Analysis & Reports

The U.S. federal government spent nearly $10 billion placing over 100,000 federal workers on paid administrative leave in 2025, primarily due to the Deferred Resignation Program. This program incentivized employees to resign by September 2025, resulting in a significant increase in paid leave usage. The Government Accountability Office highlighted the need for better tracking of these costs and recommended the creation of a new leave category for workforce reductions.

Saab is proposing that Canada order 40 JAS 39 Gripen fighters to support local assembly, framing it as a choice for a sovereign aerospace industry. The Canadian government is reviewing its planned purchase of 88 F-35s and considering a mixed fleet of aircraft. Saab has been selected as the preferred supplier for airborne early-warning capabilities, and discussions are ongoing regarding the GlobalEye surveillance aircraft.

U.S. Cyber Command appointed Rear Adm. Ronzelle Green as its new Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, succeeding Brig. Gen. Reid Novotny. Green brings over 30 years of IT experience, including a role at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. The command focuses on enhancing AI capabilities for military operations under the leadership of Gen. Joshua Rudd.

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd secured a €13 million contract involving Comtech’s MTTS Terminals. This contract was announced recently and is associated with a NATO ally.

Russian forces continue to launch counterattacks in Ukraine, suffering over 30,000 casualties monthly. Ukraine has regained initiative and territory in the Donetsk region, disrupting Russian objectives. Putin remains fixated on capturing the entire Donetsk oblast before considering peace talks, despite the improbability of achieving this goal. The situation reflects a significant shift in battlefield dynamics, with Ukraine successfully countering Russian advances.

The 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) occurred in Kielce, Poland, from 8 to 11 September 2026, featuring over 1,200 exhibitors and 40,000 visitors. Canada served as the Lead Nation, showcasing its defense capabilities and fostering partnerships with Poland and other NATO allies. The event highlighted Poland's strategic importance in European defense procurement and modernization efforts.

The U.S. government plans to sell $2.8 billion worth of military arms to Israel, including 20,000 MK-84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs. This arms sale has been informally communicated to relevant congressional committees. Israel has been using these powerful bombs in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, leading to serious casualties and drawing attention from human rights experts.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed the existence of space control weapons capable of offensive operations during a meeting in Maryland on October 14, 2023. This acknowledgment marks the first time the U.S. has recognized its offensive capabilities in space, raising concerns about a potential arms race. Experts warn that this development could lead to increased military tensions and conflict in outer space.

On 9 September 2026, Poland signed a $4 billion loan guarantee with the U.S. for military financing, bringing total U.S. military aid to nearly $20 billion. Poland has received 8 F-35A Husarz fighters at Łask airbase and plans to acquire 32 more. Reconstruction of the Świdwin airbase is ongoing to support additional aircraft operations.

U.S. Marine Corps reorganizes for small-unit expeditionary warfare, raising concerns among Chinese naval officers about the effectiveness of Marine Stand-In Forces (SIF) on Pacific islands. Chinese military experts warn that SIFs could disrupt their naval operations and recommend proactive measures to counter these forces, including the development of undersea weapons and enhanced surveillance capabilities.

Ukraine is facing a $27 billion defense budget shortfall and is requesting additional military aid to counter the production of 140 Russian ballistic missiles per month. Ukrainian officials emphasize the need for a 2:1 interceptor ratio to effectively defend against these threats. The government is urging parliament to pass necessary legislation to secure international financial assistance before the winter months.

Switzerland approved an additional CHF 394 million for the procurement of F-35A fighter jets, reducing the expected number from 36 to a maximum of 30 due to budget constraints. The decision follows revelations that the promised fixed price was never secured in a contract, prompting calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the procurement process. The Swiss Armed Forces are involved in this military acquisition amid ongoing political scrutiny.

Admiral Chester Nimitz led the U.S. Navy during World War II, notably after the attack on Pearl Harbor, restoring morale and achieving significant victories in the Pacific. He emphasized the Navy's role in carrying the war to the enemy to prevent battles on U.S. soil. Nimitz's leadership style and strategic decisions, including his involvement in the Battle of Midway, were pivotal in turning the tide of the war.

Chinese state television acknowledged the existence of approximately 320 missile silos under construction in western China, marking the first semi-official recognition of the project. The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, under pressure from Beijing, aimed to enhance its second-strike nuclear capability. This acknowledgment follows years of speculation regarding China's nuclear policy and its response to U.S. missile defense initiatives.

A Russian drone struck a passenger train near the Poland-Ukraine border on the 13th, potentially targeting a diplomatic train carrying former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other European leaders. The attack occurred shortly after the train departed, prompting emergency evacuations of passengers, including former CIA Director David Petraeus. Officials from Poland and Ukraine condemned the strike as an escalation of Russian aggression.

The US Air Force is preparing its bomber fleet, including 76 B-52H Stratofortresses, 45 B-1B Lancers, and 19 B-2 Spirits, for potential deployment in Yemen to support Saudi Arabia against the Houthis. The Air Force faces modernization challenges, with many programs running late or over budget, while the North Star Readiness Campaign aims to enhance the readiness of its aircraft. Yemen's dispersed Houthi forces complicate potential airstrike operations.

Royal IHC signed a contract with Naval Group on September 15, 2026, to design crew quarters for the Royal Netherlands Navy's new Orka-class submarines. This contract is part of a larger program to replace the aging Walrus-class submarines, with a total investment of approximately €5.6 billion. The first two submarines are expected to be delivered by the mid-2030s.

The U.S. Space Force plans to double its ranks by adding 10,000 guardians over the next five years, with significant growth expected in the first year. This expansion includes increasing training capacity at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and Peterson Space Force Base. The initiative aims to enhance military education and training in response to the growing importance of space as a critical domain.

The U.S. Space Force faces significant budget constraints, with 10% of its programs unable to proceed without a new spending bill. General Douglas Schiess highlighted the urgency for Congress to approve the budget, as the Space Force aims to expand to 20,000 personnel by the end of the decade. He confirmed the existence of operational space control weapons in orbit, emphasizing the need for resources to maintain military readiness against emerging threats.

A Russian frigate fired two flares at a Danish military helicopter in the Baltic Sea on Monday, narrowly missing the aircraft. The Danish military reported the incident, which Russia is investigating, claiming Denmark was conducting dangerous maneuvers. This event highlights escalating tensions in the region amid ongoing concerns over Russian military aggression.