Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
‘My Heart Stopped’: A US Air Force SR-71 Pilot Recalls Doing a Blackbird Super Low Pass at a Speed of Just 152 Knots
Major Brian Shul conducted a low-speed fly-by in an SR-71 Blackbird at RAF Mildenhall during a reconnaissance mission over the Iron Curtain. The aircraft reached a speed of 152 knots, surprising observers on the ground. Shul, a Vietnam War veteran, recalled the event as a remarkable moment in his flying career.
Royal Air Force F-4 Phantom Pilot Recalls Shadowing two Soviet Tu-95 Bears over France Because French Fighters Were Grounded for Bastille Day Celebrations
On July 14, 1987, former RAF pilot Alan Winkles intercepted two Soviet Tu-95 Bear Deltas over the Bay of Biscay. The French Air Force did not provide support due to Bastille Day celebrations, forcing Winkles and his navigator to manage the situation alone for five hours. They eventually handed over the Bears to Norwegian fighters after navigating without maps or radio contact.
2,400 Years Back, Alexander the Great’s ‘Lions and Sheep’ War Quote Hits Harder Than Ever
Alexander the Great engaged in military campaigns to suppress rebellions in Thessaly and Illyria, employing tactical deception and surprise attacks. After defeating King Cleitus of Illyria, he swiftly marched to Thebes to quell a revolt, burning the city as a warning. These actions were crucial in securing his rule over Greece.
Israeli artillery shelling in southern Khan Younis, Gaza, results in 1 dead and multiple injured
The Israeli military conducted artillery shelling in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, resulting in one Palestinian death and multiple injuries. Additionally, two Palestinians were shot and injured in Jabalia by Israeli forces.
Iran claims 760 ships in Hormozgan Province were destroyed in enemy attacks.
Iranian judicial authorities announced that 760 ships were destroyed by enemy attacks since the war began, including 420 fishing vessels and 340 commercial ships. The attacks have severely impacted port infrastructure and fisheries in Hormozgan Province, affecting over 50,000 fishermen directly.
Germany's Four Eurofighters Turn Latvia's Election Into a NATO Test
Germany deployed four Eurofighter Typhoons to Lielvārde, Latvia, for air policing during the parliamentary elections on October 3, 2026. This mission includes several dozen soldiers and technicians and responds to Latvia's request for assistance due to drone incursions. The deployment highlights NATO's commitment to air defense in the Baltic region and the evolving nature of security threats.
Alexandra ReevesMon Sep 21 2026Loading...
Ukraine Fired over 1,000 Drones at Targets in Russia and Moscow Was One of the Prime Targets in ‘Largest Attack’ on Capital
Ukrainian forces launched over 1,000 drones at targets in Russia, with Moscow being a primary target, on 19-20 September. This attack, described as the largest of the war, coincided with Russia's parliamentary elections and resulted in significant damage to the Moscow Oil Refinery and other locations. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed the use of various domestically produced weapons systems during the operation.
JNIM strikes Dioura in Mali — nearly 100 soldiers killed and the central front shifts in 2026
The Malian army evacuated two companies from Dioura on September 21, 2026, following intense fighting with JNIM, which claimed significant casualties. Nearly 100 Malian soldiers and five members of the Russian Africa Corps were reported killed. The JNIM's strategy appears focused on eroding the Malian state's ability to maintain remote positions, highlighting vulnerabilities in the region.
Marie DuboisMon Sep 21 2026Loading...
The British Army’s General Dynamics Ajax Armored Fighting Vehicles Are Truly Circling the Drain
The British Army's Ajax armored fighting vehicle has faced significant health and safety issues, with 310 soldiers affected during trials from November 2025 to April 2026. The vehicle, costing £6.3 billion, has been criticized for being 'not fit for purpose' by MPs, leading to concerns over its operational readiness. Health problems reported include hearing loss and illness during military exercises, prompting calls for the Ministry of Defence to address these failures.
The US Air Force built a 15-foot fighter with no landing gear to live in a B-36 and after two hours and 19 minutes of flight it hit the mothership, shattered the canopy, belly-landed on a lakebed, and was cancelled in 1949 when aerial refueling made parasite fighters unnecessary
The McDonnell XF-85 Goblin, a parasite fighter designed to operate from the B-36 Peacemaker, underwent testing at the Muroc Air Test Center in California in 1948. The program faced challenges, particularly in recovering the Goblin to the mothership, leading to its cancellation in 1949 after accumulating only 2 hours and 19 minutes of flight time. Only two prototypes were produced, and the concept was ultimately rendered obsolete by advancements in midair refueling.
