Analysis & Reports

The USS Enterprise is undergoing a lengthy decommissioning and dismantling process that began after its decommissioning in February 2017. The U.S. Navy has spent approximately $1.43 billion on inactivation, storage, and dismantling, which is expected to be completed by September 2030. The dismantling involves complex logistical challenges due to the ship's nuclear reactors and hazardous materials.

Nearly all soldiers in the U.S. Army have completed the Neurocognitive Assessment Tool to track cognitive health and the effects of explosive blasts. The assessment, which establishes a cognitive baseline, is required every three years for active-duty soldiers and annually for those in high-risk fields. This initiative aims to monitor brain health and support recovery from traumatic brain injuries.

Saudi Arabia increased oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz to 13.1 million barrels per day as of February 2026, despite challenges from Houthi control over key chokepoints. The Bab el-Mandeb saw a decline in oil exports to 2.53 million barrels per day. Saudi Arabia is redirecting tankers to the Indian Ocean to meet Chinese orders, indicating a shift in strategy amid ongoing regional tensions.

Saronic broke ground on its new shipyard, Port Alpha, in Brownsville, Texas, aiming to produce Landing Craft Utility vessels for the U.S. Navy. The facility will initially cover 800 acres, with plans to expand to 4,000 acres, and is expected to create 10,000 jobs. Saronic has invested $300 million in infrastructure to support the production of military vessels, including autonomous and manned ships.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.38 billion contract for the production of 22 F-15EX Eagle II aircraft, utilizing funds from the 2026 budget. This contract, part of Lot 7, addresses production disruptions and inflation in the defense sector. Boeing is now contracted for a total of 120 aircraft, aimed at modernizing the Air Force's fighter fleet.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.38 billion contract for the production of 22 F-15EX Eagle II aircraft. This contract is part of Lot 7, which addresses production disruptions and inflation, and is funded through the 2026 budget. Boeing is now contracted to produce a total of 120 aircraft, aimed at modernizing the Air Force's fighter fleet.

NASA is working to restore an SR-71 Blackbird at Edwards Air Force Base by assembling a team of former personnel to address maintenance issues. The project faces significant challenges due to the aircraft's age and the loss of expertise in maintaining such complex systems. This effort reflects a broader trend of restoring older military equipment, similar to past attempts with the Iowa-class battleships.

U.S. Marines conducted Operation Atlantic City on Jan Mayen, Norway, from August 26 to September 4, 2025, in collaboration with Norwegian and British troops. The exercise tested their ability to operate in harsh Arctic conditions and defend key maritime terrain. It involved the rapid insertion of military assets and focused on developing advanced basing capabilities and integrated multinational operations.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.4 billion contract for 22 F-15EX fighter jets in Washington. This contract is part of a reconciliation funding process and aims to modernize the Air Force's fleet. Boeing plans to ramp up production to two jets per month, despite previous delays affecting the program's timeline.

The U.S. Navy announced the procurement of 30 Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels (MUSVs) on September 29, 2026, as part of a $1.2 billion investment to enhance maritime presence in the Western Pacific. The vessels are scheduled for delivery before the end of FY2027 following successful Phase I at-sea testing. However, operational details regarding their capabilities and integration into naval operations remain unspecified, raising concerns about their effectiveness in contested environments.

Marcus ChenWed Sep 30 2026Loading...

Avio USA has broken ground on a solid rocket motor plant in Hurt, Virginia. This facility marks Avio USA's first manufacturing site in the United States, indicating a significant investment in the local defense industry.

The USS Harry S. Truman is set to undergo a $5.1 billion mid-life overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, which will include refueling its reactors and extensive modernization of its systems. This overhaul is expected to be completed by November 2031 and is part of the carrier's preparation for the second half of its service life. The carrier recently completed a significant deployment that included historical combat operations.

The U.S. Navy announced plans to procure 30 Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels (MUSVs) following successful Phase I at-sea testing on September 29, 2026. The procurement involves agreements with Galliano Marine Services, HII, and Saronic Technologies, with an average cost of $40 million per vessel. The first deliveries are expected before the end of Fiscal Year 2027, enhancing the Navy's capabilities to counter evolving threats.

Ukraine is implementing a strategy to replace soldiers with 25,000 unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) on the battlefield, focusing on logistics and combat roles. Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced this initiative during a speech in Lviv on September 26, 2026, aiming for significant battlefield results within six months. The UGVs will handle tasks such as resupplying and evacuating soldiers, reducing the risk to human personnel.

Alexandra ReevesWed Sep 30 2026Loading...

The USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) is undergoing a refueling and complex overhaul at Newport News, scheduled for completion in October, 14 months behind schedule. This extensive process involves significant logistical challenges, including the replacement of nuclear fuel and major structural repairs, taking 3-5 years to complete. The complexity of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers necessitates careful planning and execution to ensure operational readiness.

Sweden is deploying JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to Poland starting in October 2025 to support NATO's air defense mission. The jets will protect a logistics hub in southeastern Poland that facilitates military and civilian aid to Ukraine. This deployment underscores Sweden's commitment to NATO and regional security amid ongoing threats.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking a missile warning system for the F-15EX Eagle II, posting a sources sought notice on September 29, 2023, to identify operationally qualified systems for rapid integration. Responses are due by November 12, 2023. The new system must effectively warn crews of missile threats while minimizing false alarms and should utilize existing sensor locations on the aircraft.

M-Fly raised a new funding round on September 30, 2026, to expand production of military drone components in Kyiv, Ukraine, driven by increased demand from Ukrainian and NATO customers. The company specializes in stabilized cameras and laser guidance systems, having tested its products in combat. The funding will be used to enhance production facilities and accelerate product adaptation.

The U.S. Marine Corps has increased funding for the development of the Viceroy Seaglider, an electric craft designed for military logistics. The partnership with REGENT Craft now totals $19.25 million, focusing on testing the prototype's capabilities and command-and-control integration. The Seaglider can operate at speeds of up to 290 km/h and is intended to facilitate troop and equipment movement without reliance on traditional airfields or ports.

The UAE government has regularly utilized Aviacon Zitotrans, a sanctioned Russian airline, for military-linked operations in Africa since mid-2025. This includes over 100 missions supporting the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan's civil war, with flights often departing from UAE military bases. The airline is also involved in delivering weapons for the Russian government, indicating a complex relationship between the UAE and Russia in regional conflicts.