Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
China's Type 094 Nuclear Submarine Completes July Submarine-Launched Long-Range Missile Test, PLA's Sea-Based Nuclear Deterrence Shortcomings Shift to Anti-Submarine Barrier
China's Type 094 nuclear submarine successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on July 6, 2023, in the South China Sea. This test marks a significant advancement in China's naval nuclear deterrent capabilities, emphasizing the need for effective anti-submarine warfare to ensure operational success. The missile's trajectory towards the deep Pacific indicates a strategic shift in deterrence posture.
Li MinghuiSat Jul 18 2026Loading...
Golden Dome Could Cost $1,200,000,000,000 — or $185,000,000,000. Nobody Knows, Because Nobody Has Defined the Mission
The U.S. Space Force is currently building a missile shield with cost estimates ranging from $175 billion to $1.2 trillion, aiming to engage about ten missiles at once. The program faces funding challenges and political scrutiny, as the Pentagon has not clarified its deployment details. Experts warn that the current capabilities may not adequately address the growing missile threats from adversaries like China and Russia.
China Went From 200 Nuclear Warheads to Roughly 620 in Under a Decade — the Fastest Buildup on Earth
China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, increasing from 200 to approximately 620 warheads as of 2024. The Pentagon projects that this number could exceed 1,000 by 2030, with significant construction of new missile silos in Yumen, Hami, and Ordos. The expansion includes a completed nuclear triad, indicating a shift in China's military capabilities.
His A-10’s Cannon Malfunctioned Mid-Burst, Blew Off the Canopy, and Jammed the Nose Gear. He Landed on the Belly
During a training mission in 2017, U.S. Air Force Captain Brett DeVries's A-10 Thunderbolt II experienced a cannon malfunction, resulting in a canopy failure and compromised landing gear. DeVries executed a controlled belly landing at Grayling Air Gunnery Range in Michigan, successfully exiting the aircraft without injury. The incident highlighted the aircraft's design for survivability and effective emergency management.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine sinks USS Juneau in 2026 VS26, meaning SINKEX 200 nautical miles away.
On June 27, 2026, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine sank the decommissioned USS Juneau during a sinking exercise in the Philippine Sea, over 200 nautical miles off Guam. This event was part of Valiant Shield 2026, involving multiple military forces and showcasing the capabilities of JMSDF submarines in joint operations.
Tanaka TakashiSat Jul 18 2026Loading...
The Lockheed Martin SR-72 ‘Son of Blackbird’ Will Never Hit Mach 6 As It Looks Doomed
The SR-72 program by Lockheed Martin is facing significant delays and technical challenges, with no prototype publicly acknowledged. Originally expected to be operational by 2030, the program has not met its benchmarks, raising concerns about its feasibility and the complexity of its engine system. The U.S. military's struggles with hypersonic technology further complicate the SR-72's development.
Japan and Vietnam's 2026 High-Speed Landing Craft Talks Will Change South China Sea Defense
Japan and Vietnam agreed to jointly develop fast landing craft during a meeting in Tokyo in July 2026. This collaboration aims to enhance rapid transport capabilities for defense and disaster response in the South China Sea. The project is significant for Japan's defense industry cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and reflects the sensitive political dynamics in the region.
Tanaka TakashiSat Jul 18 2026Loading...Russia claims to strike multiple ports in Ukraine; Ukraine claims to repel Russian military attacks.
Russian forces conducted 19 cluster strikes targeting Ukrainian ports and military infrastructure on the 17th, while Ukrainian forces repelled attacks and shot down 1879 drones. Ukrainian forces also launched long-range strikes against Russian targets, including a successful attack on the Engels Air Base, damaging a Tu-95 strategic bomber. Both sides continue to engage in active military operations across multiple fronts.
In 1966, an SR-71 Blackbird Disintegrated at Mach 3.18. The Pilot Survived Without Ever Pulling His Ejection Handle
On January 25, 1966, an SR-71 Blackbird disintegrated during a test flight at Mach 3.18 over New Mexico, resulting in the survival of pilot Bill Weaver and the death of reconnaissance systems specialist Jim Zwayer. The incident marked the only fatality in the aircraft's history, which had a combat record free of enemy action. The SR-71 was known for its speed and advanced technology, with 12 of the 32 built lost to accidents, not enemy engagement.
Four Drones Shot Down Near U.S. Consulate in Erbil, Iraq
On July 17, four drones were shot down near the US consulate in Erbil, Iraq. A drone attack on an ammunition depot in Sulaymaniyah caused explosions and a fire. Additionally, Iran launched missiles at Sulaymaniyah, killing at least nine members of a local armed group. The Kurdish counter-terrorism agency reported the drone interceptions, highlighting a series of recent drone attacks in Iraq.
