Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army is integrating veterinarians into combat care in Honolulu, Hawaii, to enhance medical capabilities during large-scale operations. The 18th Theater Medical Command showcased their training methods, including the use of a canine model for veterinary training and the Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distribution Observation Kit (BATDOK) system for streamlined care. This initiative aims to improve survivability and preserve combat manpower by training veterinarians and human medics together.

On the 25th, U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against Iranian missile launch sites and minesweeping vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in response to Iranian actions. The strikes resulted in casualties among the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran claimed to have downed a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone during the conflict. Despite the tensions, both sides have shown restraint, and the situation has not escalated further.

The USS Nimitz (CVN 68) has been deployed to the Caribbean as part of a U.S. Navy pressure campaign against Cuba, extending its service life due to delays in new carrier construction. This deployment coincides with heightened political tensions in Cuba, including an indictment of former president Raúl Castro. The U.S. Navy aims to maintain military readiness and presence in the region amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.

The U.S. Army has received its first batch of new, lightweight Javelin launchers, enhancing its capabilities. The Lightweight Command Launch Unit is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than older models, with improved target detection range. RTX announced plans to ramp up production and has invested $22 million to upgrade its facilities. This development follows the U.S. Army's historical use of Javelins in previous conflicts.

Turkish defense firms, including Roketsan and MKE, are experiencing heightened interest from Gulf states in air defense systems following Iranian attacks. Roketsan reported requests for its Cirit missiles and Alka directed energy weapon system, while MKE noted a fivefold increase in demand for its Tolga platform. Both companies are willing to engage in technology transfer to support local production in the Gulf region.

The Pentagon announced the promotion of 22 Navy officers to rear admiral, with no women included, highlighting ongoing barriers to women's advancement in the military. This continues a trend where women have not been promoted to flag officer ranks over the past year. Currently, only 6% of admirals in the Navy are women, despite women making up 15% of active duty Navy captains. The report emphasizes systemic issues affecting women's representation in senior military roles.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is becoming operational in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea after years of debugging its advanced systems, including the EMALS and AAG, which have faced reliability issues. The carrier's crew size was reduced by 500-700 sailors, leading to increased software vulnerabilities. Despite these challenges, the Ford-class is expected to serve as a competent supercarrier for decades.

The Dutch Navy's HNLMS De Ruyter conducted a presence mission near the Paracel Islands on May 27, prompting a response from China that included electronic jamming and naval forces to drive the frigate away. The incident underscores the challenges European navies face in the South China Sea, where China's military capabilities dominate the region.

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Cuba's air defense capabilities are assessed as inadequate against modern U.S. military threats, particularly from stealth aircraft like the F-35 and F-22. The Cuban Air Defense Network, reliant on outdated Soviet systems, faces challenges due to aging equipment and insufficient training. In a potential conflict, the U.S. military is expected to achieve air superiority quickly, complicating Cuba's defense efforts. Despite some modernization attempts, Cuba's economic struggles hinder its military readiness.

Experts from the RAND Corporation and Teal Group discussed the future of loyal wingman drones and manned-unmanned teaming. The panel highlighted industrial base issues and how various nations are approaching drone technology. This discussion is part of a series on the integration of drones in combat operations.

Mining companies are increasingly seeking U.S. listings to meet defense-related demand for critical minerals, with at least 18 firms pursuing this in 2025. Guardian Metal Resources aims to supply tungsten for U.S. military needs, while United States Antimony has secured a $245 million defense contract. The U.S. government is actively involved in funding and supporting these initiatives to reduce reliance on foreign sources, particularly from China.

The U.S. Air Force conducted airstrikes on Iran's Fordow uranium enrichment facility using 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs on June 22, 2025. In response, Iran has begun excavating new facilities deeper than the Fordow site. DARPA is exploring advanced technologies to improve bunker-busting capabilities, addressing the limitations of current penetrator designs.

Israeli forces moved beyond the Yellow Line into southern Lebanon on May 26, 2023, in response to drone attacks from Hezbollah. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes on over 100 Hezbollah targets, resulting in significant casualties. This shift indicates a change in military strategy as Israel adapts to the threat posed by Hezbollah's drone capabilities, which challenge traditional military boundaries.

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Ukrainian forces are increasing pressure on Russian troops in the Donetsk region, with Brigadier General Andriy Biletsky predicting a critical turning point in the war within the next six months. He stated that Russia's army is exhausted and unable to make significant advances, while Ukraine aims to capitalize on recent territorial gains. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing military operations and strategic assessments of both sides' capabilities.

The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army responded to the Dutch Navy frigate 'De Ruyter' illegally entering Chinese airspace over the Xisha Islands on the 27th. The Chinese military issued voice warnings and employed electronic countermeasures against the Dutch actions, which were deemed provocative and a violation of international law. Military experts emphasized the necessity and legality of the Chinese response, highlighting ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.

The U.S. Army is procuring over 100 high-altitude balloon systems for surveillance and communications in Hawaii by 2026. This initiative follows the Chinese balloon incident in 2023 and aims to enhance maritime awareness in the Indo-Pacific region. The systems will include advanced sensors and communication technologies to support military operations.

Canada is negotiating with Saab for the procurement of approximately six GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Mark Carney at CANSEC, with Saab confirmed as the preferred supplier. The program aims to enhance the Royal Canadian Air Force's surveillance capabilities, particularly in remote areas like the Arctic.

Canada has selected Saab as the preferred supplier for its future AEW&C capability, initiating discussions and negotiations. This decision was announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney at CANSEC, Canada’s largest defense trade show. Saab will provide the GlobalEye system, which enhances monitoring capabilities for the Royal Canadian Air Force, and aims to invest in Canadian defense industry development.

On May 26, 2023, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City killed Hamas military leader Muhammad Awda, his wife, and two sons, along with three others. The strike was part of ongoing military operations by the Israeli Defense Forces, which have resulted in significant casualties among Palestinians since the ceasefire in October 2025.

American Rheinmetall and Harbinger formed a partnership to develop robotic and uncrewed ground vehicles for the U.S. Department of War. The collaboration focuses on enhancing military capabilities through affordable and scalable robotic solutions, with initial efforts in autonomous tactical vehicles and logistics. Both companies are committed to U.S. manufacturing and expect to begin joint demonstrations in Summer 2023.