Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
It Took 80 Days to Find It: A US Air Force B-52 Bomber Collided Into a Tanker and Lost a Hydrogen Bomb in the Mediterranean in 1966
On January 17, 1966, a US Air Force B-52G bomber collided with a KC-135 tanker during aerial refueling near Palomares, resulting in the deaths of seven airmen and the loss of a hydrogen bomb in the Mediterranean. The incident prompted an extensive 80-day recovery operation, which successfully located the missing bomb at a depth of 2,500 feet using the Alvin submersible. The collision also caused conventional explosions of two other bombs, leading to radiological contamination in the area.
It Takes $13,300,000,000 to Build, $6,000,000,000 In Research Costs Alone and over a Decade to Create Just 1 US Navy Nuclear Aircraft Carrier
USS Gerald R. Ford completed a 326-day deployment in May 2026, covering over 57,700 nautical miles and logging more than 12,200 flight launches. The carrier, which cost $13.3 billion to build, introduced advanced technologies such as the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System and Advanced Arresting Gear. The USS John F. Kennedy, the second carrier in the class, is expected to be operational by spring 2027.
Iran Claims to Have Captured US Drone Submarine in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps captured a U.S. Remus-600 unmanned underwater vehicle conducting espionage in the Strait of Hormuz on September 27, 2023. The Iranian forces declared the Strait to be in a 'blockade' state and vowed to respond decisively to unauthorized activities in this strategic waterway.
EU releases 6.6 billion euros for Ukraine and demonstrates Europe's unity on costs in 2026
The European Union released €6.6 billion for military support to Ukraine on September 25, 2026, after resolving a two-year blockade. This funding, part of the European Peace Facility, aims to stabilize support for Ukraine but does not directly supply weapons. The resolution highlights the EU's political unity despite previous obstacles, particularly Hungary's veto.
Dr. Klaus WeberSun Sep 27 2026Loading...Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso close the door — the UN shrinks in the Sahel in the face of the AES
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso formed the Sahel States Alliance (AES) after leaving ECOWAS in January 2025. The UN is discussing its reduced presence in the Sahel as local governments assert military sovereignty, following the closure of the MINUSMA mission in late 2023. The AES aims for strategic autonomy amid increasing jihadist activity and Russian political support.
Marie DuboisSun Sep 27 2026Loading...
The US Air Force Almost Built a ‘Gray Ghost’ Stealth Fighter That Had Better Stealth Than the F-22 Raptor, Better Range But Was too Big of a Risk
The Northrop YF-23 stealth fighter first flew on August 27, 1990, showcasing advanced stealth features and superior speed compared to the F-22 Raptor. Despite its capabilities, it lost the Advanced Tactical Fighter competition due to perceived risks associated with Northrop's financial troubles. The YF-23 was designed for long-range missions with a combat range of 700-800 nautical miles and a maximum speed of Mach 2.2, emphasizing its potential as an air superiority fighter.
Almost 500 Drones and 40 Missiles — Russia Transitions Air War Against Ukraine to an Industrial Rhythm
Russia conducted a mass airstrike against Ukraine on September 28, 2026, deploying nearly 500 drones and over 40 missiles, resulting in significant civilian casualties and damage in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia. The prolonged attack lasted more than 12 hours, highlighting the shift to an industrial-scale air campaign. Ukrainian defenses are strained as they attempt to manage limited resources against this intensified assault.
Dmitri VolkovSun Sep 27 2026Loading...Houthi Forces: Airstrikes in Yemen's Taiz Province Result in 7 Deaths and 40 Injuries
On September 27, Yemeni government forces conducted an airstrike in the Taiz Governorate, targeting a Houthi military camp. The attack resulted in at least 7 civilian deaths and 40 injuries. Houthi forces were reportedly assembling reinforcements at the site during the strike, which has intensified ongoing hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
The US Navy Almost Built a ‘Super’ F-14 Tomcat That Could Supercruise at Mach 1.3 and Hit Mach 2 Speeds With 1,600 Nautical Miles or Range
The U.S. Navy proposed the F-14 Super Tomcat 21 in the early 1990s as an advanced upgrade to the F-14 Tomcat, aiming for enhanced performance with new engines and avionics. However, the project was canceled in favor of the more economical F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and the Super Tomcat 21 never entered service. Iran operated a variant of the Tomcat until 2025.
The US Navy Almost Built a ‘Super’ F-14 Tomcat That Could Supercruise at Mach 1.3 and Hit Mach 2 Speeds With 1,600 Nautical Miles of Range
The U.S. Navy proposed the F-14 Super Tomcat 21 in the early 1990s as an advanced upgrade to the F-14 Tomcat, aiming for enhanced performance with supercruise capability and modern avionics. However, the project was canceled in favor of the more economical F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Despite its potential, the Super Tomcat 21 never entered service and remained a concept.
