Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy awarded Vigor Marine a $222.5 million contract for the overhaul and modernization of the USS Gridley (DDG 101) in Seattle, Washington. This overhaul will take the destroyer out of service for approximately two years following its recent deployments to the Middle East, Indo-Pacific, and Latin America. The modernization is expected to be completed by December 2028, with the potential for additional funding.

U.S. and Colombian troops commenced Exercise Southern Vanguard 2027 in Colombia, focusing on jungle warfare and counter-IED skills. The exercise, involving 350 U.S. personnel and over 400 Colombian soldiers, is scheduled to run until mid-November. Activities include medical evacuation drills from Tolemaida military base to Bogotá's Cavalry School.

An F-14A Tomcat fell off the USS John F. Kennedy during NATO exercises in the North Atlantic in 1976, sinking with an AIM-54 Phoenix missile. The U.S. Navy launched a recovery operation to prevent Soviet forces from acquiring the aircraft and missile. Soviet vessels were reportedly nearby, attempting to recover the wreckage, but the U.S. successfully retrieved the aircraft before they could.

The Royal Navy successfully launched four Nyan One-Way Effector drones from HMS Queen Elizabeth in the North Atlantic on 5 November 2026. This operation, part of Exercise Neptune Reach B, demonstrated the drones' ability to integrate with naval operations, achieving successful strikes on designated targets. The event marks a significant step in the Royal Navy's development of uncrewed systems for future carrier strike operations.

A U.S.-assisted drone strike targeted an ELN position in Venezuela in November 2026, marking a significant shift in U.S. counterdrug operations. Colombian forces deployed 1,200 soldiers to the Venezuelan border, indicating increased military pressure in the region. Venezuelan authorities reportedly cooperated with the U.S. in this operation, although details regarding casualties and specific targets remain unverified.

Alexandra ReevesWed Nov 04 2026Loading...

Joint Task Force-Southern Border tested the upgraded Bumblebee Version 2 interceptor drones near Chaparral, New Mexico, on October 21. The drones are designed to disable hostile drones by ramming them, enhancing border security under Operation Ardent Vanguard. The military reported significant drone activity in the area, primarily related to reconnaissance for human trafficking.

U.S. Army soldiers tested the Anduril-built Heimdal Mobile Trailer Kit near Chaparral, New Mexico, on October 21, 2025, as part of efforts to intercept illegal drone flights at the southern border. The system integrates radar and thermal cameras to enhance drone detection capabilities. In the preceding month, the Joint Task Force-Southern Border recorded significant drone activity, including 378 detections and one captured drone.

The U.S. is engaged in an ongoing conflict in Iran, which has lasted eight months and significantly impacted domestic politics, particularly through rising gas prices. President Trump has lifted sanctions on Russian diesel to address political fallout. The USS George Washington is deployed in the South China Sea, while the Democratic Party mobilizes against the administration's unauthorized military actions. This situation is likely to influence the upcoming midterm elections and the balance of power in Congress.

The Soviet Navy's Victor III-class submarine, introduced in 1979, was difficult to detect, with an estimated detection range of less than one mile. It gained a reputation for collisions with other vessels during the early 1980s. A notable incident occurred when a Victor III surfaced due to mechanical issues after attempting to capture a towed array from the USS McCloy. John Walker's espionage provided the Soviets with critical information on US submarine tracking methods.

HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales are currently operational but face significant mechanical failures and logistical challenges. The Royal Navy lacks sufficient aircraft, oilers, and escorts, relying on US support for operations. Both carriers have experienced serious issues since commissioning, undermining their intended role as power projection assets.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $23.1 million contract to Integer Technologies for research on zero trust cybersecurity to protect warship power systems. The work will occur in Columbia, South Carolina, through October 2030, focusing on enhancing the resilience of shipboard power systems against cyber threats.

The U.S. Navy has developed a Man Overboard Detection System to enhance safety aboard ships. This system utilizes thermal cameras for 360-degree coverage and is designed to alert the crew when a sailor falls overboard. Recent incidents highlighted the need for such technology, which aims to improve response times during emergencies. Testing has been conducted successfully, with plans for further integration and enhancements, including drone capabilities for rescue operations.

A team at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Port Hueneme, California, developed a Man Overboard Detection System to enhance safety for sailors on Navy ships. The system utilizes thermal cameras to detect falls overboard and has been tested successfully. Previous incidents of sailors going overboard underscore the importance of this technology, which aims to improve response times and save lives during critical situations at sea.

Trump conducted military operations in Venezuela and Iran without congressional approval, reflecting a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy authority. U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets were involved in missions over the U.S. Central Command area. Congress's abdication of its economic leverage allowed Trump to waive sanctions against Russia, further consolidating executive power. This unilateral approach has led to overstretched military resources and a lack of coherent strategy in ongoing conflicts.

The F-117 Nighthawk, operated by the United States Air Force, flew over 1,200 combat sorties during Desert Storm without any losses. It was retired in 2008 but continues to be used for testing and training under contract until at least 2034. The aircraft was involved in significant military operations, including conflicts in Panama and Yugoslavia, demonstrating its stealth capabilities.

U.S. Southern Command's Gen. Francis Donovan urged Cubans to take action for political change, emphasizing that 'now is the time.' This call aligns with Secretary of State Marco Rubio's support for CIA cooperation. The U.S. has enacted an oil blockade on Cuba, leading to an energy crisis, and military options, including air assaults, are being considered by the Pentagon. Discussions about potential military operations have intensified among U.S. officials.

U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is actively seeking new unmanned and autonomous maritime systems for reconnaissance missions against drug trafficking in South America and Central America. General Francis Donovan highlighted the need for tailored systems to understand criminal networks' use of rivers for narcotics transport. The command's Autonomous Warfare Command is collaborating with various military branches and has deployed unmanned vessels near the Panama Canal to support local forces in counter-narcotics operations.

The Royal Navy is projected to have only one operational frigate by 2027 due to the aging Type 23 fleet, with two ships expected to be declared unseaworthy soon. This situation raises concerns about the Navy's ability to fulfill its operational commitments, particularly in the North Atlantic, as it currently operates below the required number of frigates and destroyers. Delays in new ship construction further exacerbate the issue, prompting warnings from military officials about potential vulnerabilities.

Colombian military and police conducted a joint operation in Cauca Department on October 25, 2023, killing 10 members of the anti-government group ELN, including two key leaders. The operation is noted as the most significant strike against the group in eight years, weakening its command structure and operational capabilities. The forces seized seven rifles, one pistol, and two grenades during the operation, and discovered a camp capable of housing approximately 25 individuals.

Space Force is increasing the number of guardians to support combatant commands in frontline roles and enhance integration into the wider military force. The service is focusing on refining the embedding of combat-effective guardians and developing on-orbit weapons systems for orbital warfare. Recent operations include support for U.S. campaigns in Venezuela and Iran, demonstrating the branch's combat credibility and commitment to achieving space superiority.