Analysis & Reports

Ukrainian forces achieved victories in counteroffensive operations, regaining control of two villages north of Lyman on September 20, 2023. They targeted Russian drone operators and supply lines, disrupting logistics and enhancing their own air defense and electronic warfare capabilities. This led to a temporary 'anti-drone dome' that hindered Russian reconnaissance and attack capabilities.

BAE Systems delivered two AMPV 30 prototypes armed with Kongsberg’s Medium Caliber Turret to the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, in April 2023. The prototypes underwent field evaluations, including live-fire testing, by the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment. These vehicles feature advanced systems such as counter-drone detection and a 360-degree camera system, but the Army has not yet committed to purchasing them.

U.S. Northern Command tested Bumblebee interceptor drones during Falcon Peak 26.2 at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, through September 25, 2023. The exercise focuses on counter-drone operations to enhance detection and interdiction of unauthorized drones along the U.S.-Mexico border. This testing integrates operational lessons from Joint Task Force-Southern Border and aims to improve military capabilities against drone threats.

George C. Marshall organized and mobilized 600,000 American troops during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in World War I and served as Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1939 to 1945. He later crafted the Marshall Plan to aid postwar recovery in Europe from 1947 to 1949, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953. Marshall's leadership was pivotal in both military operations and shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War.

The U.S. Air Force is upgrading the F-16 fighter jets with a new Next-Generation Mission Computer to enhance their operational capabilities into the 2040s. An industry day is scheduled for October 20-21, 2023, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to discuss the program's technical challenges. This upgrade aims to replace the existing Modular Mission Computer, improving reliability and processing performance for ongoing military operations, particularly in the context of activities surrounding Iran.

USS Abraham Lincoln is concluding a 305-day deployment, having engaged in combat operations against Iran and made a logistics stop in Guam. The carrier is expected to return to San Diego in early October after a lengthy absence. Concerns have been raised regarding the crew's conditions during the extended deployment, but Navy officials maintain that the crew remains focused and ready.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a new Arctic security agreement with Denmark and Greenland leaders in New York, enhancing military access to Greenland. The agreement allows the U.S. to establish military bases and strengthens deterrence against adversaries. It reaffirms Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland while promoting cooperation within NATO.

The F-117 Nighthawk tail number 85-0818, known as 'The Overachiever,' is being added to the National Air and Space Museum collection. It will be partially disassembled and transported by the Air Force Reserve’s 512th Airlift Wing to Dulles International Airport for reassembly at Chantilly. This aircraft has a notable combat history, having participated in four major conflicts, and is recognized for its revolutionary stealth technology.

Admiral William Halsey commanded the USS Enterprise during the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. He was promoted to Vice-Admiral in June 1940 and played a significant role in naval operations against the Japanese Empire during World War II. Halsey faced challenges, including a typhoon and health issues, which impacted his command. He is recognized for his aggressive tactics and leadership throughout his military career.

Danish F-35s landed at Kangerlussuaq Airport in Greenland on September 16, 2023, marking their first arrival on the island as part of a multinational training mission. This operation involved U.S. F-16s and Canadian CF-18s, with logistical support from NATO assets. Concurrently, a new security agreement regarding Greenland is scheduled for signing on September 22, 2023, amid rising tensions with Russia, which recently fired flares at a Danish helicopter.

Admiral Hyman Rickover emphasized the significance of human experience in military operations, particularly in developing the U.S. Navy's nuclear capabilities. He fostered a culture of innovation and leadership among his subordinates, prioritizing their authority and responsibilities. His management style has had a lasting impact on the U.S. Navy and influenced military leadership practices.

The United States plans to reopen the Narsarsuaq base and establish a new base at Mestersvig in Greenland, with an agreement expected to be signed on September 22, 2026. This move aims to enhance NATO's Arctic security and complicate Russian and Chinese military planning. The reopening of these bases reflects a shift in US military strategy in the region, emphasizing the importance of Arctic security under NATO responsibility.

Alexandra ReevesTue Sep 22 2026Loading...

An F-16CM Thunderbird jet crashed during a training flight in December 2023 after experiencing catastrophic engine failure due to broken fan blades. The pilot ejected safely, and the aircraft was completely destroyed. This incident follows a previous crash at Holloman Air Force Base linked to similar engine issues.

The U.S. plans to re-establish military bases in Greenland, specifically in Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig, under an agreement with Denmark and Greenland to be signed on Tuesday. This move aims to enhance Arctic security and is part of a broader strategy involving NATO oversight. The U.S. currently has about 150 military personnel in Greenland, with historical ties to military installations dating back to the Cold War.

The U.S. Army XVIII Airborne Corps evaluated the SkyRunner flying buggy at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on September 16, 2023. The exercise tested the vehicle's dual-mode capabilities in austere conditions, including its ability to transition between driving and flying. The SkyRunner can take off without a runway and has potential applications in reconnaissance and resupply.

The Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Wing conducted a rescue operation in February 2023 for civilian hunters trapped by a rising river on the Kukpowruk River in Alaska. Pararescuemen parachuted into the area, rigged a rope system, and used rafts to ferry the hunters to safety. A civilian helicopter later arrived to extract the group.

The U.S. Army's XVIII Airborne Corps tested the Autonomous Swarm Mothership at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in mid-September 2023. The mothership successfully launched smaller drones to assess tracking and threat identification capabilities during the Scarlet Dragon 26-3 exercise. This event involved up to 100 drones and aimed to evaluate the integration of various counter-drone systems. Modalic's Chariot mothership, weighing 200 pounds, was also showcased, with flight testing scheduled for November 2023.

The U.S. Navy demonstrated the Collaborative Autonomy Mission Planning (CAMP) system for autonomous combat aircraft at Point Mugu Sea Range in October 2026. The system translates human mission plans into executable instructions for unmanned aircraft, enhancing interoperability with manned jets. This demonstration is part of the Navy's efforts to develop future carrier-based unmanned combat aircraft.

The U.S. Army engaged and defeated three hostile drones using a Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser system on the U.S. southern border on August 25 and 26. This operation was conducted by the Joint Task Force Southern Border, which includes around 8,000 service members. The Army has linked these drone incursions to cartel surveillance activities.

The Israeli Defense Forces reported that an engineering vehicle was attacked by an explosive device near the Yellow Line on the evening of the 21st. In response, they conducted strikes against Hamas military infrastructure, which they accused of planning attacks against Israeli personnel. The IDF emphasized their ongoing deployment in accordance with the ceasefire agreement while condemning the attack as a violation of the truce.