shift in adversaries' tactics.
Priorities for Army fires top off SMD Day 3
The U.S. Army outlined its priorities for fires during the final day of the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama. Key developments were discussed by Breaking Defense Multimedia Director Daniel Woolfolk and Pentagon reporter Ashley Roque, highlighting the importance of military strategy and operations in the current defense landscape.
Here’s what we know about the VA’s new GLP-1 study
The Department of Veterans Affairs is conducting a study involving over 600 veterans in Minneapolis to evaluate the effectiveness of GLP-1 semaglutide medications in treating alcohol use disorder. This study aims to provide definitive evidence to potentially influence FDA regulations and improve treatment accessibility for veterans suffering from alcohol addiction. Researchers will monitor the effects of semaglutide on alcohol cravings and overall health.
Boeing vs. Northrop Grumman: The F/A-XX 6th-Generation Stealth Fighter Contest for the US Navy’s Aircraft Carriers Is Almost Over
The U.S. Navy is advancing the development of the F/A-XX sixth-generation warplane, with a decision on the contractor expected in August 2023. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are competing for the contract to replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler. The program has received significant funding support from Congress, totaling $972 million for research and development.
Japan protests as Putin visits occupied Northern Territories
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Northern Territories, prompting a formal protest from Japan. Japan's Foreign Minister summoned the Russian Ambassador, stating the visit is unacceptable and offends Japanese sentiments. The visit follows military drills conducted by Russia in the region, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two nations over the disputed territory.
Not Made in the USA: Canada Is Buying 12 New German Type 212CD AIP Stealth Submarines
Canada is negotiating to purchase 12 German Type 212CD submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy as part of a military modernization program. The contracting process is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. This procurement aims to enhance Canada's submarine capabilities amid increasing Arctic tensions and is part of a broader effort to diversify defense systems away from reliance on the United States.
AI’s next leap for the Intelligence Community: Agents managing agents
The U.S. Intelligence Community is advancing the development of AI agents to enhance intelligence operations, as stated by Maj. Gen. Robert Kinney in Tampa. The initiative aims to create interconnected AI systems that can coordinate tasks and provide actionable intelligence. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the FBI are also developing frameworks to ensure effective governance and trust in these AI systems. This effort is part of a broader strategy to improve operational efficiency and decision-making in intelligence.
AEVEX to acquire BlackSea Technologies for up to $650M
AEVEX is acquiring BlackSea Technologies for up to $650 million to enhance its capabilities in unmanned surface and undersea vessels. The acquisition, set to close in September, aims to expand customer access to the Navy and allied partners. BlackSea Technologies is known for its Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC), which the Navy is currently experimenting with.
DARPA funds advancements in quantum networking
DARPA awarded funding to Qunnect to advance quantum networking technology, specifically the Carina solution, which aims to enable reliable quantum data transmission. This initiative is part of a broader effort to develop a viable quantum internet and has garnered increased federal interest due to its potential military applications. The project addresses key challenges in quantum data transmission, including environmental noise and maintaining entanglement.
AEVEX revenue nearly doubles, plans $650M acquisition
AEVEX Corp. reported a revenue of $201.8 million for the second quarter of 2026, nearly doubling from the previous year, and announced plans to acquire BlackSea Technologies for up to $650 million. The acquisition aims to enhance AEVEX's capabilities in autonomous systems, with significant growth attributed to its Tactical Systems segment. The company secured multiple contracts with the U.S. Air Force, totaling over $50 million, and expects to convert a large portion of its backlog into revenue within the next year.
Pentagon hands Palantir up to $244M in no-bid work
Palantir Technologies secured a commitment of up to $243.9 million from the Defense Department for software use through March 31, 2027. This follows a $10 billion Army agreement awarded in July 2026. The Deputy Defense Secretary's memo indicates a trend towards increasing no-compete contracts in federal procurement, with Palantir's software aimed at enhancing efficiencies in the defense industrial base.
Depletion of American Patriot Missile Stock by 65% After the Iran War Reveals the Fragility of Gulf Air Defense
The U.S. Department of Defense announced a $58.6 billion contract with Lockheed Martin for the production of Patriot PAC-3 MSE missiles, as existing stockpiles have been significantly depleted. The Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, are heavily reliant on these systems for defense, with less than 1000 Patriot missiles remaining. Iran has issued warnings to Gulf nations regarding potential attacks if U.S. military actions persist, highlighting the vulnerabilities in Gulf air defense capabilities.
Ahmed Al-RashidThu Aug 13 2026Loading...Should the US demonstrate its space weapons?
Gen. Stephen Whiting, head of US Space Command, stated the necessity for credible kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities to establish space superiority during the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama. He highlighted that these capabilities are essential for restoring credible deterrence.
Defense Business Brief: VR welding; News from SMD; L3Harris opens maritime factory
Space Command's new headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama, will expand to approximately 200 personnel by the end of 2023, up from 113 at Redstone Arsenal. The command plans to have over half of its staff relocated by the end of 2028, with full relocation expected by 2032. Additionally, L3Harris has opened a maritime production facility to support U.S. Navy training systems.
