Analysis & Reports

In 2016, Congress directed the U.S. Air Force to evaluate the cost of restarting F-22 Raptor production, which was estimated at $50 billion for 194 aircraft. The Air Force ultimately decided against reopening the production line, choosing instead to focus on future aircraft development. This decision was influenced by the operational challenges and costs associated with reviving the outdated F-22 program.

The Soviet Union's Venera program successfully explored Venus, landing multiple probes between 1970 and 1982. These probes faced extreme conditions, including temperatures of 870°F and pressures 92 times that of Earth, requiring innovative engineering solutions. The Venera landers were designed to endure these harsh environments, allowing them to transmit data and images from the surface.

On October 3, 1967, the X-15 aircraft achieved a speed of Mach 6.72 over Mud Lake, Nevada, piloted by Major William 'Pete' Knight. This record flight lasted 140 seconds and reached an altitude of 102,100 feet. The X-15 program, a collaboration between the Air Force, Navy, and NACA, involved three aircraft and aimed to achieve hypersonic flight and space penetration. The X-15 remains the fastest crewed, powered airplane ever recorded, with no pilot having flown faster since.

The U.S. Air Force lost two B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, one in Guam in 2008 and another in Missouri in 2022, reducing the fleet to 19 aircraft. The Spirit of Kansas was destroyed due to sensor failure, while the Spirit of Hawaii was deemed uneconomical to repair after a landing gear failure. The production line for B-2s has been closed since the 1990s, preventing any further construction of these aircraft until the B-21 Raider becomes operational.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers are actively engaged in air operations against targets in Iran, utilizing stand-off munitions. The bombers have been modified to enhance their payload capacity and integrate hypersonic weapons. Recent deployments include operations from Dyess Air Force Base and Misawa Air Base, with significant contributions to U.S. military efforts in the region.

The U.S. Air Force faced significant cuts to the B-2 Spirit bomber program in the 1990s, reducing planned production from 132 to just 21 aircraft. This decision, influenced by the end of the Cold War, has had lasting effects on U.S. military capabilities. The B-21 Raider program is now being developed to ensure a larger fleet of stealth bombers, with plans for at least 100 units to address current strategic challenges from Russia and China.

Adm. Samuel Paparo of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command advocates for the procurement of 200 B-21 Raider bombers to enhance nuclear deterrence and strike capabilities. The Pentagon's initial plan was to acquire 100 B-21s, but discussions suggest increasing this number to at least 145. The U.S. Air Force has also announced a two-pilot crew configuration for the B-21 to support long-endurance missions.

Congress introduced the BRRRRT Act, mandating the U.S. Air Force to retain at least 126 A-10 Warthogs through fiscal year 2033, while restoring maintenance and training infrastructure. The A-10's design is deemed obsolete against modern air defense systems, raising concerns about military readiness and budget allocation for future conflicts. The Air Force argues that resources spent on the A-10 could be better used for newer platforms essential for great-power competition.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace finalized a $117.8 million agreement with General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada for the supply of Protector RS4 Remote Weapon Systems. This deal underscores the ongoing defense procurement efforts in Canada.

The U.S. Army is expanding its Patriot air-defense force to meet increasing global demand and is developing the Golden Dome missile-defense system. Lt. Gen. John Rafferty, head of the U.S. Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command, provided insights during a recent symposium.

The MBT-70 tank project, a joint U.S.-West German initiative, resulted in 14 prototypes, of which only 5 remain today. The project was aimed at developing a counter to Soviet armored vehicles during the Cold War but faced significant logistical and engineering disagreements, leading to its cancellation. One of the tanks was sold for scrap in 2019, leaving only the turret intact.

Boeing proposed the B-1R project in 2004 to upgrade the B-1B bomber by integrating F-22 engines, aiming for Mach 2.2 speed and enhanced air-to-air capabilities. The project was intended to address the limitations of the aging bomber fleet but was canceled in the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review. A total of 67 B-1B airframes were available for conversion, but the Air Force opted for a new long-range strike aircraft instead.

The U.S. Navy is soliciting proposals for a new variant of the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) to improve ship defense capabilities. The sources sought notice was posted on August 20, 2023, with responses due by October 19, 2023. The new missile must fit existing launch systems and address a broader range of threats. Raytheon is the current prime contractor for the ESSM.

The U.S. Navy ordered $42.9 million in spare parts from General Atomics for the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) to support existing Ford-class carriers. The contract will be executed across locations in Tupelo, San Diego, Boston, and Lakehurst, with completion expected by April 2034. This order is separate from a recent directive by President Trump to replace EMALS and AAG on the future USS Doris Miller with steam catapults.

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems has been awarded a $41.57 million contract modification to produce 559 warhead cases and fuzewells for the U.S. Navy's Tactical Tomahawk missile, primarily in Anniston, Alabama. The work is expected to be completed by April 2028 and supports the WDU-36/B warhead, which is part of the missile's land-attack capabilities. This contract is part of a broader effort to increase Tomahawk missile production.

The U.S. military is experiencing munitions shortages due to overuse in the Iran war and underproduction at home, prompting companies like Boeing and Northrop Grumman to propose low-cost solutions. The Pentagon is pushing for faster production and innovation, but experts warn that significant improvements will take years. Current framework agreements for munitions are not contracts and depend on congressional funding for execution.

Hanwha Defense USA won a contract to deliver prototype K9 Mobile equipment to the U.S. Army. This contract signifies a commitment to enhancing military capabilities with new technology. The specific details regarding the timeline and quantity of equipment were not disclosed.

The U.S. Department of War confirmed the safety and reliability of SIG Sauer M17 and M18 pistols following inspections of nearly 114,000 firearms. Testing revealed that all alleged uncommanded discharges were traced to user error. The M18 remains in active service, with the Department of the Air Force reinforcing confidence in its reliability for missions.

The U.S. Navy is considering significant design changes to the Ford-class aircraft carrier, including moving the island to the center and reverting to steam catapults from electromagnetic ones. This decision, prompted by President Trump, has faced criticism for its potential cost and impact on military readiness. Experts warn that these changes could delay delivery times and undermine technological advantages.

The U.S. Navy developed the F-111B aircraft in the 1960s for carrier operations but ultimately found it unsuitable due to weight and thrust limitations. Vice-Admiral Connolly famously remarked on its inadequacy for carrier flight, leading to its cancellation. The lessons learned from the F-111B's development contributed to the successful design of the F-14 Tomcat.