Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Air Force to create new career field to defend bases from drones and missiles
The U.S. Air Force announced the creation of a new point-defense career field to protect bases from drones and missiles, with operations expected to begin within two years. Training for approximately 20 airmen is currently underway at the Joint Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems University. The initiative includes investments in new weapon systems and technology to enhance base defense capabilities against aerial threats.
2 US Army Delta Force Snipers Circling a Crashed Black Hawk Over Mogadishu on October 3, 1993, Asked to Be Put on the Ground to Defend the Wounded Crew, Were Refused Twice, Were Granted the Request on the Third Attempt, and Were Both Killed Holding a Position They Already Knew They Could Not Hold
On October 3, 1993, two Delta Force snipers, Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randall Shughart, were inserted into Mogadishu to defend the crew of a crashed Black Hawk helicopter. Despite being denied twice, they descended to the site and engaged armed fighters, ultimately sacrificing their lives to protect the wounded. Their actions led to the awarding of the Medal of Honor for their bravery.
I Am a Retired US Army Special Forces NCO: Factory .44 Magnum Makes About 800 Foot-Pounds Out of a Ruger Super Blackhawk. Ruger Got There by Adding 8 Ounces of Steel to a Gun That Was Already Punishing, and Selling It for Less Than the Smith & Wesson.
The Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 Magnum revolver was introduced in 1956, featuring enhancements for recoil management. It can fire both .44 Magnum and .44 Special ammunition, making it versatile for shooters. The revolver is priced between $1,099 and $1,139, generating approximately 800 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.
Rocket engines, helmet displays and ground robots: Last looks from AFA Day 3
Various military and defense systems were showcased at the 2026 AFA Air Space & Cyber conference in Maryland. Northrop Grumman presented its counter-drone system, while RTX displayed a Zero-G Helmet Mounted Display for pilots. Ursa Major exhibited liquid-fueled rocket engines, and the Air Force Research Laboratory showcased a battlefield blood recycling system. Additionally, Teledyne Flir brought ground robots to the event.
Iran Ordered 80 Made in the USA F-14 Tomcat Fighters Under the Shah and Took Delivery of 79 Before the 1979 Revolution. By 1986 Only 25 Were Still Operational. Israeli Strikes on Isfahan in March Destroyed at Least 2 More, and Nobody Outside Iran Knows Whether Any Are Still Flying.
Israeli airstrikes in March 2023 destroyed at least two F-14A Tomcats at Isfahan, Iran, part of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force. Originally ordered under the Shah, 79 F-14s were delivered before the 1979 revolution, but by 1986 only 25 remained operational. The current status of Iran's F-14 fleet is uncertain, with no independent verification of how many are still flying.
One of the world’s most versatile attack planes is taking on the counter-UAS mission
Embraer is adapting the A-29 Super Tucano to counter drones, enhancing its capabilities for air defense. This aircraft will operate between ground defenses and high-end fighters, engaging UAVs at ranges of 50-200 miles from protected assets. The A-29 utilizes advanced sensors and precision weaponry to effectively target and destroy drones, addressing the cost disparity in current counter-UAS operations. A proof-of-concept demonstration is underway with an undisclosed country.
US ‘not prepared’ to respond to nuclear attacks in space, report says
U.S. forces are unprepared for potential nuclear attacks in space, as revealed by a report from the American Foreign Policy Council. The Pentagon confirmed the presence of weapons in orbit, while Russia has issued threats regarding U.S. satellites. U.S. decision-makers lack clear operational plans for responding to a nuclear crisis in space, raising significant national security concerns.
A US Army Sergeant First Class Soaked in Fuel from a Burning Bradley Went Back into the Fire Again and Again to Pull Out His Soldiers While He Was Himself on Fire, Died of His Burns, and Waited 16 Years for the Silver Star He Was Given to Be Upgraded to the Medal of Honor
Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe rescued six soldiers and an Iraqi interpreter from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle near Samarra, Iraq, on October 17, 2005. Despite suffering severe burns, he continued to save his men until he was unable to do so. Cashe died three weeks later from his injuries and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on December 16, 2021, after a lengthy campaign for recognition.
German-Israeli company FTS unveils new light combat vehicle for German Special Forces
Flensburg Technology Systems (FTS) unveiled the TAHR light airborne combat vehicle for the German Special Forces Command (KSK) in Germany. The vehicle, designed for high mobility and rapid combat readiness, will see 200 units delivered under a framework agreement signed in 2025. It can be transported by Chinook helicopters and is capable of being air-dropped, enhancing operational flexibility for special forces missions.
