Analysis & Reports

On July 14, 1987, former RAF pilot Alan Winkles intercepted two Soviet Tu-95 Bear Deltas over the Bay of Biscay. The French Air Force did not provide support due to Bastille Day celebrations, forcing Winkles and his navigator to manage the situation alone for five hours. They eventually handed over the Bears to Norwegian fighters after navigating without maps or radio contact.

Alexander the Great engaged in military campaigns to suppress rebellions in Thessaly and Illyria, employing tactical deception and surprise attacks. After defeating King Cleitus of Illyria, he swiftly marched to Thebes to quell a revolt, burning the city as a warning. These actions were crucial in securing his rule over Greece.

The Israeli military conducted artillery shelling in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, resulting in one Palestinian death and multiple injuries. Additionally, two Palestinians were shot and injured in Jabalia by Israeli forces.

Iranian judicial authorities announced that 760 ships were destroyed by enemy attacks since the war began, including 420 fishing vessels and 340 commercial ships. The attacks have severely impacted port infrastructure and fisheries in Hormozgan Province, affecting over 50,000 fishermen directly.

Germany deployed four Eurofighter Typhoons to Lielvārde, Latvia, for air policing during the parliamentary elections on October 3, 2026. This mission includes several dozen soldiers and technicians and responds to Latvia's request for assistance due to drone incursions. The deployment highlights NATO's commitment to air defense in the Baltic region and the evolving nature of security threats.

Alexandra ReevesMon Sep 21 2026Loading...

George Washington emphasized the importance of military preparedness for peace during his address to Congress in New York City on January 8, 1790. He argued that a strong national defense was essential to deter potential aggressors and maintain independence. Washington's experiences in the Revolutionary War shaped his views on the necessity of a capable military to protect the newly formed republic.

The Pentagon requested defense companies to propose faster weapons production and delivery schedules by August 26, 2023, in response to declining U.S. weapon inventories during the Iran war. Lockheed Martin announced significant investments to expand munitions production, while framework agreements were established to boost production of critical components for PAC-3 and THAAD interceptors. The Pentagon aims to triple PAC-3 and quadruple THAAD production capacity as part of its fiscal 2028 budget request.

Sturm, Ruger & Co. has continuously produced the Ruger 10/22 rifle since its launch on March 24, 1964, with estimates of production reaching between 7 to 10 million units. The rifle features a unique 10-round rotary magazine and has a significant aftermarket, allowing users to build complete rifles without original Ruger parts. The 10/22 remains popular for recreational shooting and small game hunting.

The European Commission allocated 3.3 billion euros for the purchase of Ukrainian drones and missiles on September 18, 2026, as part of a broader support package. This funding is intended to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russian threats, particularly through the inclusion of PAC-3 interceptors. However, the report emphasizes the challenges in translating financial support into operational military readiness and the ongoing dependency on U.S. production capabilities.

S.WMon Sep 21 2026Loading...

The U.S. is monitoring four Chinese research vessels conducting operations in the Arctic, including areas off Alaska and the North Pole, in 2026. Concerns have been raised regarding potential military advantages and mineral exploitation by China. The vessels remained in international waters but did not notify the U.S. of their presence, prompting security concerns from U.S. officials.

Ukrainian forces launched over 1,000 drones at targets in Russia, with Moscow being a primary target, on 19-20 September. This attack, described as the largest of the war, coincided with Russia's parliamentary elections and resulted in significant damage to the Moscow Oil Refinery and other locations. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed the use of various domestically produced weapons systems during the operation.

The Malian army evacuated two companies from Dioura on September 21, 2026, following intense fighting with JNIM, which claimed significant casualties. Nearly 100 Malian soldiers and five members of the Russian Africa Corps were reported killed. The JNIM's strategy appears focused on eroding the Malian state's ability to maintain remote positions, highlighting vulnerabilities in the region.

Marie DuboisMon Sep 21 2026Loading...

The British Army's Ajax armored fighting vehicle has faced significant health and safety issues, with 310 soldiers affected during trials from November 2025 to April 2026. The vehicle, costing £6.3 billion, has been criticized for being 'not fit for purpose' by MPs, leading to concerns over its operational readiness. Health problems reported include hearing loss and illness during military exercises, prompting calls for the Ministry of Defence to address these failures.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the creation of the Homeland Defense Board on September 11, 2023, to provide military guidance for homeland security missions. The board will consist of up to 20 members, including the Secretary of Defense and military representatives, and aims to address gaps in military advice for domestic security. This initiative is a response to increasing threats from peer and rogue-state adversaries.

The McDonnell XF-85 Goblin, a parasite fighter designed to operate from the B-36 Peacemaker, underwent testing at the Muroc Air Test Center in California in 1948. The program faced challenges, particularly in recovering the Goblin to the mothership, leading to its cancellation in 1949 after accumulating only 2 hours and 19 minutes of flight time. Only two prototypes were produced, and the concept was ultimately rendered obsolete by advancements in midair refueling.

The Brazilian Navy scuttled the aircraft carrier São Paulo 350 kilometers off the coast of Brazil on February 3, 2023, after it was deemed unseaworthy due to asbestos contamination. Originally built for the French Navy, São Paulo spent only 206 days at sea during its 18 years of service. Turkey refused to accept the ship for scrapping due to high asbestos levels, leading to its controversial sinking.

Over 1000 Ukrainian drones attacked Russian targets in Moscow and Moscow Oblast during the State Duma elections on September 19-20, 2026. The attack highlighted vulnerabilities in Russian air defense systems, which struggled to manage the simultaneous threat posed by numerous drones. This operation aimed to exert psychological pressure on the Russian government during a significant political event, demonstrating a shift in the dynamics of drone warfare and air defense effectiveness.

Dmitri VolkovMon Sep 21 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force announced it will achieve its goal of producing 1,500 pilots annually to address a shortfall of over 2,000 aviators. This goal, set to be reached by September 15, 2023, is part of a long-term strategy to resolve the pilot deficit, which may take 15 to 20 years. The Air Force has implemented a new training model and is exploring the consolidation of training onto the T-7 Red Hawk platform, while also considering the impact of autonomous platforms on pilot requirements.

The U.S. Department of State approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine for air defense upgrades valued at approximately $2.68 billion. This deal aims to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities amid ongoing military tensions.

Thousands of surplus Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolvers were issued to the Panamanian National Police after the conflict in Panama. The Model 10 has a long history of use by military and police forces, including the Hong Kong Police Force until 2024. In 2025, S&W reintroduced the Model 10 Classic with updated features.