Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Taihei-class and South Korea's KSS-III Transform Maritime Surveillance Against China in 2026
Japan and South Korea are enhancing their naval capabilities in response to China's naval expansion, focusing on rapid information sharing regarding underwater activities. The Freedom Edge 2026 exercise commenced on September 7, 2026, involving multi-domain operations. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Taihei-class submarines and South Korea's KSS-III submarines are central to this effort, emphasizing stealth and operational coordination.
Tanaka TakashiSat Sep 12 2026Loading...
The United States Did Not Have Enough High-Grade Titanium to Build the SR-71 Blackbird, So the CIA Bought It From the Soviet Union Through Shell Companies in Neutral Countries. The Airframe Was 85 to 90 Percent Titanium, and Much of the Ore Came Out of Soviet Ukraine.
The CIA procured high-grade titanium from the Soviet Union through shell companies in the 1960s for the construction of the SR-71 Blackbird. The aircraft, primarily made of titanium, was designed to withstand extreme temperatures while flying at high speeds. Much of the titanium ore came from Soviet Ukraine, and the procurement process involved a covert network to avoid detection by the Soviets. A total of 32 SR-71s were built, reflecting the significant engineering challenges faced during the program.
100,000-Ton US Navy Nuclear Aircraft Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln Could Be Out Of Action for a Long Time
USS Abraham Lincoln is returning to San Diego after a deployment of 286 days, including 200 days in combat zones. The carrier, which has accumulated significant wear and tear, will undergo extensive maintenance upon arrival. The ship's condition has raised concerns about the need for major repairs, and it may require relocation to Bremerton, Washington, for further inspections.
‘Digital employees’ are coming to the Defense Logistics Agency
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is piloting AI agents, termed 'digital employees', to enhance logistics operations as of September 9, 2023, in Alexandria, Virginia. Approximately 185 to 190 bots are currently operational, primarily functioning unattended. The DLA is also establishing a zero-trust cybersecurity framework and has founded an AI Center of Excellence to oversee the integration of AI across the agency.
Canada Has Named Germany’s TKMS Preferred Supplier for Up to 12 Type 212CD Submarines, With the First 4 Due in 2034. Only 1 of Its 4 Existing Victoria-Class Boats Is Seaworthy, and Ottawa Has Never Published a Number for How Many Submariners It Will Need.
Canada selected Germany's TKMS as the preferred supplier for up to 12 Type 212CD submarines on July 6, 2023, amid concerns over its aging fleet, with only one of four Victoria-class submarines currently seaworthy. The Royal Canadian Navy faces significant personnel and training challenges, as no specific targets for submariner recruitment or training have been published. The first four new submarines are expected to be delivered by 2034, while maintenance contracts have been secured to keep the existing fleet operational until then.
Why propulsion could be the critical piece in Golden Dome’s architecture
Voyager Technologies is developing advanced propulsion systems for military applications at its American Defense Complex in Pueblo, Colorado. The company has secured multiple contracts related to the Golden Dome initiative, focusing on adapting commercial technologies for military use. Their propulsion systems provide unique capabilities, including throttleable thrust and energy conservation, which are critical for modern military operations.
U.S. Army orders more of its M110 sniper systems
The U.S. Army awarded a nearly $50 million contract to Knight's Armament Company for the production of M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper Systems, which will continue until September 10, 2031. This contract includes rifles, accessories, and training. The M110, which fires 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition, has been widely used in combat and is also being supplied to Ukraine's armed forces under a separate $21 million contract.
U.S. Navy orders full production of new Growler jamming unit
The U.S. Navy awarded a contract worth up to $184.25 million to General Dynamics Mission Systems for the full-rate production of the Next Generation Electronic Attack Unit (NGEAU) for the EA-18G Growler. Work will be conducted at General Dynamics' facility in Bloomington, Minnesota, through September 2032. This upgrade enhances the Growler's electronic warfare capabilities, ensuring its effectiveness in complex electromagnetic environments.
The US Air Force Built Only 21 B-2 Spirits and They Cost About $2,000,000,000 Each. It Wants at Least 100 B-21 Raiders at Roughly $750,000,000 Apiece.
The U.S. Air Force is developing the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, with the first flight occurring on November 10, 2023, at Palmdale, California. The program aims to procure at least 100 units, with a target cost of approximately $750 million each. This initiative seeks to replace the aging B-2 Spirit, which had a significantly higher cost per unit.
Congress Spent $100,000,000 Bringing Just 2 SR-71 Blackbirds Back from Retirement in 1995 and Another $30,000,000 in 1997. By 1998 the Program Was Dead Again.
The United States Air Force briefly revived the SR-71 Blackbird program in 1995, investing $100 million to restore two aircraft, but discontinued it by 1998 due to high operational costs. The fleet of 12 aircraft had an annual operating cost of approximately $260 million, making it unsustainable in a post-Cold War budget environment. The SR-71 was known for its high-speed reconnaissance capabilities, flying at over 2,000 miles per hour and altitudes above 80,000 feet.
