Analysis & Reports

The Defense Department is actively seeking civilian volunteers to assist with immigration enforcement operations at the southwest border, as emphasized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in a memo. These volunteers will support Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection for up to 180 days, focusing on logistics and operational planning. The initiative comes amid concerns about potential increases in migrant numbers.

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps are enhancing amphibious warship readiness through the newly established Amphibious Force Readiness Board in Washington. The board aims to address readiness shortfalls and improve logistics, with current combat surge readiness at 53%. The Marine Corps is working towards a 3.0 ARG-MEU presence, although they currently can only provide 1.0. Challenges include maintaining a fleet of at least 31 amphibious ships, with many in poor condition.

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment is testing 17 unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in Washington as part of the xTech Edge Strike Ground competition. The Army aims to identify cost-effective UGV solutions for various military applications, including logistics and breaching scenarios. Winners of the competition will be announced on March 13, with each receiving $275,000.

Canadian companies and universities signed five Teaming Agreements and three MOUs with Hanwha Ocean on March 5, 2026, in Ottawa. These partnerships aim to enhance Canada's submarine supply chain capabilities and foster innovation in defense technologies. The agreements involve collaboration in areas such as underwater acoustics, power distribution, and AI-enabled naval systems, contributing to Canada's defense industrial base and workforce development.

Hanwha Ocean announced five Teaming Agreements and three MOUs with Canadian companies and universities in Ottawa on March 5, 2026, to enhance the global submarine supply chain. The partnerships focus on advanced technologies such as underwater acoustic systems and power distribution, aligning with Canada's defense objectives. The event highlighted the importance of Canada-Korea defense cooperation, attended by industry leaders and military stakeholders.

The U.S. Navy is extending the service life of the aging Ohio-class submarines due to delays in the Columbia-class program and the planned retirement of Ticonderoga-class cruisers, which will create a significant missile capacity gap. By 2027, the Navy will lose 2,080 vertical launch system (VLS) cells, impacting its nuclear deterrence capabilities. The Navy's reliance on Tomahawk missiles underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges.

As of March 2026, 82 percent of ships under construction by the U.S. Navy are behind schedule, highlighting a significant crisis in the shipbuilding industrial base. The premature retirement of the Littoral Combat Ship and the costly Zumwalt-class program have exacerbated the situation. The U.S. risks losing its qualitative edge in the Indo-Pacific as China's naval capabilities expand rapidly.

The U.S. Navy awarded a contract to Rockwell Collins on September 30, 2025, for the repair and reconfiguration of TacNet 1.0 datalink radios used in the Joint Standoff Weapon and Harpoon Block II+ missile systems. Valued at $347,318.44, the contract focuses on restoring communication units that maintain data exchange between naval weapons and tactical networks. This ensures precision weapons remain connected during missions.

The U.S. Army National Guard initiated a procurement effort on March 7, 2026, to acquire small unmanned aerial systems for training and operational support at the Volunteer Training Site in Smyrna, Tennessee. The Tennessee Army National Guard is seeking three types of drones that comply with the Blue UAS security certification requirements, including models like the Neros Archer and FlightWave Edge 130. This effort aims to enhance reconnaissance and training capabilities without relying on larger platforms.

Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher officially took office as the first submarine czar of the U.S. Navy on February 23, 2024, in Washington. He will oversee the production of Virginia and Columbia-class submarines, which are currently facing delays due to workforce shortages and supply chain issues. This new role aims to enhance leadership and streamline submarine construction efforts.

Defense executives met with Trump administration officials in Washington to discuss replenishing munitions expended in Iran, with a potential funding request exceeding $50 billion. U.S. Central Command reported a significant reduction in Iranian missile activity, and a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship. The U.S. is shifting to precision weapons to enhance operational effectiveness.

The Pentagon plans to allocate $152 billion in fiscal year 2026, diverging from previous budget requests and congressional guidance. This decision raises concerns about oversight and the appropriateness of using reconciliation funds for military budgeting. Lawmakers are urged to reconsider the use of such funds to ensure proper accountability and transparency in defense spending.

The U.S. Air Force awarded a $1.9 billion contract to Lockheed Martin for the C-130J Maintenance and Training System. This contract includes production and support for training systems used by crews and maintenance personnel operating the C-130J Super Hercules. Work will occur at various U.S. and international locations, with the contract expected to last until February 28, 2039.

The U.S. military is concerned about the depletion of air defense interceptors amid ongoing conflicts with Iran. On February 28, 2024, the U.S. and Israel conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets to weaken Iran's missile and drone retaliation capabilities. The Pentagon is focused on replenishing stocks of Patriot and Standard missiles, while Israel faces its own ammunition supply issues. If the conflict persists, the U.S. may utilize stocks from the Pacific region.

Austal Defence Australia and Damen Shipyards Group signed a contract on 20 February 2024 for the construction of eight Landing Ship Transport (LST) 100 vessels at Austal's Henderson shipyard in Western Australia. This initiative aims to enhance the Australian Army's operational capabilities as part of the 2024 National Defence Strategy. The vessels will support various military operations, including amphibious operations and logistics movements.

The U.S. Navy faces a strategic firepower gap as it plans to retire all four Ohio-class SSGNs by 2027, resulting in a loss of 2,080 VLS cells for Tomahawk missiles and other systems. Delays in the Columbia-class submarine program exacerbate this issue, making the extension of the Ohio-class submarines a strategic necessity to maintain nuclear deterrence and conventional strike capabilities. The retirement of Ticonderoga-class cruisers by 2030 further complicates the Navy's missile power.

House and Senate members, along with veterans' organizations, are advocating for the Major Richard Star Act to allow 54,000 wounded veterans to receive both military retirement pay and VA disability compensation without offsets. The bill, which has bipartisan support, faces challenges due to concerns over its estimated $9.75 billion cost. Prominent senators have called for expedited passage, emphasizing the need to honor veterans' sacrifices.

The U.S. Air Force updated its physical fitness program to enhance airmen's long-term health and readiness. The new program includes increased minimums for fitness components and a baseline period for diagnostic tests starting March 1, with official scoring beginning July 1. Body composition will be scored, and resources will be provided to support airmen during the transition. Fitness assessment scores will now be part of annual evaluations.

On March 2, 2026, the U.S. Army issued a notice for follow-on Technical Assistance and Field Service Representative support for the PAC-3 Defense System, covering program years 2027 through 2029. This initiative aims to maintain the operational readiness of PAC-3 missile defense units as they continue to serve with U.S. forces and international partners. Contractors will be required to demonstrate technical expertise in maintaining the system, with support expected to commence by December 1, 2027.

The Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency announced the NOBLE missile interceptor program on March 2, 2026, establishing a five-year acquisition framework to enhance missile defense capabilities. This initiative aims to streamline contracting processes and accelerate access to advanced technologies, addressing threats from ballistic and hypersonic missiles. The program will be administered from Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, and will involve various missile defense entities within the Department of War.