Analysis & Reports

Lockheed Martin proposed an upgraded F-35 fighter jet, the 'Ferrari' F-35, which integrates sixth-generation technology. This proposal comes as the U.S. Air Force is already funding a new sixth-generation fighter and modernizing the F-22. The F-35's current Block 4 upgrade is significantly over budget and delayed, raising concerns about the feasibility of additional upgrades. The overall F-35 program is projected to exceed $2 trillion in costs.

The U.S. Army has implemented new body composition standards requiring soldiers to maintain a waist-to-height ratio of less than 0.55, effective immediately. Soldiers will undergo assessments over the next 180 days before any separation for failing to meet these standards. The Marine Corps has set a stricter ratio of 0.52, while the Navy and Air Force adhere to the 0.55 standard. This change aims to ensure soldiers' health and fitness for combat.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is implementing the America First Arms Transfer Strategy (AFATS) to increase foreign defense sales of American-made defense articles. This strategy, initiated in February 2026, aims to streamline advocacy efforts and enhance support for U.S. defense companies in securing international contracts. The U.S. has already achieved significant success, with 176 contracts worth $318 billion since the strategy's inception, reflecting a strong commitment to maintaining its role as a leading defense supplier.

Canada announced the selection of TKMS as the preferred supplier for its largest defense procurement project, the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, on July 6. The project involves the purchase of up to 12 new submarines to replace the aging Victoria-class submarines, with a total value potentially reaching 100 billion CAD. The first four submarines are expected to be delivered by 2034, enhancing Canada's naval capabilities in the Arctic and coastal regions.

A bear entered the commissary at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, on July 5, 2023, around 9 a.m., browsing the produce section and taking a peach before leaving. The incident was confirmed by an Air Force official and was captured on video, with no people present during the bear's visit. The base's wildlife program manager stated the event was incidental, and measures have been taken to reduce bear encounters.

The U.S. Air Force completed the conversion of the B-1B Lancer from a nuclear-capable bomber to a conventional aircraft by 2011, following a two-stage process initiated in the 1990s. This involved removing nuclear arming hardware and modifying the aircraft to prevent future nuclear capability. Russian inspectors now annually verify that the B-1B fleet remains disarmed, confirming compliance with arms control treaties.

The United States Marine Corps is drafting a new information warfare plan in Washington to enhance its capabilities and training. This plan aims to professionalize the information warfare community, justify funding requests, and integrate information warfare capabilities across the fleet. It emphasizes the importance of non-kinetic effects in military operations and outlines the resources needed for future operations.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for Turkey's potential re-entry into the F-35 program during a meeting with Turkish President Erdogan in Ankara. He indicated that the U.S. would consider reversing previous sanctions related to Turkey's procurement of the Russian S-400 system. However, Congressional restrictions remain in place regarding the transfer of F-35s to Turkey, which has six jets currently in storage in the U.S.

Canada has decided to acquire 12 Type-212CD submarines from TKMS, with the first expected delivery in 2033. This procurement, valued at up to 100 billion Canadian dollars, aims to enhance Canada's military capabilities in the Arctic and North Atlantic. The decision reflects a strategic shift in defense policy, emphasizing the importance of underwater presence in regional security.

Dr. Klaus WeberTue Jul 07 2026Loading...

Canada announced the selection of Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to build a new fleet of up to 12 Type 212CD submarines at Canadian Forces Base Halifax. This decision marks the largest defense procurement in Canadian history, aimed at replacing the aging Victoria-class submarines. The new submarines will enhance Canada's underwater surveillance capabilities and are designed for stealth operations under the Arctic ice.

Canada selected TKMS to build 12 new submarines, with the announcement made by Prime Minister Mark Carney on July 6, 2023, in Victoria, British Columbia. The project, estimated to cost up to $70 billion, aims to replace the aging Victoria-class submarines of the Royal Canadian Navy, with the first delivery expected in 2033. Negotiations with TKMS will commence soon, and a contract is anticipated by the end of the year.

On July 6, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the selection of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems as the preferred supplier for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, aiming to procure up to 12 modern submarines. This initiative is part of Canada's largest defense procurement project in history, intended to replace the aging Victoria-class submarines. The first four submarines are expected to be delivered by 2034, with contract negotiations to be finalized by the end of 2027.

Canada has selected ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) as the preferred supplier for its next-generation submarine fleet, with negotiations set to begin. This procurement is expected to be the largest in Canadian history, with plans to reserve costs for 12 submarines in the federal budget. The contract is anticipated to be signed by the end of 2027, and the first four submarines are expected to be delivered by 2034.

Thales announced its acquisition of a controlling stake in Exail Technologies, a French maritime drone maker, as part of its expansion in undersea warfare. Concurrently, Fincantieri, an Italian shipbuilder, revealed plans to acquire four underwater technology firms for about €600 million. These strategic moves aim to enhance capabilities in the underwater domain and strengthen technological sovereignty in Europe.

Canada has selected Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to build a new fleet of up to a dozen Type 212CD submarines, replacing the aging Victoria-class submarines. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the decision in Halifax, Nova Scotia, stating it would be the largest defense procurement in Canadian history. The contract is estimated to be worth between $20 billion and $30 billion, with the first four submarines expected to be delivered by 2034.

The U.S. Army is reworking its weapons portfolios and realigning its autonomy acquisition office in Washington as part of ongoing acquisition reforms. Recent changes include the establishment of CPE Special Programs Air and the realignment of the autonomy office to better integrate cross-disciplinary functions. These adjustments aim to streamline operations and enhance coordination among various Army offices.

The U.S. Navy has begun construction on the USS John F. Lehman (DDG-137) at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding yard in Pascagoula. The production of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers continues as the DDG(X) program faces delays, with procurement now unlikely until the 2030s. Congress is pushing for the continued development of the DDG(X) while maintaining the production of Flight III destroyers, which remain critical to U.S. naval capabilities.

Lockheed Martin announced the acquisition of Ultra Maritime for $3.45 billion to enhance undersea and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. This acquisition will strengthen Lockheed Martin's offerings to U.S. and allied partners. Ultra Maritime, which has improved its revenue and capabilities since being acquired by Advent in 2022, will now operate under Lockheed Martin's rotary and mission systems division. The U.S. Navy has also awarded Ultra Maritime a contract for the AN/SSQ-125B sonobuoy.

The Pentagon's weapons procurement delays are projected to impact NATO's defense capabilities by 2026, with average delivery times exceeding 12 years for major programs. The U.S. Department of Defense plans to invest over $2.4 trillion, but significant delays in key projects like the MQ-25 Stingray and DDG(X) destroyer raise concerns about NATO's ability to rely on U.S. support. European allies are pressured to enhance their own defense capabilities as U.S. commitments are being reprioritized.

Alexandra ReevesMon Jul 06 2026Loading...

The GCAP Agency awarded a £4.6 billion ($6.1 billion) contract on July 3 in Washington to fund the concept and assessment phase of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This contract supports the joint design development of a sixth-generation fighter, with the UK, Italy, and Japan collaborating on the project. The program aims to deliver a next-gen stealth fighter by 2035, following a significant commitment from the UK of £8.6 billion over the next four years.