Analysis & Reports

The Rim of the Pacific military exercise concluded on July 31, 2023, at Pearl Harbor, involving 30,000 personnel from 30 countries. The exercise tested new weapons and logistics systems, highlighting U.S. naval power with the Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier at its core. Concerns about U.S. reliability in military commitments were raised amid troop withdrawals from Asia, prompting allies to increase military spending.

The U.S. has signed a deal with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to increase production of missile parts as Patriot interceptor stocks have fallen to under 1,000. This shortage is impacting military planning, particularly regarding potential actions in Iran and support for Ukraine. The U.S. has also expended a significant portion of its Tomahawk cruise missile stock since the onset of the conflict in Iran, with replenishment expected to take several years.

Rheinmetall unveiled the GMF 140 guided-missile frigate, designed for various military operations, intended for procurement in North America. The frigate features advanced capabilities including hypersonic weapons and the AEGIS Combat System. While targeting global markets, Rheinmetall aims to offer this frigate first in North America, although the specific country for procurement remains undisclosed.

Senate appropriators unveiled a bipartisan continuing resolution to fund the government until Dec. 11, 2023, rejecting a $1 billion request for the Trump-class battleship program. The Senate bill denied funding for key munitions programs, impacting military readiness, and included anomalies for housing and food programs. The House passed its version of the CR on July 21, 2023, and both bills must be reconciled.

Denmark initiated extended military conscription with 1,600 recruits starting an 11-month service period. The country plans to include women in conscription in 2024 and aims to increase annual conscript numbers to 7,500 by 2033. Conscripts will be deployed to Greenland for operational tasks, marking a significant shift in Denmark's military readiness in response to Arctic security pressures and the war in Ukraine.

ARAS Corporation released an E-book detailing methods to enhance efficiency in defense enterprises, highlighting practices adopted by organizations in Germany, Sweden, the UK, and the US. The report emphasizes the importance of these solutions for Life Cycle Management within a NATO context. A conference on this topic is scheduled for January 2027 in Brussels.

The U.S. Navy proposed a medium aircraft carrier design in 1978, displacing 62,500 tons and intended to carry 55 to 65 aircraft. However, Congress opted to fund a nuclear carrier instead, citing cost and technological uncertainties. The decision was influenced by the high-low fleet debate, which aimed to increase the number of carriers while reducing individual costs. Ultimately, the CVV design was never realized, and the U.S. Navy continued with the Nimitz-class carriers.

On April 18, 1949, the U.S. Navy's USS United States (CVA-58) was canceled by Defense Secretary Louis Johnson just five days after construction began in Newport News, Virginia. This decision led to significant unrest among naval leadership, known as the 'Revolt of the Admirals,' as it impacted the Navy's strategic role in atomic warfare. The cancellation was influenced by budgetary constraints and interservice rivalry with the Air Force.

U.S. forces have depleted 65% of their Patriot interceptor inventory during the conflict with Iran, leaving fewer than 1,000 interceptors available. The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $58.6 billion contract to produce PAC-3 MSE interceptors through fiscal 2032. This depletion poses significant challenges for NATO and Ukraine, which rely on U.S. air defense systems amid rising threats from Russia and Iran.

Alexandra ReevesSun Aug 02 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force delivered 191 F-35s in 2025, while China is ramping up production of the J-20 stealth fighter. The F-35 is designed as a multirole strike fighter with advanced sensor fusion, while the J-20 focuses on long-range air superiority. Both aircraft feature stealth technology, but their operational roles and capabilities differ significantly.

The Northrop F-20 Tigershark program was canceled after failing to secure any orders despite its impressive capabilities, including Mach 2 speed and a weapons capacity exceeding 9,000 pounds. The program, which began in 1982, faced challenges from the F-16's market dominance and suffered from two fatal crashes during demonstrations. Ultimately, the lack of a U.S. launch customer and changing export policies led to its demise in December 1986.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Blue Origin an $11.7 million contract modification to explore the feasibility of using rockets for military cargo delivery. This initiative aims to enable rapid logistics capabilities, allowing military supplies to be delivered globally within an hour. The contract, managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory, is expected to run through October 29, 2027, and reflects a growing investment in innovative military logistics solutions.

In 2022, the U.S. Navy sold the retired aircraft carriers USS Kitty Hawk and USS John F. Kennedy for one cent each, reflecting the high costs associated with dismantling such vessels. The ships were towed to Brownsville, Texas, where they were methodically dismantled for scrap. This sale illustrates the transition from conventionally powered supercarriers to modern naval warfare, emphasizing the logistical challenges of military asset disposal.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is launching a clinical trial to test semaglutide for treating alcohol use disorder among over 600 veterans. The trial will last 24 weeks, with participants receiving weekly injections of either semaglutide or a placebo. The study aims to monitor changes in drinking habits and overall health, concluding in spring 2027.

The Space Force has initiated a $981 million contract pool involving 15 vendors to enhance training capabilities over the next five years. This effort aims to address significant gaps in instructors, facilities, and simulators necessary for key mission areas. The initiative is part of the National Space Test and Training Complex (NSTTC) and reflects growing concerns among senior officials regarding the adequacy of training resources as the force expands.

Public support for the U.S. war in Iran has dropped to one in three Americans, with 18 U.S. soldiers reported dead since the conflict began on February 28, 2023. A recent poll indicates that 69% of respondents feel President Trump has not clearly articulated the military's objectives. The war has also led to rising gasoline prices, impacting American finances and political dynamics ahead of the midterm elections.

The U.S. Air Force plans to extend the operational life of the A-10 Thunderbolt II fleet through 2030, with a phased retirement schedule that includes retiring 49 aircraft in fiscal 2027 and the final 36 by 2030. This decision follows recent combat use of the A-10, which demonstrated its ongoing battlefield value. Congress is also considering a bill to further extend the A-10's service until 2033, requiring the Air Force to maintain operational capabilities for the fleet.

The U.S. Air Force's F-22 Raptor fleet's mission-capable rate has dropped to 40.19 percent in fiscal 2024, prompting concerns over readiness. The Air Force has 184 F-22s, including 32 older Block 20 models that Congress has blocked from retirement. Upgrading these Block 20s is projected to cost at least $3.3 billion and take about 15 years, complicating the Air Force's operational capabilities amid increasing global demands.

The U.S. Navy is set to change its physical training (PT) uniform by 2027, transitioning to navy blue-on-blue shorts and shirts with gold logos, based on sailor feedback. This new uniform aims to be more modern and functional, enhancing morale during physical training. Additionally, the Navy is reviewing its issued boots and the number of dress uniforms to streamline options for personnel.

Canada is debating the completion of its planned purchase of 88 F-35A Lightning II warplanes amid rising costs and political tensions with the U.S. The Canadian Air Force faces challenges with its aging F-18 fleet, and the government is also considering the Saab JAS-39 Gripen-E as an alternative. Despite these issues, Canada has already committed funding for some F-35s and long-lead components, indicating a likelihood of proceeding with the purchase.