UK produce engine family in 30 to 2,000N thrust range
The UK Ministry of Defence is collaborating with the British start-up Alloyed to develop a new family of turbojet engines with a thrust range of 30 to 2,000N. This initiative aims to enhance the UK's aerospace capabilities.
Israel’s SPICE 1000 bombs can soon drop from F-35 fighters
Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced that the SPICE 1000 bomb technology will soon be integrated for use with the F-35 fighter aircraft. This integration is a collaborative effort with Lockheed Martin, taking place in the United States, and is expected to be completed within a few months. The SPICE 1000 allows precision strikes from a distance of 75 miles and has been a primary munition for the Israeli Air Force.
The Pentagon must prepare for battles around the moon: Joint Chiefs chair
The U.S. military is preparing for potential conflict in cislunar space and on the moon, as stated by Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. He highlighted the need for readiness in contested environments, while concerns grow over China's activities in the region. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 poses legal challenges for military operations on celestial bodies, prompting U.S. lawmakers to evaluate space law requirements to address these emerging threats.
US military must adapt as formations will be ‘hunted’ by autonomous systems, Caine says
Gen. Dan Caine stated that the U.S. military must adapt to future conflicts characterized by autonomous systems and advanced technology. He highlighted the importance of readiness and the integration of AI tools and drones in military operations. Caine noted the evolving nature of warfare, particularly with the military partnership between Russia and Iran, which poses new challenges for U.S. forces.
AUKUS Turns Five in 2026 With a Virginia-Class Submarine Gap
Australia is training personnel and integrating local companies into submarine supply chains in Western and South Australia as part of the AUKUS partnership. The partnership has not yet produced an Australian nuclear-powered attack submarine, with the first expected in the early 2040s. The U.S. Navy's production of Virginia-class submarines is facing significant delays, impacting Australia's submarine capabilities.
Marcus ChenWed Sep 16 2026Loading...
Army pays nearly $5 billion for massive defensive upgrade to helicopter fleet
The U.S. Army is investing nearly $5 billion to enhance its helicopter defenses with new anti-missile laser systems, awarding Northrop Grumman a $4.8 billion contract for the CIRCM program. This upgrade aims to protect against shoulder-fired missiles and will equip all Army rotary-wing aircraft. As of 2023, over 700 systems have been delivered, with the contract extending through 2035.
The Littoral Combat Ship Should Serve as a Warning to the US Navy
The U.S. Navy commissioned USS Cleveland on May 16, 2023, and decommissioned USS Fort Worth on July 29, 2023, amid ongoing issues with the Littoral Combat Ship program. The program, which cost over $20 billion, has seen six ships retired early due to failures and modifications that undermined initial cost and schedule advantages. The Navy is now focusing on lessons learned to improve future ship designs and procurement processes.
Hanwha, Magnet Defense to start construction on new MUSV this fall, testing next year
Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense are commencing construction of a new medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) named H38 in Washington this fall, with testing set for early next year. The H38 will be based on the M48 MUSV, which has successfully completed a 32,000-nautical mile mission. The Navy has expressed interest in modular capabilities for these vessels.
Contractors Glued Bolt Heads On Inside Britain’s Nuclear Submarine HMS Vanguard. Seven of 3,000 Bolts, and the Logbook Never Mentioned Glue.
An inspection of HMS Vanguard revealed that seven of its 3,000 bolts were glued back on after being sheared off due to overtightening. This maintenance issue, involving insulation on cooling pipes, was not documented in the logbook. The Royal Navy expressed significant concern over the implications for trust and safety in military operations.
British Army explores pairing Ajax with a robot scout
ARX Robotics UK and General Dynamics Land Systems-UK announced a collaboration to integrate the Ajax armored vehicle with the Hector uncrewed ground vehicle in London on September 16, 2026. This integration aims to enhance the British Army's capabilities in reconnaissance and combat by allowing crews to control autonomous systems. The Ajax program, which has faced delays, is expected to achieve full operational capability by 2029, with ongoing investments in UK manufacturing and research.
HII wins five-year US Army contract for advanced airdrop technologies
HII's mission technologies division secured a five-year task order to advance research on airdrop and combat feeding techniques for the US Army.
