Analysis & Reports

Second Bend Labs opened a new 400,000-acre testing and training facility near Moody Air Force Base to enhance collaboration between military personnel and drone startups. The facility is designed for realistic testing of drones and counter-drone systems, addressing modern warfare challenges. It features diverse terrain and is equipped to support low-altitude air support craft like the A-10 Warthog.

Quantum Systems' Vector AI was selected for a $15.3 million contract by the U.S. Army on April 15, 2026, to enhance aerial intelligence capabilities for Brigade Combat Teams. The system, which has over 20,000 operational flight hours in Ukraine, supports reconnaissance and target acquisition with advanced features, aligning with the Army's modernization strategy.

The U.S. Air Force conducted experimental testing of the YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base last week. This marked the first time Air Force personnel led operations of the semi-autonomous drone, demonstrating its capabilities with minimal crew training. The exercise validated the aircraft's design philosophy and its compatibility with Agile Combat Employment concepts, as it operated from a simulated forward base. The testing is part of a broader initiative to integrate autonomous systems into future combat operations.

USS John P. Murtha successfully recovered the Orion spacecraft and four astronauts in the Pacific Ocean on April 10, 2023, following the Artemis 2 mission. The recovery operation involved two MH-60S Seahawk helicopters and was completed efficiently, ensuring the astronauts received immediate medical assessments. The operation highlights the naval capabilities in supporting space recovery missions.

The U.S. Army is advancing the development of the 'Dark Eagle' hypersonic missile, capable of speeds exceeding Mach 5, with testing conducted by Rocket Lab's HASTE program. This initiative includes a $190 million contract for 20 hypersonic test missions, aiming to enhance the Army's long-range strike capabilities from locations such as Guam and Western Europe. The Dark Eagle system is designed to maneuver through the atmosphere, complicating interception by missile defenses.

The U.S. Air Force continues to operate approximately 45 F-117 Nighthawk aircraft for training and testing purposes, despite their official retirement from combat service in 2008. The aircraft were sighted at Yosemite International Airport in 2021 and above Los Angeles in 2025, serving as a cost-effective stealth test platform and training tool against modern adversary aircraft.

The U.S. military is adapting its strategies to counter Iranian drone swarms using A-10 Warthogs, which are proving effective in this new form of warfare. The A-10's capabilities, including its 30mm GAU-8 cannon, make it a suitable and cost-effective solution against the inexpensive drones employed by Iran. This shift highlights the evolving nature of military operations in the region, particularly in response to asymmetric threats.

The USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) is undergoing a Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) that will keep it out of action until 2027. The overhaul has been extended to 5.5 years due to unexpected maintenance needs and a shortage of qualified shipbuilders. This delay impacts the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy's carrier fleet and affects the quality of life for sailors during the extended maintenance period.

A fire occurred on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard on January 31, 2019, injuring three sailors who are expected to return to duty. The fire was small and quickly contained, happening during a maintenance period that has kept the carrier out of service for over a year. The incident raises concerns about the ship's operational readiness and potential delays in its return to service.

The U.S. Air Force and Space Force achieved their fiscal year 2026 recruitment goals five months early, enlisting 33,210 personnel. This includes 32,750 active-duty airmen and 730 new recruits for the Space Force. The success reflects the effectiveness of the Air Force Accessions Center and its Delayed Entry Program, which had its strongest numbers in a decade. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth commended these achievements during a Pentagon briefing.

The U.S. Air Force is preparing to retire the A-10 Thunderbolt II by fiscal year 2029, raising concerns about the future of combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations. The Air Force is evaluating potential replacements and emphasizing the need for specialized training for pilots. Congressional measures aim to slow the retirement process, reflecting concerns about operational readiness and the effectiveness of successor platforms. The A-10 has played a crucial role in CSAR missions for decades, and its retirement poses significant challenges.

The U.S. Air Force is transitioning from the A-10 Thunderbolt II for combat search and rescue operations, with plans to retire the aircraft by fiscal year 2029. This shift raises concerns about pilot training and mission readiness, as no formal transition plan for the Sandy role has been confirmed. Congressional measures are being implemented to slow the A-10's retirement, emphasizing its critical capabilities in CSAR missions.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) is undergoing Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News, Virginia, and will remain out of action until at least 2030. The carrier requires additional repairs after a collision with the merchant ship Besiktas-M near Port Said, Egypt, in February 2025. The Navy aims to avoid delays in the RCOH process, which has been impacted by previous supply chain issues.

Veterans advocates are urging for the inclusion of military service considerations in sentencing reviews for veterans, highlighting that 107,400 veterans were incarcerated as of 2016. The Veteran Justice Commission is promoting second look policies, particularly in states like California and Washington D.C., to address the unique circumstances of veterans in the justice system. This initiative aims to provide support for veterans who have served their time and are seeking a second chance.

The SR-71 Blackbird experienced catastrophic engine failure at Mach 2.88 over Oklahoma in July 1968. The crew, consisting of pilot Ben Bowles and RSO Col. Richard Sheffield, managed to land safely at Carswell Air Force Base in Texas despite visible flames from the engine. The incident was significant enough to require extensive repairs and an Accident Board hearing afterward.

In August 2023, a global Starlink outage disrupted communications for two dozen unmanned surface vessels operated by the U.S. Navy off the California coast, halting their operations for nearly an hour. This incident highlights the Navy's growing reliance on SpaceX's satellite network for military operations, raising concerns about vulnerabilities in command and control capabilities. The outage is part of a broader pattern of issues faced by the Navy during tests involving autonomous drones and vessels.

In August 2023, U.S. Navy officials faced a significant disruption during drone tests off the California coast due to a global outage of the Starlink satellite network. This incident left two dozen unmanned surface vessels unable to communicate or operate for nearly an hour, highlighting the military's growing reliance on SpaceX for critical communications. The outage raised concerns about vulnerabilities in military operations and the risks associated with depending on a single provider for essential national security capabilities.

House Democrats introduced articles of impeachment against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in February 2025, accusing him of leading unauthorized military operations in Iran and causing civilian casualties. The allegations include significant strikes resulting in civilian deaths and misuse of encrypted messaging for military discussions. The impeachment process is in early stages, with low chances of success given the Republican majority in Congress.

Exail secured a contract for its DriX H-9 Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) to be used in Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) missions in Lincoln, Rhode Island, on April 16, 2026. This contract marks the second order for the DriX H-9 in recent months, highlighting its growing role in defense applications. The DriX H-9 will be equipped with advanced sensors to detect and mitigate aerial threats, demonstrating Exail's commitment to enhancing operational capabilities in maritime security.

The U.S. Air Force conducted air-to-air refueling tests of the B-21 Raider bomber with a KC-135 Stratotanker at Edwards Air Force Base on 14 April 2025. This testing is a significant step in validating the B-21's capabilities as it prepares to replace the B-2 Spirit. New design features, including changes to the exhaust system, have been observed, indicating a departure from previous models.