Analysis & Reports

The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is set for delivery to the U.S. Navy in March 2027, marking a significant delay since its first steel was cut in February 2011. The construction challenges stem from limited shipyard capacity in Newport News, Virginia, and a shortage of skilled labor. As a result, the U.S. Navy operates only ten aircraft carriers, below the required eleven, impacting operational readiness.

RIMPAC 2026 involved 38 countries and over 30,000 personnel testing logistics and advanced manufacturing capabilities in Hawaii. The U.S. Navy demonstrated the use of autonomous boats and 3D printers to address supply chain challenges. The exercise highlighted the importance of maintaining operational readiness despite long supply lines and equipment failures. Key technologies included deployable manufacturing cells and unmanned surface vessels for resupply operations.

Marcus ChenFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

Henry Kaiser’s shipyard in Vancouver, Washington, launched 50 escort aircraft carriers from 1943 to 1944, significantly enhancing U.S. naval capabilities during World War II. The USS Casablanca was commissioned in July 1943, marking the beginning of a rapid production cycle. These carriers played vital roles in various naval operations, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and were instrumental in the U.S. Navy's efforts against German U-boats.

Blue Water Autonomy and Saildrone filed lawsuits against the U.S. Navy after being excluded from the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel program. The companies allege that the Navy's evaluation process was flawed and request to be reinstated in the competition. The Navy has selected seven companies for at-sea testing of the MUSV prototypes, which are part of a broader procurement effort for unmanned vessels.

Canada announced an investment of 1.4 billion USD to build 190 new Armoured Combat Support Vehicles (ACSVs) in partnership with General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada. This initiative will increase the ACSV fleet from 360 to 550 and will support training rotations at Canadian Armed Forces bases. The partnership aims to strengthen Canada's defense capabilities and includes commitments to military aid for Ukraine.

The United States Space Force is experiencing a 25% personnel shortfall, having filled only 13,500 of the 18,000 positions needed for fiscal year 2025. This shortfall affects critical roles in cyber, intelligence, and support, jeopardizing mission readiness. The Government Accountability Office found that the Space Force lacks a consistent process to determine its personnel needs and is reliant on the Air Force for support roles, which are also under-resourced.

Canada is expected to officially join the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) as an observer on July 21 in London during the Farnborough International Airshow. This move aims to strengthen European defense ties while Canada assesses its long-term fighter jet options. As an observer, Canada will gain access to sensitive information and may contribute flight-simulation training technology, reflecting its strategic interest in closer defense partnerships with European nations.

Saronic announced plans to construct a new shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, starting later this year. The facility will cover 800 acres initially, with potential expansion to 4,000 acres, and aims to employ 10,000 workers over the next decade. It will focus on building both defense and commercial ships, including manned and unmanned vessels, with operations expected to begin in 2028.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $418.5 million contract to NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement Services for the dismantlement of the USS Enterprise in Mobile, Alabama, with completion expected by September 2030. This contract follows a previous award that was contested, resulting in a lower bid. The dismantlement will involve recycling materials and safely disposing of hazardous waste, serving as a model for future decommissioning of similar vessels.

CSG Group has officially begun construction of the Future Artillery Complex at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. This facility will produce up to 36,000 loaded 155mm artillery projectiles per month and is part of a U.S. Army modernization effort. The project is expected to create approximately 70 new jobs and be operational by 2029.

The U.S. Air Force has ordered an increase in the production of long-range missiles, raising the total to 16,450 units due to concerns over stockpile depletion. This includes the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), with production expected to begin in about 27 months. Lockheed Martin will exclusively manufacture these missiles, reflecting a significant push to rebuild missile inventories strained by recent military engagements.

Iran's military actions have led the U.S. to deplete its interceptor stockpiles, prompting concerns about a potential maritime quarantine by China against Taiwan. The U.S. Navy is facing challenges in maintaining readiness due to simultaneous conflicts and strategic commitments in the Gulf and Indo-Pacific regions. Taiwan's government is preparing for possible Chinese maritime actions, which could impact its energy and resource supplies.

CSG Group has officially launched the construction of the Future Artillery Complex at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. This facility will produce up to 36,000 loaded 155mm artillery projectiles per month and is part of a significant U.S. Army modernization effort. The project is expected to create approximately 70 new jobs and is scheduled to be operational by 2029.

The Pentagon is moving to buy thousands of affordable cruise missiles, reaching agreements with Anduril, CoAspire, and Zone 5 Technologies. The U.S. Air Force plans to purchase up to 8,000 missiles annually, with costs around $218,000 each. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027 as part of the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles program, which aims to enhance the U.S. arsenal with cost-effective options.

The Pentagon is moving to buy thousands of affordable cruise missiles, reaching agreements with Anduril, CoAspire, and Zone 5 Technologies. The U.S. Air Force plans to purchase up to 8,000 missiles annually, with costs around $218,000 each, significantly lower than previous models. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027 as part of the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles program.

The U.S. military is experiencing a critical shortage of artillery shells, with only 600,000 remaining for the Army and Marine Corps. This shortage follows the provision of over 3 million rounds to Ukraine and is exacerbated by production issues at the Mesquite, Texas facility, which has not produced a key component for two years. The Army's goal of 100,000 rounds per month by October 2025 is currently unattainable due to systemic failures in the defense industrial base.

The U.S. Army has partnered with Auriga Space to test an electromagnetic weapon system in California. This three-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) aims to explore the potential of electromagnetic accelerators as a cost-effective alternative to conventional missile interceptors. The system, named Hermes, is designed for rapid engagement against drone swarms, addressing current supply chain challenges in interceptor production.

The Space Development Agency (SDA) is resuming the launch of 21 Tranche 1 Transport Layer satellites on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in Washington on Thursday. This follows a strategic pause to address technical issues with previously launched satellites. The SDA aims to establish a constellation of 158 satellites to enhance military satellite capabilities, despite facing challenges with software, hardware, and regulatory approvals.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is undergoing a planned incremental availability (PIA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia, which will last 18 months due to extensive fire damage and sewage system failures. Approximately 4000 workers will conduct necessary repairs, including inspections and maintenance of various systems. This downtime is significant for the U.S. Navy's operational readiness during a critical period.

The U.S. Navy is struggling with its new warship programs, including the Littoral Combat Ship, Zumwalt destroyer, and Constellation frigate, all of which have failed to meet expectations. The Government Accountability Office has identified ongoing issues with the Navy's shipbuilding practices, indicating that new programs are likely to repeat past mistakes. Meanwhile, China's naval expansion continues to pose a significant challenge to U.S. maritime capabilities.