Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force developed and tested two XB-70 Valkyrie bombers in Palmdale, California, from 1964 to 1969. The aircraft achieved speeds of Mach 3.08 and were designed to carry nuclear weapons, but the program was ultimately canceled before production. The Valkyrie faced obsolescence due to advancements in missile technology and was never operationally deployed.

Avidrone Aerospace won DARPA's Lift Challenge in Dayton, Ohio, from August 4-9, 2023, with its Katana drone, achieving a payload-to-aircraft-weight ratio of 3.84 to 1. The company plans to develop a new version of the drone for defense and industrial applications following increased interest after the competition. Avidrone received $1.25 million as a prize, while no team met the 4-to-1 target set by DARPA.

Oshkosh Defense and Marine Depot Maintenance Command produced a replacement part for Marine Corps heavy trucks at facilities in Japan and Georgia during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026. This production utilized a secure digital blueprint, enhancing logistics capabilities for military operations. The exercise took place from June 22 to July 1, 2026, involving U.S. Pacific Command forces and allied partners across multiple services.

The U.S. Army issued a solicitation on August 13, 2026, for commercial vendors to provide controllers and human-machine interfaces for drones and ground robots at Redstone Arsenal. This initiative aims to integrate these systems into a new command-and-control network to enhance operational capabilities. Vendors must meet extensive eligibility requirements and will be evaluated for their systems' compatibility with Army standards.

President Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to redesign the fourth Ford-class aircraft carrier, USS Doris Miller, to use steam catapults instead of electromagnetic systems on August 13, 2023. This decision, which may cost billions, aims to enhance the carrier's operational flexibility and is set to begin construction by the end of the year. The first three Ford-class carriers will continue to use the electromagnetic system.

The U.S. is considering the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, but progress has stalled as of August 14, 2023, due to Turkey's possession of the Russian S-400 air defense system. U.S. lawmakers and Israeli officials oppose the sale, citing security concerns. Turkey was previously removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after acquiring the S-400 system, and it currently has six F-35 jets that remain in the U.S.

U.S. Central Command announced the formation of the 'Falcon Strike Task Force' on August 13, 2023, to create a multinational attack drone unit. This unit will utilize one-way attack drones operated by U.S. and regional military personnel, capable of launching attacks from air, sea, and underwater. The initiative aims to unify drone capabilities across the Middle East, although specific participating countries have not been revealed.

The U.S. Army spent $6.9 billion on the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter program, completing only two prototypes before its termination on February 23, 2004. The program was canceled due to cost overruns and a shift in military priorities, redirecting funds towards acquiring 796 new aircraft and upgrading existing helicopters. Both prototypes are now displayed at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum in Fort Novosel, Alabama.

The U.S. Army is accelerating the development of the M1E3 Abrams tank, with four prototypes expected to be operational in 2026. The new tank will feature an active protection system, an unmanned turret, and a hybrid electric diesel engine, enhancing its combat capabilities. The Army aims to deliver prototypes within 24 to 30 months as part of its modernization efforts.

President Trump ordered the return of steam catapults to Ford-class aircraft carriers and announced the establishment of a new public shipyard for submarine repairs in Washington. The decision aims to address delays in submarine maintenance and restore traditional systems to the carriers. The USS Ford, currently using EMALS, will be affected by this change, which has raised concerns about production risks and implications for national security.

The U.S. Army is developing new capabilities to engage adversary satellites and prevent their targeting of U.S. forces, as stated by Col. Joe Mroszczyk in Huntsville. The focus includes non-kinetic attacks using directed-energy weapons and high-altitude balloons for reconnaissance. This initiative is part of the Army's broader strategy to enhance space superiority and counter-surveillance efforts.

The U.S. conducted multiple intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests from 2021 to 2026, including launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base and submarines off California. These tests, involving Minuteman III and Trident II missiles, are part of the U.S. strategy to maintain nuclear deterrence and respond to global security dynamics. The frequency of these tests has drawn criticism and highlighted the U.S.'s significant investment in its nuclear arsenal.

The MBT-70 tank was developed by NATO between 1963 and 1971 to replace aging tanks and counter Soviet armored forces. It featured advanced technology, including a 152mm gun and a unique driver-in-the-turret design. However, the program faced insurmountable technological challenges and spiraling costs, resulting in its cancellation.

The U.S. Army is addressing four key capability gaps in its acquisition programs during the annual Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville. Brig. Gen. Robert Mikesh outlined challenges in propulsion, targeting, and munitions diversity, emphasizing the need for a balanced mix of affordable and advanced weaponry. Lt. Gen. John Rafferty noted the importance of low-cost interceptors to counter various threats.

The Space and Missile Defense Symposium concluded in Huntsville on August 13, 2026, featuring remarks from NORAD and Missile Defense Agency officials. Various military technologies, including the Ground-launched Small Diameter Bomb and D-Wave’s quantum computing processor, were displayed, highlighting advancements in missile defense and space capabilities. Moog announced an expansion of its METEORITE Satellite's bus capacity during the event.

The U.S. Navy is advancing the development of the F/A-XX sixth-generation warplane, with a decision on the contractor expected in August 2023. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are competing for the contract to replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler. The program has received significant funding support from Congress, totaling $972 million for research and development.

The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division in Detroit is preparing to test four prototypes of the new M1E3 Abrams tank and XM30 Infantry Fighting Vehicle by the end of the calendar year. The M1E3 is designed to enhance lethality, survivability, and mobility, featuring a hybrid-electric engine and an unmanned turret. The XM30 is expected to increase lethality with its 50 mm cannon and also includes an unmanned turret.

Canada is negotiating to purchase 12 German Type 212CD submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy as part of a military modernization program. The contracting process is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. This procurement aims to enhance Canada's submarine capabilities amid increasing Arctic tensions and is part of a broader effort to diversify defense systems away from reliance on the United States.

The U.S. Navy considered converting Iowa-class battleships into aircraft carriers and hybrid battlecarriers during World War II and the Cold War. Proposals included modifications for VSTOL aircraft and missile silos, but these plans were ultimately deemed impractical and too costly. The Iowa-class battleships were designed with aircraft catapults for spotting missions, but the conversion concepts were never realized.

The US Army canceled the M1A2 Abrams SEPv4 program in September 2023 after spending $400.83 million on seven prototype tanks that were never operational. The decision was influenced by concerns over weight and logistical challenges associated with the tank's design. The Army plans to incorporate some SEPv4 technologies into the new M1E3 tank program.