Analysis & Reports

The Russian Army plans to expand its Unmanned Systems Forces to 101,000 personnel by April 1, 2026, amid a significant increase in oil revenue due to temporary US sanctions relief. Russian forces conducted reinforced assaults near Shandryholove and targeted Ukrainian logistics and artillery. Ukrainian forces successfully disrupted Russian operations through targeted strikes. Additionally, Russia launched missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure on March 12-13, 2026.

Dmitri VolkovSun Mar 22 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier force is under significant strain during the ongoing conflict with Iran in 2026, with only 3-5 of its 11 carriers being combat ready. Operational issues, including malfunctions on the USS Gerald R. Ford and extended overhauls of other carriers, highlight logistical challenges that threaten U.S. power projection. The situation is exacerbated by Iranian threats and the Navy's inability to maintain a reliable operational fleet.

The U.S. Air Force is extending the F-22 Raptor's service life to 2060 and implementing significant upgrades to maintain air superiority amid challenges with the F-35 and aging aircraft. Key enhancements include stealth-compatible external fuel tanks and advanced sensors. The uncertain future of the F-47 program has led to a renewed focus on the F-22 as a strategic asset for upcoming conflicts, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

The USS George Washington completed a 2,117-day Refueling and Complex Overhaul at Newport News, Virginia, which was initially expected to take four years. The extensive delay was attributed to unforeseen repairs, pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, and a lack of redundancy in the U.S. naval industrial base. This situation highlights significant logistical challenges affecting the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy.

The U.S. Navy invested $900 million in Hadrian's Factory 4 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to enhance submarine production capabilities. The facility will employ up to 1,000 workers and aims to automate 80% of its processes using robotics and AI. This investment is part of a broader strategy to address workforce shortages and improve production efficiency for Columbia- and Virginia-class submarines. The factory is expected to reach full production capacity in two years.

The U.S. Air Force upgraded the records of 595 service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, allowing eligible veterans to return to service without a waiver. This review was completed ahead of the deadline set by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Additionally, the active-duty obligation for those returning has been reduced from four years to two years, and the deadline for rejoining has been extended to April 1, 2027.

The U.S. Navy launched a public-private partnership with Hadrian, opening a facility in Cherokee, Alabama, on March 20, 2026, to produce components for Virginia and Columbia-class submarines. This initiative merges over $1.5 billion in private investment with $900 million in government funding, aiming to support up to 1,000 jobs and enhance the maritime industrial base. The facility is expected to be fully operational within two years, focusing on automating production processes for efficiency.

Effective January 1, 2026, the qualifying age for disability onset under the ABLE Act will rise from 26 to 46, allowing 6 million more Americans, including many veterans, to qualify for tax-free ABLE accounts. These accounts enable tax-free savings for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for VA pension, Medicaid, or SSI. The changes aim to alleviate financial strain on veterans with disabilities.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) is undergoing a delayed Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, Virginia, which is now expected to complete in October 2026, 14 months behind schedule. This delay, caused by engineering issues and labor shortages, threatens the U.S. Navy's carrier availability, particularly impacting operations in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific regions.

The Space Force announced that SpaceX will launch the final GPS III satellite, GPS III SV-10, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, by the end of April. This decision comes after grounding ULA's Vulcan-Centaur rocket due to persistent issues. The Space Force aims to ensure rapid delivery of advanced GPS capabilities while continuing to investigate the Vulcan anomaly.

The U.S. Air Force is accelerating the production of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, with plans to increase capacity by 25% following a $4.5 billion funding allocation. STRATCOM advocates for a total of 145 units, while the first operational B-21 is scheduled for delivery in 2027. Production will occur at Air Force Plant No. 42 in Palmdale, California, addressing the aging fleet of bombers including the B-2 Spirit and B-1 Lancer.

The U.S. Space Force is advancing the development of a Space Data Network (SDN) in Washington to support the Golden Dome missile-defense shield. This network aims to facilitate near-real-time integration of missile warning and tracking data. Recent funding increases are intended to expedite the SDN's implementation, which will incorporate both military and commercial satellite capabilities. However, specific acquisition projects and detailed implementation plans remain unclear as the Space Force finalizes its strategy.

Anduril Industries will begin production of its Fury high-speed combat drones at a new facility in Columbus, Ohio, in the coming days. The facility is part of a $1 billion investment and is expected to employ over 4,000 people over the next decade. The production will also include the Roadrunner interceptor and Barracuda cruise missiles, reflecting the U.S. military's growing interest in unmanned aircraft.

Anduril Industries will begin production of its Fury high-speed combat drones at a new facility in Columbus, Ohio, in the coming days. The facility is expected to employ over 4,000 people over the next decade, starting with 250 by the end of this year. In addition to the Fury drones, production will include the Roadrunner interceptor and Barracuda cruise missile family.

Pentagon staffers and contractors are resisting the removal of Anthropic's AI tools following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's designation of the company as a supply-chain risk on March 3, 2025. Despite orders to phase out the tools, military users view them as superior and are concerned about the lengthy recertification process for alternatives. The transition away from Claude AI is expected to be costly and time-consuming, impacting military operations.

The Department of Defense is actively recruiting civilian employees to volunteer for border security missions with the Department of Homeland Security. Since August 2025, 1,000 civilians have been added to assist DHS, with 200 already deployed. Currently, 900 individuals have submitted applications to support operations, which include assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.

The Pentagon is considering opening a second production line for the B-21 Raider to meet STRATCOM's demand for a fleet of 145 aircraft. STRATCOM Commander Adm. Richard Correll confirmed this initiative during a hearing on March 17, 2026, emphasizing the need for increased production capacity to address supply chain issues. A $4.5 billion investment aims to enhance production by 25%, with the B-21 intended to replace older bombers by the 2030s.

Starting this fall, the U.S. military will receive new F-35 Joint Strike Fighters without radars, limiting their combat capabilities. Over a hundred jets may be affected if delays in the new APG-85 radar continue. These aircraft will remain airworthy but will be used only for training purposes. The situation arises from production delays and certification issues with the new radar system, impacting the operational readiness of the fleet.

The U.S. Navy's SSN(X) attack submarine program has been delayed to FY2040 due to budget constraints and resource management issues. The cost per hull has escalated to $8 billion, raising concerns about the Navy's undersea capabilities against near-peer adversaries like China and Russia. Ongoing debates regarding nuclear fuel types further complicate the program's future.

Canada is increasing its sovereign ammunition production capacity as part of the Canadian Defence Industry Resilience initiative. This move aims to enhance the country's defense capabilities by bolstering its domestic production of ammunition.