Analysis & Reports

Britain retired four Upholder-class submarines by 1994 after a brief service and sold them to Canada for £1 following a lease agreement. The submarines, intended for anti-submarine warfare, were deemed unnecessary after the Cold War ended. Canada later acquired them as part of a larger deal valued at C$897 million, which included modifications and support costs.

The Space and Missile Defense Symposium featured remarks from U.S. Space Command chief Gen. Stephen Whiting and Army Space and Missile Defense Command's Lt. Gen. John Rafferty in Huntsville, Alabama, on August 12, 2026. Various military equipment, including Boeing's Small Diameter Bomb and hypersonic glide bodies, was displayed, highlighting advancements in defense technology.

The Defense Information Systems Agency and other military organizations in Tampa face increasing challenges in patching software due to a rise in cyberattacks driven by artificial intelligence. Officials highlighted the rapid discovery of vulnerabilities and the need for resilient architectures to manage patching without system downtime. The urgency of applying patches is forcing a reassessment of cybersecurity risk calculations, as the balance between applying fixes and understanding their operational impact becomes more complex.

DARPA is seeking radical industry ideas for the development of a new generation of hypersonic cruise missiles to maintain technological superiority and evade adversary air defenses. The request for information was published on August 7, 2023, with responses due by October 6, 2023. The initiative aims for a revolutionary leap in performance, focusing on architectural concepts, high-risk technologies, and innovative testing methods.

The U.S. Army has shifted its strategy for developing autonomous vehicle software, opting to collaborate with industry vendors for specific capabilities. This decision follows a reevaluation of its autonomy portfolio and aims to enhance logistics and sustainment operations. The Engineer Autonomous Breaching Capability (EABC) program has been awarded to contractors who will provide unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for breaching obstacles on future battlefields.

Canada is potentially building a two-fighter air force with F-35s and Gripens without a formal decision. The government has been reviewing its F-35 purchase for over a year and has confirmed a contract for Joint Strike Missiles for its F-35s. Speculation continues regarding the division of roles between the two aircraft types in Canada's defense strategy.

Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg requested defense industry board members to attend briefings at the Pentagon in Washington to discuss procurement modernization and production scaling. The meetings aim to ensure that industry leaders understand the severity of threats facing the U.S. and to foster collaboration between the Pentagon and defense companies. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance the defense industrial base's responsiveness to global strategic competition.

Canada is reviewing its fighter jet procurement process in 2023, considering a mixed fleet that may include the JAS 39 Gripen as an alternative to the F-35. The decision is influenced by ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. and the complexities of negotiations regarding military equipment purchases. Canadian officials have stated they will not rush the process, which has already seen delays beyond the initial timeline.

Calian UK secured a 15-year agreement worth CAD$296 million with Raytheon UK to support the British Army's Collective Training Service program, starting in October 2026. This agreement enhances military readiness and operational effectiveness through advanced training solutions. It builds on Calian's previous support under Project NUMIDIAN and reinforces its role in allied military training across the UK and Europe.

The U.S. Space Force's Golden Dome program may cease development by October if Congress does not approve additional funding. Gen. Michael Guetlein highlighted this critical funding issue during his address at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama.

General Michael Guetlein warned that the Golden Dome missile-defense program faces a funding crisis due to the White House's budget proposal for 2027, which seeks to use reconciliation for 97% of its $17.5 billion request. He emphasized the need for consistent funding to avoid stalling progress on the program, which has seen significant investment and successful tests. Guetlein noted that Congress may find alternative funding solutions to support the program's continuation.

The Space and Missile Defense Symposium commenced in Huntsville, Alabama, on August 11, 2026, featuring numerous U.S. and international defense firms showcasing advanced weapon systems. Key military officials, including Gen. Mike Guetlein, participated in discussions about the latest developments in space and missile technology.

General Michael Guetlein warned in Huntsville, Alabama, that the Golden Dome air defense project could cease in October 2023 without continued funding. The Pentagon is seeking $17.5 billion for the project in fiscal year 2027, but most of the funding is uncertain due to legislative challenges. Discussions are ongoing within the department to explore alternative funding avenues.

The Pentagon is set to solicit entrants for its next cloud-computing contract, the JWCC Unified Cloud Marketplace, on August 24. This contract will allow the Defense Department to procure cloud services from major providers, including Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, with various tiers for different service types. The current contract has a ceiling of $9 billion, with AWS leading in task orders.

Adm. Richard Correll emphasized that conflicts in the information age are no longer confined to regional boundaries, highlighting the global nature of warfare. He noted that modern deterrence depends on understanding events beyond physical theaters and that AI is already influencing military operations. Correll stressed the importance of controlling information and protecting networks against adversaries during his address in Tampa.

Joby Aviation announced its acquisition of Resonant Sciences for $500 million to create a dedicated defense business in Dayton, Ohio. The deal, expected to close in the first half of 2027, aims to leverage Resonant's expertise in radio frequency systems and mission technologies to develop low-cost autonomous aircraft. Joby plans to integrate its existing military work with Resonant's capabilities, focusing on dual-use turbine-electric and hydrogen-electric aircraft.

Five suicides occurred among U.S. Cyber Command personnel due to increased operational stress. The Pentagon has acknowledged inadequate mental health resources for cyber operators, prompting calls for institutional reform. Congress mandated a study on psychological strains in 2023, but recommendations remain unimplemented.

Canada has linked the finalization of its F-35A Lightning II purchase to ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. The deal, involving 88 aircraft at a cost of 27.7 billion Canadian dollars, is currently in limbo due to trade tensions and tariff threats from the Trump administration. Canadian officials have indicated a willingness to explore alternative fighter options if negotiations do not progress favorably.

The Pentagon is urging defense companies to accelerate weapons production due to pressure on U.S. munitions stockpiles from recent combat with Iran. In a memo dated August 5, 2023, Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg set a 21-day deadline for companies to propose faster delivery schedules and increased production capabilities. The memo highlights significant declines in stocks of key missile interceptors and outlines plans for expanding production of critical defense systems.

Archer Aviation announced the acquisition of three Boeing subsidiaries, including Insitu, to enter the defense drone market. This strategic move allows Archer to leverage Insitu's military drone capabilities, enhancing its position in both commercial and defense sectors. Boeing will retain a significant equity stake in Archer, indicating a continued partnership in aerospace innovation.