Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy has decided to halt the Constellation-class frigate program due to significant design issues and cost overruns. As of April 2025, only 10% of the first ship, USS Constellation, was completed. Secretary of the Navy John Cartwright Phelan emphasized the need for readiness and announced a strategic shift away from this program, while the first two ships remain under review.

Saronic raised nearly $2 billion to expand its shipyard in Franklin, Louisiana, focusing on developing autonomous vessels for the U.S. Navy's medium unmanned surface vessel program. The funding will support the construction of a new facility, Port Alpha, which aims to significantly increase production capacity. This expansion aligns with the Navy's strategy to integrate more autonomous technologies into its fleet.

NORAD Commander Gregory M. Guillot stated that Canada does not necessarily need the F-35 fighter jets to defend its borders, suggesting that the F-15EX Eagle II could be sufficient. This statement comes amid ongoing debates in Canada regarding the planned acquisition of 88 F-35s, which has been a contentious political issue since 2010. The Liberal government confirmed the purchase of F-35s in January 2023, despite previous opposition to the deal.

The U.S. military is significantly increasing missile production, including THAAD interceptors, SM-6 missiles, and Tomahawk cruise missiles, to address current conflicts and prepare for potential future threats. This ramp-up includes a fourfold increase in THAAD production and substantial increases in other missile systems, reflecting the urgency of replenishing stockpiles and enhancing military capabilities. The changes are part of a broader strategy to maintain U.S. military superiority amid rising global tensions.

Federal agents from ICE are checking the lawful immigration status of visitors at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, during boot camp graduation and family days. This marks the first time in recent memory that federal law enforcement has supported base access operations. The increased presence is part of heightened security measures amid ongoing conflicts and national efforts to enforce immigration laws.

Iran launched fewer missiles and drones in the last 24 hours, marking the lowest activity since the conflict began. The U.S. maintains a military presence in the Middle East, including the 82nd Airborne Division, potentially as a precursor to ground operations. U.S. forces have initiated B-52 bombing strikes targeting Iran's defense capabilities, while the administration aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic.

U.S. Air Force bombers, including 15 B-1B Lancers and 6 B-52 Stratofortress, are stationed at RAF Fairford in the UK for operations against Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury. The UK is allowing the U.S. to use its bases, although it remains cautious about direct involvement in the conflict. The bombers are conducting missions targeting Iranian sites.

Spain restricted US military operations by closing its airspace to US aircraft involved in the Iran war. US officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, questioned NATO's commitment to collective defense amid these restrictions. The UK has permitted the US to use its bases for operations against Iran, while tensions rise over military support in the region. Additionally, a US military aircraft was denied landing in Sicily due to procedural issues.

The YF-118G Bird of Prey was developed by the U.S. Air Force in the 1990s as a low-cost technology demonstrator for stealth capabilities. It was part of a classified program until its public unveiling in 2002 and influenced subsequent unmanned systems like the Boeing X-45. The program aimed to simplify stealth technology and reduce costs, laying the groundwork for modern military aircraft designs.

The U.S. Army aims for the Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) to achieve full qualification by 2028, following delays and funding challenges. The program received $175 million in fiscal 2026 to continue testing, which includes 6,500 hours of required evaluations. The first flight test occurred in May 2023 with a UH-60 Black Hawk, and the ITEP is designed to replace existing T700 engines in military helicopters.

The U.S. Navy is currently operating in three theaters, facing significant challenges with its aircraft carrier fleet due to maintenance issues. The USS Abraham Lincoln is actively engaged in operations against Iran, while the USS Gerald R. Ford has encountered multiple operational failures. The Navy's ability to maintain its required number of active carriers is compromised, leading to concerns about readiness and operational capacity.

The Lebanese Armed Forces received 39 VAB armored personnel carriers from France during a ceremony at the Port of Beirut on March 31. The event was attended by French Minister Delegate Alice Rufo and Lebanese Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Hassan Audi. This delivery aims to support the army's mobility and operational readiness amid increasing internal security demands in Lebanon.

Azawad rebel forces conducted a drone and missile strike on a military compound in Anefis, Mali, on March 30, 2026, targeting Malian Armed Forces and Russian personnel. The attack resulted in heavy losses and significant material damage, with secondary explosions reported from a munitions storage site. This operation is part of an ongoing campaign by Tuareg-led separatist forces against government troops and their Russian allies.

Ukraine is expanding its e-Points defence procurement system, which now includes bonuses for innovative use of drones. This initiative aims to enhance the country's military capabilities and procurement processes.

TRAX has secured a seven-year, $726.9 million contract from the US Army Test and Evaluation Command for Mission Test Support Services at Yuma Proving Ground.

China has positioned 1,700 missiles targeting U.S. bases in the Pacific, including over 1,300 intermediate-range ballistic missiles and 400 ground-launched cruise missiles. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has developed advanced hypersonic missiles capable of overwhelming U.S. defenses, threatening critical installations in Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, and Guam. Experts warn that these capabilities could severely disrupt U.S. military operations in the region during a conflict.

NATO countries have achieved the goal of spending two percent of GDP on defense, with plans to increase this target. Breaking Defense announced a new edition focused on Europe, featuring Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo as co-editor alongside Tim Martin.

The Israel Defense Forces announced the destruction of 180 Hezbollah rocket and missile launchers in Lebanon on March 31. The operations were conducted in Ramieh village, where multiple launchers were discovered in a ready-to-fire state and subsequently destroyed.

Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon from March 2 to March 31 resulted in 1268 deaths and 3750 injuries, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. The attacks have escalated nationwide during this period.

Northrop Grumman demonstrated the capabilities of its Lumberjack drone during the U.S. Army's Operation Lethal Eagle on March 31. The drone showcased autonomous mission control and simulated the deployment of the Hatchet precision strike munition. It utilized AI for adaptive targeting and maintained beyond-line-of-sight communications for real-time updates. The exercise evaluated multiple emerging systems from the defense industrial base, highlighting collaboration between military and industry.