Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force maintains 185 F-22 Raptors, focusing on the upkeep of low-observable coatings essential for stealth. Maintenance demands have hindered mission-capable rates, with costs exceeding $1.6 billion in fiscal 2020. The F-22's stealth capabilities require ongoing attention to ensure operational readiness, particularly as the fleet ages and environmental factors impact coating integrity.

The U.S. Navy retired the Spruance-class destroyers, decommissioning them between 2000 and 2005, and sank most as gunnery targets. Initially criticized for their limited armament, these ships later proved adaptable, launching Tomahawk missiles during conflicts. The decision to retire them is now seen as costly, as the Navy faces a shortage of destroyers.

The ex-USS Long Beach (CGN-9) hull is currently at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, awaiting final disposal after being decommissioned in 1995. The U.S. Navy has determined that the ship is ineligible for historic preservation due to the loss of significant features. As of June 29, 2026, the Navy is planning the disposal process, which includes the removal of defueled nuclear reactors and the need for specialized industrial capacity.

The U.S. Army has transitioned its production focus from the M7 rifle to the XM8 carbine, part of the Next Generation Squad Weapon program. This change aims to provide soldiers with lighter and more effective weaponry for close combat. The Army has not made any purchases of the M7 rifle in the current fiscal year, which began on October 1. The XM8 carbine features improvements based on soldier feedback, enhancing its usability in combat situations.

The U.S. Marine Corps awarded a $20 million contract to Overland AI for the production of about a dozen autonomous ground vehicles designed to enhance air defense capabilities. These vehicles will support operations by transporting air defense systems with reduced human oversight and are expected to be delivered in approximately nine months. Overland AI's technology has been utilized in various military exercises, indicating a growing demand for autonomous systems in U.S. military operations.

Northrop Grumman publicly revealed photographs of the Sentinel ICBM in Redondo Beach, California, confirming the completion of a significant testing milestone. The missile is designed to replace the aging Minuteman III and is expected to enter service by 2027. The program has faced challenges, including cost overruns, but the Air Force has certified its continuation as essential for maintaining the U.S. nuclear deterrent.

Six U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighters flew without radar during a joint service flyover in the Philippine Sea on February 26, 2026. The aircraft, part of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, were equipped with ballast instead of radar due to delays in the new AN/APG-85 radar system. This situation highlights ongoing challenges within the F-35 program, including low readiness rates and significant modernization delays.

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory activated the Flyer supercomputer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on June 18 to enhance hypersonic weapon development. This initiative aims to close the technological gap with China and Russia, which have already deployed hypersonic weapons. The Flyer supercomputer, equipped with advanced processing capabilities, will facilitate simulations to improve hypersonic vehicle designs and accelerate U.S. military advancements in this critical area.

Smart Shooter secured a $3.4 million contract from the US Marine Corps, reflecting the growing demand for troop-level counter-drone solutions across the US military. The company has also received contracts from the US Navy and Army, indicating widespread interest in its SMASH 2000LE system. This technology aims to enhance accuracy against small, fast-moving drones and has been in use by US special forces since 2020. Additionally, Smart Shooter is exploring international contracts, including agreements with Israel and Australia.

U.S. Marines from the III Marine Expeditionary Force calibrated and evaluated the Medium-Range Intercept Capability system (MRIC) at Mason Range, Guam, on June 24, 2026, during the Valiant Shield 2026 exercise. This marks the first confirmed deployment of the MRIC in the Pacific theater, integrating Iron Dome technology to enhance air defense capabilities against evolving threats. The exercise involved joint forces rehearsing multi-domain operations critical for future confrontations in the Indo-Pacific.

On June 22, 2026, the 741st Brigade Engineer Battalion tested the Mule 28 drone in Oregon, successfully using it to deliver a Bangalore torpedo to breach wire obstacles. This innovative approach aims to minimize soldier casualties during breaching operations, leveraging technology to enhance combat engineer capabilities. The drone was developed by Lorica Technologies and represents a significant advancement in military engineering tactics.

The USS Chung-Hoon and USS James E. Williams completed modernization, enhancing their electronic warfare capabilities with the AN/SLQ-32(V)7 system. This upgrade significantly improves their ability to detect and jam incoming anti-ship missiles and disrupt enemy communications. The modernization is part of the Navy's DDG Modernization 2.0 program, which aims to enhance the combat readiness of the U.S. destroyer fleet.

The U.S. is expanding THAAD and Patriot missile production in 2026 to address increased demand for defense in the Gulf region. This expansion follows significant depletion of U.S. military stockpiles due to recent conflicts, particularly the Iran War. The Gulf states are becoming more reliant on U.S. military support, raising concerns about their strategic independence and the implications of U.S. arms supply prioritization.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Jun 28 2026Loading...

The Y-20 series has enhanced its capabilities over the past decade, becoming more powerful and fuel-efficient. It includes models like the Y-20A, Y-20 tanker, and Y-20B, and has significantly increased its operational range. The report highlights the expansion of the Y-20 family, showcasing its advancements in military aviation.

Three types of domestically produced Y-20 transport aircraft were displayed together at an airport in Central China, marking the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Y-20's service in the People's Liberation Army Air Force. The aircraft included the Y-20A, Y-20B, and Y-20 tanker models, showcasing a rare sight of multiple aircraft types in one location. This event highlights the operational capabilities of the Air Force's transport fleet.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $44 million contract for the construction of Environmental Protection Shelters at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, to protect the B-21 Raiders from harsh weather. The project aims to enhance the aircraft's operational readiness and reduce maintenance needs, with completion required by October 3, 2028. Ellsworth is designated as the first base for the B-21, which is set to replace the B-1B Lancer.

The U.S. Marine Corps awarded a $20 million contract to Overland AI for unmanned ground vehicles to enhance the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) against drone threats. Deliveries are required by October 2027, reflecting a shift towards integrating autonomous systems in military operations. The MADIS system aims to improve air defense capabilities by detecting and neutralizing drones more effectively.

Boeing secured a $2 billion contract from the U.S. Space Force on June 25, 2023, to build two new satellites aimed at extending the life of the military's secure voice communications network. The first satellite is set for delivery in 2031, followed by the second in 2032, utilizing Boeing's 702MP spacecraft platform. This initiative is designed to enhance military communications capabilities globally, particularly in challenging environments.

RENK America was awarded a $691 million contract on June 26, 2023, for the production of HMPT 800 hydromechanical transmissions, essential for armored vehicles. This marks the fourth consecutive contract for the HMPT 800, highlighting its reliability and the lack of domestic competition. The AMPV program, which began full-rate production in 2023, will utilize these transmissions across various vehicle variants.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking a manufacturer for the new Air Force Long Range Weapon (AFLRW) with a range of 1,000 nautical miles, scheduled for review in August 2023 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. This missile aims to enhance U.S. capabilities against China's growing missile arsenal in the Pacific, with both air-to-air and air-to-surface variants planned. The development reflects a strategic shift in U.S. military procurement to address potential conflicts.