Analysis & Reports

General Atomics delivered the FQ-42 Vengeance aircraft to Creech Air Force Base for ongoing test and evaluation operations. The U.S. Air Force is advancing its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, with plans to integrate at least 500 autonomous aircraft by 2032. The FQ-42 features advanced capabilities and is part of a broader strategy to enhance military aviation.

In 1968, a U.S. Air Force SR-71 Blackbird crew in Montana conducted a fuel dump to test anti-missile tactics. The attempt to ignite the fuel trail failed, resulting in a 5-mile-long contrail that revealed the aircraft's position. This incident highlighted the challenges of maintaining stealth during high-speed reconnaissance missions.

A fishing charter recovered a U.S. military LUCAS drone off the Florida coast near Eglin Air Force Base on September 17. The drone had gone down during routine testing and was found floating by fishermen. After confirming it was a military drone, the fishermen returned it to shore, where it was taken into military possession.

Captain Luke Graves of the USAF's 8th Tactical Fighter Wing conducted a nighttime mission in 1969 to strike an anti-aircraft site near the Bird's Head, North Vietnam. During the operation, he maneuvered his F-4 Phantom fighter beneath a refueling tanker to avoid a collision in severe thunderstorms. The mission was completed successfully despite the adverse weather conditions and enemy fire.

The U.S. Air Force retired the EC-130H Compass Call on September 18, 2023, during a ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. The aircraft, which served for over 40 years, is being replaced by the EA-37B Compass Call, based on the Gulfstream G550. The new aircraft will enhance electronic warfare capabilities and is set to have a fleet of 22 units, with Italy as the first export customer.

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 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 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.

Denmark, Greenland, and the United States are set to sign a security agreement in New York on Tuesday, placing Arctic security under NATO's oversight. The deal aims to address U.S. security interests while respecting Greenland's sovereignty. Danish officials have indicated that NATO will play a significant role in Arctic security, following pressure from the U.S. government regarding Greenland's defense.

U.S. Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit operated the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (LMADIS) in the U.S. Central Command area from September 2-6. This mobile counter-drone system is designed to detect and defeat small drones threatening forward forces. The unit, consisting of approximately 2,500 Marines, has been deployed in response to ongoing conflicts in the region since February 2023.

U.S. Air Force F-16 fighters were deployed from Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska to Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, as part of Operation ARCTIC VANGUARD, running from September 13 to 26, 2023. The operation aims to test the movement of combat aircraft to Arctic locations under austere conditions, with support from the Royal Canadian Air Force. F-35A fighters from the Wisconsin Air National Guard also conducted missions in Greenland during this operation.

The U.S. Air Force inactivated four A-10 units at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on September 18, 2023, marking the end of the A-10 legacy at the base. The ceremony was attended by military personnel, families, and community members, with Col. Jose Cabrera presiding. Historical memorabilia from the units will be sent to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

The U.S. Air Force retired the EC-130H Compass Call aircraft at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on September 18, 2023, after over 40 years of service. The aircraft's final flight occurred on September 2, and it will be replaced by the EA-37B, which is designed to enhance electronic warfare capabilities. The EC-130H has been instrumental in disrupting enemy communications since its introduction in 1981.

The 76th Group Army's bridge unit rapidly deployed over 100 vehicles to establish a floating bridge across the Yellow River. Drones were utilized to assess the battlefield environment, and despite challenges, the unit successfully completed the operation during the flood season, enhancing their emergency response capabilities.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) returned to the fleet after 18 months of maintenance at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, and completed sea trials in September 2025. The carrier, capable of carrying 5,000 sailors, was declared mission-ready following extensive upgrades to its combat systems and other critical equipment. It had previously served as the forward-deployed carrier in Japan for nine years, enhancing U.S. naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he may consider military action against Iran, stating he could 'annihilate' the country in the coming weeks. This statement comes as the U.S. has imposed sanctions and a naval blockade on Iran, while Tehran remains resistant to negotiations. Trump is set to meet with Gulf state leaders at the U.N. General Assembly to discuss the situation.

Dwight D. Eisenhower led the largest amphibious invasion in history during World War II and managed a coalition of Allied forces with conflicting interests. His leadership philosophy emphasized persuasion and cooperation, which he applied during critical military operations and as U.S. President. Eisenhower's actions during the Suez Crisis demonstrated his willingness to confront allies to maintain international stability.

Five companies achieved top scores in the close-quarters battle category of the Gauntlet II testing under the U.S. Department of War's Drone Dominance Program. Neros led with a score of 88.1, followed by ORQA US LLC and XTEND Reality Inc. XTEND demonstrated 120 STRIKER systems, while Vector secured orders for up to 5,000 systems. The program aims to develop a U.S.-based supply chain for low-cost attack drones.

The U.S. Navy is seeking designs for a carrier-based unmanned combat drone capable of operating alongside manned fighters. The request for information, released on August 31, 2023, outlines requirements for the drone, including a target cost of $30 million per unit and the ability to operate in high-threat environments. Companies are expected to deliver two prototypes within three years and ensure compatibility with existing carrier operations.

On September 18, 2026, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Air Force conducted tactical training in the Pacific Ocean east of Okinawa, involving 9 F-22s, 4 F-15s, and 1 KC-135. The exercise aimed to strengthen deterrence and operational capabilities between the two nations, focusing on air superiority and logistical support.

Tanaka TakashiSun Sep 20 2026Loading...