Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army is updating its biodefense strategy to prepare for biological threats, particularly those enhanced by AI, by 2035. This includes the development of portable genetic-sequencing kits for field analysis and a focus on adapting military operations to bio-contested environments. The strategy aims to address shortcomings revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes the importance of AI in both detecting and countering biological threats.

The U.S. Navy is failing to assess long-term brain injury risks among pilots, as revealed by a Congressional report. This oversight has resulted in inadequate care and treatment for aviators, particularly following a series of suicides among F/A-18 pilots. Cultural stigmas and a lack of dedicated resources further complicate the issue, preventing effective mental health support for naval aviators.

The Army transitioned the 3rd Battalion of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment back to a conventional infantry battalion in August 2023 after it was designated as an unmanned systems battalion earlier in the year. Army officials emphasized that this decision does not indicate a reduction in focus on drones and autonomous systems, despite concerns raised by lawmakers regarding the implications for learning from allies like the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The Pentagon requested to reprogram $1.5 billion in funding for high-priority AI initiatives and the MV-75 Cheyenne tiltrotor program. This includes $600 million for a top-secret AI compute center and $230 million for the tiltrotor's research and development. The reprogramming aims to address funding shortfalls that could impact military operations and employment within the defense industry. Additionally, $18 million is allocated for Army drones and $36 million for counter-UAS technology.

The US Space Force operates the X-37B spaceplane, a 29-foot long, uncrewed vehicle that conducts long-duration missions in secrecy. Launched on Atlas V or Falcon 9 rockets, it features a classified payload bay and is designed for various technological tests. Its existence raises strategic implications regarding US capabilities in space and potential military applications.

Elbit Systems has rebranded its U.S. arm as Twenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. The company, which employs 3,300 people across 10 states, aims to enhance support for U.S. warfighters through domestic design and manufacturing. This rebranding reflects its commitment to the American market and includes a focus on electronic systems, drones, and ground combat systems.

CAE and WB Electronics announced the signing of a collaboration agreement to advance Polish-Canadian defense cooperation. This partnership aims to enhance capabilities in advanced technologies within the defense sector. The announcement was made today, highlighting the growing collaboration between the two nations in military technology.

The U.S. Navy terminated the A-12 Avenger II program in January 1991 due to technological failures and a fixed-price contract that did not account for the immature technology required. The program, which aimed to develop 8 aircraft and 4 test articles, resulted in no flyable aircraft and significant financial losses. This cancellation is viewed as a critical factor in the decline of McDonnell Douglas and has led to ongoing financial issues for Boeing due to similar contracting practices.

On September 25, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. Army 7th Cavalry soldiers would retain their 20 Medals of Honor awarded for the Wounded Knee massacre in 1890. This decision followed a review panel's conclusion and has sparked ongoing debate in Congress, where some lawmakers advocate for revocation due to the massacre's historical context and the high number of civilian casualties. The massacre resulted in the deaths of approximately 150 to 375 Lakota, primarily unarmed men, women, and children.

The Pentagon has selected a contractor for the U.S. Navy's next-generation stealth fighter, with an announcement anticipated in the coming weeks. The program, known as F/A-XX, aims to replace the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet and is crucial for maintaining naval air dominance against advancing threats. Funding has been secured, with $750 million allocated in 2025 and an additional $1.4 billion in 2026.

AEVEX Corp. won $20.5 million in U.S. government contracts to develop one-way attack drones, announced on September 9, 2026. These drones will support combat-ready units and training. This marks the third contract awarded to AEVEX for such systems in 2026, contributing to their significant share of the loitering munitions market.

The U.S. Department of Defense updated its physical fitness policy on August 31, 2023, designating over 80 military occupations as combat arms, requiring them to complete a new combat field test. This includes various branches such as the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, with specific tests tailored to each service. The changes aim to establish sex-neutral standards and may impact personnel who fail to meet the new requirements.

The U.S. Department of Defense implemented new combat field fitness tests for over 80 military occupations designated as combat arms, effective August 31, 2023. This includes personnel from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, who must now meet specific fitness standards set by their respective branches. The Army's test consists of seven events, and failure to meet these standards may result in administrative actions, including potential separation from service.

German pilots from the Luftwaffe scored simulated kills against US Air Force F-22 Raptors during the Red Flag exercise in Alaska in 2012. They deployed 8 Eurofighter Typhoons and 150 personnel, achieving notable success while the F-22s were hampered by external fuel tanks. Following the exercise, the German pilots commemorated their victories by painting kill decals on their aircraft.

The National Security Agency is utilizing artificial intelligence tools to enhance data processing and analysis efficiency. David Imbordino, head of the agency's cybersecurity directorate, stated that AI will allow analysts to identify anomalies more quickly. This initiative is part of the NSA's broader efforts to improve intelligence collection and cyber defense capabilities, as well as to comply with a recent executive order on AI.

China's navy has expanded to 350 ships, surpassing the US's 293. By 2030, China plans to increase its fleet to 435 ships, while the US aims to add 58 ships by 2031. The US Navy struggles with maintaining fleet readiness, with projections showing a readiness rate of only 68% by 2025. High costs and outdated regulations hinder US shipbuilding efforts.

The U.S. Army announced a new biodefense strategy at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, aimed at enhancing operational capabilities in biologically contested environments. This strategy includes five lines of effort to be implemented by 2035, focusing on recruiting biodefense experts, integrating biological sensors, and utilizing artificial intelligence for disease monitoring. The initiative is informed by lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to ensure readiness against various biological threats.

The White House announced a new National Space Transportation Policy on August 20, 2023, aiming for over 1,000 U.S. space launches annually by 2030. This policy emphasizes expanding launch capacity and interagency collaboration among the U.S. Space Force, Department of Defense, and NASA. Experts have raised concerns regarding the funding and infrastructure needed to achieve these ambitious goals.

In June 1985, the Soviet Union launched two balloons into the atmosphere of Venus, where they floated for 46 hours and traveled approximately 11,600 kilometers. These balloons, designed to withstand sulfuric acid, provided valuable data about Venus's weather and atmospheric conditions. This mission marked a significant achievement in international space collaboration during the Cold War, as it involved contributions from French scientists and tracking by American radio telescopes.

In 1916, a board of five retired generals reviewed all 2,625 Medals of Honor awarded by the US Army, revoking 911, including 864 given to the 27th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which did not engage in combat. The review revealed issues such as clerical errors and inappropriate award criteria, leading to significant controversies regarding the integrity of the Medal of Honor. The report also mentions the case of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, whose medal faced revocation due to gender bias.