Analysis & Reports

Danish F-35s landed at Kangerlussuaq Airport in Greenland on September 16, 2023, marking their first arrival on the island as part of a multinational training mission. This operation involved U.S. F-16s and Canadian CF-18s, with logistical support from NATO assets. Concurrently, a new security agreement regarding Greenland is scheduled for signing on September 22, 2023, amid rising tensions with Russia, which recently fired flares at a Danish helicopter.

On January 5, 1999, U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcats engaged Iraqi MiG-25s in aerial confrontations over Iraq, firing AIM-54 Phoenix missiles that missed their targets. An Iraqi MiG-23 subsequently crashed after running out of fuel, unrelated to the missile engagements. The incidents occurred during Operation Southern Watch, aimed at enforcing a no-fly zone over southern Iraq.

South Korea faces military capacity dilemmas as it considers U.S. requests for support in the Strait of Hormuz while managing escalating threats from North Korea. The South Korean Army reported recent missile launches by North Korea, prompting concerns over troop deployment. President Lee Jae Myeong has ruled out war deployment, suggesting instead the extension of the Cheonghae Unit's operations for limited maritime security and humanitarian assistance.

Admiral Hyman Rickover emphasized the significance of human experience in military operations, particularly in developing the U.S. Navy's nuclear capabilities. He fostered a culture of innovation and leadership among his subordinates, prioritizing their authority and responsibilities. His management style has had a lasting impact on the U.S. Navy and influenced military leadership practices.

The United States plans to reopen the Narsarsuaq base and establish a new base at Mestersvig in Greenland, with an agreement expected to be signed on September 22, 2026. This move aims to enhance NATO's Arctic security and complicate Russian and Chinese military planning. The reopening of these bases reflects a shift in US military strategy in the region, emphasizing the importance of Arctic security under NATO responsibility.

Alexandra ReevesTue Sep 22 2026Loading...

An F-16CM Thunderbird jet crashed during a training flight in December 2023 after experiencing catastrophic engine failure due to broken fan blades. The pilot ejected safely, and the aircraft was completely destroyed. This incident follows a previous crash at Holloman Air Force Base linked to similar engine issues.

A female U.S. Army officer died non-hostile due to a medical incident while on a military flight to Saudi Arabia on September 21. This incident marks the fifth death recorded under 'Overseas Operations' related to the Iran war, bringing the total fatalities to 19 since combat operations began against Iran in February.

The South Korean Air Force took delivery of its first production KF-21 Boramae fighter jet, marking the transition from development to operational service. The aircraft was escorted by an FA-50, TA-50, and T-50 trainer jets during its flight from Sacheon to Yecheon. The Air Force plans to deploy over 100 KF-21s by the early 2030s, supported by an increasing defense budget.

Nigerian soldiers repelled an attack by ISWAP in Pulka on September 7, 2026, maintaining their defensive position. One soldier was injured, and air support was utilized against the retreating attackers. The military reported recovering weapons and ammunition, but did not disclose the extent of enemy losses. The ongoing threat from ISWAP and Boko Haram continues to pressure military and civilian communities in the region.

Marie DuboisTue Sep 22 2026Loading...

The AK-47, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, has been in service since 1949 and is recognized for its reliability and ease of use. It weighs 7.7 pounds, cycles at 600 rounds per minute, and has an effective range of 350 meters. With production estimates between 40 million and 100 million, the AK-47 is utilized by military forces in 106 countries globally.

Houthi forces have significantly enhanced their military capabilities by developing advanced weapons using AI, enabling missile launches over 1000 miles towards Israel. They have increased control over key locations in Yemen, including the port city of Mocha, and are capable of conducting drone attacks in the Red Sea. Despite some reliance on Iranian components, they are producing more weaponry locally, posing a growing threat to U.S. and Israeli interests.

The F-4 Super Phantom was proposed in the 1980s as an upgrade to the F-4 Phantom, featuring new PW1120 engines and conformal fuel tanks to enhance performance. The initiative involved Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, and Israel Aircraft Industries but was ultimately abandoned due to cost and timing challenges. The F-4 Phantom had already been surpassed by newer fighter jets like the F-15 and F-16.

The U.S. plans to re-establish military bases in Greenland, specifically in Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig, under an agreement with Denmark and Greenland to be signed on Tuesday. This move aims to enhance Arctic security and is part of a broader strategy involving NATO oversight. The U.S. currently has about 150 military personnel in Greenland, with historical ties to military installations dating back to the Cold War.

Wang Tao, the deputy captain of the Fujian ship, is actively engaged in military training and operations, focusing on enhancing the capabilities of his crew and conducting naval exercises. In 2024, he led the Xiangtan ship in complex maritime operations, demonstrating effective command and control. His leadership emphasizes teamwork and the development of young naval officers, ensuring readiness for future challenges.

On September 21, Saudi Arabia conducted an airstrike on a prison in Hazm, Al Jawf Governorate, Yemen, resulting in the deaths of 9 prisoners. The Houthi forces confirmed the incident, stating that the prisoners were captured during recent fighting. This airstrike is part of ongoing military actions in the region.

The Javelin Joint Venture successfully conducted a simulation demonstration in Norway, testing a dual launcher assembly for the Javelin anti-tank missile on a Kongsberg Medium-Caliber Turret. This marks the first phase of integrating the Javelin system with vehicle-mounted turrets, enhancing its operational capabilities. The U.S. Army remains the primary customer for this advanced weapon system.

The U.S. Army XVIII Airborne Corps evaluated the SkyRunner flying buggy at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on September 16, 2023. The exercise tested the vehicle's dual-mode capabilities in austere conditions, including its ability to transition between driving and flying. The SkyRunner can take off without a runway and has potential applications in reconnaissance and resupply.

The Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Wing conducted a rescue operation in February 2023 for civilian hunters trapped by a rising river on the Kukpowruk River in Alaska. Pararescuemen parachuted into the area, rigged a rope system, and used rafts to ferry the hunters to safety. A civilian helicopter later arrived to extract the group.

The U.S. Army's XVIII Airborne Corps tested the Autonomous Swarm Mothership at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in mid-September 2023. The mothership successfully launched smaller drones to assess tracking and threat identification capabilities during the Scarlet Dragon 26-3 exercise. This event involved up to 100 drones and aimed to evaluate the integration of various counter-drone systems. Modalic's Chariot mothership, weighing 200 pounds, was also showcased, with flight testing scheduled for November 2023.

The U.S. Navy demonstrated the Collaborative Autonomy Mission Planning (CAMP) system for autonomous combat aircraft at Point Mugu Sea Range in October 2026. The system translates human mission plans into executable instructions for unmanned aircraft, enhancing interoperability with manned jets. This demonstration is part of the Navy's efforts to develop future carrier-based unmanned combat aircraft.