Analysis & Reports

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is recruiting approximately 100 pilots with first-person-view (FPV) drone experience for the upcoming phase of the Drone Dominance program, known as Gauntlet III. This initiative aims to expand the domestic drone industry and build stockpiles of effective small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for military use. Selected pilots will receive training on new drone systems, including one-way attack drones, and the recruitment is open to all service members with FPV experience.

The U.S. Navy is actively pursuing the development of shipboard laser weapon systems to improve air defense against low-cost threats like drones. Despite successful demonstrations of systems like the 30-kilowatt Laser Weapon System (LaWS), significant challenges remain in integrating these technologies into existing destroyers due to power and cooling requirements. The estimated cost for the first true laser program is around $1 billion, not including fleet-wide deployment.

Dwight D. Eisenhower demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his military career, overseeing significant operations such as D-Day and Operation Torch. He graduated from West Point in 1915 and later served as NATO's first Supreme Allied Commander Europe. His strategic abilities were honed through mentorship and experience in various military roles, shaping him into a key figure in Allied victory during World War II.

The U.S. Navy reactivated four Iowa-class battleships between 1981 and 1992, upgrading them to carry 32 Tomahawk missiles, significantly extending their strike range to 1,553 miles. This modernization included advanced weaponry and systems, allowing the battleships to engage targets across Eastern Europe. The total cost for the upgrades was approximately $1.7 billion, with the ships actively participating in the Gulf War by launching 52 Tomahawk missiles.

The U.S. Navy developed the Seawolf-class submarines to counter the Soviet Typhoon-class submarines, focusing on stealth and advanced weaponry. The Seawolf is significantly quieter than previous models, enhancing its operational effectiveness. The USS Connecticut, part of this class, experienced a collision with an uncharted seamount in the South China Sea, highlighting the challenges of underwater navigation.

The USS Abraham Lincoln and its carrier strike group were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their deployment, which included 321 days at sea and 40 days in combat. The crew launched 3,963 combat sorties and sank 64 Iranian vessels. The strike group is set to return to San Diego this Thursday.

On September 13, 1985, a U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle shot down the defunct Solwind P78-1 satellite at an altitude of 345 miles using a Vought ASM-135A Anti-Satellite missile. This event marked the first successful aircraft-to-satellite kill, showcasing U.S. military capabilities in space and warning adversaries about the strategic implications of weaponizing space.

The Department of Veterans Affairs reported that 6,488 veterans died by suicide in 2024, maintaining a rate of nearly 18 suicides per day. The report highlighted that firearms were the most common method, accounting for 74.3% of deaths. Suicide rates increased for certain age groups, while those enrolled in VA health benefits saw a decrease in rates. The report emphasizes ongoing challenges in addressing veteran suicide and the need for improved outreach and prevention efforts.

JIATF-401 is currently testing lasers and high-power microwaves as part of its counter-UAS operations in the United States. The unit is leveraging artificial intelligence to improve decision-making and is applying lessons learned from Ukraine to enhance its counter-drone strategies. This approach reflects the Pentagon's commitment to developing a diverse range of detection and engagement methods against drone threats.

U.S. Northern Command is preparing for the next Falcon Peak exercise, focusing on counter-drone operations in urban environments, scheduled for about a year from now. Military officials highlighted the need for a coordinated approach with the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration to address the complexities of operating in populated areas. The exercise aims to minimize collateral damage while effectively neutralizing drone threats.

Nidal Hasan is scheduled to be executed by firing squad at Fort Hood, Texas, on December 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. Central Time. The execution order was signed by Acting Army Secretary Adam Telle and approved by President Trump. Hasan, a former Army psychiatrist, was convicted in 2013 for the 2009 shooting that killed 13 people at the same installation.

In 1965, U.S. Air Force test pilot Pete Collins flew the SR-71 Blackbird beyond its known altitude limit of 85,000 feet, reaching over 90,000 feet. During the flight, the aircraft experienced engine failure but Collins managed to land safely at Edwards Air Force Base. This test provided essential data for future pilot training simulations.

The U.S. Secret Service utilized the SIG Sauer P229 from 1999 to 2019, transitioning to the Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS due to advancements in ammunition. The P229 was developed to handle higher pressure rounds and was favored for its reliability and performance. It was replaced after 28 years of service as the agency's primary sidearm.

On September 28, 2023, an EA-18G Growler from VAQ-130 rolled off the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower into the Atlantic due to arresting gear failure. Both crew members ejected and were rescued, while eight others were evaluated for injuries. Flight operations have been suspended as the carrier returns to Norfolk for inspections and repairs. This incident follows a similar mishap involving another aircraft carrier.

The U.S. Air Force is upgrading the B-1B Lancer to enhance its missile capacity, allowing it to carry up to 60 cruise missiles. This upgrade, part of the BEAST program, was completed in just six days during regular maintenance. The B-1B will remain operational until the B-21 Raider is fully deployed, with enhancements including modernized communication and defensive systems.

The U.S. Air Force's B-52J Stratofortress is undergoing significant upgrades, including new Rolls-Royce F130 engines and advanced radar systems. In June 2026, a B-52H test bed crashed at Edwards Air Force Base, resulting in the loss of eight crew members. The program is reported to be $3 billion over budget and behind schedule, despite claims of being on track. The crew size will be reduced from five to four due to the integration of new technologies.

U.S. Air Force B-52 pilots at Barksdale Air Force Base are now utilizing a virtual reality trainer for air refueling training, significantly reducing the number of sorties required for proficiency. This innovative approach, developed in collaboration with Specular Theory, has shown to save time and costs while enhancing safety. The program is currently not part of the formal training syllabus but has potential for broader application within the Air Force.

General Dynamics Land Systems is showcasing a new version of the M-SHORAD Increment 4 air defense system mounted on a Ford Ranger pickup truck at the Association of the U.S. Army annual meeting in Washington, D.C., from October 12 to 14, 2023. This system is designed for short-range air defense and counter-drone operations, intended for the U.S. Army's Mobile Brigade Combat Team. It features a Self-Loading Equipment Dock (SLED) and can operate independently or as part of a wider network.

The 79th Group Army is conducting tactical assessments involving four Red Army companies at a training ground. The Red Ninth Company showcased aggressive tactics while competing against the Red Third Company, which employed innovative strategies. Following the exercises, the units reviewed their performance to enhance future operations.

The U.S. Navy canceled the F-111B in 1968 due to its excessive weight and inadequate thrust for carrier operations. Despite its failure, the F-111B's design elements contributed to the development of the successful F-14 Tomcat. The F-111B was part of a broader program initiated by Robert McNamara to create a versatile tactical fighter.