Analysis & Reports

The Space Force awarded Kratos Technology and Training Solutions a contract worth up to $446.8 million on March 17, 2023, to develop a ground system for tracking ballistic and hypersonic missiles in Medium Earth Orbit. This contract supports the launch of the first two iterations of the Resilient Missile Warning Tracking architecture, with plans for a constellation of about 30 satellites. The first set of Epoch 1 satellites is expected to launch in early 2027.

The U.S. Navy is reassessing its naval power in light of evolving warfare dynamics, particularly the threat posed by long-range missiles to supercarriers. The cancellation of the Montana-class battleship in 1943 serves as a historical lesson, highlighting the need for adaptability in naval strategy. Experts suggest that the Navy must ensure its investments align with the current operational environment to maintain effective combat power at sea.

The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes deterrence by denial in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on strengthening alliances and military capabilities while avoiding direct confrontation with China. The strategy calls for allies to increase defense spending significantly and identifies China as the primary challenge. However, it notably omits specific commitments regarding Taiwan, raising concerns about U.S. resolve in the region. The proposed defense budget is set to reach $1.5 trillion by 2027, reflecting a substantial investment in military capabilities.

Marcus ChenTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

The European Union is transforming its defense landscape in early 2026, with Germany increasing defense spending significantly. This shift is driven by geopolitical pressures and aims to enhance strategic autonomy while facing tensions with U.S. defense cooperation. The EU's Defense Industry Transformation Roadmap seeks to modernize the defense sector, emphasizing new technology and market access for startups, amidst concerns from U.S. officials regarding restrictions on American companies.

Alexandra ReevesTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2 have resulted in 1072 deaths and 2966 injuries, according to the Lebanese health department. The ongoing military actions have significantly impacted the civilian population in the region.

The Dutch Walrus submarine successfully penetrated a U.S. Carrier Strike Group during the 1999 NATO exercise, simulating torpedo strikes against the USS Theodore Roosevelt. This incident revealed vulnerabilities in U.S. anti-submarine warfare capabilities, particularly against conventional submarines in shallow waters. The exercise underscored the need for reassessment of U.S. naval strategies in the face of emerging threats from cheaper, quieter submarine technologies.

U.S. forces conducted gunnery exercises with M1 Abrams tanks in Grafenwoehr, Germany, involving approximately 4,600 participants from NATO and European partner nations. The M1 Abrams has proven its resilience in multiple conflicts, including urban combat in Iraq and recent operations in Ukraine, where it faced advanced threats. The tank's robust armor and crew-centric design have contributed to its reputation for survivability.

The Military Medical Malpractice Claims Appeals Board ruled that the Pentagon is not liable for the death of Spc. Maria Martinez, who died of breast cancer in 2021 after a delayed diagnosis at Fort Bliss, Texas. The board concluded that military health care providers had no reason to suspect her condition prior to May 2019. The family plans to pursue legislative changes to allow for judicial review of such cases.

The U.S. Navy is deploying Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) in the Strait of Hormuz to counter the Iranian mine threat. Equipped with advanced technologies like the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System and Barracuda drones, the LCS is crucial for mine countermeasures and coastal surveillance. This operational shift highlights the LCS's evolving role in modern naval warfare, particularly in shallow waters.

The European Union announced a defense budget of 860 billion euros for military modernization, marking a strategic shift in transatlantic defense relations. Germany plans to increase its defense spending to nearly 3.5% of GDP by 2029. The EU's SAFE credit program favors European manufacturers, while the European Defense Fund aims to enhance the competitiveness of the defense industry. Analysts predict that increased defense spending could boost Germany's GDP by about 0.8% by 2029.

Dr. Klaus WeberTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

The European Union announced a defense budget of 860 billion euros for 2025, marking a significant increase in military spending and procurement. Germany plans to raise its defense expenditures to nearly 3.5% of its GDP by 2029, reflecting a strategic shift in European defense policy. EU member states are expected to contribute over 100 billion euros to procurement efforts in 2025, contributing to a global defense spending increase to 2.63 trillion US dollars.

Dr. Klaus WeberTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

In 2026, jihadist groups intensified operations across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, leading to significant casualties and a deteriorating security situation. The Tillabéri region in Niger became the deadliest area, with over 50 civilian deaths from major attacks. The GSIM executed coordinated assaults in Burkina Faso, showcasing their operational capabilities. Counter-insurgency efforts by state forces have been marked by severe human rights violations.

Marie DuboisTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force is conducting an industry survey to benchmark the progress of the Northrop Grumman Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) program, which aims to enhance munitions capacity. The survey, posted on March 4, 2023, seeks feedback on potential alternatives and improvements to the missile's capabilities. Northrop Grumman remains committed to the program, although production has not yet started and timelines for operational capability are unclear.

The U.S. Department of Defense requested a $200 billion supplemental package to fund Operation Epic Fury against Iran on March 19, 2026. This funding exceeds the total estimated value of Iran's military, which has been severely diminished. The U.S. has already expended over $11 billion in the initial days of the operation, highlighting the financial asymmetry in the conflict. Political challenges regarding this funding are anticipated in Congress, with some lawmakers opposing further expenditures.

Indra Group and Hanwha Aerospace signed an agreement in Madrid on March 24 to develop new tracked self-propelled artillery systems for the Spanish Armed Forces. The project includes 128 tracked artillery vehicles and aims to enhance Spain's defense capabilities while creating jobs through a €130 million investment in industrial capacity. The K9 artillery system will serve as the base for these new platforms, integrating advanced Spanish technologies.

On March 7, a Chinese corvette aimed its fire control radar at the Philippine frigate BRP Miguel Malvar near Sabina Shoal, prompting a radio challenge from the Philippine Navy. The Chinese vessel deactivated its radar following the challenge, reducing tensions. This incident reflects ongoing military confrontations in the contested South China Sea.

Lockheed Martin completed the first integrated live-fire test of a HELLFIRE missile from its GRIZZLY containerized launcher on March 24. The test demonstrated the system's ability to load and launch missiles from a standard 10-foot Tricon container, validating its capabilities for mobile and discreet missile delivery. The GRIZZLY launcher is designed to enhance operational flexibility and reduce acquisition costs by using commercial off-the-shelf materials.

China is conducting extensive undersea mapping and monitoring operations across the Pacific, Indian, and Arctic oceans, utilizing the Dong Fang Hong 3 research vessel and numerous sensors. This effort aims to enhance its submarine warfare capabilities against the United States, focusing on strategically important areas such as Taiwan, Guam, and the Malacca Strait. The operation involves dozens of research vessels and is part of a broader military strategy to gather intelligence on underwater terrain and conditions.

China is conducting extensive undersea mapping and monitoring operations across the Pacific, Indian, and Arctic oceans using dozens of research vessels and hundreds of sensors. The Dong Fang Hong 3 has been active near Taiwan and Guam, gathering data crucial for submarine warfare against the U.S. and its allies. This initiative reflects China's military strategy to enhance its naval capabilities and gather intelligence on underwater conditions.

The U.S. Army awarded a contract for P550 Long Range Reconnaissance unmanned aircraft systems on March 20 to enhance reconnaissance capabilities. This procurement, part of the UAS Marketplace program, aims to provide commanders with advanced tools for surveillance and target acquisition while minimizing exposure to threats. The streamlined acquisition process allows for faster delivery of these systems to deployed units, supporting operations in contested environments.