Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy proposed the F-14 Super Tomcat 21 in the early 1990s as an advanced upgrade to the F-14 Tomcat, aiming for enhanced performance with supercruise capability and modern avionics. However, the project was canceled in favor of the more economical F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Despite its potential, the Super Tomcat 21 never entered service and remained a concept.

On July 17, 1969, a Honduran F4U Corsair shot down a Salvadoran P-51 Mustang during the Football War, marking the last aerial combat between piston-engine fighters. The P-51 Mustang, a renowned World War II fighter, had been in service with various nations until its retirement in the late 1950s.

Saudi Arabia and Israel expanded air defense cooperation under CENTCOM on September 22, 2026, integrating their systems for a unified response to threats. This collaboration aims to enhance regional security amid ongoing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. The partnership reflects a strategic shift in Gulf defense, emphasizing the need for shared operational protocols and decision-making frameworks.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Sep 27 2026Loading...

China has established a comprehensive anti-access/area-denial network in the First Island Chain, effectively deterring US Navy operations. The US Navy's aircraft carriers, of which only four are combat-ready, are kept at bay by advanced Chinese missiles and stealth fighters. The strategic balance favors China, which has significantly enhanced its military capabilities, while US bases in the region remain vulnerable to Chinese attacks.

The U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon and USS Canberra participated in a multinational naval exercise in Subic Bay on September 20, 2026, involving forces from Japan, India, Australia, Singapore, Brunei, and New Zealand. The exercise focused on enhancing maritime security and interoperability among the partners, leveraging the P-8A's advanced surveillance capabilities. Subic Bay's strategic location facilitated coordination and support for the participating naval forces.

Marcus ChenSun Sep 27 2026Loading...

ASELSAN demonstrated its KORKUT 35 air defense gun system in Paris, successfully shooting down drones and hitting a moving ground target. The system, capable of engaging various aerial threats, is mounted on an 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle for enhanced mobility. ASELSAN plans to produce KORKUT in the Czech Republic through a joint venture, expanding its reach in Europe.

Boko Haram and ISWAP attacked the village of Wumbi on September 21, 2026, resulting in five fatalities, including a militia leader. The assault caused significant civilian displacement and highlighted vulnerabilities in local security. Concurrently, the Nigerian Army repelled an ISWAP attack in Pulka on September 7, 2026, maintaining their positions with air support.

Marie DuboisSun Sep 27 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army tested the C100X drone at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, on September 25, 2023, evaluating its thermal camera and capability to drop inert munitions. This testing is part of a program aimed at enhancing troop training with realistic enemy threats. The C100X may be integrated into future training scenarios as the Army continues to develop its drone capabilities.

The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command conducted joint military and law enforcement exercises around Huangyan Island on September 27, 2023. The exercises showcased the readiness of military and law enforcement units to respond to provocations, utilizing advanced equipment such as drones and naval vessels. This operation was a direct response to recent provocations from the Philippines and occurred during the Mid-Autumn Festival, highlighting the forces' preparedness.

U.S. Space Command conducted a wargame on September 23 in Colorado Springs, involving 217 participants from 87 companies. The exercise focused on developing non-Keplerian space capabilities and included military planners and industry representatives. The command aims to integrate commercial space companies into military planning and will continue these exercises through 2027.

The Southern Theater Command of China conducted joint maritime and air exercises near Scarborough Shoal on September 27, 2023, involving multiple vessels and aircraft. The exercises included law enforcement drills by the Chinese Coast Guard, emphasizing rapid response capabilities. The Qinghai Lake ship, a major supply vessel, provided logistical support during the drills, which were characterized as highly realistic and prepared for potential combat scenarios. This military activity is seen as a direct response to foreign incursions in the South China Sea.

Russian forces conducted airstrikes on Ukrainian military facilities in Kiliya and logistics centers in Kyiv from the night of September 26 to the early morning of September 27, 2023. The strikes targeted the Ukrainian naval base, communication centers, and a military transport ship en route to Odessa.

Israeli Defense Forces struck Hezbollah military infrastructure in southern Lebanon on September 27, 2023, in response to drone attacks on their soldiers. The strikes targeted positions used for launching drones and anti-tank missiles. No casualties were reported from the initial drone attacks.

U.S. Army soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division tested new command-and-control software at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, from September 14 to 25, 2023, during the Nakoa Fleek exercise. The exercise certified the division's 2nd Mobile Brigade for future operations and focused on improving battlefield data sharing and decision-making capabilities. Key activities included connecting new radios and sensors and conducting a defensive battle against an opposing force.

Russian drone strikes targeted data centers and telecommunications infrastructure in Kyiv, resulting in internet outages for approximately 100,000 households. The attacks, confirmed by Moscow, are part of a strategy to undermine Ukraine's economic stability and military operations. Four people were reported killed in the strike on a business center housing a data center. This campaign coincides with increased Russian military efforts to disrupt Ukraine's resilience ahead of winter.

Dmitri VolkovSun Sep 27 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army conducted military exercises in the Taiwan Strait in September 2026, involving 4 aircraft and 9 vessels. Taiwan's military announced upcoming training for National Day, indicating a focus on routine military operations. Despite a decrease in the frequency of PLA activities, the operational pressure remains, with a shift towards more sustainable military presence.

Li MinghuiSun Sep 27 2026Loading...

The China Coast Guard conducted law enforcement control exercises near Huangyan Island on September 27, focusing on boarding inspections, interception of intrusions, and forced removals. This exercise aims to enhance enforcement efforts in the region to assert national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

On September 27, 2023, the Rapid Support Forces conducted a drone attack on a strategic fuel depot near Wad Madani, igniting a fire. The depot, located approximately 20 kilometers northeast of the city, is one of Sudan's key fuel storage facilities. Firefighters are currently working to extinguish the blaze, and the extent of casualties and material losses remains unclear.

The People's Liberation Army conducted joint military exercises with the China Coast Guard near Scarborough Shoal on the 27th. The exercises focused on reconnaissance, rapid maneuvering, and joint search and rescue operations, aimed at enhancing response capabilities and asserting China's territorial claims in the South China Sea. The drills included law enforcement actions against foreign vessels attempting to breach Chinese jurisdiction.

The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army conducted joint air and sea exercises around Huangyan Island on September 27. The exercises focused on reconnaissance, rapid maneuvering, and joint search and rescue operations, effectively testing the PLA's air-sea coordination and rapid support capabilities. The forces remained on high alert to defend national sovereignty and maritime rights.