Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
F-20 Tigershark Fighter: She Could Hit Mach 2, Carry 9,000 Pounds of Weapons, and Was Dirt Cheap — the F-16 Made Sure She Had No Chance
The Northrop F-20 Tigershark program was canceled after failing to secure any orders despite its impressive capabilities, including Mach 2 speed and a weapons capacity exceeding 9,000 pounds. The program, which began in 1982, faced challenges from the F-16's market dominance and suffered from two fatal crashes during demonstrations. Ultimately, the lack of a U.S. launch customer and changing export policies led to its demise in December 1986.
The US Navy F-14D Tomcat Fighter: She Could Hit Mach 2 and Defend Aircraft Carriers But Had to Be Retired
The U.S. Navy retired the F-14D Tomcat in February 2006 after its final combat sortie over Iraq. The aircraft was praised for its advanced capabilities, including superior speed and radar systems, but was replaced by the Super Hornet due to cost and maintenance considerations. The retirement raised concerns about the loss of long-range defense capabilities amid evolving threats.
Boeing gets $11M to fix flight control bugs in the P-8A
Boeing has been awarded an $11.4 million contract to develop updated flight control software for the P-8A Poseidon aircraft, addressing autopilot deficiencies identified during testing. The updates will correct issues related to altitude acquisition, speed exceedance, pitch oscillations, and throttle response. Work will take place in Tukwila, Washington, with completion expected by February 2028.
U.S. Navy orders $107M in new rotor blades for Marine One
The U.S. Navy has ordered $107 million worth of new rotor blades for the VH-92A Presidential Helicopter, known as Marine One. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. will design, build, and test the new blades to enhance the helicopter's power margin. This order is part of a larger program to ensure the helicopter's reliability and capability for decades. Work is expected to be completed by March 2031, with significant portions of the effort taking place in Stratford, Connecticut.
U.S. Air Force expands Blue Origin’s role in rocket cargo program
The U.S. Air Force awarded Blue Origin an $11.7 million contract modification to explore the feasibility of using rockets for military cargo delivery. This initiative aims to enable rapid logistics capabilities, allowing military supplies to be delivered globally within an hour. The contract, managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory, is expected to run through October 29, 2027, and reflects a growing investment in innovative military logistics solutions.
U.S. Navy orders 188 more torpedo-armed mines to hunt submarines
The U.S. Navy has placed a $229.6 million order for 188 Hammerhead underwater mines designed for anti-submarine warfare. These mines will utilize acoustic sensors to detect enemy submarines and launch MK 54 torpedoes upon confirmation of a threat. Production will occur at five locations, with completion expected by October 2028.
Northrop Grumman secures $1.8B deal for LITENING targeting system
Northrop Grumman secured a $1.84 billion contract to produce and sustain the LITENING targeting system, which will support U.S. military operations through 2035. The contract allows for additional orders and upgrades without renegotiation, ensuring continued use of this critical targeting technology across various aircraft. The LITENING pod enhances pilots' ability to identify and engage targets from a safe distance.
CACI’s SkyValor moves to full production after border testing
CACI International announced the full production and deployment of the SkyValor drone defense system across the United States under a $500 million contract with Joint Interagency Task Force 401. The system, tested at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, is designed to detect and neutralize drone threats, providing military and homeland defense with enhanced capabilities. The contract allows for flexible future orders as needs evolve, reflecting a strategic response to increasing drone threats.
PLA Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle Live-Fire Training at Sea on July 10: Beach Assault Shortcomings Not in Artillery
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted live-fire training with an amphibious infantry fighting vehicle at sea on July 10, engaging simulated targets while navigating towards the beach. This exercise underscores the importance of maintaining formation and fire rhythm under challenging conditions. The training is part of a broader effort to integrate various military capabilities, including air support and naval operations, for effective amphibious assaults.
Li MinghuiSat Aug 01 2026Loading...
"Just a Few Seconds for 5 Commands! Our Submarine Takes Initiative in Deep Ocean Operations, Details of 'Capturing' the Enemy Revealed"
A Chinese Navy submarine halted its return during a mission to engage in reconnaissance and simulated attacks against an approaching enemy fleet in the deep sea. The crew executed precise commands under pressure, successfully managing a deep dive emergency. The submarine's commander highlighted the critical nature of silence and readiness in their operations.
