Analysis & Reports

The Pentagon is soliciting proposals from governors for a new military base in the United States, with a decision expected by June 2027. Additionally, the FORTRESS America initiative is being implemented to enhance the security of existing installations against various threats.

ST Engineering presented its Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) at Euronaval 2026 in Paris, designed to serve as a mothership for unmanned systems. The MRV, measuring 150 meters and displacing 8,000 tonnes, integrates advanced sensors and weaponry to enhance naval operational capabilities. This vessel aims to improve surveillance and operational reach through Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), addressing modern naval challenges.

The Marine Corps plans to increase its amphibious ship inventory to 40 to maintain three Amphibious Ready Groups at all times. This strategy aims to address current maintenance challenges and improve operational readiness. Discussions with lawmakers regarding funding for this initiative are set for this month, as the Navy and Marine Corps seek to enhance their capabilities in response to national security needs.

The Marine Corps plans to increase its amphibious ship inventory to 40 to maintain three Amphibious Ready Groups at all times. This strategy addresses current maintenance challenges and aims to improve operational readiness. Discussions with lawmakers regarding funding are set for this month, while a Hudson Institute study suggests a need for 35 ships due to vulnerabilities in current capabilities.

Christian Freuding has been appointed as Germany's chief of defense, set to take office in February 2027, succeeding Carsten Breuer. Freuding, who became army chief in October 2025, has been instrumental in overseeing arms supplies to Ukraine and implementing new military technologies. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted Freuding's leadership qualities and moral compass.

The U.S. military will fund theological degrees for up to 75 service members as part of a new initiative to expand the chaplain corps. Each branch, including the Army, Air Force, and Navy, can select 25 members annually for this program. Participants must serve two years of active duty for each year of training. The Pentagon will report progress on this initiative to Congress beginning in March 2027.

Ukraine is negotiating a new contract with the US for SpaceX's Starshield by mid-2027, addressing previous operational issues. The Ukrainian government emphasizes the need for continued military support, including F-16 fighter jets and Patriot interceptors, as they rely on Starshield for drone operations against Russian threats. Recent political developments in the US may influence future military aid to Ukraine.

The USS Enterprise, the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was towed from Newport News, Virginia to Mobile, Alabama for dismantling on November 2, 2023. The dismantling process is expected to take until 2030 due to the complexities of safely handling nuclear materials and the associated costs, which have risen significantly over the years. The U.S. Navy has contracted Polar Star Maritime to oversee the dismantling, which includes the removal of nuclear fuel and low-level radioactive waste.

Saildrone signed an agreement with Norwegian shipbuilder Umoe Mandal to produce unmanned surface vessels, with parts built in Norway. This collaboration aims to enhance maritime domain awareness in critical areas such as the Baltic and North Seas. Umoe Mandal is establishing a new manufacturing site to meet anticipated demand for these vessels, which will be operated under frameworks like NORDEFCO for maritime intelligence.

Norway has received its first M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system from General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). This acquisition is part of Norway's efforts to enhance its military capabilities with new equipment.

Fairbanks Morse Defense is negotiating with the US Navy to repair three Seawolf-class submarines as part of an expansion of its submarine maintenance capabilities. This follows a $100 million contract for overhauls on Los Angeles- and Ohio-class submarines, with work on the Seawolf-class expected to begin after the late 2020s. The company aims to address ongoing maintenance delays and enhance operational readiness.

The Fujian aircraft carrier is advancing towards full combat capability through high-intensity training. It has completed various exercises with multiple aircraft types and is now operating in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, East China Sea, and Yellow Sea. The carrier, commissioned on November 5, 2022, represents China's first domestically designed electromagnetic aircraft carrier and signifies a new era for the Chinese navy with three operational carriers.

Shield AI is acquiring Echodyne, a counter-drone radar provider, for $5.3 billion, with the deal expected to close in early 2027. This acquisition will enhance Shield's capabilities in the counter-drone industry and diversify its revenue streams. Echodyne's radar systems are utilized by defense and government clients in more than 40 countries, and it will operate as a unit within Shield's mission systems.

More than 100 Chinese navy and coast guard vessels operated across the Western Pacific in November 2026, alongside military aircraft sorties around Taiwan. This deployment reflects a significant increase in military activity, with Taiwan reporting 21 aircraft flights on November 5. The U.S. and China agreed to enhance communication measures to mitigate risks, but the ambiguity of the Chinese presence complicates regional security dynamics.

Marcus ChenThu Nov 05 2026Loading...

France extended the deployment of its Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft in the Black Sea in response to recent attacks on commercial vessels. The aircraft is tasked with surveillance and threat tracking, highlighting NATO's challenges in ensuring maritime security in the region. The situation has escalated with eight cargo ships reported hit, raising concerns about the safety of shipping lanes vital to NATO.

Alexandra ReevesThu Nov 05 2026Loading...

The Eurofighter consortium is pursuing opportunities to sell over 200 additional multirole fighter jets, with potential orders from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Austria. Portugal is considering replacing its aging F-16 fleet with Eurofighter, while Poland seeks to acquire 32 more jets. Bangladesh is also in discussions for a Eurofighter deal but is negotiating with China for J-10CE jets. Current production includes 60 aircraft, with plans for a ramp-up to 30 per year by 2028.

NATO is contemplating deep strikes into Russian territory as a response to potential aggression, signaling a shift in strategic military planning. This discussion highlights Europe's military capability gaps and the reliance on U.S. support for operational execution. The report emphasizes the need for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities amid rising tensions in the Black Sea region.

Dr. Klaus WeberThu Nov 05 2026Loading...

On October 30, 2026, the Nigerian Navy Marines struck a Boko Haram enclave at Lake Chad, resulting in the deaths of approximately 34 combatants. This operation follows a previous action on October 28 that reportedly killed 28 members of ISWAP or Boko Haram. The U.S. has increased its military presence in Nigeria, deploying drones and personnel for intelligence and training purposes, marking a strategic shift in American military focus in the region.

Marie DuboisThu Nov 05 2026Loading...

General Dynamics European Land Systems delivered the first M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system to Norway. This delivery enhances the Norwegian Defence Materiel's capabilities in amphibious operations. The M3 system is a significant addition to Norway's military equipment.

The U.S. Army and German Army collaborated on the MBT-70 tank from 1963 to 1971, but the project failed due to design disagreements and escalating costs. The program's budget increased from $80 million to over $303 million, leading both nations to independently develop the M1 Abrams and Leopard II tanks. The failure highlighted the need for standardization within NATO.