100,000-Ton US Navy Aircraft Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford Deployed for 326 Days, a Post-Cold War Record. USS Abraham Lincoln Went 264 Days Without a Port Visit. A Normal Carrier Deployment Runs About 7 Months.
On February 28, 2026, Iran struck Naval Support Activity Bahrain with missiles and drones, prompting the U.S. Navy to relocate its logistics operations to Diego Garcia. USS Gerald R. Ford was deployed for a record 326 days, while USS Abraham Lincoln spent 264 days without a port visit. The Navy is preparing USS Theodore Roosevelt for deployment, implementing lessons learned from previous deployments to address logistical challenges and improve sailor conditions.
With reconciliation uncertain, Pentagon eyeing plan to retool FY27 priorities with Congress
The Pentagon is preparing to adjust its funding priorities for FY27 due to uncertainty in Congress regarding a $350 billion reconciliation funding request. With only incremental progress on the base budget, the department may need to defer investments until FY28. Ongoing discussions include securing funding for autonomous warfare and munitions, as service leaders express concerns about potential impacts on key initiatives.
The Government Accountability Office Reviewed All 13 Programs in the US Air Force’s $21,000,000,000 B-52 Modernization and Found 10 of Them in Trouble. The Engine Replacement Went From $3,000,000,000 to $15,400,000,000.
The U.S. Air Force's B-52 modernization effort, involving 13 programs, faces significant challenges, with 10 programs over budget or delayed. The Commercial Engine Replacement Program's costs surged from $3 billion to $15.4 billion, while the radar modernization program's costs increased from $2.3 billion to $2.9 billion. A recent crash of a test aircraft has added to the program's complications. The B-52 is set to remain operational into the mid-21st century.
Combat troops now need to score at least 70% on fitness tests
The U.S. Armed Forces implemented new fitness test requirements for combat arms troops, mandating a minimum score of 70% on service-specific tests effective August 31, 2023. Each military branch will establish its own standards, with the Army requiring a minimum of 350 points on its fitness test. The Marine Corps and Navy have their own specific scoring criteria, while the Air Force is revising its fitness assessment standards. These changes aim to enhance operational readiness among combat personnel.
U.S. Marines’ new drone killer gets confirmation from V2X
V2X confirmed on September 8, 2026, that it has been awarded a $19 million contract by the U.S. Marine Corps to deliver 10 Tempest counter-drone vehicles, including maintenance and training support. The Tempest vehicles, which have a combat record in Ukraine, are designed to counter unmanned aerial systems and are equipped with AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missiles. The contract is set to run through August 10, 2027.
Rheinmetall gets new deal for U.S. Marine Corps robot vehicles
American Rheinmetall secured a $7.28 million contract to deliver 12 Mission Master SP autonomous ground vehicles and 5 amphibious kits to the U.S. Marine Corps in 2023. These vehicles will be utilized for testing and evaluation as part of the Marine Corps' autonomous logistics and expeditionary mobility programs. The Mission Master SP features Rheinmetall’s PATH autonomy system and has been tested in various military exercises, including Talisman Sabre in Australia.
BAE Systems to rebuild two Mk 45 guns for U.S. Navy warships
BAE Systems is overhauling two Mk 45 Mod 4 naval guns for the U.S. Navy at its facility in Louisville, Kentucky, with completion expected by March 2030. The U.S. Navy has added $38.2 million to the contract, which is funded through fiscal 2024 shipbuilding money. The Mk 45 guns serve as the primary deck gun on Navy destroyers and cruisers, enhancing their firepower capabilities.
U.S. Army awards $581M to build new artillery explosive plant
The U.S. Army awarded a $581 million contract to Nitradyn LLC to build a new plant for manufacturing IMX-104 explosives in Tampa, Florida. This facility aims to address a production gap in artillery ammunition, with work expected to be completed by August 9, 2030. The Army seeks to increase production capacity to support its goal of 100,000 rounds of 155 mm artillery shells per month, driven by ongoing military needs.
Lockheed’s cruise missile contract crossed $10 billion
The U.S. Air Force added $826 million to its missile contract with Lockheed Martin, raising the total to $10.48 billion for the production of JASSM and LRASM missiles. This modification was issued by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Eglin Air Force Base on June 27, 2026, with completion expected by July 31, 2030. The contract supports ongoing production and includes deliveries to allied nations under Foreign Military Sales agreements.
New B-21 hangar heads to Missouri’s Whiteman Air Force Base
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $74.8 million contract to Conti Federal Services for the construction of a new hangar for the B-21 Raider stealth bomber at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. The facility will support one B-21 aircraft and is expected to be completed by September 25, 2029. This hangar is part of the broader effort to enhance the Air Force's bomber fleet capabilities.