Forget China’s J-20 or J-35A: The US Air Force’s New F-47 NGAD Fighter Is Coming Soon (Being Built Outside of Saint Louis)
The U.S. Air Force announced the development of the F-47 NGAD fighter, which is expected to fly before January 2029. The fighter will have a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles and will operate alongside over 150 Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Boeing was awarded the Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract in March 2025, and the F-47 is designed for advanced warfare with next-generation stealth and sensor fusion capabilities.
Forget China’s J-20 or J-35A: The US Air Force’s New F-47 NGAD Fighter Is Coming Soon
The U.S. Air Force announced the development of the F-47 NGAD fighter, which is expected to fly before January 2029. Boeing was awarded the Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract in March 2025. The F-47 will feature a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles and will operate alongside over 150 Collaborative Combat Aircraft. This new fighter is designed for advanced warfare with enhanced stealth and sensor capabilities.
57,000 Ton USS New Jersey: One US Navy Battleship, Four Wars, Four Commissions, and Forty Years Between Her First Shot and Her Last.
USS New Jersey (BB-62) engaged in combat operations across World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Lebanon from 1943 to 1984. The battleship fired her last combat rounds in Lebanon on February 8, 1984, and is recognized as the most decorated battleship in U.S. Navy history. Currently, she serves as a museum ship in Camden, New Jersey.
The US Navy Sold Two Aircraft Carriers for a Penny Each. The Buyer Was Not Getting a Deal.
In 2022, the U.S. Navy sold the retired aircraft carriers USS Kitty Hawk and USS John F. Kennedy for one cent each, reflecting the high costs associated with dismantling such vessels. The ships were towed to Brownsville, Texas, where they were methodically dismantled for scrap. This sale illustrates the transition from conventionally powered supercarriers to modern naval warfare, emphasizing the logistical challenges of military asset disposal.
Sailors on a 65,000 Ton British Aircraft Carrier Went Months Without Reliable Hot Water. Some Had to Live Ashore.
The Royal Navy's two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, have faced significant mechanical failures, including propulsion issues. HMS Queen Elizabeth withdrew from NATO exercises in early 2024, and sailors reported a lack of reliable hot water, forcing some to live ashore. These issues highlight ongoing logistical challenges within the Royal Navy.
VA to test whether GLP-1s can treat alcohol use disorder
The Department of Veterans Affairs is launching a clinical trial to test semaglutide for treating alcohol use disorder among over 600 veterans. The trial will last 24 weeks, with participants receiving weekly injections of either semaglutide or a placebo. The study aims to monitor changes in drinking habits and overall health, concluding in spring 2027.
Facing a lack of kit, Space Force creates $981M pool to buy training capabilities
The Space Force has initiated a $981 million contract pool involving 15 vendors to enhance training capabilities over the next five years. This effort aims to address significant gaps in instructors, facilities, and simulators necessary for key mission areas. The initiative is part of the National Space Test and Training Complex (NSTTC) and reflects growing concerns among senior officials regarding the adequacy of training resources as the force expands.
A Seven-Year-Old US Air Force F-35A Is About as Available as a 36-Year-Old F-16, According to the Congressional Budget Office
The U.S. Air Force's F-35A, despite being a newer aircraft, has an average availability comparable to that of a 36-year-old F-16C/D. The flyaway cost for the F-35A is reported at $82.5 million, with operational costs significantly higher than those of the F-16. The F-35 program is projected to cost $2.1 trillion, raising questions about its value relative to its advanced capabilities.
Marine Corps F-35 suffers crash in California
A Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet crashed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California at approximately 10 a.m. local time. The pilot ejected and is currently in stable condition at a local medical facility. Emergency personnel responded to the incident, and the F-35 Joint Program Office is supporting the investigation.
Key B-52 upgrades face cost, schedule risks: GAO
The U.S. Air Force faces significant cost and schedule risks in upgrading the B-52 Stratofortress bombers, with a projected $21 billion for 13 upgrades. Key efforts, including the engine replacement and radar modernization, are experiencing budget overruns and delays, potentially impacting operational capabilities. The Government Accountability Office has issued recommendations to address these challenges.
