Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
The CIA Built a Fake Mining Ship With Howard Hughes as Cover, Then Used It to Steal a Sunken Soviet Nuclear Submarine From Three Miles Down
In the summer of 1974, the CIA executed a covert operation to recover the sunken Soviet submarine K-129 from the Pacific Ocean using the Glomar Explorer. The operation, which cost around $350 million, successfully retrieved critical components of the submarine, including nuclear-armed torpedoes and cryptographic equipment, despite a mechanical failure during the lift. The bodies of six Soviet sailors were also recovered and buried at sea.
The Soviet Union launched nearly 30 spacecraft at Venus and became the only nation ever to land on its surface and send back pictures — color photographs of a scorched volcanic plain under a yellow-green sky, shot in the few dozen minutes before the heat and pressure destroyed every probe that took them.
The Soviet Union launched nearly 30 spacecraft to Venus from 1961 to 1984, successfully landing probes that captured color images of the planet's surface. Venera 14 operated for 57 minutes after landing on March 5, 1982, while Vega 2 landed on June 15, 1985, and deployed a balloon for atmospheric studies. Russia plans to return to Venus with the Venera-17 mission in the early to mid-2030s.
Stalemate in the War, Russia and Ukraine Propose Talks Again
Intense fighting continues between Russian and Ukrainian forces, with Ukraine increasing drone attacks on Crimea and Russia advancing in Donbas, particularly in Lyman and Konstantinovka. From the evening of the 23rd to the morning of the 24th, Russian forces launched 101 drones, with Ukrainian air defense intercepting 95. Russian troops captured multiple positions in Lyman and Konstantinovka, while Ukraine retaliated with airstrikes in Crimea, impacting Sevastopol's electricity supply.
Airstrike killed senior ISIS commander in Syria, CENTCOM says
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted an airstrike on June 19, killing senior ISIS leader Ali Husayn al-Ulaywi in Syria. This operation is part of the ongoing U.S. campaign to eliminate ISIS, amidst deteriorating security conditions in the region. CENTCOM has also reported the transfer of over 5,000 ISIS detainees to Iraq and the closure of U.S. bases in Syria.
Eurosatory 2026 – Ukraine Depthon Systems unveils SeaHive 5.0 USV
Depthon Systems unveiled the SeaHive 5.0 unmanned surface vehicle (USV) at Eurosatory 2026. The USV is designed for long-range maritime strike operations and can deliver FPV-drones for reconnaissance or strikes. It features a range of 300 nautical miles and a maximum speed of 40 knots, showcasing advanced capabilities for asymmetric naval warfare.
Before the A-10 Warthog, There Was a Rival That Almost Won. It Lost, Then Seemed to Reappear as a Soviet Jet
The Northrop YA-9 was developed in the 1970s as a competitor to the A-10 Warthog for the U.S. Air Force's close-air-support program. Despite its capabilities, the YA-9 lost the competition to the A-10 due to factors like engine reliability and maintenance ease. Only two prototypes were built, which are now displayed at museums in Florida after being retired from service.
AI is meant to speed up ‘kill chain,’ not control it, commanders say
The U.S. military deployed over 2,000 munitions to distinct targets in recent operations against Iran, utilizing AI technology to enhance targeting efficiency. Military leaders assert that AI is meant to assist in decision-making rather than replace human judgment. Concerns about the ethical implications of AI in combat operations have been raised, particularly regarding the potential for autonomous systems to make life-and-death decisions without human oversight.
Africa Corps in Mali — 4 civilians killed near Timbuktu expose a war turning against Bamako
On June 23, 2023, a Malian army patrol, accompanied by Russian fighters from the Africa Corps, killed four civilians near Tombouctou, with two victims reportedly struck by a drone. Local sources described the victims as Tuareg and Songhai herders. Following the incident, a dismembered body was discovered arranged in a swastika shape, raising concerns about operational conduct. Concurrently, the JNIM claimed an attack on a Malian army convoy in another region, highlighting the ongoing violence in Mali.
Marie DuboisWed Jun 24 2026Loading...U.S. Africa Command: Airstrikes Against Al-Shabaab in Somalia for Five Days Within a Week
U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes against Al-Shabaab in Somalia on June 14, 15, 16, 18, and 19. The strikes were concentrated near Kismayo, a region where Al-Shabaab has been active for years. This year, the U.S. has carried out 68 airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants in Somalia.
