Analysis & Reports

On October 20, the Air Force Research Laboratory launched a Rocket Cargo experiment from Cape Canaveral using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission tested a Starfall reentry capsule carrying cargo pods designed to measure environmental conditions during launch and reentry. This experiment aims to determine the feasibility of using rockets for military logistics, potentially revolutionizing supply delivery to forces in contested environments.

On January 26, 1966, Lockheed test pilot Bill Weaver was flying the SR-71 Blackbird 61-7952 when the aircraft broke apart at Mach 3.18 and 78,800 feet due to an engine unstart. Weaver blacked out and later woke up falling through the sky, ultimately surviving the incident thanks to his pressure suit and parachute, while his crewmate Jim Zwayer was killed. The aircraft was still undergoing development testing at the time.

The U.S. Air Force submitted a report to Congress outlining plans to have 1509 operational fighter aircraft by 2035. The fleet will include approximately 40% F-35s, 20% F-22s and F-47s, with the remainder made up of F-15s and F-16s. The Air Force's procurement strategy is influenced by international developments and technological advancements, with a budget request for 62 aircraft in FY 2027.

L3Harris Technologies received a three-year contract worth up to $60 million to develop a long-range missile for the U.S. Army, aimed at intercepting drones. The contract was announced on October 23, 2026, under the Xtended Range Counter-sUAS Missile program at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The missile will feature an air-breathing ramjet engine and is intended to enhance the Army's air defense capabilities against various aerial threats.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $2.4 billion contract modification to Fluor Marine Propulsion for naval nuclear propulsion work at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory on September 24, 2026. The work will be distributed among main sites in Pittsburgh, Schenectady, and Idaho Falls. This contract supports the development and maintenance of nuclear propulsion systems for U.S. Navy submarines and aircraft carriers.

The Royal Canadian Air Force received its first two CF-35A stealth fighters at Luke Air Force Base in October 2026. These jets will be used to establish a training squadron for Canadian pilots, with plans to base eight F-35s at Luke during 2026 and 2027. The first operational aircraft are expected to arrive at Cold Lake, Alberta, in 2028, with initial operational capability planned for 2029.

Lockheed Martin received a $114.6 million order on October 23, 2026, to redesign the GPS electronic unit and NAV100 inertial navigation system for the F-35 Lightning II. This redesign addresses obsolete components to ensure continued production and sustainment of the aircraft. Most work will occur in El Segundo, California, with completion expected by January 2030.

Japan's 25th type anti-ship guided missile participated for the first time in the Keen Sword joint exercise, which began on October 19, 2026, in the Southwest Region. Approximately 45,000 Japanese personnel, 11,000 U.S. personnel, and 300 Australian personnel engaged in the exercise, testing interoperability and defense strategies against potential threats from the Chinese Navy. The exercise involved the deployment of various military assets, including ships and aircraft, to enhance regional defense capabilities.

Tanaka TakashiSat Oct 24 2026Loading...

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird utilized two Pratt & Whitney J58 engines, which could not be started with standard airport equipment. Instead, ground crews employed specialized carts powered by Buick V8 engines to initiate the engines. This unique starting method was essential for the aircraft's operations, which included flying at speeds of Mach 3.2.

Israeli military chief Aviv Kochavi announced a state of maximum alert for the Israeli Defense Forces on October 23, 2023, following a shooting incident near Hebron. The IDF plans to conduct large-scale military exercises on October 25-26 to simulate responses to multi-front attacks and improve defense readiness. This heightened alert and military activity are in response to security concerns related to the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Amy Johnson has been announced as the new president of General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), replacing Amy Gilliland, who was let go. Johnson, a 27-year veteran of General Dynamics, will assume her role on November 3. GDIT is known for providing essential cyber and networking tools to both military and civilian sectors.

Iran has developed contingency plans to target undersea communications cables in the Gulf if attacked by the U.S. and Israel. This strategic move complicates U.S. military options and increases costs for Gulf states, as it signals potential disruption to critical infrastructure. The situation reflects ongoing tensions and military considerations in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Oct 23 2026Loading...

The Space Force awarded six operational contracts worth $1.37 million to firms for civil reserve support in space monitoring in Washington in 2023. This initiative aims to enhance military demand for satellite-derived capabilities, although it faces unresolved legal issues regarding service rights during conflicts. The program is expected to expand to more companies and mission areas.

The U.S. Navy is modernizing its technology acquisition framework and increasing pilot programs for technology systems. During the SAP Public Sector Summit on October 14, 2023, Navy CTO Justin Fanelli highlighted the Navy's successful strategies that other agencies are now adopting. The Navy's Project Dynamis aims to enhance operational capabilities, while Operation Cattle Drive seeks to retire outdated IT systems. The Navy is also collaborating with private sector partners to expand its technology pilots.

On October 13, the U.S. Navy celebrated its 251st anniversary while President Trump announced the opening of a new shipyard in Baltimore to revive America's maritime industry. The U.S. currently ranks 14th in global shipbuilding and operates only 190 flagged ships. Efforts include the $3 billion Port Alpha project and partnerships with allies to enhance shipbuilding capacity and reduce reliance on China. The FLEETS Now Act aims to establish a maritime coalition to support these initiatives.

Ret. Army Gen. David Petraeus stated that unmanned systems are responsible for over 90% of Russian casualties in Ukraine, highlighting the urgent need for NATO, including the U.S., to adapt military strategies and procurement processes to modern warfare. He emphasized the establishment of a new Autonomous Warfare Command and the importance of developing more unmanned systems, as Ukraine continues to leverage these technologies against a larger adversary. Petraeus warned that failure to adapt could leave NATO underprepared for future conflicts.

Chris Cathers, a former Green Beret, connected with actor Chris Pratt during the filming of 'The Terminal List' and took a photo with him shortly before his death from cancer. Cathers launched the Brothers Keeper Veteran Foundation to support veterans in mental crisis, emphasizing the importance of connection. He passed away in February 2026 after a long battle with cancer, leaving a legacy of advocacy for veterans.

Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson died during a rappelling demonstration at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on October 17. Following his death, the 6th Combat Training Squadron of the U.S. Air Force suspended all rappelling and ropes training events. The incident is currently under investigation, and the Air Force has not specified when the suspension began or if it affects other units.

The 6th Combat Training Squadron of the U.S. Air Force suspended all rappelling and ropes training following the death of Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson during a demonstration at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on October 17, 2023. Patterson fell from a height of 160 feet and later died at a hospital. The incident is currently under investigation.

The Russian military satellite Cosmos 2612 maneuvered dangerously close to the U.S.-registered satellite ICEYE-X36 in October 2023, prompting U.S. officials to condemn the actions as threatening. This incident marks a significant event in space operations, highlighting the potential for military escalation in space. Experts suggest that Russia's maneuvers could indicate intentions for intelligence collection or future operations against satellites.