Analysis & Reports

AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources

Striking Two Ships West of Khasab and the Drain of Patriot in Jordan Reveal That the Hormuz War Is No Longer a Passing Maritime News

Striking Two Ships West of Khasab and the Drain of Patriot in Jordan Reveal That the Hormuz War Is No Longer a Passing Maritime News

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentOperational

Two ships were struck by unknown projectiles near Khasab, Oman, on September 11, 2026, resulting in one ship catching fire. Concurrently, Iranian ballistic missile strikes caused significant damage to the Muwaffaq Salti / Al Azraq base in Jordan, consuming approximately 30 Patriot missiles. This dual incident highlights the ongoing military pressure from Iran on maritime and air defense systems in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidAhmed Al-RashidFri Sep 11 2026
STRAIT OF HORMUZ (May 11, 2012) Guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) transit the Strait of Hormuz. Both ships are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alex R. Forster/Released)

100,000-Ton US Navy Nuclear Aircraft Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln Could Be Out Of Action for a Long Time

LogisticsMilitary OperationsOperational

USS Abraham Lincoln is returning to San Diego after a deployment of 286 days, including 200 days in combat zones. The carrier, which has accumulated significant wear and tear, will undergo extensive maintenance upon arrival. The ship's condition has raised concerns about the need for major repairs, and it may require relocation to Bremerton, Washington, for further inspections.

Source: 19FortyFiveFri Sep 11 2026
M1E3

The US Army Says the New M1E3 Abrams Will Be About 25 Percent Lighter Than Today’s Tank and Burn About 50 Percent Less Fuel. It Has an Unmanned Turret, an Autoloader, and a Crew of 3 Instead of 4 — the First American Main Battle Tank Since 1980 Without a Human Loader.

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

The U.S. Army is set to deploy four prototypes of the new M1E3 Abrams tank to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team at Fort Hood, Texas, later this year. This new tank, which is 25% lighter and uses 50% less fuel, will undergo operational testing before being taken to the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, in spring 2027. The M1E3 features an unmanned turret and a reduced crew size, reflecting a significant redesign to meet modern battlefield demands.

Source: 19FortyFiveFri Sep 11 2026
Soldier awarded Bronze Star for Valor after Iranian drone attack in Kuwait

Soldier awarded Bronze Star for Valor after Iranian drone attack in Kuwait

Casualties & LossesMilitary OperationsOperational

A soldier was awarded a Bronze Star for valor following an Iranian drone strike on March 1, 2026, at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, which killed six Army Reserve soldiers. Sgt. 1st Class Oscar M. McGrew was recognized for his extraordinary heroism during the attack. This incident marked the deadliest event for U.S. troops in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Source: Task & PurposeFri Sep 11 2026
George Patton Portrait Creative Commons Photo

81 Years Ago, US Army General George Patton’s Line on ‘Attack and Attack and Attack’ Is Still One of the Greatest Military Quotes in Armed Forces History

Military OperationsTactical

General Patton led the U.S. Army 3rd Army in aggressive operations during the Battle of the Bulge from December 1944 to January 1945. He announced a counterattack within 48 hours at a conference with senior commanders, successfully breaking through to the 101st Airborne Division in Bastogne. His military philosophy emphasized continuous offensive action, encapsulated in his famous quote about the futility of defense.

Source: 19FortyFiveFri Sep 11 2026
Varyag under tow in Istanbul. Mainland China purchased the former Soviet carrier, Varyag, from the Ukraine in 1998 for about $20 million dollars (US). The Varyag was the newer, sister ship to the Russian Kuznetsov. But the Ukrainian government had never finished the carrier after the fall of the Soviet Union and had tried to sell it to various concerns. As a result, the carrier fell into a state of disrepair. The Chinese bought the carrier and indicated that the holding company that had purchased it planned to tow it to Red China and make it a floating casino.

China’s First Aircraft Carrier Was Bought from Ukraine By a Travel Agency for $20,000,000 in 1998 Under a Plan to Make It a Floating Casino in Macau. It Was Commissioned Into the People’s Liberation Army Navy as the Liaoning.

Military OperationsPolitical-MilitaryOperational

In 1998, Chong Lot Travel Agency acquired the unfinished Varyag aircraft carrier from Ukraine for $20 million, intending to convert it into a floating casino in Macau. However, the vessel was ultimately towed to China and reconstructed, becoming the Liaoning, the first aircraft carrier of the People's Liberation Army Navy. This acquisition marked a significant step in China's naval capabilities, transitioning from a tourism project to a military asset.

