Analysis & Reports

The House Foreign Affairs Committee cleared three bills to expedite arms sales to foreign countries, including Taiwan, while rejecting a bill to loosen FMF restrictions. The State Department is seeking $5.25 billion in FMF funding for fiscal 2027. The PORCUPINE Act was passed to streamline arms sales to Taiwan, amid concerns about potential corruption in the use of FMF funds.

Davie Defense Inc. finalized a $3.5 billion contract with the U.S. Coast Guard to build five Arctic Security Cutters, increasing the fleet to 11. Construction will take place in Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas, and Helsinki, Finland, with the first cutter expected by 2028. This initiative aims to bolster U.S. maritime capabilities in the Arctic amid rising geopolitical tensions.

The U.S. Army canceled the deployment of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division to Poland on May 1, 2023, directing soldiers already in Poland to return to the U.S. This decision is part of a broader reduction of U.S. troop presence in Europe, which includes withdrawing 5,000 troops. The brigade was set to replace another unit as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

Russia successfully tested the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile on December 12, 2023, confirming its operational readiness by the end of the year. President Putin stated that the missile, capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and with a range exceeding 35,000 kilometers, will significantly enhance Russia's strategic nuclear capabilities. The test was reported by the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces, indicating a major advancement in their military arsenal.

L3Harris is reprogramming Falcon IV handheld radios in Washington to develop a counter-drone jamming capability known as Wraith Shield. This software upgrade allows soldiers to create an electronic warfare protective bubble against drones, with the potential to coordinate jamming from 40 radios at once. The US Army is considering acquiring this technology as part of its radio upgrades, reflecting significant interest in both domestic and international markets.

The U.S. Army canceled the deployment of over 4,000 soldiers from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division to Poland. This decision was confirmed by an Army official, amid discussions of a significant budget shortfall affecting military operations. The brigade was expected to deploy for nine months, with portions already in Poland and equipment in transit.

The U.S. Air Force's MQ-9 Reaper fleet has decreased to about 135 aircraft due to combat losses in Operation Epic Fury. Despite this reduction, the fleet continues to support 56 combat lines globally. The Air Force is actively seeking to replace the MQ-9 with a more affordable and flexible platform, with industry interest in developing a next-generation drone.

The U.S. Air Force plans to enhance the readiness of the KC-46 Pegasus air refueler, with an updated vision system expected in early 2028. The service aims to purchase 75 additional aircraft while addressing cost increases and operational deficiencies. A temporary logistics agreement will be implemented to improve aircraft availability, which has declined in recent years.

General Dynamics developed the F-16XL fighter prototype in the 1980s, featuring 27 hardpoints and capable of carrying twice the payload of a standard F-16. It was designed for the Enhanced Tactical Fighter program but lost to the F-15E due to its single-engine and one-seat configuration. Following the competition, the F-16XL was transferred to NASA for research on aerodynamic efficiency.

The F-16XL, developed by General Dynamics in the 1980s, featured 27 hardpoints and could carry twice the payload of a standard F-16. It was designed for deep-strike missions but lost the Enhanced Tactical Fighter competition to the F-15E, which was favored for its two-seat configuration and greater capabilities. After the competition, the F-16XL was transferred to NASA for research.

Taiwan invests over 3% of its GDP in defense, purchasing American weapons to counter Chinese threats. It is a key producer of semiconductor chips, vital for U.S. military capabilities. Taiwan's commitment to defense and democracy positions it as a model ally for the U.S. amid rising tensions with China.

The Marine Corps discusses sustainment strategies for the MTVR Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, emphasizing its enhancements. These strategies are also applicable to new platforms such as the autonomous ROGUE-Fires, aimed at improving littoral defense capabilities.

Airman Aaron Bushnell self-immolated in Washington, D.C. on February 25, 2024, to protest Israeli military actions in Gaza. The U.S. Air Force ruled his death as misconduct, overturning an initial finding of mental health issues. Bushnell had expressed strong pro-Palestine views and livestreamed his protest, stating he would no longer be complicit in genocide.

The U.S. Navy will face financial limitations for training and exercises starting this summer due to the current pace of operations. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle indicated that decisions will need to be made regarding training and operations. The Navy currently has two aircraft carriers deployed in the Middle East, and costs from Operation Epic Fury have reached $29 billion. The aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford will require additional maintenance after its extended deployment.

The U.S. Navy is facing financial constraints affecting training and operations due to the current pace of operations, with two aircraft carriers deployed to the Middle East. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle indicated that decisions will need to be made regarding training changes by July 2025. The costs from Operation Epic Fury have reached $29 billion, and the Gerald R. Ford will require additional maintenance after its extended deployment.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. William Parker emphasized the growing demand for Indo-Pacific air defenders during the 2026 Land Forces of the Pacific Symposium in Hawaii. The 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command focuses on protecting critical assets from missile and drone threats, reflecting the region's strategic importance amid rising tensions with China and North Korea. The command is modernizing its capabilities, including the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System, and highlights the necessity of allied collaboration in defense efforts.

West Point cadets trained to evaluate AI outputs demonstrated significantly higher AI knowledge scores than the general public. The study revealed that cadets were less prone to automation bias and more optimistic about AI's potential applications. This training aligns with the U.S. Military Academy's focus on integrating AI into military decision-making processes for the 2024-25 school year.

Rep. Don Bacon is retiring at the end of the year but is actively working on his legislative goals. He recently spoke with Breaking Defense Editor-in-Chief Aaron Mehta about these goals, emphasizing their importance before his departure from office.

U.S. and allied forces conducted the largest-ever Balikatan exercises in the Philippines from April 20 to May 8, 2026, featuring live-fire drills and missile tests. On May 5, the U.S. Army operationally fired a Tomahawk missile from the Typhon system, while Japan conducted its first overseas offensive missile test since WWII. In response, the PLA deployed naval forces, including the aircraft carrier Liaoning, to the region, signaling increased military activity amid heightened tensions.

Marcus ChenWed May 13 2026Loading...

The Pentagon announced framework agreements to procure over 10,000 low-cost cruise missiles starting in 2027, involving companies such as Anduril and Leidos. Anduril will deliver at least 1,000 Barracuda-500M rounds annually, while Leidos will provide 3,000 LCCMs. Additionally, a contract with Castelion for 500 Blackbeard hypersonic strike weapons was established.