Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army has partnered with Auriga Space to test an electromagnetic weapon system in California. This three-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) aims to explore the potential of electromagnetic accelerators as a cost-effective alternative to conventional missile interceptors. The system, named Hermes, is designed for rapid engagement against drone swarms, addressing current supply chain challenges in interceptor production.

The U.S. Army is set to award contracts for the Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (CAML) program in August 2023. Concurrently, the Army is negotiating with AeroVironment for the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, aimed at countering drone threats. The CAML will replace the Typhon long-range launcher, and the Army seeks to acquire 20 E-HEL systems by 2026.

The U.S. Air Force conducted a live-fire test of the YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, successfully firing an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile at a target over the Mojave Desert on October 31, 2025. This test marks a significant milestone in the development of unmanned fighter jets designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft. A human operator retained command throughout the engagement, ensuring that the decision to fire was not made autonomously.

The Space Development Agency (SDA) is resuming the launch of 21 Tranche 1 Transport Layer satellites on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in Washington on Thursday. This follows a strategic pause to address technical issues with previously launched satellites. The SDA aims to establish a constellation of 158 satellites to enhance military satellite capabilities, despite facing challenges with software, hardware, and regulatory approvals.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is undergoing a planned incremental availability (PIA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia, which will last 18 months due to extensive fire damage and sewage system failures. Approximately 4000 workers will conduct necessary repairs, including inspections and maintenance of various systems. This downtime is significant for the U.S. Navy's operational readiness during a critical period.

The Space Development Agency is set to launch 21 Tranche 1 satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Thursday. This launch follows a nine-month pause due to technical issues with earlier satellites. The satellites are part of a military communication network, and there are concerns about the agency's future as draft legislation proposes to dissolve it.

The U.S. Navy is struggling with its new warship programs, including the Littoral Combat Ship, Zumwalt destroyer, and Constellation frigate, all of which have failed to meet expectations. The Government Accountability Office has identified ongoing issues with the Navy's shipbuilding practices, indicating that new programs are likely to repeat past mistakes. Meanwhile, China's naval expansion continues to pose a significant challenge to U.S. maritime capabilities.

The US Air Force's YFQ-44A drone successfully fired an AMRAAM missile during a recent test over the Mojave Desert. This marks the first time a wingman drone has fired a live munition, demonstrating advanced capabilities in autonomous operations. The test was conducted from Edwards Air Force Base, with plans for a similar test involving the YFQ-42A drone in the fall.

ZeroUSV completed the construction of the Oceanus17, a 17-meter robotic ship designed for extended ocean patrols. The vessel, which can operate for over 50 days without returning to port, features advanced autonomous navigation and a significant payload capacity. It will undergo final preparations at ZeroUSV's headquarters in Plymouth before its public debut next month.

The U.S. Navy faces a significant operational challenge as 37-40% of its nuclear attack submarines are currently unavailable due to maintenance delays at aging shipyards. This situation has resulted in over 33,700 days of maintenance delays since 2014, costing the Navy approximately $4.2 billion in support for idle submarines. The Navy is attempting to address these issues through the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program, but improvements are expected to take two decades.

In the 1950s, the U.S. Navy modified three Iowa-class battleships to carry nuclear artillery shells, each with a yield comparable to the Hiroshima bomb. Historical accounts suggest these battleships may have gone to sea with the shells, although the Navy has never confirmed this. The nuclear shells were withdrawn from service in 1962, and the battleships were later reactivated in the 1980s with nuclear-capable Tomahawk missiles.

Russia's submarine force remains a significant threat to NATO in 2026, with 8 Borei-class submarines and ongoing modernization efforts. The fleet faces challenges, including slow production rates and operational losses, but continues to operate effectively in strategic regions like the Arctic and North Atlantic. The introduction of new capabilities, such as the Khabarovsk carrier for Poseidon torpedoes, underscores its importance in Russia's military strategy.

Shell Shock Technologies announced the successful completion of live-fire testing for its .50 BMG NAS3™ case in Eubank, Kentucky, in July 2026. The testing confirmed that the NAS3 case provides significant performance advantages, including a muzzle velocity of 3,111 feet per second and a weight reduction of approximately 40% compared to standard brass cases. Production is underway, with the product expected to be available for purchase in August 2026.

The U.S. Navy issued a Sources Sought notice on July 14, 2023, seeking proposals for unmanned fighters capable of operating from aircraft carriers and striking targets 1,000 nautical miles away. This initiative is part of the Navy's modernization efforts, including the MQ-25A Stingray and the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. Companies have until August 13, 2023, to submit their designs and manufacturing plans.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Booz Allen Hamilton a contract worth up to $25.3 million for research and development in quantum information science. This initiative aims to enhance military capabilities through advanced quantum technologies, with work conducted at Booz Allen's facility in McLean, Virginia, and a contract period extending until July 9, 2031. The project is part of a broader effort to maintain U.S. leadership in quantum science amid global competition.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $42.7 million contract to L3 Technologies’ Chesapeake Sciences Division for submarine listening gear, specifically towed array sonar systems. The contract, which runs until July 2031, includes hardware and services to enhance the Navy's acoustic detection capabilities. Work will be conducted at L3's Millersville, Maryland facility, and the contract was awarded without competitive bidding due to legal provisions allowing for direct awards to small businesses.

Neros Technologies secured a $500 million contract with the U.S. Army to supply first-person-view attack drones, scaling production to 2,000 units per day by December 2025. The company, based in El Segundo, California, has previously supplied 6,000 drones to Ukraine and is now a key player in the Army's drone procurement strategy. This contract reflects a broader shift in U.S. military strategy towards low-cost, expendable drone systems.

The U.S. Navy is exploring the development of next-generation carrier-based drones to fulfill various missions, including strikes and ISR. A Request for Information was issued on July 14, with responses due by August 13. The Navy aims for these drones to have a range of at least 1,000 nautical miles and advanced autonomous capabilities, as part of its Air Wing of the Future initiative.

The battleship Richelieu engaged in naval operations from 1940 to 1945, including firing at Royal Navy battleships during Operation Menace in Dakar. After sustaining damage, she was rebuilt in Brooklyn and later joined the British Home Fleet, participating in operations against Japanese forces. Richelieu ultimately finished the war escorting the same fleet that had previously attacked her.

The U.S. Navy converted three Zumwalt-class destroyers to carry hypersonic missiles, following the failure of their original Advanced Gun Systems. This decision was made after significant investment, totaling approximately $27 billion, and reflects ongoing challenges in naval warfare capabilities. The Zumwalt-class, now equipped with a limited number of hypersonic missiles, faces operational limitations compared to older vessels with greater missile capacity.