The U.S. Military Launches a New Round of Strikes Against Iran
U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets in Chabahar on July 17, 2023. This operation, lasting 7 hours and 40 minutes, aimed to weaken Iran's military capabilities and follows six consecutive nights of similar actions. The strikes destroyed a surveillance tower linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Navy, Army risk wasting money, time without unified hypersonic missile strategy: GAO
The U.S. Navy and Army are developing hypersonic missile capabilities, with the Navy's Conventional Prompt Strike and the Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon. Both services are investing over $50 billion but face significant delays and production challenges. The Government Accountability Office warns that without a unified strategy, inefficiencies and further delays are likely, impacting taxpayer funds. Lockheed Martin is currently unable to meet production goals for the missiles, complicating the situation further.
China Revived the Nuclear Weapon That Comes Over the South Pole. The Soviets Gave It Up by Treaty — This Time There’s No Treaty
China has resurrected the fractional orbital bombardment system (FOBS), conducting secretive tests in 2021 that demonstrated its capability to evade U.S. early-warning systems. The U.S. Senate confirmed Gen. Michael Guetlein to lead the Golden Dome missile defense project in response to this threat. The Defense Intelligence Agency projects that China could field 60 operational FOBS by 2035, amid a rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal.
US Navy 2 years behind on hypersonic missile installation on Zumwalt destroyers
The U.S. Navy is two years behind schedule in installing hypersonic missiles on three Zumwalt-class destroyers, with missile flight testing now pushed to 2027. Rising costs, reliability issues, and a lack of coordination between the Navy and Army are significant challenges. The cost of the Conventional Prompt Strike missiles has escalated sharply, complicating production efforts.
S-400: How Russia’s Most Feared Air Defense System Broke an Alliance, Met Its Match in Ukraine, and Became a Bargaining Chip
Russia is negotiating with Turkey regarding the future of Turkey's S-400 missile systems, which may be traded to lift U.S. sanctions and restore Turkey's NATO status. The S-400 has been a significant geopolitical factor, leading to Turkey's expulsion from the F-35 program and ongoing tensions with the U.S. Meanwhile, Ukraine has successfully targeted and destroyed several S-400 systems during the conflict.
In 1976, the Air Force Priced Out Turning the A-10 Warthog Into a Nuclear Bomber. The Memo Still Exists.
In 1976, the U.S. Air Force evaluated the cost to modify 275 A-10 Warthogs to carry nuclear weapons, estimating $15.9 million for the project. The proposal arose during a period of heightened concern over Soviet armored forces in Europe. Ultimately, the Air Force did not pursue the modification due to the A-10's design limitations for nuclear delivery. The aircraft continues to serve in conventional roles today.
New ‘Golden Defender’ missile monitor ship to be built at Hanwha Philly shipyard
Hanwha Philly Shipyard is constructing a new missile range instrumentation vessel named Golden Defender in Philadelphia. This vessel will support the Pentagon's Golden Dome missile defense system and is part of a contract awarded by the Office of Management and Budget. The shipyard aims to enhance its production capacity significantly in the coming years.
The Harpoon Missile at (Almost) 50: How a Cold War Whale-Hunter Became the Free World’s Ship-Killer, and Why It Refuses to Retire
Taiwan established a new Littoral Combat Command in July 2026, integrating 400 Harpoon Block II missiles and 100 truck-mounted launchers into its coastal defense. This move follows the U.S. Navy's conclusion of the classic Harpoon production, marking a significant shift in military strategy. The Harpoon missile, with a history of widespread deployment, is set to play a crucial role in Taiwan's defense against potential maritime threats.
Britain Just Named Its Drone Wingman: Storm Fighter Will Fly Into Combat With the Typhoon, F-35, and Tempest
The UK has officially launched its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, naming it 'Storm Fighter', which will operate alongside the Typhoon and F-35. This initiative is part of a broader plan to establish Europe's first sixth-generation air force, with a $6.6 billion investment in drones over the next four years. The Royal Air Force aims to achieve operational capability for the CCA by the end of the decade, enhancing its combat capabilities with new unmanned systems.
Flying the F-15C: What It Was Actually Like Inside the US Air Force Fighter That Never Lost
The U.S. Air Force is retiring the F-15C Eagles, with the last units departing from Kadena Air Base in Japan in late 2024. The F-15C, known for its unmatched air-to-air combat record, will be replaced by the multirole F-15EX. This transition marks the end of an era for a fighter designed exclusively for air superiority.
