Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army restarted testing of the 'super cannon' on July 30, 2023, at Yuma, Arizona, repurposing it for hypersonic weapon testing. This system, previously considered impractical, is now being used to simulate and evaluate the effects of hypersonic impacts. The military is facing significant ammunition shortages amid ongoing conflicts, prompting this shift in focus to utilize existing systems for new testing purposes.

The U.S. Department of Defense is drafting a new nuclear strategy that may involve the use of tactical nuclear weapons against China or Russia in regional conflicts. This marks a significant shift from established nuclear policy, raising concerns among critics about the potential for increased nuclear weapon use. The strategy is being revised by Deputy Secretary of Defense Colin Kahl, who advocates for short-range tactical nuclear weapons as a response to regional threats.

The U.S. Army awarded contracts to four companies to enhance the production of Hydra-70 rockets and M151 warheads. This initiative aims to boost industrial capacity and competitive pricing, with each vendor expected to deliver 24 prototype warheads within 18 months. The contracts were announced following the Army's push for increased involvement from nontraditional vendors in munitions production amid potential stockpile shortages.

The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), involving Italy, the UK, and Japan, is progressing with secured funding of £4.6 billion. Germany and Saudi Arabia have shown interest in joining the initiative, which aims to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet expected to enter service around 2034. Mitsubishi Electric will contribute by building facilities for electronics and components.

The U.S. Navy plans to develop the Trump-class battleship program, estimated to cost $455 billion for 25 ships, with the USS Defiant projected to take over 8 years to build. The program faces significant political opposition and funding challenges, particularly from Democrats in Congress. The battleships will feature advanced nuclear power and weaponry, but their future is uncertain depending on the political landscape after upcoming elections.

Boeing has secured a $75 million contract for the production of the GBU-75, a jet-powered guided bomb for the U.S. Air Force and Navy. This weapon can fly over 300 nautical miles and is designed to enhance standoff range for naval operations. The first units are set to be delivered to the Navy following successful tests conducted in April off the California coast.

The Space Force awarded contracts totaling $615 million to three companies, including Rocket Lab, to develop satellites for tracking aircraft. This move aims to diversify capabilities and reduce reliance on SpaceX, which previously received a $4.16 billion contract for similar technology. The contracts reflect a strategic shift in military procurement for airborne moving target indication.

IMPACT DRONES, INC. launched Air Defense as a Service on August 4, 2026, introducing autonomous interceptor drones to protect critical infrastructure in San Francisco. These drones are designed to counter drone threats effectively and affordably, with pilot deployments scheduled for Q3 2026. The service allows sites to subscribe for protection instead of purchasing missiles, making air defense accessible for various locations.

The U.S. Air Force approved the production of the JDAM Long Range munitions in Washington, providing a new long-range strike capability for U.S. aircraft. The contract, valued at $75 million, allows for the development of a precision munition that can hit targets over 340 miles away. Boeing has invested significantly in this project, which can be integrated with multiple aircraft types, enhancing the military's strike options.

The U.S. Army awarded Allison Transmission Inc. a $67 million contract for the production of transmissions for the Abrams Main Battle Tank, with work to be performed in Indianapolis. The contract, announced on August 5, 2026, brings the total value of the underlying contract to $345 million. This contract continues a pattern of annual awards for Abrams modernization, reflecting the Army's ongoing commitment to upgrading its armored capabilities.

The U.S. Navy operates only three Seawolf-class submarines, which are recognized for their advanced capabilities. These submarines are in high demand due to increased undersea competition, particularly from Russia and China. Budget cuts in the past limited the production of these submarines, leading to concerns about a potential submarine shortage in the 2030s. The USS Jimmy Carter has been modified for special operations and surveillance.

The U.S. Air Force ceased production of the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter in 2009, capping the total at 187 aircraft. This decision was influenced by the end of the Cold War and budgetary constraints, leading to concerns about the adequacy of U.S. air dominance capabilities. The F-22 was originally intended to counter Soviet threats, but its production was halted as military focus shifted to current conflicts and other aircraft.

The U.S. Navy plans to construct a new nuclear-powered fleet named the 'Golden Fleet' from 2028 to 2056, consisting of 20 to 25 battleships equipped with advanced weaponry. The estimated cost for this initiative is around $275 billion, with the first ship, USS Fearless, projected to cost $15.1 billion. Construction timelines may extend beyond 8 years, and the funding has faced significant political criticism.

The U.S. Army awarded contracts to four companies, including Firehawk Aerospace, to diversify the supply chain for the Hydra-70 rocket. Each company will produce 24 prototypes of the M151 High Explosive rocket, enhancing the Army's production capacity. This initiative aims to modernize the rocket's Technical Data Package and ensure a steady supply of munitions for military operations.

Eight GEREON robotic vehicles operated continuously for six days during a military exercise at Fort Irwin, California, alongside U.S. and British forces. The exercise tested various military operations, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistics. This marked a significant validation of ARX Robotics UK's technology for integration into allied military operations.

Tiberius Aerospace entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the U.S. Army to develop the Sceptre precision-guided artillery munition. The Sceptre is designed to achieve speeds over Mach 3 and ranges up to 150 kilometers, utilizing a liquid-fueled ramjet propulsion system. This agreement marks a significant step in enhancing the capabilities of existing artillery systems without the need for new launch platforms.

The U.S. Armed Forces face critical shortages of missile interceptors, with estimates indicating they will run out within days of a conflict with China. Current production efforts, including deals with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, are deemed insufficient to restore depleted arsenals. The Pentagon currently possesses less than 10% of the necessary interceptors to deter a high-intensity conflict, raising concerns about U.S. military readiness.

The U.S. Armed Forces face a critical shortage of missile interceptors, with less than 10% of the necessary inventory available for a potential conflict with China. Ongoing military operations, particularly in Iran, have exacerbated this issue, leading to urgent calls for increased production of PAC-3 and THAAD interceptors. Recent agreements among defense contractors aim to boost missile production, but experts warn that current plans are insufficient to meet future demands.

The U.S. Navy plans to procure 15 Trump-class nuclear-powered battleships from 2028 to 2056, with an estimated total cost of $275 billion. The first ship is projected to cost $23.4 billion and will feature advanced weaponry, making it the largest surface combatant ever built. The shift to nuclear power aims to reduce long-term operating costs despite high initial expenses.

The U.S. Navy plans to purchase the first Trump-class battleship in 2028, with an estimated cost of $23.4 billion. This will be part of a larger program to acquire 15 nuclear-powered battleships by 2056, totaling approximately $275 billion. The battleships will feature advanced weaponry, including nuclear-armed cruise missiles, and will be the largest surface combatants globally, weighing around 35,000 tons.