Analysis & Reports

U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) is reevaluating its exercise schedule to preserve readiness amid increased global commitments, particularly in the Middle East. Gen. Kevin Schneider highlighted the need to manage risks and prioritize exercises that enhance readiness. The U.S. has also requested significant supplemental funding to support ongoing military operations, including the conflict in Iran.

Ukrainian forces struck the Iranian vessel Anna in the Caspian Sea on 27-28 July 2023, targeting a supply route for drones between Russia and Iran. This operation is part of Ukraine's broader strategy to disrupt Russian logistics and military supply chains. Iranian officials reported casualties among the crew, indicating the strike's impact on the ongoing military cooperation between Russia and Iran.

Dmitri VolkovTue Jul 28 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy's modernization of Ticonderoga-class cruisers faced significant challenges, with only three of eleven ships completing the process by July 2026. The Navy spent $3.7 billion, but four cruisers were retired before returning to service, resulting in a loss of missile capacity. The program experienced delays and cost overruns, prompting the Navy to apply lessons learned to future destroyer upgrades.

Pratt & Whitney was awarded a $54 million contract to perform engineering work on the F135 engine, which powers the F-35 Lightning II. The contract, part of a broader agreement with the U.S. Navy, aims to address ongoing technical issues and improve operational readiness. Work will be conducted at multiple locations, with the majority in East Hartford, Connecticut, and is expected to conclude by December 2028.

General Dynamics-OTS Inc. was awarded a $33.9 million contract to produce low collateral bomb cases in Lincoln, Nebraska. This contract aims to enhance precision in military operations by minimizing civilian casualties. The Army will issue task orders to determine the specifics of the work, which is expected to be completed by July 26, 2029.

The U.S. Air Force is developing next-generation engine prototypes for potential integration into aircraft by 2030, with testing from GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney underway in Dayton. The program, known as Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP), is budgeted to peak at nearly $906 million in FY28. While the F-47 may utilize this new engine, no final decisions have been made regarding its application.

The U.S. Navy is set to retire the USS Georgia on July 31, 2026, along with other Ohio-class submarines, which will significantly reduce its Tomahawk missile deployment capacity. Each submarine can carry 154 Tomahawk missiles, totaling 616 across the fleet. The Navy plans to enhance its capabilities with the Virginia Payload Module, but current production rates and delays hinder immediate replacements.

The U.S. Navy is budgeting $50 million to $100 million for the retirement of four nuclear submarines in Fiscal Year 2027. This process includes the removal of weapons, deactivation of systems, and safe disposal of spent nuclear fuel. The submarines will undergo a controlled industrial process at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard before the reactor compartments are sealed and transported to Hanford Site for long-term disposal.

Canada joined the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) as an observer on July 21, 2023, allowing access to fighter development without financial commitment. This strategic move aims to reduce reliance on American defense suppliers while exploring future participation in the program. The GCAP is expected to produce a sixth-generation fighter by 2035, aligning with Canada's defense diversification strategy.

The U.S. Navy operates 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, while France has the Charles de Gaulle and Russia is restoring the Admiral Nakhimov. The report highlights the strategic decisions behind the limited use of nuclear propulsion in surface warships, emphasizing the logistical challenges and costs associated with nuclear-powered vessels compared to conventional ones. The U.S. Navy's historical experience with nuclear cruisers illustrates the complexities of integrating nuclear power into surface fleets.

The U.S. Army awarded contracts to GM Defense, Ford, and BC Customs to develop nine ISV-Heavy prototypes, with delivery expected by March 30, 2027. This initiative aims to enhance battlefield capabilities and address a critical power supply gap. The prototypes will undergo operational assessments and limited testing by the Army Test and Evaluation Command.

The US Coast Guard is seeking technology solutions to defeat unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to enhance port security. The request highlights the inadequacy of current technologies for mitigation and emphasizes the need for commercially available systems by August 7, 2024. This initiative comes amid rising threats from UUVs, necessitating effective detection and defeat capabilities.

The U.S. Department of Defense is developing affordable long-range strike weapons, known as Ground-Based Affordable Mass (GBAM), with a demonstration planned within three months and full production in 18 months. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on costly munitions and enhance operational capabilities. The Pentagon has allocated up to $250 million for this project, seeking companies capable of mass production.

USS Nimitz is scheduled for inactivation and dismantling at Naval Station Norfolk in March 2027, with an estimated cost of $562 million for the initial phase. The process involves removing equipment and managing nuclear reactors, which will take several years to complete. The carrier, which is 1,092 feet long and displaces about 100,000 tons, has nearly 3,000 sailors aboard and is part of the U.S. Navy's 3rd Fleet operations.

Target Arm Inc. integrated its drone launch and recovery system with HDT Global's unmanned ground vehicles on July 27, 2026, in the United States. This technology enables drones to launch and recover from moving vehicles without the need for human operators, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing risks. The system is applicable in military logistics, public safety, and other sectors, demonstrating a significant advancement in autonomous operations.

L3Harris has signed a framework agreement with the Pentagon to significantly increase the production of solid rocket motors for PAC-3 missiles and THAAD interceptors over the next seven years. This initiative aims to enhance U.S. weapons production capabilities in response to ongoing global conflicts. The company plans to nearly triple production for PAC-3 components and quadruple it for THAAD systems, with substantial investments expected from the Pentagon to support this ramp-up.

The U.S. Navy reinstated flu vaccine requirements for deploying sailors and new service members, effective immediately. This policy mandates flu shots for active duty sailors, trainees in officer accession programs, and certain civilian employees. Units must ensure compliance by January 15, following a previous optional policy that was reversed due to health concerns.

CAE expressed hopes that Canada's new observer status in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) will lead to new opportunities for the aerospace industry. The Italian Ministry of Defense clarified that this status does not currently provide Canada with an industrial role. CAE highlighted the necessity of proper training and servicing for military platforms to ensure mission readiness.

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict hosted the first Accelerator Event in Washington, where industry members pitched solutions to special operations challenges. The event aimed to expedite the acquisition process and foster collaboration with industry, featuring 15 selected capabilities from approximately 700 proposals. On-the-spot contract awards were offered to successful participants, marking a significant shift in defense procurement practices.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $70 million contract to CoAspire for the development of a new cruise missile under the Coalition Heterogeneous Affordable Offensive Strike (CHAOS) program. This initiative aims to enhance the Navy's precision strike capabilities and diversify its defense industrial base by incorporating new entrants into the market. CoAspire plans to leverage 3D printing technology to produce affordable missiles more rapidly than traditional methods.