Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy announced the retirement of the USS Boise after a costly $1.2 billion overhaul, reallocating resources to new Virginia and Columbia-class submarines. The decision follows the submarine's inactivity since 2015 and aims to enhance fleet readiness. The Navy is also working towards delivering the Columbia-class submarine by 2028, as part of a broader $65 billion shipbuilding budget request for fiscal 2027.

A wargame assessment revealed that the U.S. Air Force is unprepared to defend Taiwan against a potential Chinese invasion by 2035. Conducted in April 2026, the assessment involved 60 participants and highlighted the inadequacies of current U.S. airpower. The findings indicate that without modernization and increased capabilities, the U.S. risks failing to meet its security commitments in the Western Pacific.

Trump proposed a $1.5 trillion defense budget for FY2027, representing a 40% increase. This proposal includes significant cuts to domestic programs such as education and NASA to fund the military expansion. The U.S. defense budget would surpass those of China and Russia, but the proposal faces strong political opposition in Congress.

In March 2026, U.S. Army officials announced efforts to refine 'right to repair' legislation, allowing troops to repair equipment in the field. This initiative aims to address ongoing issues with maintenance capabilities, as soldiers often lack access to necessary technical data. The Army is reviewing contracts to improve repair processes and reduce reliance on contractors. The F-35 program highlights the challenges of intellectual property ownership affecting military readiness.

The U.S. Space Force requested a substantial budget increase for FY27, totaling $6.4 billion for missile warning and tracking programs to support the Golden Dome missile defense initiative. Key allocations include $1.4 billion for the Resilient MWT-MEO program and $3.56 billion for the Tracking Layer. Additionally, $1.48 billion is earmarked for the Space Data Network, with a notable rise to $2 billion for Special Space Activities.

The Pentagon proposed a $1.5 trillion defense budget for Fiscal Year 2027, which includes a $1.15 trillion base request and $350 billion in reconciliation. This proposal faces significant scrutiny and challenges in Congress, requiring bipartisan support to pass. Key funding areas include munitions production and shipbuilding, but the sheer size of the request may complicate negotiations with lawmakers.

The U.S. and Iran announced a temporary ceasefire on April 8, 2023, but disagreements arose over Lebanon's inclusion. President Trump initially agreed to include Lebanon but reversed his stance after discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Israel launched significant attacks on Lebanon the same day, and direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are scheduled for next week in Washington D.C. Lebanon's Prime Minister has ordered security forces to disarm non-state actors in Beirut.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed military capabilities and logistics for moving vessels through the Strait of Hormuz with U.S. President Donald Trump. The conversation took place in London and focused on creating a coalition of countries to address navigation issues in the Strait. Starmer also highlighted NATO's significance to both the U.S. and Europe during the meeting.

On March 23, 2022, suspicious trading activities occurred in the U.S. involving over $760 million in oil futures just before President Trump's announcement to delay military action against Iran. Three accounts on a prediction market profited significantly by betting on a ceasefire, raising concerns about potential insider trading related to U.S. government decisions. Democratic lawmakers are calling for stricter regulations on prediction markets to prevent such activities.

Iran demands military clearance for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations with the U.S. and Israel. Experts indicate that the ceasefire may not lead to a lasting peace, as both sides have conflicting agendas and unresolved issues. Military readiness and strategic positioning are emphasized as critical factors in the negotiations.

President Trump criticized NATO for its lack of support for U.S. operations in Iran during a recent meeting in Washington. He expressed disappointment over NATO's response to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, where a blockade has affected oil supplies. NATO Secretary General Rutte acknowledged the tensions and noted that European allies are providing logistical support to the U.S. military. The U.S. administration is considering a reassessment of its NATO relationship following the conflict.

President Trump criticized NATO for its lack of support for U.S. operations in Iran during a recent meeting with Secretary General Mark Rutte in Washington. He expressed disappointment over NATO's response to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for global oil transport. Rutte acknowledged the tensions and noted that European allies are providing support to ensure U.S. military success against Iran.

The U.S. Air Force is implementing a bonus program for aviators, offering up to $50,000 annually to retain personnel with critical skills. This initiative targets pilots of remotely piloted aircraft, air battle managers, and combat systems officers, with applications open from April 1 to May 31 for fiscal year 2026. Eligible airmen must commit to active-duty service for a minimum of three years.

Beginning December 2026, the U.S. Government will automatically register eligible men for Selective Service, ending the self-registration requirement. This change, mandated by the FY2026 NDAA, aims to improve efficiency and ensure nearly 100% coverage of eligible citizens. Despite this reform, there is still no active draft, and registration does not equate to conscription, with women remaining exempt from the process.

The war in Iran has fundamentally shifted regional dynamics, prompting regional powers to reconsider their defense spending strategies. Saudi Arabia’s SCOPA is involved in a corporate relaunch and strategy discussion in response to these changes.

Maj. Blaine McGraw, an Army obstetrician-gynecologist at Fort Hood, faces an expanded set of sexual assault and misconduct charges involving 73 victims. The charges, which include sexual assault and indecent recording, relate to incidents that allegedly occurred between October 2023 and December 2025. A new hearing will be required before the case can proceed to a general court-martial as the investigation continues.

U.S. President Trump requested Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to reduce military actions against Lebanon to facilitate U.S.-Iran negotiations on April 9, 2020.

Aeon is developing the Zeus tactical missile system in the United States, aiming to produce over 10,000 units annually. The system is designed to enhance precision and adaptability in modern warfare, integrating with both infantry and unmanned platforms. Partnerships with Ukrainian companies are underway to expand its operational capabilities. The system is priced at $50,000 per unit, significantly lower than traditional precision missiles.

Maj. William Norgard, a U.S. Army Reserve officer, was investigated and reprimanded for owning a marijuana dispensary in New York, which he claims is legal under state law. His promotion to lieutenant colonel was rescinded, and he is challenging the Army's actions, arguing that they conflict with his rights as a citizen. The case highlights the tension between state legalization of cannabis and federal military regulations prohibiting its possession.

The U.S. Army is advancing its Flight School Next program, moving towards outsourcing rotary-wing pilot training to contractors, with plans to produce 900 to 1,500 pilots annually. This shift comes amid rising safety concerns and a significant increase in aviation accidents. Congress has mandated that the Army justify this new training model before proceeding with funding. The contractors' proposals include the Bell 505 and Robinson R66 helicopters, replacing the current UH-72A Lakota training aircraft.