Source: 19FortyFiveFri Sep 11 2026
Iowa-Class U.S. Navy Battleships Flag

The US Navy Bolted 32 Tomahawk Missiles Onto 58,000-Ton Iowa-Class Battleships. The Upgrade Took Their Reach From 24 Miles to 1,553.

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

The U.S. Navy recommissioned Iowa-class battleships, upgrading them with 32 Tomahawk missiles each, significantly extending their strike range to 1,553 miles. This modernization occurred from December 1982 onwards, with the battleships actively participating in the Gulf War by launching 52 Tomahawk missiles against Iraqi targets. The total cost for the upgrades was approximately $1.7 billion for all four ships.

Source: 19FortyFiveFri Sep 11 2026
Russian Tu-160 bomber. Image Credit - Creative Commons.

Russia’s Mach 2 Tupolev Tu-160 Bomber Is the Heaviest Combat Aircraft Ever Built and Carries Up to 12 Cruise Missiles on 2 Internal Rotary Launchers. Russia Has Built About 4 New Ones in 11 Years.

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

Russia continues to modernize its fleet of Tu-160 bombers, having built approximately four new aircraft since 2015. The Tu-160, capable of carrying up to 12 cruise missiles, remains a key strategic asset for the Russian Air Force. Production is hampered by slow engine manufacturing and modernization efforts, but the aircraft's capabilities have been enhanced with new avionics and engines.

Source: 19FortyFiveFri Sep 11 2026

U.S. Media: Over 100 American Military Advisors Assist Saudi Arabia in Fighting Houthi Forces

Military OperationsISR ActivityOperational

Over 100 U.S. military advisors are providing intelligence and target location support to Saudi Arabia in its operations against Houthi forces. This support, which includes the use of real-time battlefield targeting tools, is limited and does not involve direct military engagement. The advisors are part of a newly formed joint command established in recent weeks.

Source: Global TimesFri Sep 11 2026
Mitsubishi F-2 Fighter for Japan

In 1987 Japan Agreed to Build a Licensed Version of the American F-16 Fighting Falcon Instead of Its Own Fighter. More Than 95 Percent of the Engineering Drawings Were Changed, and the Finished Mitsubishi F-2 Cost About $127,000,000 Each Against $30,000,000 for an F-16.

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

Japan developed the Mitsubishi F-2 fighter jet from 1987 to 2011, modifying over 95% of the F-16 Fighting Falcon's engineering designs. The F-2, which features advanced radar and a larger airframe, cost approximately $127 million per unit, significantly more than the F-16. Production concluded with 94 aircraft delivered, serving as the backbone of Japan's fighter-bomber force.

Source: 19FortyFiveFri Sep 11 2026

Pentagon eyeing tech testbed expansion along US-Mexico border

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

The Pentagon is expanding its testing of emerging technologies, including unmanned surface vessels and high-energy lasers, along the US-Mexico border. This initiative aims to enhance border security and combat narco-trafficking. Future deployments depend on budget negotiations in Congress, with ongoing assessments of current technologies and potential new projects planned for the upcoming fiscal year.

Source: Breaking DefenseFri Sep 11 2026
Saudi crown prince sought US military help with Houthis, sources say

Saudi crown prince sought US military help with Houthis, sources say

Political-MilitaryMilitary OperationsStrategic

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested military assistance from U.S. President Donald Trump to combat the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen. The U.S. responded by offering intelligence sharing rather than direct military action. U.S. Central Command's Adm. Brad Cooper visited Saudi Arabia for discussions amid escalating Houthi threats in the Red Sea.

Source: Defense NewsFri Sep 11 2026
B-2 Bomber

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber Fired a Stealth Anti-Ship Missile at the USS Juneau, an Amphibious Ship Commissioned in 1969 and Left in Mothballs for 18 Years. It Still Took 2 Harpoons, a Japanese Torpedo, a Hellfire, and 2 More Missiles to Put Her Under.

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentOperational

On June 27, 2026, a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber launched an AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile at the decommissioned USS Juneau, over 200 nautical miles off Guam in the Philippine Sea. This marked the first public acknowledgment of a B-2 firing an LRASM during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, involving multiple other missiles and aircraft. The USS Juneau, decommissioned in 2008, was ultimately sunk after sustained attacks from various platforms.

