Analysis & Reports

The United States Air Force is transitioning combat search and rescue missions from the A-10 Thunderbolt II to F-15 and F-35 fighters as part of its future operations, with plans to retire the A-10 by 2030. The fiscal year 2027 budget includes $10 billion for additional training to ensure pilots are prepared for these missions. Concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of the F-35 as a replacement for the A-10's capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force plans to transition combat search and rescue missions from the A-10 Thunderbolt II to F-15 Eagles and F-35 Lightning II fighters by 2030. This decision follows the announcement of the A-10's retirement, with a budget request of $10 billion for additional training for pilots on the new platforms. Concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of the F-35 as a replacement for the A-10's capabilities in close air support and rescue operations.

The Department of the Air Force announced the need for a new launch facility to address capacity constraints at Vandenberg Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink stated that the current infrastructure limits the nation's ability to support both commercial and national security launches. The Space Force is projecting approximately 1,000 missions from 2027 to 2031, with the commercial sector potentially requiring up to 7,000 launches annually by 2030.

Concerns have arisen from a key member of Congress regarding the funding of a new nuclear cruise missile being developed by the National Nuclear Security Administration in the United States. This initiative is part of a broader effort to produce more warheads under the guidance of the Trump administration. The missile is designed to be nuclear-capable and launched from the sea.

Northrop Grumman plans to launch its robotic servicing spacecraft, the Mission Robotic Vehicle, in summer 2023 from Washington. This spacecraft, developed in partnership with DARPA, will utilize a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and aims to provide on-orbit servicing capabilities for satellites. The mission includes the installation of Mission Extension Pods to extend satellite lifespans.

Redwire Corporation secured a multi-year contract on May 19, 2026, to provide the next-generation Penguin Mk3 uncrewed aerial system for NATO's tactical drone modernization program. The contract, valued in the high eight-figures, underscores NATO's focus on enhancing its drone capabilities. Redwire has previously supplied over 250 Penguin drones to Ukraine, demonstrating the system's operational value.

U.S. President Trump announced that the U.S. may conduct a heavy strike against Iran but has postponed military action at the request of Gulf allies. He indicated that negotiations for a peace agreement are ongoing, and he is allowing a limited time for dialogue to continue.

Gurpartap Sandhoo was appointed as the head of the Missile Warning and Tracking Portfolio Acquisition Executive office by the Space Force on May 11. He will also continue in his role as the permanent director of the Space Development Agency. This new office aims to enhance missile tracking capabilities, overseeing the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared constellation and the Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking program.

US Northern Command is establishing the Nordic Bridge partnership to enhance collaboration among military commands addressing Arctic security concerns. The initiative focuses on ensuring a coordinated presence in the Arctic, particularly in Alaska, and includes participation from Danish Special Operations Forces. Military leaders emphasize the importance of local expertise in Arctic operations.

The U.S. Navy is recommending a new 56-month force generation model for amphibious ships to enhance readiness and increase the fleet size to 40 ships. This proposal follows concerns about current readiness levels and aims to maintain a persistent global presence of Marine Expeditionary Units. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao presented this recommendation to the Secretary of Defense, highlighting the need for improved maintenance and training cycles.

U.S. President Trump announced a postponement of military strikes against Iran, responding to requests from leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE due to ongoing negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program. Iran has warned of a decisive response if attacked again, while the U.S. military remains prepared for significant action if talks do not yield satisfactory results.

Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein disputed a $1.2 trillion estimate for the Golden Dome missile defense system last week. The U.S. Army conducted a significant electronic warfare exercise involving infantry and Green Berets near Fort Carson, Colorado.

The U.S. Department of State approved foreign military sales to India, valued at $428.2 million, which includes M777 howitzers and Apache helicopters. This decision reflects ongoing military cooperation between the U.S. and India.

U.S. Special Operations Command highlighted the necessity for special operators to possess both technical expertise and physical fitness during a speech at SOF Week in Tampa, Florida. Commander Adm. Frank M. Bradley stated that the evolving nature of warfare requires operators to master new technologies while maintaining fundamental combat skills. He emphasized that human capabilities are irreplaceable by technology, a sentiment echoed by Sgt. Maj. Andrew J. Krogman, who warned against over-reliance on automated systems.

The Pentagon awarded a $500 million contract to Perennial Autonomy for counter-drone technology, including Merops interceptors and Bumblebee quadcopters. This contract, facilitated by JIATF-401, aims to enhance U.S. military capabilities against drone threats. Perennial's technology is validated for use in contested environments, and the company is expanding production in Europe. The contract is part of a broader initiative to improve drone defense systems.

The U.S. State Department approved a $236 million sale of AGM-184 Joint Strike Missiles to Belgium on May 18, 2025, allowing Belgium to enhance its F-35A fighter jets with advanced strike capabilities. This acquisition represents a significant upgrade in Belgium's military capabilities, marking its first purchase of cruise missiles. Defence Minister Theo Francken emphasized the strategic importance of this development for national deterrence and operational autonomy.

The U.S. Air Force awarded a $40 million contract to World Wide Technology to establish an AI-powered Security Operations Center in San Antonio, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity by automating threat detection. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve the Air Force's digital defenses against increasing cyber threats, particularly from adversaries like China. The contract will run through May 2031 and reflects a significant investment in AI and machine learning for military applications.

President Trump announced a postponement of a planned military strike against Iran, originally set for May 19, at the request of Gulf allies including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. He cited positive progress in negotiations with Iran as the reason for the delay, which could last two to three days. Trump emphasized the U.S. military's readiness for a large-scale attack if satisfactory agreements are not reached.

U.S. President Trump announced a delay in military action against Iran, originally scheduled for May 19, at the request of leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This decision was communicated via social media on May 18 from Washington, D.C.

Dan Richard, a CIA official, emphasized the urgent need for federal agencies to address the cybersecurity threats posed by advanced AI models like Mythos during a panel in Tysons Corner, Virginia. He noted that these tools could lower the barrier for hackers, necessitating stronger public-private partnerships to protect critical infrastructure. The rapid development of AI technologies is challenging existing cybersecurity protocols, requiring a shift from reactive to proactive risk management.