France Deploys Aircraft Carrier to Red Sea Amid Hormuz Tensions

The Trump administration's proposed 'Golden Dome' national missile defense system is estimated to cost $1.2 trillion over the next 20 years, according to a Congressional Budget Office analysis. The system, designed to protect the continental US, Alaska, and Hawaii from multiple missile threats, would require a significant investment, with acquisition costs totaling over $1 trillion. However, the system's effectiveness against large-scale attacks from peer or near-peer adversaries like Russia or China is questionable. Lawmakers have expressed concerns over the proposed cost, with some calling it a 'massive giveaway to defense contractors' that will do little to advance American national security. The project's feasibility is also uncertain due to potential roadblocks such as funding constraints, delays in replenishing interceptor missiles, and necessary training for deployment.

The defense sector has donated nearly $5 million to members of Congress so far this year, with companies like Lockheed Martin, RTX, and Northrop Grumman contributing to both Republicans and Democrats. These donations can significantly influence legislation around defense acquisition, including the National Defense Authorization Act. While the donations don't directly translate to government contracts, they can shape policy and deregulate the defense acquisition process. Critics argue that this could lead to overcharging and wasteful spending, as well as prioritize the interests of defense firms over the needs of the military and the economy. The lack of robust campaign finance regulation and a poor economic outlook could further exacerbate these issues, potentially undermining the effectiveness and accountability of the defense industrial base.

The United States has spent an estimated $29 billion on the war against Iran, with the Pentagon now seeking additional funding to cover the rising costs. The increase from $25 billion just two weeks ago is attributed to updated repair and replacement of equipment costs, as well as general operational costs. Despite a declared truce, tensions remain high, with both sides exchanging limited fire near the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon has emphasized that it has sufficient munitions for current operations, but is seeking to replenish depleted stockpiles. The situation remains fluid, with the US having a plan to escalate or retrograde as necessary. The request for additional funding is part of a two-pronged appeal that includes the annual budget and funding for the ongoing war in Iran.

A new report by the Economist reveals that America's allies have surpassed the US in military budget purchasing power, with a combined spending of 111% of the US defense budget in 2025. The countries included in the tally are the 31 non-US NATO members and Washington's treaty allies in Asia, with spending surpassing $1 trillion for the first time. While the US remains the largest single military spender, accounting for over 20% of total global military spending, the uptick in budgets across the globe has offset the reduction in the Pentagon's own 2025 budget. The surge in military spending is driven in part by European rearmament in response to Russia's war in Ukraine, with war spending in Europe increasing by 14% from 2024 to 2025.

NATO is creating a marketplace for member countries to purchase counter-drone systems, aiming to speed up procurement and help nations adopt new technology more quickly. The alliance has invited companies to pitch their systems, with plans to select 18 solutions and have contracts in place by summer. This initiative is part of NATO's Rapid Adoption Action Plan, which seeks to shorten the delay in getting cutting-edge technology to troops. The marketplace will offer solutions for point, area, and border defense, with options for purchasing and leasing. NATO has also established common funding for nations to test systems before making a final decision, and will provide 'innovation badges' for systems tested in standardized procedures.

Aselsan, Turkey's defense-electronics giant, has showcased its vision for future warfare at the Saha Expo 2026, highlighting autonomous systems, layered air defense, and integrated strike networks. The company's CEO, Ahmet Akyol, outlined a shift towards networked, high-volume, and cost-effective systems designed for modern attritional warfare. Aselsan unveiled several new products, including the Tufan Unmanned Surface Vehicle and the Kılıç family of unmanned underwater vehicles, which are designed for swarming operations and low-observability. The company also presented its Koral AD electronic warfare system and a new version of the Ilgar electronic warfare system. Aselsan aims to raise its exports to 40% of total revenues by 2030, up from 25% today, and expects many of the new systems to be in inventory by 2027.

The US Navy has released its fiscal 2027 shipbuilding plan, which includes the possibility of outsourcing ship construction to allied nations. The move is driven by labor shortages in the US and the need to meet required timelines. The plan proposes investing $450 million in a consolidated cargo replenishment tanker and $2.3 billion over five years to purchase five tankers, potentially built overseas. The Navy aims to increase its fleet from 290 to 450 vessels by 2031, with a focus on distributed shipbuilding sites and reinvigorating the maritime industrial base. Despite initial resistance from President Trump, the plan marks a significant shift in the Navy's approach to shipbuilding, prioritizing flexibility and speed over traditional domestic production.

The United States, Philippines, Japan, and Canada recently concluded Exercise Balikatan 2026, the largest annual military exercise between the US and the Philippines. The joint drill aimed to enhance combined readiness and maritime defense capabilities, promoting a 'free and open' Indo-Pacific. During the exercise, forces from the four countries successfully sank two decommissioned ships off the coast of Northern Luzon using a range of assets, including missile systems, aircraft, and naval vessels. The exercise demonstrated the strength of the combined force, with participants praising the growing level of interoperability between the armed forces. The successful execution of the Maritime Strike activity highlights the commitment of the participating nations to regional security and stability.

The US has selected five military bases to participate in a pilot program aimed at countering small, unmanned aircraft. The program, led by the Joint Interagency Task Force 401, will test and operationalize advanced directed energy capabilities, including high-energy lasers and high-powered microwave systems, to counter adversarial or unlawful drone activity. The chosen bases include Fort Huachuca, Arizona, Fort Bliss, Texas, Naval Base Kitsap, Washington, Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, and Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. The program comes after successful anti-drone laser tests in New Mexico and a safety assessment that proved the technology does not pose a risk to passenger aircraft. The Defense Department plans to complete deployment plans within 180 days and commence operations this year.

Canada is seeking to rapidly expand its defense and industrial ties with Turkey, with Canadian Secretary of State for Defense Procurement Stephen Fuhr describing Ankara as a 'trusted partner' and 'valuable ally'. The two countries are looking to cooperate in areas such as drone development, counter-drone systems, and ammunition production. Despite past restrictions on arms sales, Canada has lifted its de-facto weapons embargo and is now focused on future cooperation. The move is part of Canada's drive to establish new partnerships with middle powers as the global security landscape shifts. Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy and the creation of a new Defence Investment Agency are central to its ambition to expand its defense industrial capacity. Turkey's experience in developing an indigenous defense industrial base is seen as a model for Ottawa, with potential for co-development programs in areas such as drones and counter-drone systems.