Brazil’s Aircraft Carrier São Paulo spent 206 days at sea in 18 years and then Turkey refused the asbestos hull so on 3 February 2023 the Navy towed the former French carrier Foch 350 kilometers offshore and sank her after steam and fire had already killed sailors
The Brazilian Navy scuttled the aircraft carrier São Paulo 350 kilometers off the coast of Brazil on February 3, 2023, after it was deemed unseaworthy due to asbestos contamination. Originally built for the French Navy, São Paulo spent only 206 days at sea during its 18 years of service. Turkey refused to accept the ship for scrapping due to high asbestos levels, leading to its controversial sinking.
Over 1000 Ukrainian Drones Reached Moscow During the Elections — Vulnerability of Russian Air Defense in 2026
Over 1000 Ukrainian drones attacked Russian targets in Moscow and Moscow Oblast during the State Duma elections on September 19-20, 2026. The attack highlighted vulnerabilities in Russian air defense systems, which struggled to manage the simultaneous threat posed by numerous drones. This operation aimed to exert psychological pressure on the Russian government during a significant political event, demonstrating a shift in the dynamics of drone warfare and air defense effectiveness.
Dmitri VolkovMon Sep 21 2026Loading...
I Am a Retired US Army Special Forces NCO: The Smith & Wesson Model 10 Revolver’s Double-Action Trigger Breaks at About 9.4 Pounds. That Is Not a Flaw. It Is Why the Gun Teaches You Something a Striker-Fired Pistol Never Will.
Thousands of surplus Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolvers were issued to the Panamanian National Police after the conflict in Panama. The Model 10 has a long history of use by military and police forces, including the Hong Kong Police Force until 2024. In 2025, S&W reintroduced the Model 10 Classic with updated features.
European-made Black Hawk gets an armed upgrade
Polish Black Hawk helicopters evacuated over 100 people during floods in September 2024. In July 2025, production of S-70 Firehawk helicopters began for the Czech Republic, while Sikorsky introduced modular kits to arm existing Black Hawk helicopters. This upgrade allows for versatile mission capabilities, enhancing operational flexibility for NATO forces.
The 169th Joint Patrol and Law Enforcement Operation of China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand on the Mekong River Launched
On September 21, 2023, the 169th joint patrol and law enforcement operation on the Mekong River was launched, involving Chinese law enforcement vessels 53101, 53108, and 53109. The operation aims to combat cross-border crime and enhance cooperation among China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. The Chinese vessel 53108 will also serve as a liaison in Laos for joint training with local enforcement agencies.
The protest of more than 7,500 Iranian drones and missiles in 2026 reveals the limits of the American umbrella over the Gulf.
On September 20, 2026, U.S. and partner forces intercepted over 7500 Iranian drones and ballistic missiles during Operation 'Epic Fury' in the Persian Gulf. This operation highlights the ongoing military engagement and the challenges faced by Gulf states in independently managing their air defense. The interceptions were part of a broader effort to secure oil passage through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions with Iran.
Ahmed Al-RashidMon Sep 21 2026Loading...
New Zealand's Two Warships Test Its Taiwan Strait Role
New Zealand's two naval ships, HMNZS Te Mana and HMNZS Te Kaha, transited the Taiwan Strait late last week, marking a significant political gesture in the Indo-Pacific region. This operation demonstrates New Zealand's intent to maintain a presence in sensitive maritime areas despite its limited naval capabilities. The transit underscores New Zealand's commitment to freedom of navigation and its role as a security stakeholder in the Pacific.
Marcus ChenMon Sep 21 2026Loading...Denmark says NATO shares responsibility for Arctic security under Greenland deal
Denmark, Greenland, and the United States are set to sign a security agreement in New York on Tuesday, placing Arctic security under NATO's oversight. The deal aims to address U.S. security interests while respecting Greenland's sovereignty. Danish officials have indicated that NATO will play a significant role in Arctic security, following pressure from the U.S. government regarding Greenland's defense.
U.S. Marines field counter-drone vehicles in Middle East
U.S. Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit operated the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (LMADIS) in the U.S. Central Command area from September 2-6. This mobile counter-drone system is designed to detect and defeat small drones threatening forward forces. The unit, consisting of approximately 2,500 Marines, has been deployed in response to ongoing conflicts in the region since February 2023.
Desert Gobi, Sword Unsheathed! Eastern Theater Air Force Exercises Hardcore Scenes
The Eastern Theater Command Air Force conducted military exercises in the Gobi Desert, focusing on enhancing combat readiness through rapid troop mobilization and operational drills. Troops executed successful missile launches and responded to various emergency scenarios, demonstrating their preparedness for combat. The exercises involved extensive coordination among different units to ensure effective responses to dynamic situations.
