Analysis & Reports

The Pentagon is expanding the use of the Maven Smart System for logistics, force readiness, and supply chain management in Washington, D.C. The system has replaced several IT systems and is being integrated with AI tools to enhance decision-making. Recent changes have also shortened procurement timelines, allowing for faster vendor selection. The Department of Defense is working with allies to improve their AI capabilities.

Approximately 2500 Canadian Armed Forces members participated in Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 21 in Wainwright, Alberta, from May 1 to 11, 2021. The exercise tested soldier skills in a complex combat environment. Concurrently, trade tensions escalated as Canada imposed counter-tariffs on U.S. goods, prompting a U.S. response with bans on Canadian products, highlighting a potential breakdown in trust between the two nations.

Admiral Chester Nimitz was appointed Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet on December 16, 1941, following the Pearl Harbor attack. He emphasized leadership through selecting capable individuals and supporting their efforts. Nimitz led the U.S. Navy to significant victories during World War II, including the Battle of Midway, and was promoted to Fleet Admiral in December 1944.

The Pentagon requested to reprogram $1.5 billion in funding for high-priority AI initiatives and the MV-75 Cheyenne tiltrotor program. This includes $600 million for a top-secret AI compute center and $230 million for the tiltrotor's research and development. The reprogramming aims to address funding shortfalls that could impact military operations and employment within the defense industry. Additionally, $18 million is allocated for Army drones and $36 million for counter-UAS technology.

The US Space Force operates the X-37B spaceplane, a 29-foot long, uncrewed vehicle that conducts long-duration missions in secrecy. Launched on Atlas V or Falcon 9 rockets, it features a classified payload bay and is designed for various technological tests. Its existence raises strategic implications regarding US capabilities in space and potential military applications.

Elbit Systems has rebranded its U.S. arm as Twenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. The company, which employs 3,300 people across 10 states, aims to enhance support for U.S. warfighters through domestic design and manufacturing. This rebranding reflects its commitment to the American market and includes a focus on electronic systems, drones, and ground combat systems.

The 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard returned to Burlington, Vermont, on September 6, 2026, after a nine-month deployment that included operations in the Caribbean, South America, and the Middle East. The unit, known as The Green Mountain Boys, conducted missions in support of U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Central Command during their deployment, which involved over 200 members.

CAE and WB Electronics announced the signing of a collaboration agreement to advance Polish-Canadian defense cooperation. This partnership aims to enhance capabilities in advanced technologies within the defense sector. The announcement was made today, highlighting the growing collaboration between the two nations in military technology.

The U.S. Navy terminated the A-12 Avenger II program in January 1991 due to technological failures and a fixed-price contract that did not account for the immature technology required. The program, which aimed to develop 8 aircraft and 4 test articles, resulted in no flyable aircraft and significant financial losses. This cancellation is viewed as a critical factor in the decline of McDonnell Douglas and has led to ongoing financial issues for Boeing due to similar contracting practices.

On September 25, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. Army 7th Cavalry soldiers would retain their 20 Medals of Honor awarded for the Wounded Knee massacre in 1890. This decision followed a review panel's conclusion and has sparked ongoing debate in Congress, where some lawmakers advocate for revocation due to the massacre's historical context and the high number of civilian casualties. The massacre resulted in the deaths of approximately 150 to 375 Lakota, primarily unarmed men, women, and children.

The Pentagon has selected a contractor for the U.S. Navy's next-generation stealth fighter, with an announcement anticipated in the coming weeks. The program, known as F/A-XX, aims to replace the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet and is crucial for maintaining naval air dominance against advancing threats. Funding has been secured, with $750 million allocated in 2025 and an additional $1.4 billion in 2026.

AEVEX Corp. won $20.5 million in U.S. government contracts to develop one-way attack drones, announced on September 9, 2026. These drones will support combat-ready units and training. This marks the third contract awarded to AEVEX for such systems in 2026, contributing to their significant share of the loitering munitions market.

The U.S. Department of Defense updated its physical fitness policy on August 31, 2023, designating over 80 military occupations as combat arms, requiring them to complete a new combat field test. This includes various branches such as the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, with specific tests tailored to each service. The changes aim to establish sex-neutral standards and may impact personnel who fail to meet the new requirements.

The U.S. Air Force is developing rapidly deployable drone swarms for base security, utilizing cargo planes as launch platforms. The drones will autonomously defend bases from attacks, with a proposal deadline of October 21, 2023. The project emphasizes secure communications and has potential applications for disaster response and border surveillance.

The U.S. Department of Defense implemented new combat field fitness tests for over 80 military occupations designated as combat arms, effective August 31, 2023. This includes personnel from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, who must now meet specific fitness standards set by their respective branches. The Army's test consists of seven events, and failure to meet these standards may result in administrative actions, including potential separation from service.

German pilots from the Luftwaffe scored simulated kills against US Air Force F-22 Raptors during the Red Flag exercise in Alaska in 2012. They deployed 8 Eurofighter Typhoons and 150 personnel, achieving notable success while the F-22s were hampered by external fuel tanks. Following the exercise, the German pilots commemorated their victories by painting kill decals on their aircraft.

The F-35 Lightning II achieved a 20:1 kill ratio against F-16s during Red Flag 2017 at Nellis Air Force Base, showcasing its stealth and sensor capabilities. However, aggressor F-16 pilots successfully employed swarm tactics, revealing vulnerabilities in the F-35's limited missile capacity and forcing it into close-range engagements. This incident underscores both the strengths and limitations of the F-35 in modern air combat scenarios.

Poseidon Aerospace raised $60 million in funding to develop unmanned cargo aircraft, specifically the Egret model, aimed at enhancing logistics for both commercial and defense sectors. The company, headquartered in Alameda, California, plans to operate its own cargo flights to serve remote routes and support Defense Department logistics. The first uncrewed flight of Egret is anticipated by the end of 2026.

The National Security Agency is utilizing artificial intelligence tools to enhance data processing and analysis efficiency. David Imbordino, head of the agency's cybersecurity directorate, stated that AI will allow analysts to identify anomalies more quickly. This initiative is part of the NSA's broader efforts to improve intelligence collection and cyber defense capabilities, as well as to comply with a recent executive order on AI.

China's navy has expanded to 350 ships, surpassing the US's 293. By 2030, China plans to increase its fleet to 435 ships, while the US aims to add 58 ships by 2031. The US Navy struggles with maintaining fleet readiness, with projections showing a readiness rate of only 68% by 2025. High costs and outdated regulations hinder US shipbuilding efforts.