KN-23: Russia Is Using North Korean Ballistic Missiles in the Ukraine War That Keep Getting Deadlier Every Passing Day
North Korea's KN-23 ballistic missiles are actively being utilized by Russian forces in Ukraine, with significant improvements in accuracy noted since late 2023. Initially, the missiles were inaccurate, but by February 2025, they began hitting targets within 50 to 100 meters. This development suggests potential technical assistance from Russia and highlights the KN-23's role as a precision strike weapon in the ongoing conflict.
Israeli Army Claims to Have Killed Two Hezbollah Militants in Southern Lebanon
Israeli Defense Forces killed two Hezbollah militants in the Tahrir Ridge area of Southern Lebanon on October 24. The IDF stated that these militants posed a direct threat and emphasized their commitment to preventing harm to Israeli civilians and military personnel.
S-400 in the Kerch Strait loses protective dome after strikes on June 24
Ukrainian forces conducted airstrikes on Russian S-400 air defense systems near the Kerch Strait on June 24, 2026, resulting in the destruction of four systems and two Pantsir-S1 systems. Additionally, the Orenburg gas processing plant was targeted, highlighting a shift in Ukrainian strategy towards critical infrastructure. Reports suggest that Russian air defense assets are being redeployed to Moscow and the Kerch Bridge, indicating a potential crisis in air defense distribution.
Dmitri VolkovWed Jun 24 2026Loading...U.S. Military Claims to Have Killed Senior ISIS Leader in Syria
On June 19, the U.S. military conducted an airstrike in northwest Syria, killing senior ISIS leader Ali Hussein al-Ulaywi. This operation was confirmed by U.S. Central Command.
Sierra Nevada’s MAAWLR launcher destroyed in Ukraine
A Russian FPV drone destroyed a Ukrainian MAAWLR anti-drone missile launcher in Kharkiv, marking the first confirmed loss of this system in the conflict. The MAAWLR, designed for mobile air defense, was reportedly engaged during the drone strike. This incident underscores the effectiveness of FPV drones against advanced military equipment.
A 50-48 Vote in the Senate Puts the American Gulf Umbrella to the Test Against Iran 2026
The U.S. Senate voted 50-48 on June 24, 2026, requesting President Trump to cease military operations against Iran, reflecting political divisions. This decision follows a similar resolution passed by the House on June 3, 2026, and raises concerns among Gulf states about the reliability of U.S. military support amid ongoing tensions with Iran.
Ahmed Al-RashidWed Jun 24 2026Loading...
Italy Quietly Operates One Aircraft Carrier, and It’s One of the Few Ships Outside the U.S. That Can Fly the F-35
The Italian Navy operates the aircraft carrier ITS Cavour, which has been modernized to support F-35B stealth fighters. Cavour plays a crucial role in Italy's naval operations in the Mediterranean, enhancing its geopolitical reach. The carrier is equipped with advanced defense systems and has participated in international maritime operations.
"Stepping Waves to Strike and Train Hard! The Naval Escort Fleet of the Northern Theater Command Conducts Day-and-Night Realistic Combat Training"
The Northern Theater Command Navy conducted realistic combat training in a specific sea area, engaging in joint strike and anti-terrorism operations. Naval vessels fired main guns to destroy simulated enemy ships and utilized sonar to detect underwater threats. They successfully neutralized approaching unmanned aerial vehicles using electromagnetic interference devices.
Italy and Baykar test Kizilelma with M-346 and showcase Europe's drone gap 2026
Italy and Baykar conducted a test of the Kizilelma unmanned combat aircraft using M-346 trainers at Baykar's test center in Çorlu, Turkey, on June 23, 2026. The Kizilelma autonomously rolled, took off, and connected with the M-346, demonstrating advanced mission capabilities. This collaboration signifies a notable development in unmanned combat technology outside the EU's defense framework.
Dr. Klaus WeberWed Jun 24 2026Loading...
Somalia 2026 — 68 American Strikes Replace al-Shabaab at the Center of the Invisible War
U.S. Africa Command conducted 68 airstrikes against al-Shabaab in Somalia since early 2026, with four strikes reported in June alone. The airstrikes aim to disrupt al-Shabaab's operations, but political instability in Mogadishu complicates the situation. Reports indicate civilian casualties from previous strikes, raising concerns about the effectiveness and consequences of the air campaign.
Marie DuboisWed Jun 24 2026Loading...
German AI startup powers military drones without GPS
SE3 Labs announced its spatial AI platform is operational with the German Bundeswehr, enhancing military drone capabilities without GPS reliance. The technology significantly reduces the time between target detection and engagement, addressing a critical challenge in drone operations. Founded by experts in AI and computer vision, SE3 aims to revolutionize autonomous systems in military applications.
