Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy is set to retire its four Ohio-class SSGN submarines in the coming years, resulting in the loss of 616 Tomahawk cruise missiles. This retirement significantly reduces the Navy's missile launch capabilities, as no other submarine can match the firepower of the Ohio-class. The Virginia-class submarines, while capable, cannot fully compensate for this loss, creating a gap in the Navy's strike capacity.

General Dynamics Land Systems secured a $229.6 million contract to produce 50 Stryker Double V-Hull A1 armored vehicles for the U.S. Army on May 15, 2026. This contract supports the Army's Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, enhancing their operational capabilities with upgraded protection and reliability features. The vehicles are expected to be delivered by June 30, 2028, as part of a strategy to modernize the existing fleet.

The U.S. Army awarded Northrop Grumman a $325.5 million contract to develop the RangeHawk drone, designed for high-altitude, long-endurance data collection from hypersonic weapons tests. The project aims to enhance the testing capabilities for high-speed systems, with completion expected by May 14, 2031. $65.6 million was allocated at the time of the award.

Balikatan 2026 concluded in May 2026, involving 17,000 troops from the U.S., Japan, and other allies across the Philippines. Japan's first full-scale combat participation marked a historic shift, while the U.S. deployed the NMESIS system to enhance sea-denial capabilities. In response, China conducted naval and air patrols in the South China Sea, highlighting regional tensions.

Marcus ChenSat May 16 2026Loading...

Lockheed Martin secured a $991 million contract to produce 432 electronic warfare upgrade kits for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. The contract, issued on May 15, 2026, will enhance the aircraft's electronic warfare capabilities and is expected to be completed by March 2032. The U.S. Air Force will receive 97 kits, while international customers will receive a total of 239 kits, highlighting the global significance of the F-35 program.

The Chinese Coast Guard is actively patrolling the Yellow and Bohai Seas to maintain maritime security. Their operations include deploying vessels to safeguard the waters, emphasizing the importance of these regions. The patrols are ongoing and reflect the commitment of the Coast Guard to protect these maritime areas.

Ondas Holdings unveiled the Iron-Wave modular ground robotic system, designed to enhance military and security operations by integrating multiple unmanned platforms under centralized control. This system aims to reduce the operator burden and improve operational flexibility in contested environments. It features advanced capabilities, including counter-drone technology, to address emerging threats in modern warfare.

HII delivered two ROMULUS-25 autonomous vessels to the U.S. Marine Corps in December 2025 after successful sea testing. These 27-foot high-speed interceptors are designed for expeditionary operations, capable of carrying 1,000 pounds and reaching 1,000 nautical miles. The vessels utilize the Odyssey autonomy suite for advanced decision-making, aligning with the Marine Corps' operational concepts in contested littoral environments.

U.S. and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior ISIS leader, in a joint operation conducted overnight in Nigeria. President Trump announced the operation, highlighting its significance in diminishing ISIS's global operations. The specific location and method of the strike were not disclosed, but the Nigerian Armed Forces have been actively combating ISWAP in the region for years.

In May 2026, a landmark paper by prominent German defense leaders concluded that European defense autonomy is achievable within a decade, identifying ten critical capability gaps. The report estimates a need for €500 billion over ten years to address these gaps, emphasizing the urgency of enhancing military capabilities amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Concurrently, NATO's Exercise STEADFAST DETERRENCE 2026 is testing collective defense readiness across Europe.

Alexandra ReevesSat May 16 2026Loading...

Aeralis Limited collapsed into administration due to sustained cashflow pressure from delays in the UK Defence Investment Plan. The company was developing a modular light jet aircraft platform intended for military training and operational support. This collapse highlights the impact of procurement delays on the UK defense industry, particularly affecting future military capabilities.

B.E. Meyers & Co. is set to unveil the VSLAP-V1 targeting laser system at SOF Week 2026 in Tampa, Florida, on May 18. This new high-power laser system, featuring DeathStar technology, is designed for special operations forces and enhances target illumination and communication capabilities. The device builds on the legacy of the IZLID systems used by U.S. military units for air-to-ground integration.

A coalition of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) launched a coordinated offensive against Malian armed forces and their Russian allies from April 25 to May 7, 2026, capturing key locations including Kidal. The offensive resulted in significant casualties, including the death of Malian Defense Minister General Sadio Camara. Additionally, JNIM attacked a military post in Benin, indicating a broader regional threat.

Marie DuboisSat May 16 2026Loading...

Poland has taken operational control of its radar satellite reconnaissance constellation, the POLSARIS system, on May 15, 2026. This system, consisting of four synthetic aperture radar satellites, enables all-weather reconnaissance capabilities and enhances Poland's intelligence-gathering autonomy. The rapid deployment, completed within twelve months, marks a significant advancement in Poland's military capabilities.

An American autonomous surface vessel participated in NATO's Arctic Sentry 2026 exercise in Ramsund, Norway, alongside U.S. and Norwegian naval forces. The exercise aimed to demonstrate the capabilities of the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft in challenging Arctic conditions. This event underscores NATO's commitment to enhancing military readiness in the High North amid growing strategic competition in the region.

Turkey has launched the development of a carrier-based variant of the HÜRJET supersonic jet trainer and light attack aircraft. This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing Turkey's naval aviation capabilities, particularly as it seeks to operate from its future aircraft carrier. The HÜRJET program, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, aims to replace aging trainers and adapt to both STOBAR and CATOBAR operations.

On May 13-14, 2026, Russian forces conducted a mass strike on Kyiv, launching 56 missiles and 675 drones, resulting in at least 24 civilian deaths. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 94% of the drones but only 7% of the missiles. The attack highlights vulnerabilities in Ukraine's air defense capabilities and has prompted discussions of potential Ukrainian responses.

Dmitri VolkovSat May 16 2026Loading...

On May 13-14, 2026, Russian Armed Forces conducted a mass strike on Kyiv, launching 56 missiles and 675 drones. The attack resulted in the deaths of 24 civilians, with Ukraine managing to intercept 94% of the drones but only 7% of the missiles.

Dmitri VolkovSat May 16 2026Loading...

Israeli Defense Forces issued evacuation warnings to residents of nine villages in southern Lebanon on April 16, preparing for airstrikes related to Hezbollah's alleged ceasefire violations. Earlier, a drone from Lebanon triggered alarms in the Mount Meron area. On April 15, Israeli airstrikes resulted in at least 12 fatalities, with ongoing operations since March 2 causing significant casualties in Lebanon.

The U.S. Central Command reported that over 85% of Iran's military infrastructure has been destroyed, yet Iran retains the capability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf states are ramping up defense spending significantly in response to the ongoing conflict. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with China aligning with U.S. objectives to keep the Strait open. Meanwhile, Iran is reportedly receiving Russian support to rebuild its military capabilities, complicating the strategic landscape.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat May 16 2026Loading...