Analysis & Reports

USS Abraham Lincoln completed a 286-day deployment and docked in Thailand on September 2, 2018, after enduring 264 days without a port call. The ship's condition showed significant rust and deterioration, reflecting the strain on the crew, who faced declining morale and mental health issues during the extended deployment. The Navy is investigating a recent suicide attempt among the crew, highlighting the challenges faced during operations in the region.

The Royal Navy's HMS Prince of Wales has spent approximately one third of its operational life in port for repairs, while HMS Queen Elizabeth has encountered significant mechanical failures. Both aircraft carriers have faced maintenance backlogs, limiting the Royal Navy's ability to project power. The total expenditure for the two carriers has reached £7.6 billion, nearly double the initial budget.

The U.S. Marine Corps awarded Dynetics a $40.8 million contract modification to produce 14 additional Medium Range Air Defense Radar (MRADR) systems. Work will primarily take place in Huntsville, Alabama, and is expected to be completed by August 2028. This contract also includes retrofitting existing systems and integrating MRADR with other air defense systems in the Marine Corps inventory.

The U.S. Army awarded an $862.8 million contract to Northrop Grumman for the production of M1156 precision guidance kits, which enhance the accuracy of 155mm artillery shells. The contract includes manufacturing and delivery of the kits, with an estimated completion date of September 3, 2031. The M1156 kit converts standard shells into GPS-guided munitions, improving accuracy to within 10 to 50 meters of a target.

The U.S. Army plans to deploy nuclear microreactors at five stateside bases starting in fall 2028 as part of the Janus program. This initiative aims to enhance energy security and operational capabilities at military installations across the United States.

The U.S. Army awarded a $464.8 million contract to AeroVironment, Inc. for the Enduring-High Energy Laser program this week. This program marks the first production contract for a directed energy system in U.S. military history, aimed at countering unmanned aircraft with laser technology. The contract includes the delivery of dozens of 30 kW LOCUST laser weapons, which can be deployed on various platforms, enhancing the Army's capabilities in drone defense.

Oshkosh Defense is offering a production bridge for Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) to the Marine Corps, with a decision deadline set for October 31. The company can deliver 1,200 JLTVs annually, with the first units expected in 10 months. This offer comes as AM General faces production delays with its A2 variant, impacting the Marine Corps' modernization efforts. Oshkosh has allocated over $50 million to enhance production capacity.

Oshkosh Defense offered the Marine Corps a production bridge for Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) with a deadline of October 31. The company can deliver 1,200 JLTVs annually, with the first units expected in 10 months. Oshkosh has invested over $50 million to enhance production capacity amid concerns regarding AM General's delays in delivering the A2 variant.

The US Army has awarded a $65 million contract to Anduril Industries for the supply of hardware and mission shelters for the TITAN programme. This procurement is part of the Army's ongoing efforts to enhance its capabilities.

The U.S. Navy is developing the MQ-25A Stingray, an unmanned aerial refueling aircraft, with ground testing conducted at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. The first operational MQ-25A completed its maiden flight in April 2023, and the Navy plans to acquire 76 units by 2029. This system aims to enhance midair refueling capabilities and reduce reliance on traditional refueling aircraft like the KC-135.

In 2025, NATO countries and defense firms experienced a significant increase in military spending, with global defense revenues reaching $700 billion. The U.S. defense budget was approximately $900 billion, supplemented by $156 billion from the Reconciliation Act. European nations have ramped up military expenditures in response to security threats, particularly from Russia. However, production bottlenecks are emerging as a key challenge for the defense industry.

Boeing has been awarded a $55.4 million contract by U.S. Special Operations Command to supply Active Parallel Actuator Systems for the MH-47G special operations helicopter fleet. The contract will be executed primarily at Boeing’s facility in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed by August 2033. This new flight control technology aims to enhance safety and reduce pilot workload during special operations missions.

The U.S. Air Force awarded a $31.8 million contract to Sierra Nevada Corp. on September 1, 2023, to design a modification kit for converting C-130J Super Hercules aircraft into ski-equipped LC-130Js. The work will be conducted in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is expected to be completed by March 27, 2028. This modification aims to enhance the Air Force's airlift capabilities in snow and ice conditions.

The U.S. Marine Corps plans to acquire ten high-resolution 3D scanners for inspecting body armor, with locations in the continental U.S., Japan, Hawaii, and Guam. The scanners aim to detect cracks and delaminations in armor plates, enhancing current inspection methods. A Request For Information is due by October 2, detailing the specifications for the automated system.

The U.S. Navy is experiencing a significant shipbuilding crisis, with only one shipyard in Virginia capable of constructing and maintaining its aircraft carriers. As of July 14, 2024, only 4 out of 11 carriers are available for deployment due to long maintenance cycles. The Navy's logistical challenges are compounded by an inadequate workforce and supply chain issues, hindering its operational readiness in the Middle East.

GE Aerospace is upgrading its manufacturing capabilities in Lynn to enhance production of military engines, including the T700 and T408. The company is also developing a hypersonic test bed for the HyCAT program, with the first flight planned for 2028. This initiative is part of a broader effort to meet increasing military demands and improve production efficiency.

AEVEX Corp. and Divergent Technologies announced a partnership to develop a new autonomous aircraft platform in California. The collaboration aims to integrate AEVEX's unmanned systems expertise with Divergent's 3D-printing technology to enhance production efficiency. Early efforts will focus on adaptable airframe designs and faster integration processes.

AZAK signed an Other Transaction Agreement with the U.S. Army's Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate in 2025 to field a wheel-centric robot system. The robot demonstrated the capability to tow a Palletized Load System truck and additional ammunition, showcasing its potential for military logistics. The agreement aims to expedite the transition of new technologies into operational use.

The U.S. Navy currently has only 3 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers ready for action, while 8 are either in maintenance or training. This reflects the operational reality and maintenance-intensive nature of aircraft carriers. The Navy's Optimized Fleet Response Plan outlines the readiness cycle, indicating that maintaining one carrier forward typically requires three carriers in various stages of readiness.

The U.S. Army awarded $192 million to Palantir Technologies and Anduril Industries for the production of the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) program. Palantir will lead the production, while Anduril will manufacture vehicle-mounted systems. The program aims to enhance data-gathering capabilities for soldiers and includes the delivery of advanced and basic variants over the next 18 months.