Analysis & Reports

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.

The U.S. military is ending the practice of using live animals for medic training, opting for advanced simulation technology instead. This decision is part of the annual defense bill and aims to reduce animal suffering while maintaining effective training for medics. The change has been supported by animal rights advocates and reflects a broader shift towards humane training methods.

The Pentagon is preparing to enforce a ban on companies with indirect ties to Chinese military firms, aiming to eliminate such entities from defense supply chains. This ban will take effect in stages, starting with direct contracts in June 2026 and extending to indirect contracts by June 2027. The Pentagon plans to assist contractors in identifying risks associated with subcontractors' affiliations.

The report outlines significant changes in defense policy and features opinion pieces that will influence discussions in the defense sector going into 2026.

On November 26, extremist militias launched drones and rockets at the Khor Mor gas field in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, threatening the democratic values of the Kurdish people. The U.S. has supported Kurdistan with significant investments and military cooperation, and there is a call for further action to protect against these extremist attacks.

The U.S. Marine Corps is implementing a gender-neutral Physical Fitness Test for combat roles, aiming to establish equal standards for all personnel.

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has qualified 1,086 additional companies for its SHIELD program, aimed at developing advanced missile defense technology. This announcement more than doubles the original pool of firms and is part of a contract with a ceiling of $151 billion, expected to last until December 2035.