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Why the Army's $10 Billion Paladin Howitzer Upgrade Still Can't Shoot and Move at the Same Time

The Army spent a decade and $10 billion upgrading the M109 Paladin howitzer, and it still struggles with the basic shoot-and-scoot survival tactic modern warfare demands.

K. Brennan

· June 11, 2026 · 4 min read

Why the Army's $4 Billion Precision Strike Missile Can't Quite Hit Its Range Target

The Army's PrSM hypersonic successor promised 500km range and rapid fielding. Years later, it's hitting 400km and slipping schedules.

K. Brennan

· June 8, 2026 · 5 min read

directed energyArmy

Why the Army's Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense System Can't Quite Zap What It's Aimed At

The Army's DE M-SHORAD laser is supposed to burn drones out of the sky cheaply. So why does it keep missing its own deadlines?

K. Brennan

· June 4, 2026 · 4 min read

armyground vehicles

Why the Army's XM30 Infantry Fighting Vehicle Has Spent $20 Billion Trying to Replace a 50-Year-Old Box

The Army has been trying to replace the Bradley IFV for decades. The XM30 program is the latest attempt, and it's already showing familiar signs of trouble.

K. Brennan

· June 1, 2026 · 4 min read

Air ForceNGAD

Why the Air Force's $2 Billion NGAD Fighter Might Get Canceled Before It Ever Flies

The Air Force's next-generation crewed fighter is burning cash faster than it's building planes. Here's what's actually going on.

K. Brennan

· May 28, 2026 · 4 min read

Navyautonomous submarines

Why the Navy's New Autonomous Submarine Can't Decide If It's a Scout or a Weapon

The Navy's Extra-Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle program is billions in and still searching for a clear mission. Here's what's actually going on.

K. Brennan

· May 25, 2026 · 5 min read

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