Analysis & Reports

USS North Carolina (BB-55) served as a shield for carriers during World War II, engaging in bombardment missions across various locations including Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. Commissioned on April 9, 1941, the battleship was equipped with nine 16-inch guns and earned 15 battle stars before being decommissioned on June 27, 1947. Despite its formidable armament, North Carolina never engaged an enemy battleship in combat.

The U.S. Army awarded a contract to American Rheinmetall for the development of autonomous unmanned ground vehicles based on Harbinger’s hybrid vehicle platform. This 18-month effort is part of the Army’s Project Sustainment program, aimed at improving logistics by autonomously transporting supplies to frontline troops, thereby reducing risks to soldiers. The project leverages advanced vehicle technology to enhance military operational effectiveness.

The Northrop F-20 Tigershark program was canceled after failing to secure any orders despite its impressive capabilities, including Mach 2 speed and a weapons capacity exceeding 9,000 pounds. The program, which began in 1982, faced challenges from the F-16's market dominance and suffered from two fatal crashes during demonstrations. Ultimately, the lack of a U.S. launch customer and changing export policies led to its demise in December 1986.

The U.S. Navy retired the F-14D Tomcat in February 2006 after its final combat sortie over Iraq. The aircraft was praised for its advanced capabilities, including superior speed and radar systems, but was replaced by the Super Hornet due to cost and maintenance considerations. The retirement raised concerns about the loss of long-range defense capabilities amid evolving threats.

Boeing has been awarded an $11.4 million contract to develop updated flight control software for the P-8A Poseidon aircraft, addressing autopilot deficiencies identified during testing. The updates will correct issues related to altitude acquisition, speed exceedance, pitch oscillations, and throttle response. Work will take place in Tukwila, Washington, with completion expected by February 2028.

The U.S. Navy has ordered $107 million worth of new rotor blades for the VH-92A Presidential Helicopter, known as Marine One. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. will design, build, and test the new blades to enhance the helicopter's power margin. This order is part of a larger program to ensure the helicopter's reliability and capability for decades. Work is expected to be completed by March 2031, with significant portions of the effort taking place in Stratford, Connecticut.

The U.S. Navy has placed a $229.6 million order for 188 Hammerhead underwater mines designed for anti-submarine warfare. These mines will utilize acoustic sensors to detect enemy submarines and launch MK 54 torpedoes upon confirmation of a threat. Production will occur at five locations, with completion expected by October 2028.

Northrop Grumman secured a $1.84 billion contract to produce and sustain the LITENING targeting system, which will support U.S. military operations through 2035. The contract allows for additional orders and upgrades without renegotiation, ensuring continued use of this critical targeting technology across various aircraft. The LITENING pod enhances pilots' ability to identify and engage targets from a safe distance.

CACI International announced the full production and deployment of the SkyValor drone defense system across the United States under a $500 million contract with Joint Interagency Task Force 401. The system, tested at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, is designed to detect and neutralize drone threats, providing military and homeland defense with enhanced capabilities. The contract allows for flexible future orders as needs evolve, reflecting a strategic response to increasing drone threats.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted live-fire training with an amphibious infantry fighting vehicle at sea on July 10, engaging simulated targets while navigating towards the beach. This exercise underscores the importance of maintaining formation and fire rhythm under challenging conditions. The training is part of a broader effort to integrate various military capabilities, including air support and naval operations, for effective amphibious assaults.

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The U.S. Air Force announced the development of the F-47 NGAD fighter, which is expected to fly before January 2029. The fighter will have a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles and will operate alongside over 150 Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Boeing was awarded the Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract in March 2025, and the F-47 is designed for advanced warfare with next-generation stealth and sensor fusion capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force announced the development of the F-47 NGAD fighter, which is expected to fly before January 2029. Boeing was awarded the Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract in March 2025. The F-47 will feature a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles and will operate alongside over 150 Collaborative Combat Aircraft. This new fighter is designed for advanced warfare with enhanced stealth and sensor capabilities.

The Royal Navy's two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, have faced significant mechanical failures, including propulsion issues. HMS Queen Elizabeth withdrew from NATO exercises in early 2024, and sailors reported a lack of reliable hot water, forcing some to live ashore. These issues highlight ongoing logistical challenges within the Royal Navy.

The U.S. Air Force's F-35A, despite being a newer aircraft, has an average availability comparable to that of a 36-year-old F-16C/D. The flyaway cost for the F-35A is reported at $82.5 million, with operational costs significantly higher than those of the F-16. The F-35 program is projected to cost $2.1 trillion, raising questions about its value relative to its advanced capabilities.

A Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet crashed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California at approximately 10 a.m. local time. The pilot ejected and is currently in stable condition at a local medical facility. Emergency personnel responded to the incident, and the F-35 Joint Program Office is supporting the investigation.

The U.S. Air Force faces significant cost and schedule risks in upgrading the B-52 Stratofortress bombers, with a projected $21 billion for 13 upgrades. Key efforts, including the engine replacement and radar modernization, are experiencing budget overruns and delays, potentially impacting operational capabilities. The Government Accountability Office has issued recommendations to address these challenges.

The USS Long Beach (CGN-9) was commissioned in September 1961 as the first nuclear-powered surface combatant, showcasing advanced radar and missile systems. It served extensively during the Cold War, providing air defense and naval support, before being retired in 1995. The vessel's design and technology influenced modern naval warfare, marking a significant transition from traditional artillery to guided missiles.

The U.S. Air Force operates 179 F-22 Raptors, which cost approximately $85,325 per flight hour. The total program cost is around $33.2 billion, with maintenance and operational expenses being significantly high. The F-22 remains a critical asset despite its high costs, especially in the context of great-power competition with Russia and China.

American Rheinmetall has been awarded an 18-month contract to provide autonomous uncrewed ground vehicles for the U.S. Army's Project Sustainment. These vehicles are designed to autonomously transport supplies, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing risk to soldiers. The project involves collaboration with partners such as Harbinger and Forterra, focusing on advancements in logistics and military operations.

The U.S. Marine Corps is acquiring a new anti-drone round for M4 and M27 rifles, with 400,000 rounds already purchased and an additional 1 million planned for Fiscal Year 2027. Deliveries are expected to be completed by September 2026 at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California. This new ammunition is specifically designed to enhance the Marines' capability to counter small drones.