Analysis & Reports

In 1976, the U.S. Air Force evaluated the cost to modify 275 A-10 Warthogs to carry nuclear weapons, estimating $15.9 million for the project. The proposal arose during a period of heightened concern over Soviet armored forces in Europe. Ultimately, the Air Force did not pursue the modification due to the A-10's design limitations for nuclear delivery. The aircraft continues to serve in conventional roles today.

Hanwha Philly Shipyard is constructing a new missile range instrumentation vessel named Golden Defender in Philadelphia. This vessel will support the Pentagon's Golden Dome missile defense system and is part of a contract awarded by the Office of Management and Budget. The shipyard aims to enhance its production capacity significantly in the coming years.

The U.S. Navy commissioned the USS Massachusetts and USS Idaho in March and April 2026, respectively, each taking about 12 years from contract to commissioning. The delays are attributed to workforce challenges, material supply issues, and the complexity of the new Block V design. The Navy's current production rate is insufficient to meet its needs, resulting in a growing backlog of submarines.

L3Harris Technologies and Shield AI conducted the first live flight trial of their Distributed Spectrum Collaboration and Operations (DiSCO) system in the United States. This event marks a significant milestone in the development of electronic warfare capabilities.

The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is set for delivery to the U.S. Navy in March 2027, marking a significant delay since its first steel was cut in February 2011. The construction challenges stem from limited shipyard capacity in Newport News, Virginia, and a shortage of skilled labor. As a result, the U.S. Navy operates only ten aircraft carriers, below the required eleven, impacting operational readiness.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) celebrated 10 years of operations at the Flight Test and Training Center (FTTC) in Grand Forks, North Dakota, which has trained over 4,000 pilots and sensor operators. The FTTC has facilitated significant milestones in unmanned aircraft systems, including the first transatlantic flight of the MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft in 2018. GA-ASI continues to play a crucial role in the development and training of UAS capabilities for international customers.

Blue Water Autonomy and Saildrone filed lawsuits against the US Navy in Washington after their proposals for the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) marketplace were rejected. The companies allege that the Navy did not adhere to its own guidelines in the evaluation process and are seeking court intervention to halt further testing and contract awards until their proposals are reassessed. The lawsuits follow the Navy's cancellation of the Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC) program, which was replaced by the MUSV marketplace.

Canada announced an investment of 1.4 billion USD to build 190 new Armoured Combat Support Vehicles (ACSVs) in partnership with General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada. This initiative will increase the ACSV fleet from 360 to 550 and will support training rotations at Canadian Armed Forces bases. The partnership aims to strengthen Canada's defense capabilities and includes commitments to military aid for Ukraine.

Raytheon is currently updating its plans to enhance US naval radars as part of Project Storm. This initiative aims to improve the capabilities of naval radar systems in the United States.

Saronic announced plans to construct a new shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, starting later this year. The facility will cover 800 acres initially, with potential expansion to 4,000 acres, and aims to employ 10,000 workers over the next decade. It will focus on building both defense and commercial ships, including manned and unmanned vessels, with operations expected to begin in 2028.

Canada is evaluating its military aircraft options, considering the purchase of 88 F-35s while also entering observer status in the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) for a sixth-generation fighter. The JAS 39 Gripen is another contender, suitable for air policing and NATO integration. The GCAP fighter will not be operational until 2035, prompting Canada to reassess its immediate needs in light of U.S. relations and defense commitments.

The U.S. Army is integrating Link 16 tactical data link into its aviation platforms to enhance connectivity and operational effectiveness. This modernization effort includes the UH-60 Black Hawk and Apache helicopters, with over 37,000 Link 16 terminals already deployed across U.S. and allied forces. The initiative aims to ensure that all platforms operate collaboratively in the modern battlefield, improving situational awareness and decision-making capabilities.

CSG Group has officially begun construction of the Future Artillery Complex at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. This facility will produce up to 36,000 loaded 155mm artillery projectiles per month and is part of a U.S. Army modernization effort. The project is expected to create approximately 70 new jobs and be operational by 2029.

The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $439 million contract to produce ATACMS missiles and launchers for Taiwan, with the total expected to reach nearly $900 million. This deal, part of a larger arms package, aims to enhance Taiwan's long-range strike capabilities significantly. The contract is scheduled for completion by February 2031, reflecting the complexities of missile production. Taiwan is financing this through Foreign Military Sales, underscoring its commitment to strengthening its defense posture against potential threats from China.

The U.S. Air Force has ordered an increase in the production of long-range missiles, raising the total to 16,450 units due to concerns over stockpile depletion. This includes the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), with production expected to begin in about 27 months. Lockheed Martin will exclusively manufacture these missiles, reflecting a significant push to rebuild missile inventories strained by recent military engagements.

CSG Group has officially launched the construction of the Future Artillery Complex at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. This facility will produce up to 36,000 loaded 155mm artillery projectiles per month and is part of a significant U.S. Army modernization effort. The project is expected to create approximately 70 new jobs and is scheduled to be operational by 2029.

ZeroUSV delivered the Oceanus17 uncrewed surface vessel at its headquarters in Plymouth following successful Factory Acceptance Tests. The Oceanus17, measuring 17 meters, is designed for long-range operations and features advanced autonomy capabilities. It will undergo final commissioning before its official naming ceremony next month.

The Pentagon is moving to buy thousands of affordable cruise missiles, reaching agreements with Anduril, CoAspire, and Zone 5 Technologies. The U.S. Air Force plans to purchase up to 8,000 missiles annually, with costs around $218,000 each. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027 as part of the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles program, which aims to enhance the U.S. arsenal with cost-effective options.

The Pentagon is moving to buy thousands of affordable cruise missiles, reaching agreements with Anduril, CoAspire, and Zone 5 Technologies. The U.S. Air Force plans to purchase up to 8,000 missiles annually, with costs around $218,000 each, significantly lower than previous models. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027 as part of the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles program.

The U.S. military is experiencing a critical shortage of artillery shells, with only 600,000 remaining for the Army and Marine Corps. This shortage follows the provision of over 3 million rounds to Ukraine and is exacerbated by production issues at the Mesquite, Texas facility, which has not produced a key component for two years. The Army's goal of 100,000 rounds per month by October 2025 is currently unattainable due to systemic failures in the defense industrial base.