The P-51 Mustang Fought the Last Dogfight Between Propeller-Driven Fighters in 1969. A Honduran F4U Corsair Shot It Down.
On July 17, 1969, a Honduran F4U Corsair shot down a Salvadoran P-51 Mustang during the Football War, marking the last aerial combat between piston-engine fighters. The P-51 Mustang, a renowned World War II fighter, had been in service with various nations until its retirement in the late 1950s.
Air Defense Cooperation Between Saudi Arabia and Israel Under CENTCOM Leadership in 2026 Tests Gulf Independence
Saudi Arabia and Israel expanded air defense cooperation under CENTCOM on September 22, 2026, integrating their systems for a unified response to threats. This collaboration aims to enhance regional security amid ongoing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. The partnership reflects a strategic shift in Gulf defense, emphasizing the need for shared operational protocols and decision-making frameworks.
Ahmed Al-RashidSun Sep 27 2026Loading...
‘We Almost Made a Massive Error’: Why the US Navy Never Built Titanium Nuclear Attack Submarines Like Russia
The U.S. Navy analyzed the feasibility of titanium nuclear submarines during the Cold War and ultimately decided against their construction due to high costs and complexity. The Soviet Union built 13 titanium submarines, achieving notable speed and depth, but faced significant industrial challenges. The U.S. prioritized quieter submarines, investing in technologies that enhanced stealth over speed.
The US Navy Has No Way to Get Close to China Without Being Showered by Thousands of Missiles and Drones
China has established a comprehensive anti-access/area-denial network in the First Island Chain, effectively deterring US Navy operations. The US Navy's aircraft carriers, of which only four are combat-ready, are kept at bay by advanced Chinese missiles and stealth fighters. The strategic balance favors China, which has significantly enhanced its military capabilities, while US bases in the region remain vulnerable to Chinese attacks.
The P-8A Network Is the Philippines' Real South China Sea Gain
The U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon and USS Canberra participated in a multinational naval exercise in Subic Bay on September 20, 2026, involving forces from Japan, India, Australia, Singapore, Brunei, and New Zealand. The exercise focused on enhancing maritime security and interoperability among the partners, leveraging the P-8A's advanced surveillance capabilities. Subic Bay's strategic location facilitated coordination and support for the participating naval forces.
Marcus ChenSun Sep 27 2026Loading...
Russia's Hybrid War Is Already Testing NATO's Political Threshold
Russia is escalating its hybrid warfare tactics against European countries, including cyberattacks, sabotage, and influence operations. Denmark's intelligence service warns of increased Russian activity, while European officials anticipate intensified pressure in the coming months. Recent incidents, such as potential sabotage in Poland, highlight vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.
Alexandra ReevesSun Sep 27 2026Loading...
Japan’s spy satellites to ride home-built rocket
Synspective signed a contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to launch two StriX satellites from Tanegashima Space Center in 2027. This marks the first time Japan's Ministry of Defense will use a domestic launcher for its satellite constellation, which supports national defense imagery. The StriX satellites utilize synthetic aperture radar for imaging, enhancing Japan's surveillance capabilities.
British drone-killer startup heads to Japan with cheap interceptors
Cambridge Aerospace plans to manufacture low-cost drone interceptor missiles in Japan for the Ministry of Defense. The Skyhammer missile, designed to counter Shahed-type drones, has a range of over 30 km and a top speed of 700 km/h. The British Ministry of Defence announced on April 10, 2026, that it would procure a significant number of these interceptors.
Japan races to fill its ammo stores after Ukraine lessons
Japan's Ministry of Defense is set to construct at least 65 new ammunition depots starting in fiscal 2027 to enhance military readiness. This initiative follows insights gained from the Ukraine conflict regarding stockpiles and supply lines. The Self-Defense Forces currently manage around 1,400 depots and aim to add approximately 130 more by fiscal 2032, with sites already selected in various regions including Hokkaido and Okinawa.
Germany's Wingcopter 262 Changes Europe's Drone Strategy for Ukraine 2026
Germany and Ukraine's TAF Industries announced a joint venture to manufacture the Wingcopter 262 drone in Germany, enhancing Ukraine's ISR capabilities. The drone, designed for operations without traditional runways, can remain airborne for up to six hours. This initiative is part of the 'Build with Ukraine' strategy, aiming to integrate Ukrainian combat experience into German defense production.
Dr. Klaus WeberSun Sep 27 2026Loading...
