Analysis & Reports

UK Ministry of Defence officials criticized Boeing for significant delays in the E-7 Wedgetail program during a hearing in Belfast. The expected delivery timeline has shifted to 2026, with the UK reducing its order from five to three aircraft due to cost concerns. The program has faced scrutiny over Boeing's internal difficulties and challenges in the global supply chain, leading to a capability gap since the retirement of the E-3D aircraft in 2021.

The U.S. Space Force has established seven new acquisition portfolios focused on space control and orbital warfare in Washington. These portfolios aim to implement reforms in military procurement and enhance capabilities, including missile warning, infrastructure, and battle management. The Space Force plans to integrate cislunar capabilities and collaborate with NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory for technology advancements.

The U.S. Space Force has established nine Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs) to enhance its capabilities in space control and orbital warfare. Four PAEs have been officially announced, focusing on areas such as Missile Warning and Tracking and Infrastructure. The Integration PAE will develop new technologies, including cislunar capabilities, in collaboration with NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

China has developed a comprehensive anti-access/area-denial strategy over the past three decades, focusing on long-range anti-ship weapons and enhanced reconnaissance capabilities. This strategy aims to limit the operational effectiveness of U.S. aircraft carriers by forcing them to operate at greater distances from Taiwan. Key systems include the DF-21D and DF-26 missiles, supported by advanced surveillance and targeting networks.

The U.S. Marine Corps is hosting a weeklong celebration from June 1 to 4, 2023, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, to honor the legacy of the Harrier aircraft as it nears the end of its service life. The AV-8B Harrier II+ will be deactivated in September, and the Corps is transitioning to the F-35B Lightning II aircraft, aiming for a full fifth generation fleet by 2030. Events will include a social, picnic, and sundown ceremony, with some requiring payment for attendance.

The U.S. Navy is preparing to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz due to heightened tensions with Iran following attacks since February 28, 2023. President Trump criticized U.S. allies for their lack of commitment to participate in these escort missions, revealing challenges in U.S. military capabilities. The situation is complicated by Iran's deployment of various threats, including mines and fast attack boats.

The U.S. Navy signed a $54 million contract with Gecko Robotics to enhance maintenance for 18 ships in the U.S. Pacific Fleet. This initiative employs drones and robotic systems to streamline repairs and reduce delays, aiming for 80% fleet readiness by 2027. Gecko's technology reportedly expedites maintenance processes significantly, addressing ongoing readiness challenges.

The U.S. Navy has contracted Gecko Robotics to enhance maintenance efficiency for 18 ships in the U.S. Pacific Fleet. This $54 million deal will utilize drones and robotic systems to identify and address maintenance issues, aiming to improve fleet readiness significantly. The initiative supports the Navy's goal of achieving 80% fleet readiness by 2027, addressing past challenges in maintenance delays.

U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers are conducting airstrikes against Iranian underground bunkers and weapons facilities using 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrators and GBU-28 bunker busters. These operations are ongoing and aim to penetrate Iranian air defenses, creating safe air corridors for additional strikes. The B-2's advanced stealth technology enables it to operate undetected in heavily defended areas.

U.S. forces are actively employing Patriot missile batteries to intercept increasing missile and drone attacks in the Middle East. The PAC-3 interceptor missiles, crucial for this defense, are costly, leading to concerns about supply and operational costs. The Patriot system is part of a broader layered air defense strategy, which includes THAAD systems for higher altitude threats.

U.S. forces are actively employing Patriot missile batteries to intercept missile and drone attacks in the Middle East. The PAC-3 interceptor missiles, crucial for this defense, are costly, leading to concerns about their availability against increasing threats. The Patriot system operates as part of a layered air defense strategy, complemented by THAAD systems.

The Australian government plans to sell over 60 military properties, including camps and training facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, to reduce costs and fund new military projects. This plan has faced strong opposition from veteran organizations and the public, who argue it undermines military heritage and operational readiness. Defense Minister Richard Marles insists the facilities are not combat-ready and the sale will not impact defense capabilities.

The U.S. Navy is losing 616 Tomahawk missile cells due to the retirement of four Ohio-class SSGNs and Ticonderoga-class cruisers, creating a strategic strike gap. The Virginia-class Block V submarines, which carry fewer missiles, cannot compensate for this loss. The Navy's current production rate of submarines is inadequate to meet future operational demands, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region where deterrence is critical.

The U.S. Army is currently facing readiness issues, as stated by Army Undersecretary Michael Obadal at a defense conference in Washington. The Army is addressing these challenges through public-private partnerships and is working on legislation to improve equipment maintenance. Obadal emphasized the need for industry to help fill capability gaps, particularly concerning major weapons systems and magazine depth.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the U.S. Air Force conducted an autonomy flight exercise in San Diego on March 17, 2026, demonstrating the MQ-20 Avenger's capabilities in Collaborative Combat Aircraft operations. The exercise highlighted the use of infrared sensing and advanced targeting systems, enabling stealthy operations in contested environments. This event showcased significant advancements in drone technology and autonomous mission execution.

The U.S. Air Force's B-52 Stratofortress is conducting active combat operations over Iran, demonstrating air superiority by targeting command centers and troop concentrations. The presence of the B-52 indicates that Iran's Russian-built S-300 and S-400 air defense systems have been neutralized, allowing for the use of advanced precision weaponry. The B-52 is equipped with upgraded systems that enhance its strike capabilities and intelligence-gathering functions.

The UK Ministry of Defence has selected the Cata launcher from Threod Systems for the British Army's one-way effector capability. This decision aims to enhance the Army's operational effectiveness with new weapon systems.

On March 17, 2026, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) placed initial call-off orders for ANAFI UKR micro-UAV systems, with shipments expected in Q1 2026. The orders include 100-500 units initially, scaling into thousands, and involve the Finnish Defence Forces as one of the end-users. The ANAFI UKR is designed for rapid deployment and effective operation in challenging environments.

Norway is seeking to acquire additional anti-tank mines, specifically the German-origin DM22 munition. This move indicates an effort to enhance its military capabilities in response to evolving defense needs.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul on the evening of the 16th, resulting in over 400 deaths and 250 injuries. The Pakistani military stated the strikes targeted Taliban facilities in response to provocations. Afghan officials condemned the attack, asserting that the center was a civilian facility and calling the action a violation of humanitarian principles.