Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force awarded contracts to GE Aerospace and Rolls-Royce for the development of medium thrust drone engines in Washington. These contracts aim to enhance the capabilities of future drones and other aircraft, with GE focusing on the GE426 engine and Rolls-Royce on its AE engine family. The initiative is part of the Air Force's effort to explore advanced propulsion solutions for unmanned platforms.

The AV-8B Harrier II completed its final flight today at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, marking the end of over 40 years of service. This retirement is part of the Marine Corps' Tactical Aircraft Transition Plan, transitioning to fifth-generation aircraft. The last Harriers were operated by Marine Attack Squadron 223, which recently returned from a deployment with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Lockheed Martin successfully downed a Group 3 one-way attack drone using a Joint Air-to-Ground Missile during a live-fire demonstration at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, on June 3. The test showcased the GRIZZLY containerized launcher integrated with Sanctum software and Fortem R-40 radars, demonstrating a rapid and effective counter-drone capability. This event marks a significant advancement in Lockheed's C-UAS technology, completed in under 45 days.

The U.S. Army is set to test Project Wallabee, a new prototype system featuring an autonomous target recognition sensor mounted on a high-altitude balloon, in the coming days in Washington. This initiative, involving collaboration with the Joint Staff's J-7, aims to enhance military capabilities by developing a multi-layered sensing ecosystem. The results from this testing will inform future military experiments and investments in sensor technology.

Sgt. Maj. Russell Hull completed the Army Sapper Leader Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, on March 20, 2023, becoming the first sergeant major to graduate in over 15 years. The course, known for its rigorous physical and mental challenges, had 60 participants, of which only 13 graduated. Hull, with 23 years of military experience, is currently the senior enlisted leader of the 9th Engineer Battalion.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted drone strikes in southern Lebanon on June 3, resulting in the deaths of 6 individuals, including 4 Syrians and 2 Palestinians. The strikes targeted the Tire area, specifically affecting the towns of Sidon and Bazourieh, causing injuries to several others and damaging local infrastructure.

Retired Army Col. Bruce Perry Crandall, a Medal of Honor recipient, died at his residence in Tempe, Arizona, on May 31, 2023, at the age of 93. He was recognized for his bravery during the 1965 Battle of Ia Drang, where he played a crucial role in evacuating wounded soldiers and delivering supplies under heavy fire. His actions significantly boosted the morale of ground troops during the battle.

In 2015, the French submarine Saphir successfully penetrated the defenses of the USS Theodore Roosevelt during a war game off Florida, simulating an attack that 'sank' the carrier. This incident, along with a previous exercise involving the Swedish submarine Gotland, highlights vulnerabilities in U.S. naval operations against quiet submarines. The report raises concerns about the growing capabilities of China's submarine fleet, which could exploit similar weaknesses in future conflicts.

Defense News has documented significant military events and policy changes from 1986 to 2025, including the restructuring of U.S. military command, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of counterterrorism operations post-9/11. Key developments include the establishment of the U.S. Space Force and the implications of the 2022 Ukraine invasion on modern warfare. This historical overview highlights the evolution of military strategy and the ongoing challenges faced by defense policymakers.

Marine Attack Squadron 223 conducted a final public flight of five AV-8B Harrier IIs at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, on Wednesday, marking the aircraft's retirement after over 40 years of service. The ceremony included a flyover and was attended by senior Marine Corps leaders and local officials. The squadron will continue to deliver remaining Harriers to museums and storage facilities in the coming months.

The U.S. Army is sending 23,000 air defense pieces to CENTCOM as part of Operation Jailbreak, initiated on May 29, 2026, to enhance air defense capabilities in the Gulf. This operation addresses the urgent need for improved integration of military systems in response to threats from Iranian drones and missiles. The updates focus on connecting command and control systems with counter-UAS and radar technologies to ensure faster and more effective responses.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Jun 02 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy ordered six Multi Mission Reconnaissance Craft (MMRC) from The Whiskey Project Group, with a contract valued at $17.5 million, potentially rising to $36 million. These boats, designed for littoral operations, are intended to enhance reconnaissance capabilities in contested coastal environments. The first two boats were delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps in April 2024, supporting the military's focus on distributed operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $61 million contract to Northrop Grumman for upgrading the EA-18G Growler's electronic warfare systems at Pax River Naval Air Station, Maryland. This contract includes enhancements to the AN/ALQ-218 jamming receivers, improving the aircraft's capabilities against sophisticated threats. The upgrades are crucial for maintaining operational effectiveness in modern electronic warfare environments, particularly against advanced systems employed by adversaries like China and Russia.

GDIT is testing its AI logistics and maintenance systems during the upcoming Baja 1000 race in the Baja Desert, California, and Mexico. The AI will provide predictive analytics for when riders need to pit and replace batteries, simulating conditions relevant for military operations. This project, in collaboration with AWS, aims to enhance logistics for military applications in remote and disconnected environments.

Since 2020, the U.S. Army has faced significant challenges in processing medical malpractice claims, with only 73 out of 764 claims approved under the Stayskal law. The majority of claims have been denied, reflecting a lack of accountability in military medical services. High-profile cases, such as those of Lauren Palladini and Master Sgt. Richard Stayskal, highlight the struggles families face in seeking justice for medical errors. The system has been criticized for its transparency and effectiveness in addressing malpractice.

The U.S. Air Force lifted the grounding of the T-38 Talon aircraft on May 29, 2023, after completing necessary inspections. The grounding was initiated on May 19 following a crash incident on May 12. Aircrews are currently maximizing simulator training while the T-7 Red Hawk is set to replace the aging T-38 by 2028.

Northrop Grumman successfully conducted a flight test of the Jackal precision strike missile on June 1. The missile, capable of being launched from a light tactical vehicle 100 kilometers away, demonstrated advanced features including AI-driven targeting and automated turbojet startup. This development addresses a critical capability gap for U.S. ground forces in contested environments, enhancing their long-range strike capabilities without the need for crewed aircraft.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted operations on June 1, gaining control over Bofort Ridge and the Saluki River area in southern Lebanon. Two Israeli soldiers were killed during these operations, which are part of a broader strategy to diminish Hezbollah's capabilities. The IDF plans to continue targeting Hezbollah from the Dahiyeh area of southern Beirut to the city of Tyre, aiming to eliminate threats to Israel and its military forces.

U.S. Special Operations Command is fielding the MK24 Medium Range Gas Gun Assault rifle, which allows operators to switch between 7.62mm and 6.5mm cartridges. This new weapon system, contracted from LMT Defense for $92 million, is expected to enhance operational flexibility for SOCOM forces. The rifle features a quick barrel change capability, enabling rapid adaptation to different combat environments. Testing of the 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridge has shown superior performance at long ranges.

Oshkosh Defense received $92 million in delivery orders from the U.S. Marine Corps for the ROGUE-Fires Block 2 Production, which is built on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). This semi-autonomous ground system supports Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations and is expected to enhance operational capabilities. Deliveries are anticipated to continue through 2031.