Analysis & Reports

Admiral David Glasgow Farragut commanded the West Gulf Blockading Squadron during the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, leading an attack against Confederate fortifications. His famous command, 'Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead,' became legendary despite disputes over its exact wording. The battle involved intricate naval maneuvers and resulted in a Union victory, solidifying Farragut's legacy in U.S. naval history.

The Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Georgia, is hosting a three-day event from September 24-26 to honor the SR-71 Blackbird and its crew. The SR-71A 61-7958 holds the world speed record for air-breathing, manned aircraft at 2,193.167 mph, a record set by Maj. Gen. Eldon Joersz in 1976. The event will feature displays and discussions with former crew members and engineers.

Captain James Lawrence uttered the famous phrase 'Don't give up the ship' on June 1, 1813, during the War of 1812 while mortally wounded in the Battle of Boston Harbor. He died on June 4, 1813, and his legacy continues to inspire the U.S. Navy, with the phrase serving as a rallying cry for over two centuries. Lawrence's actions during the war, including capturing British vessels, solidified his place in naval history.

In March 2023, the Israeli Air Force destroyed several Iranian F-14 Tomcats at Isfahan in Central Iran. These aircraft, originally sold to Iran in 1976, were believed to be the last operational F-14s globally. The U.S. had previously dismantled its own F-14s to prevent parts from reaching Iran.

The U.S. Army is prioritizing training for soldiers to operate drones effectively in contested electromagnetic environments as part of the Drone Dominance program. With 12,080 drones acquired, the focus is on ensuring every squad is equipped and trained by the end of fiscal 2026. Recent exercises in Germany highlighted the need for soldiers to navigate the electromagnetic spectrum effectively.

The U.S. Army is focusing on training soldiers to operate small, one-way attack drones, particularly in contested electromagnetic environments. This initiative follows the acceptance of 12,080 drones from the Drone Dominance program's first gauntlet. Training is being conducted both domestically and abroad, including exercises in Germany with NATO partners. The Army aims to ensure every squad is equipped and capable of using these drones effectively by the end of fiscal 2026.

The U.S. Army is focusing on training personnel to operate small, one-way attack drones, aiming to outfit every squad by the end of fiscal 2026. The Army has accepted 12,080 drones from the first Gauntlet of the Drone Dominance program and expects to order 60,000 more from the second Gauntlet. Training is being conducted both domestically and abroad, particularly in Germany, to ensure effective operation in contested environments.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking a ground-based, medium-caliber gun weapon system to defend against drones and cruise missiles as of September 3. This initiative aims to enhance air base defenses in response to the increasing threat from inexpensive and effective drone technology. The system must be rapidly deployable and capable of engaging multiple threats simultaneously, reflecting a significant shift in air defense strategy.

The Air Force Test Center is prioritizing safety while rapidly developing and testing new technologies, including upgrades for the B-52 Stratofortress and the introduction of Massed Modular Aircraft to replace the MQ-9 Reaper. This follows a recent incident where eight airmen died during a B-52 test flight. The center is collaborating with tech industries to enhance capabilities and integrate AI into military operations.

U.S. airstrikes in February 2026 resulted in 150 casualties, including 120 schoolchildren, in Minab and Lamerd, Iran. The U.N. report indicated that these strikes were indiscriminate and violated international law. Additionally, Iranian authorities faced accusations of crimes against humanity for their violent suppression of protests, leading to numerous civilian deaths and executions.

The Royal Navy is set to introduce four Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines, with the first, HMS Dreadnought, expected to be commissioned in the early 2030s. These submarines will replace the aging Vanguard-class and are designed to enhance the UK's nuclear deterrent capabilities. Each submarine will be equipped with 12 Trident 2 D5 missiles and advanced stealth technology, including new X-rudders and Pumpjet propulsors for reduced noise.

The U.S. think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies proposed that the U.S. Navy should target Chinese aircraft carriers, viewing them as a strategic vulnerability. The report outlines tactics involving submarines and land-based missiles to counter China's growing naval capabilities. It highlights the need for the U.S. to adapt its naval strategy and increase its submarine fleet to effectively challenge the People's Liberation Army Navy.

The Royal Navy's aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, faced significant mechanical breakdowns and maintenance issues from 2022 to 2025, impacting operational readiness. HMS Prince of Wales broke down shortly after departing Portsmouth, leading to a nine-month repair period, while HMS Queen Elizabeth experienced multiple issues, including a propeller shaft coupling failure. Despite these challenges, HMS Prince of Wales successfully completed Operation Highmast in 2025, suggesting improved reliability moving forward.

On September 16, 2026, U.S. and Indian soldiers conducted a counterterrorism building-clearing demonstration in Auli, India, involving approximately 6,000 personnel. The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability in mountain warfare without indicating a formal military alignment against China. While it improves cooperation, India's military priorities remain focused on continental issues rather than Pacific engagements.

Marcus ChenThu Sep 17 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces killed Russian Major General Anton Grunis in a drone strike in Donetsk City on September 12. This operation underscores the vulnerabilities of Russian command structures, as Grunis was a prominent figure linked to recent military claims. The incident reflects Ukraine's effective use of drone technology and intelligence to target high-ranking officials far from the front lines.

Alexandra ReevesThu Sep 17 2026Loading...

The Pentagon is testing new technologies along the US-Mexico border, including high-energy lasers, unmanned boats, and drones. Plans for next year include expanding these efforts with more autonomous systems and counter-drone capabilities, as reported by Assistant Secretary of Defense Mark Ditlevson.

A drone launched by Houthi forces was intercepted and destroyed in Taif, Saudi Arabia, on September 17, 2023. The debris from the drone caused one death and two injuries, with the deceased being Yemeni and the injured including a Saudi and a Pakistani, the latter in serious condition. Multiple buildings and vehicles were also damaged by the falling debris.

The Royal Navy is enhancing its naval readiness to secure the Atlantic against Russian probing activities. Two British warships are deployed weekly to monitor Russian vessels, reflecting a significant military focus on the North Atlantic. A 'Northern Navies' agreement is being finalized among ten countries to create a persistent maritime force in response to security threats. The Royal Navy is also transitioning to a 'hybrid Navy' that integrates crewed and uncrewed systems.

Saudi Arabian aircraft conducted 40 airstrikes in Yemen's Taiz, Marib, and Hajjah provinces within the last 24 hours. Houthi forces reported shooting down a Saudi reconnaissance drone and using surface-to-air missiles to intercept F-15 fighter jets. The Houthi military spokesperson stated that the group has intensified its offensive against government forces and has taken control of significant territory in western Yemen.

ISWAP deployed 100 fighters to Ménaka, Mali, and 50 fighters to Nasarawa, Nigeria, in 2026. This movement reflects organized mobility between conflict zones, with Ménaka serving as a strategic location near the Mali-Niger border. The deployment aims to reinforce ISWAP's presence and adapt to military pressures in the region.

Marie DuboisThu Sep 17 2026Loading...