Analysis & Reports

The US Air Force's YFQ-44A drone successfully fired an AMRAAM missile during a recent test over the Mojave Desert. This marks the first time a wingman drone has fired a live munition, demonstrating advanced capabilities in autonomous operations. The test was conducted from Edwards Air Force Base, with plans for a similar test involving the YFQ-42A drone in the fall.

In the 1950s, the U.S. Navy modified three Iowa-class battleships to carry nuclear artillery shells, each with a yield comparable to the Hiroshima bomb. Historical accounts suggest these battleships may have gone to sea with the shells, although the Navy has never confirmed this. The nuclear shells were withdrawn from service in 1962, and the battleships were later reactivated in the 1980s with nuclear-capable Tomahawk missiles.

The U.S. Navy issued a Sources Sought notice on July 14, 2023, seeking proposals for unmanned fighters capable of operating from aircraft carriers and striking targets 1,000 nautical miles away. This initiative is part of the Navy's modernization efforts, including the MQ-25A Stingray and the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. Companies have until August 13, 2023, to submit their designs and manufacturing plans.

President Trump convened a meeting at the White House on October 14, 2023, to discuss a large-scale military strike plan against Iran. The proposed operation aims to be more extensive than current actions in the Strait of Hormuz. Key officials, including Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Rubio, participated in the discussions, which included the potential deployment of ground troops if Iran does not return to negotiations.

The U.S. Navy is exploring the development of next-generation carrier-based drones to fulfill various missions, including strikes and ISR. A Request for Information was issued on July 14, with responses due by August 13. The Navy aims for these drones to have a range of at least 1,000 nautical miles and advanced autonomous capabilities, as part of its Air Wing of the Future initiative.

The battleship Richelieu engaged in naval operations from 1940 to 1945, including firing at Royal Navy battleships during Operation Menace in Dakar. After sustaining damage, she was rebuilt in Brooklyn and later joined the British Home Fleet, participating in operations against Japanese forces. Richelieu ultimately finished the war escorting the same fleet that had previously attacked her.

The U.S. Navy converted three Zumwalt-class destroyers to carry hypersonic missiles, following the failure of their original Advanced Gun Systems. This decision was made after significant investment, totaling approximately $27 billion, and reflects ongoing challenges in naval warfare capabilities. The Zumwalt-class, now equipped with a limited number of hypersonic missiles, faces operational limitations compared to older vessels with greater missile capacity.

The USS Gerald R. Ford entered dry dock in Norfolk, Virginia, on July 7, 2023, for scheduled maintenance following a record 326-day overseas deployment. This deployment, the longest since the Vietnam War, revealed various operational challenges and equipment failures, necessitating extensive repairs. The increasing frequency of prolonged deployments among U.S. carriers highlights ongoing logistical issues within the Navy.

The U.S. Navy christened the future destroyer USS George M. Neal on July 11, 2026, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, honoring George Milton Neal for his courageous actions during a rescue mission in North Korea in 1951. Neal, one of the first Black aircrewmen in the Navy, helped rescue a downed Marine pilot and evaded capture for nine days after their helicopter was shot down. His legacy is commemorated through this new ship.

The USS Zumwalt has been converted to carry twelve hypersonic missiles, but these missiles are not expected to be operational until 2027 or 2028. The conversion, costing approximately $9.5 billion per ship, includes the installation of four missile tubes, but the Zumwalt's overall missile capacity is significantly lower than that of older ships. Currently, only three Zumwalt-class destroyers are being produced, highlighting concerns about the U.S. Navy's missile capabilities.

The USS Gerald R. Ford completed its first combat deployment in 2022, marking a significant milestone for the U.S. Navy. However, the Ford-Class program has faced extensive cost overruns, totaling approximately $120 billion, and significant operational challenges with key systems like EMALS and the Advanced Arresting Gear. The carrier fleet's readiness is further compromised by a reduction in hull numbers, with the fleet currently at ten carriers.

BAE Systems received a contract from Boeing to deliver AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability Systems (EPAWSS) for the Republic of Korea Air Force's F-15K Slam Eagles. This advanced electronic warfare system will enhance situational awareness and self-defense capabilities for ROKAF pilots. The upgrade involves modifying a fleet of 59 aircraft to improve their ability to counter current and future threats.

The 71st Group Army reconnaissance unit conducted a recent infiltration exercise in a mountain forest, utilizing drones and light assault vehicles to penetrate enemy lines. Teams overcame natural obstacles, including a river and a vertical cliff, to gather intelligence and execute coordinated strike operations. This exercise focused on enhancing reconnaissance capabilities and operational readiness.

U.S. and Japanese forces conducted the Pacific Atlas 26-1 exercise from June 15 to 19, 2026, off Yokosuka, verifying logistics capabilities for dispersed maritime operations. The exercise featured the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett and Japan Coast Guard Patrol Vessel Yumehari, demonstrating vertical replenishment (VERTREP) operations. This event aimed to assess communication and supply procedures for sustained operations in the region.

Tanaka TakashiTue Jul 14 2026Loading...

Reditus Space announced the completion of its ENOS spacecraft in Washington, designed for microgravity research and hypersonic testing. The vehicle can operate in low Earth orbit and re-enter at Mach 29. It will be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, carrying research payloads for commercial customers. The company is currently engaged with various Department of Defense entities regarding its military applications.

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against Iranian military assets near the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran retaliated against U.S. facilities in the region. Commercial traffic through the strait has significantly decreased, indicating a tense maritime environment. Both nations assert control over the strait, leading to an ongoing armed stalemate.

The U.S. Air Force developed the Rusty Dagger cruise missile for Ukraine, completing the program in under 16 months. A live-fire demonstration occurred at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, on January 21, 2026. The missile is designed to be affordable and mass-producible, with a range exceeding 930 kilometers, aimed at enhancing Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities against Russia. Ukraine is authorized to purchase thousands of these missiles.

Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz in February 2023, leading to increased oil prices. The U.S. maintains that the Strait is open and has reinstated a blockade against Iran. Recent attacks on ships have heightened tensions, causing gas prices in the U.S. to rise again after a period of decline. Negotiations continue in Oman amid this escalating situation.

Rocket Lab and True Anomaly are conducting rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) with their Jackal and Puma spacecraft in Washington over the next six months. This initiative, part of the Space Force's Victus Haze demonstration, aims to enhance space domain awareness and operational tactics against on-orbit threats. The missions involve both companies taking turns as chaser and chased, with a focus on surveillance and potential combat scenarios.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking to develop a next-generation infrared search and track system for its F-15 fleet, as indicated by a sources-sought notice published on June 26, 2023, in Dayton. This initiative comes as the planned F-15EX fleet expands to 267 aircraft, highlighting the need for advanced detection capabilities to counter stealth fighters. The current IRST systems have limitations that the new system aims to overcome, reflecting a significant shift in military technology strategy.