Analysis & Reports

Maj. Gen. Jonas Wikman, commander of the Swedish Air Force, discusses the modernization of the Air Force, the development of next-gen fighter capabilities, and the increasing defense budget. He highlights the Gripen fighter jets' role, particularly in electronic warfare and countering drone threats, while identifying Russia as the primary security threat. Sweden aims to enhance its NATO contributions and maintain operational readiness.

President Trump announced the construction of two 'Trump class' battleships, with plans to expand the fleet to 20-25. The new ships will feature advanced weapon systems and are part of a broader initiative to modernize the U.S. Navy's capabilities.

Military recruiting for fiscal 2026 is showing strong progress, with the Department of Defense meeting nearly 40% of its accession goals. All active-duty forces met their fiscal 2025 goals, and the National Defense Authorization Act has increased troop end strength by approximately 26,100 personnel.

President Trump announced the Navy's plan to develop a new class of battleships, termed 'Trump-class', as part of the 'Golden Fleet' initiative, aiming to build 20-25 ships with advanced weaponry, including nuclear capabilities. The first ship is expected to be procured by 2030.

The GAO report indicates that the U.S. military's funding for deterrence efforts in the Indo-Pacific lacks clear guidance and consistency, raising concerns about the alignment of resources with strategic goals.

US Cyber Command marked its 15th anniversary in May 2025, facing a prolonged period without a permanent leader following the firing of Gen. Timothy Haugh. Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd is anticipated to be nominated for the position. The command's network defense arm also celebrated its 10th anniversary and was elevated to a sub-unified command. Discussions are ongoing regarding the establishment of a standalone Cyber Force.

Tory Bruno has resigned as the president and CEO of United Launch Alliance, effective immediately, with John Elbon appointed as Interim CEO. Bruno led ULA since 2014 and oversaw the development of the Vulcan rocket. ULA is a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing.

The U.S. Coast Guard has clarified its policy on hate symbols, removing references that labeled them as 'potentially divisive.' This change follows a political hold on the nomination of Adm. Kevin Lunday as commandant, which has now been lifted. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the importance of accurately representing the Coast Guard's stance on hate symbols, reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy.

Starting January 2026, Airmen enrolled in enlisted professional military education will remain in the course regardless of their fitness test results. This change was confirmed by an Air Force official and will be implemented at the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education.

The Air Force is rethinking its approach to cyber resilience, focusing on network resilience and offensive operations as part of its strategy for future conflicts.

The Fort Hood OB-GYN abuse case has prompted an investigation that raises concerns regarding the chaperone policy in military healthcare.

EDGE Group, the UAE's defense conglomerate, announced new partnerships and ambitions for global expansion at the Dubai Airshow, including a satellite constellation.

US forces have successfully seized an oil tanker in the Caribbean, indicating a military operation related to maritime security.

US forces are returning to Ecuador for a short-term counter-drug mission.

The U.S. Army has decided to discontinue its Spiritual Fitness Guide after four months of use, indicating a shift in policy.

The Pentagon has failed its audit for the eighth consecutive time, raising concerns about financial management within the Department of Defense.

The Missile Defense Agency has awarded contracts to an additional 1,086 defense companies for the Golden Dome initiative, doubling the number of firms competing for up to $151 billion in missile defense technology contracts. This initiative aims to enhance missile defense capabilities, including space-based interceptors, and is expected to take a decade to complete.

The US Air Force has selected nine companies for contracts in the second round of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, focusing on developing drone wingmen to operate alongside manned aircraft. This phase, known as 'Concept Refinement', will evaluate various designs for future prototyping. The Air Force is also collaborating with the Navy and Marine Corps to ensure interoperability among services.

The Pentagon has failed its financial audit for the eighth consecutive year, revealing ongoing systemic challenges in accounting for its assets. The Department of Defense has not passed any audits since annual reviews were mandated in 2018, and auditors identified numerous weaknesses in financial reporting. The Pentagon reported significant assets and liabilities and aims to resolve critical issues by 2028.

President Trump has nominated Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Frank Donovan to lead US Southern Command, overseeing operations in the Caribbean, including strikes on drug smuggling boats. Donovan will replace Adm. Alvin Holsey, who retired recently.