Analysis & Reports

Pratt & Whitney announced that its F119 engine has surpassed one million flight hours, a milestone unmatched by rival manufacturers. This engine powers the F-22 Raptor, providing exceptional thrust and efficiency, and enabling supercruise capabilities. The F119's advanced design and manufacturing techniques contribute to its reliability and performance, solidifying its role in U.S. air dominance.

France is constructing the France Libre aircraft carrier, set to enter service in 2038, with a budget of €10 billion. The project involves Naval Group, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, and TechnicAtome, and relies on American-made electromagnetic catapults. The construction will mobilize around 800 suppliers and create up to 14,000 jobs, with a focus on maintaining France's naval capabilities.

The UK government proceeded with the construction of two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers from 2010 to 2026, finding it more cost-effective than cancellation. The program, which ultimately cost over £6 billion, involved multiple shipyards and significant logistical coordination. The carriers are designed to operate the F-35B Lightning II and have faced operational challenges since their deployment.

DARPA is developing lightweight batteries powered by nuclear waste for drones and satellites, with a prototype expected by early 2027. The project, involving multiple organizations, aims to create a device that produces over 10 watts per kilogram. These batteries could significantly enhance military operations by providing reliable power sources in extreme conditions.

DARPA is developing lightweight batteries powered by nuclear waste for drones and satellites, with a prototype expected by early 2027. A $3.37 million contract has been awarded to Project Omega, which will create a nuclear power generator using Strontium-90. The batteries aim to provide reliable power in extreme conditions, addressing critical needs in military operations.

Echodyne is ramping up production of its MESA radars to over 30,000 units annually to meet military demand, particularly for counter-drone operations in Ukraine and Lithuania. The company has secured contracts worth $490 million from the U.S. Air Force and $14.9 million from the State Department for tactical radar systems. This expansion includes a new manufacturing facility in Kirkland, Washington, reflecting the growing need for advanced radar technology in modern warfare.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking industry concepts for a pilotless successor to the C-5 and C-17 aircraft as part of the Next Generation Airlift platform (NGAL) initiative. The Request for Information was published on June 12, 2026, with submissions due by July 17, 2026. The Air Force operates 222 C-17A Globemaster IIIs and 52 C-5M Super Galaxies, both of which are aging and require replacement. The NGAL aims to consolidate the capabilities of these aircraft into a single design, with initial production potentially starting in fiscal year 2038.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $24 million contract to Conrad Shipyard LLC for the construction of a new deck barge in Morgan City, Louisiana. The barge is expected to be completed by May 11, 2028, and will support waterway maintenance operations. This contract is part of a long-term relationship between the Corps and the shipyard, which has built various vessels for the Army Corps over the years.

USS Wichita is undergoing maintenance and modernization at BAE Systems’ Jacksonville Ship Repair facility after a significant mechanical breakdown. The U.S. Navy has awarded a $49 million contract for repairs, with completion expected by May 2027. This follows a Class A mishap in October 2022 and a previous proposal to decommission the ship, which Congress blocked. The vessel is involved in counter-illicit trafficking operations in the Caribbean.

Congress is currently debating the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, which includes over 60 bills aimed at expanding benefits for veterans while proposing changes to disability ratings for sleep apnea and tinnitus. Despite support from 23 veterans service organizations, concerns persist regarding potential reductions in future benefits. Lawmakers are divided on whether the proposed changes will cut disability payments for veterans.

Pentagon leaders are struggling to meet weapons delivery timelines, with the average time frame now exceeding 12 years. Significant delays have been reported in various defense programs, including the Air Force's T-7 and the Army's Long Range Hypersonic Weapon. The Government Accountability Office has highlighted the need for mature technologies in defense acquisitions to mitigate these delays.

Senators are evaluating the U.S. Space Force's legal readiness to support future space operations, emphasizing the need for a dedicated legal organization. The Space Force aims to expand its personnel from 6,500 to 20,000 and enhance its capabilities in response to rising threats from China and Russia. A report on current and projected space law requirements is expected by Dec. 1.

Defense tech startups are repurposing automotive chips and fracking pipes to enhance weapons production for the Pentagon. Companies like Castelion and Anduril are innovating with new technologies, including 3D printing, to meet the growing demand for missiles and rocket motors. The U.S. has utilized over 50,000 projectiles since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, prompting a $53 billion investment to boost production capabilities.

INKAS plans to open three new production facilities across Canada and the United States, significantly increasing its manufacturing capacity in North America. This expansion aims to more than double the company's production space in the region.

The U.S. Navy is seeking to increase production of next-generation anti-radar missiles, requesting up to 600 Advanced Emission Suppression Missiles annually. This initiative aims to enhance capabilities against enemy air defenses, focusing on advanced targeting and integration with existing platforms. The Navy's current anti-radar missile, the AGM-88, has a range of up to 80 miles, while procurement for the AGM-88G is paused until Fiscal Year 2028.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions received a $36 million contract for a new air defense missile system on July 2, 2023, at its San Diego facility. This contract is part of the U.S. effort to enhance missile and air defense production capacity amid rising demand for such systems due to modern threats. The specifics of the missile system and its intended targets remain undisclosed.

Nineteen companies advanced to the Gauntlet II testing phase of the Pentagon's Drone Dominance Program, scheduled for August 2026 at Fort Carson, Colorado. The program aims to close the gap in drone capabilities with adversaries, particularly China, by ordering 50,000 to 60,000 additional drones. Companies must meet stringent production benchmarks to remain eligible for future orders, reflecting the urgency of enhancing U.S. drone capabilities.

The U.S. Army plans to extend the service life of the TOW missile system through a sole-source contract with Raytheon, covering logistics support and missile production from 2028 to 2030. This contract will ensure continued operation of the TOW Improved Target Acquisition System and its variants, which are critical for engaging armored targets. The Army's strategy indicates a commitment to maintaining legacy systems while also investing in newer weapon technologies.

The U.S. Navy announced a Request for Information on July 1, 2026, seeking companies to develop a new radar-hunting missile, aiming for an annual production of up to 600 units. This initiative is intended as an alternative to the AGM-88G AARGM-ER missile, which has faced production delays. The new missile must be compatible with multiple Navy aircraft and designed with export potential in mind.

The U.S. Air Force opened bidding on July 1, 2026, for a new ground-launched missile under the Counter Air Missile Program (CAMP), targeting a cost of approximately $500,000 per unit. This initiative aims to develop an affordable, modular missile system that can be produced in large quantities. Proposals are due by August 3, 2026, and foreign companies are excluded from participation.