Analysis & Reports

Benjamin Franklin transitioned from a loyal British subject to a revolutionary leader in the American colonies. He was born in 1706 in Boston and became a prominent civic leader in Philadelphia, founding institutions like the first lending library and fire department. His disillusionment with British rule, particularly after the Hutchinson Letters affair in 1774, prepared him for leadership in the upcoming revolution.

The World Defense Show is currently taking place in Saudi Arabia, with the Breaking Defense team engaging with industry executives on the second day of the event. The show focuses on defense and military topics, highlighting the latest developments in the industry.

Leidos emphasizes the critical need for enterprise IT modernization in defense organizations to enhance mission readiness. The discussion highlights challenges such as resistance to change and the importance of integrating human-centered design to improve cybersecurity. The report advocates for a strategic approach to modernization that balances immediate budget constraints with long-term mission success.

The Pentagon is conducting an extended review of defense contractors in Washington, D.C., to assess compliance with performance expectations and investment in production capacity. This review follows an executive order from President Trump that restricts stock buybacks and dividends for underperforming contractors. RTX has been identified as the least responsive contractor and is now ramping up production of key munitions, including the Tomahawk cruise missile and AMRAAM air-to-air missile.

The 'End Veterans Overdose Act' was introduced on February 2, 2024, allowing U.S. veterans to access naloxone without a prescription. This bipartisan bill aims to improve access to overdose reversal medications for veterans and their caregivers, addressing the opioid crisis impacting this population. The legislation is supported by statements from Senators and veterans' organizations, emphasizing the need for timely access to life-saving treatments.

Army civilian employees worked during the government shutdown on February 2-3, 2026, despite being classified as non-excepted. They were later instructed to misreport their time cards as furloughed. The shutdown concluded when President Trump signed a spending bill on February 3, 2026, allowing employees to return to normal duties. The actions taken by IMCOM officials raised concerns about compliance with the Anti-Deficiency Act.

The New START treaty between the U.S. and Russia expired on February 5, 2023, without renewal, raising concerns about a potential renewed nuclear arms race. This treaty was a crucial arms control agreement that facilitated mutual inspections and data exchanges on nuclear arsenals. The expiration has heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

On February 6, 2023, the U.S. government announced a major shift in its arms sales strategy, prioritizing sales to allies based on their defense spending and strategic importance. This new approach aims to enhance the U.S. defense industrial base and increase profits for military contractors, while encouraging allies to boost their military budgets. The U.S. will focus on selling aircraft, missiles, and artillery, but will not provide its most advanced weapons to maintain a technological advantage.

Canada is re-evaluating its commitment to the F-35 fighter jets and considering the acquisition of Saab's JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets due to strategic, tactical, and financial factors. The Royal Canadian Air Force is assessing the implications of a mixed fleet on its operational capabilities and sovereignty. Saab's proposal includes a domestic production hub, promising job creation and faster delivery timelines, while concerns about the F-35's operational costs and mission-capable rate persist.

As of February 2026, the UK-Italy-Japan GCAP program is advancing towards a 2035 service date, while the FCAS project between France and Germany is stalled due to disputes. European nations are weighing their options between continued F-35 purchases and investing in autonomous fighter programs to enhance their defense capabilities.

The U.S. Department of Defense is overhauling its cyber training and force generation in response to adversary nations' use of artificial intelligence. This initiative, known as the Cyber Command 2.0 plan, aims to enhance the training and readiness of cyber warriors, addressing past readiness concerns. The plan is comprehensive, involving a complete re-imagination of talent management and is supported by various military services. Implementation is expected to take several years, with immediate pilot programs being tested.

On February 7, 2025, U.S. officials engaged with the Malian junta in Bamako, marking a shift in U.S. policy after years of military cooperation suspension. The U.S. aims to address security threats, particularly from jihadist groups, while navigating the presence of Russian mercenaries in the region. Recent attacks have resulted in significant casualties among Nigerien soldiers, highlighting the ongoing instability in the Sahel.

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The United Arab Emirates announced it will not permit military operations against Iran from its territory, marking a strategic shift in the Gulf. This decision coincided with the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln on January 26, 2023. The UAE's stance reflects its desire to maintain independence in foreign policy, especially amid rising tensions with Iran, which has threatened retaliation against US interests in the region.

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Germany plans to increase its defense budget to 83 billion euros by 2026, while a simulation suggests that Russia could dominate the Baltic states with just 15,000 soldiers if NATO hesitates. The E6 format, initiated by Germany and France, aims to enhance defense cooperation among major EU economies but may not resolve deeper strategic issues. The report highlights a leadership problem in European defense, indicating that increased spending alone will not ensure security.

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The CIA is overhauling its acquisition process to expedite the procurement of new technology, introducing a vendor-vetting system and streamlining IT authorization. This initiative, led by procurement chief Efstathia Fragogiannis, aims to address slow government procurement timelines and enhance the agency's access to innovative technologies. CIA Director John Ratcliffe highlighted the importance of modernization to meet evolving national security challenges.

Experts warn that relocating 9,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam and other locations would undermine U.S. military readiness against potential Chinese aggression. The III Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Okinawa, plays a crucial role in countering threats in the Indo-Pacific region. The current agreement to relocate forces remains in effect, despite concerns from military leaders about its implications for national security.

The U.S. State Department approved a potential Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement to Ukraine, involving spare parts and related equipment valued at $185 million. This decision reflects ongoing military support for Ukraine amid its conflict. The specific items included in the sale are classified as Class IX spare parts.

The Pentagon is launching an AI-augmented database for patents to improve access to defense technologies and foster public-private partnerships. An alpha version is expected to be operational by the end of the year, with a 'patent holiday' allowing industry to use selected patents without fees for two years. This initiative aims to enhance technology transfer and create dual-use products for both military and commercial markets.

The Mitchell Institute report calls for a significant increase in the U.S. Air Force's stealth fleet, recommending 200 B-21 Raiders and 300 F-47s to enhance combat capacity against the People's Liberation Army. It highlights the inadequacy of current force levels to sustain pressure in potential conflicts, particularly regarding the defense of Taiwan. The report emphasizes the need for modernization to deny enemy sanctuaries and maintain operational effectiveness in the Asia-Pacific region.

General James Mattis, during the early stages of the Iraq War, emphasized the duality of peace and aggression in his leadership approach, famously stating, 'I come in peace. I didn’t bring artillery. But I’m pleading with you, with tears in my eyes.' His career reflects a blend of lethal aggression and deep philosophical reflection, marking him as a significant figure in U.S. military history.