Analysis & Reports

Capt. Michael Cloninger of the 90th Fighter Squadron safely executed a belly landing of his F-22 on September 18, 2024, after losing a landing wheel during flight in the Central Command area. His successful maneuver earned him the 2025 Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy, recognizing his extraordinary airmanship and teamwork in managing the emergency situation.

Capt. Michael Cloninger of the 90th Fighter Squadron safely executed a belly landing of an F-22 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, on September 18, 2024, after the front landing gear failed during a ceremonial flight. He circled the airfield for an hour to burn off fuel before landing without incident. Cloninger was later awarded the Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy for his exceptional airmanship during the emergency.

Capt. Michael Cloninger of the 90th Fighter Squadron safely executed a belly landing of an F-22 aircraft after the right wheel assembly broke off during a ceremonial flight on September 18, 2024, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The pilot circled for an hour to burn off fuel before landing. He was later awarded the Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy for his extraordinary airmanship during the emergency.

Chinese military researchers tested the effectiveness of large-caliber guns against drone swarms using 30 Russian-made Lancet-3 drones in a simulation. The study concluded that while artillery alone cannot fully defend against drone swarms, it could be part of a layered defense strategy. The research was conducted by the People’s Liberation Army Dalian Naval Academy in Dalian, China, and suggests a reevaluation of battleship capabilities in modern naval warfare.

Saudi Arabia shut down the East-West pipeline (Petroline) on September 12 following a drone attack attributed to Iraq. The incident underscores vulnerabilities in Saudi energy infrastructure and raises concerns about regional security. Multiple sources reported the attack, although Iraqi factions disputed responsibility, complicating the situation further.

Alexandra ReevesSat Sep 12 2026Loading...

The USS Alabama (BB-60) was towed through the Panama Canal in 1964, clearing the locks with only 11 inches of space on each side. This battleship, which served in WWII, carried 9 16-inch guns and had a crew of 2,500. It earned 9 battle stars and remarkably suffered no combat fatalities. Today, it is preserved at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama.

The Dalian Maritime Safety Administration issued a navigation warning for military operations in the Bohai Strait and northern Yellow Sea from September 13 at 16:00 to September 27 at 16:00, prohibiting entry into these areas.

Algeria deployed four Su-30 aircraft to Niamey, Niger, on August 30, 2026, in response to a mutiny by soldiers. This deployment, framed as military support for Niger, marks a significant shift in Algeria's military policy, allowing for intervention under certain conditions. The move is part of a broader strategic partnership, including energy cooperation, between Algeria and Niger.

Marie DuboisSat Sep 12 2026Loading...

The Soviet Union developed the K-222 submarine during the Cold War, designed to exceed 44 knots underwater to counter US Navy aircraft carriers. This unique submarine, built primarily of titanium, was capable of rapid missile strikes against carrier groups. Only one was constructed due to its high cost and complexity, but it remains a significant example of Cold War military engineering.

Ukrainian forces attacked the Saratov oil refinery and Uralchem Azot chemical plant on September 10-11, 2026, marking a significant escalation in targeting Russian industrial capabilities. This was the sixth strike on the Saratov facility this year, indicating a systematic effort to disrupt Russian logistics and supply chains. The Russian government confirmed damage to these sites but did not disclose the extent of the impact.

Dmitri VolkovSat Sep 12 2026Loading...

Redwire Defense Tech has delivered over 250 Penguin unmanned aircraft to Ukraine since 2022, adapting their design and operational support based on combat experience. The company emphasizes the importance of local support and rapid adaptability in response to evolving battlefield conditions. The Penguin series has been developed to meet the challenges of modern warfare, incorporating lessons learned from sustained operations in Ukraine.

Japan is developing tactical AI satellites for military applications, with plans to conduct space testing by 2030. The defense budget for fiscal year 2027 emphasizes AI and unmanned systems, totaling approximately 8.89 trillion yen. This initiative marks a significant shift towards an unmanned and intelligent combat framework, involving collaboration with local defense industries.

Georgia National Guard helicopters conducted aerial searches for illegal marijuana grows this summer, assisting police in obtaining search warrants. In one operation, a civilian officer aboard a UH-72 spotted marijuana in Dalton, leading to the seizure of 17 plants. Overall, the Guard helped seize 343 plants statewide, utilizing a new approach to cover broader areas efficiently.

Japan is upgrading 68 of its F-15J fighter jets with advanced systems, including AESA radar and electronic warfare capabilities, as part of the F-15 Japan Super Interceptor program initiated in February 2022. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has fielded 213 F-15Js and F-15DJs, making it the largest operator outside the U.S. Air Force. The upgrades are expected to enhance the aircraft's performance significantly by 2030.

The U.S. Air Force operated the SR-71 Blackbird, a reconnaissance aircraft capable of flying at Mach 3 and 85,000 feet, during the 1986 mission over Libya. Pilots underwent rigorous selection and training processes, including astronaut-level physical tests. The aircraft's speed and altitude allowed it to evade enemy missiles successfully.

Saudi Arabia halted the operation of the East-West pipeline on September 12, 2026, after a drone attack damaged facilities along its route, reportedly launched from Iraq. The Houthi movement has taken control of the entire Yemeni coastline along the Red Sea, complicating Saudi Arabia's military response. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure and the challenges posed by low-cost drone attacks.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Sep 12 2026Loading...

China has mounted an electromagnetic railgun on the Haiyangshan, a Type 072III landing ship, and has conducted at-sea testing since December 2017. The railgun is capable of firing projectiles at hypersonic speeds, marking a significant advancement in naval weaponry. In contrast, the U.S. Navy spent $500 million on a similar program but canceled it in 2021 after failing to deploy a working model. This development positions China as a leader in electromagnetic launch technology.

Taiwan is requesting NT$145.7 billion to enhance its military capabilities, focusing on 40000 attack drones and the Ching Tien II missile with a range of 2000 kilometers. The budget also allocates funds for replenishing ammunition and developing uncrewed systems. This initiative aims to improve Taiwan's resilience against potential Chinese military actions, ensuring sustained operations during a conflict.

Marcus ChenSat Sep 12 2026Loading...

Russia has initiated space warfare tactics, including the destruction of a reconnaissance satellite and navigation signal jamming, affecting Ukraine and NATO countries. NATO is debating the implications of these actions on collective defense, while the U.S. has adopted a more aggressive military posture in space. Private commercial space companies are increasingly involved in military operations, complicating the landscape of space warfare.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited a group of Ukrainian military pilots training at the International Test Pilots School in North Bay, Ontario, on September 12, 2026. The pilots are currently training on L-39 jets in preparation for transitioning to F-16 and Gripen fighter jets. Zelensky emphasized the importance of modern training and expressed pride in the capabilities of the Ukrainian pilots. The training program has been active since April 2025, with 21 service members enrolled.