Source: 19FortyFiveFri Sep 11 2026
SR-71 Blackbird at Night

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird’s Pratt & Whitney J58 Engines Ran at Full Afterburner for Hours at a Time With Exhaust Temperatures Near 3,400 Degrees. At Mach 3.2 Cruise, Roughly 80 Percent of the Thrust Came From the Inlet, Not the Engine.

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird operated at high speeds using its Pratt & Whitney J58 engines, achieving Mach 3.2 with 80% thrust from the inlet. Designed by Lockheed's Skunk Works in 1964, 32 units were built for strategic reconnaissance. The J58 engines allowed sustained full afterburner operation, crucial for its mission profile.

Source: 19FortyFiveFri Sep 11 2026

CEO of Ukraine’s Fire Point: Freyja anti-ballistic missile program seeks ‘best players’

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

Fire Point is integrating technology for the Freyja anti-ballistic missile program in Kielce, Poland, preparing for a zero test by year-end. The program involves multiple European defense companies and aims to develop effective missile systems, including the FP-7X interceptor. Ukrainian forces recently utilized FP-1 drones to strike gas facilities in Russia, marking a significant operational achievement.

Source: Breaking DefenseFri Sep 11 2026
Russia's 2026 Geran Drones Hit 2,800 Monthly and Outrun Ukraine's Defences

Russia's 2026 Geran Drones Hit 2,800 Monthly and Outrun Ukraine's Defences

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

Russia launched 2,800 jet-powered Geran drones in August 2026, significantly increasing the speed and frequency of attacks on Ukraine's air defenses. The new drones, which cruise above 300 mph, have made interception more challenging for Ukrainian forces. A Russian strike on 2 September resulted in casualties in Kyiv, while drone incursions have disrupted airspace in Moldova, raising concerns about regional security.

Alexandra ReevesAlexandra ReevesFri Sep 11 2026
U.S. Air Force Capt. Nick “Laz” Le Tourneau, pilot and commander of the F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team, performs an aerial demonstration during the 52nd Annual SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, April 14, 2026. Capt. Le Tourneau showcased the unmatched capabilities of the F-22 to the SUN ‘n FUN crowds by performing multiple series of combat maneuvers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Bowers)

The 9/11 Attacks Are Why the F-22 Raptor Was Cancelled and the Littoral Combat Ship War Born. The US Military Learned a Painful Lesson

Political-MilitaryMilitary OperationsStrategic

The US military shifted its strategy post-9/11, focusing on counter-terrorism rather than great power competition. This led to the cancellation of the F-22 Raptor procurement and the development of the Littoral Combat Ship. The invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan were pivotal military operations that shaped US defense policy for decades.

Source: 19FortyFiveFri Sep 11 2026

Hamas-affiliated Al-Qassam Brigades confirm that their senior member was killed by the Israeli military

Casualties & LossesMilitary OperationsOperational

Mohammed Yazouri, a senior commander of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, was killed in an Israeli assassination operation in Khan Younis on September 10, 2023. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the operation, which targeted Yazouri due to his involvement in Hamas's recent military actions against Israel.

Source: Global TimesFri Sep 11 2026
Type 45 Destroyer BAE Image Handout

Britain’s £1,000,000,000 Type 45 Destroyers Lose All Electrical Power When the Sea Is Warmer Than About 28 Degrees Celsius. The Persian Gulf Is Warmer Than That.

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

Type 45 destroyers of the Royal Navy lose all electrical power when operating in waters warmer than 28 degrees Celsius, particularly in the Persian Gulf. This failure has led to operational challenges, prompting the Royal Navy to initiate the Power Improvement Project to enhance reliability. The destroyers, each costing over £1 billion, are critical for national defense and have faced scrutiny due to their design flaws and operational limitations.

Source: 19FortyFiveFri Sep 11 2026
US refutes claims that Iran captured Saildrone USV

US refutes claims that Iran captured Saildrone USV

Information OperationsMilitary OperationsInformational

Iran claimed to have attacked and captured an American Saildrone USV near the Strait of Hormuz, releasing a video of the incident. U.S. officials refuted this, asserting that all Saildrone units are operational. The incident follows the capture of an Anduril Dive-LD vehicle by Iran on September 8, 2026, which U.S. Central Command described as a defective model.

Source: Defense NewsFri Sep 11 2026