Analysis & Reports

U.S. Marines tested the Mobile All-Domain Observation and Sensing System (MA-DOSS) at Twentynine Palms, California, on August 19, successfully detecting a vehicle that entered a live-fire training area. The system, which combines radar and AI technology, alerts operators to potential threats, allowing for uninterrupted training. This demonstration supports further investment in MA-DOSS as a replacement for the older G-BOSS system.

MSI-Defence Systems unveiled the TERRAHAWK RAPTOR remote weapon station at the DVD 2026 exhibition in Millbrook. This system is specifically designed for counter-drone operations and can be equipped with various weaponry, including machine guns and grenade launchers. It integrates with command-and-control systems to enhance air defense capabilities, responding to increased demand for specialized counter-drone systems across multiple markets.

An F-16 fighter jet from the Texas Air National Guard crashed in Michigan on September 17, 2023, around 14:00 ET during a training mission. The pilot successfully ejected and is currently hospitalized. Residents within a one-mile radius were evacuated due to a hazardous chemical leak associated with the crash. The evacuation order was lifted later that evening.

Admiral David Glasgow Farragut commanded the West Gulf Blockading Squadron during the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, leading an attack against Confederate fortifications. His famous command, 'Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead,' became legendary despite disputes over its exact wording. The battle involved intricate naval maneuvers and resulted in a Union victory, solidifying Farragut's legacy in U.S. naval history.

The Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Georgia, is hosting a three-day event from September 24-26 to honor the SR-71 Blackbird and its crew. The SR-71A 61-7958 holds the world speed record for air-breathing, manned aircraft at 2,193.167 mph, a record set by Maj. Gen. Eldon Joersz in 1976. The event will feature displays and discussions with former crew members and engineers.

Captain James Lawrence uttered the famous phrase 'Don't give up the ship' on June 1, 1813, during the War of 1812 while mortally wounded in the Battle of Boston Harbor. He died on June 4, 1813, and his legacy continues to inspire the U.S. Navy, with the phrase serving as a rallying cry for over two centuries. Lawrence's actions during the war, including capturing British vessels, solidified his place in naval history.

The U.S. Army is focusing on training soldiers to operate small, one-way attack drones, particularly in contested electromagnetic environments. This initiative follows the acceptance of 12,080 drones from the Drone Dominance program's first gauntlet. Training is being conducted both domestically and abroad, including exercises in Germany with NATO partners. The Army aims to ensure every squad is equipped and capable of using these drones effectively by the end of fiscal 2026.

The U.S. Army is focusing on training personnel to operate small, one-way attack drones, aiming to outfit every squad by the end of fiscal 2026. The Army has accepted 12,080 drones from the first Gauntlet of the Drone Dominance program and expects to order 60,000 more from the second Gauntlet. Training is being conducted both domestically and abroad, particularly in Germany, to ensure effective operation in contested environments.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking a ground-based, medium-caliber gun weapon system to defend against drones and cruise missiles as of September 3. This initiative aims to enhance air base defenses in response to the increasing threat from inexpensive and effective drone technology. The system must be rapidly deployable and capable of engaging multiple threats simultaneously, reflecting a significant shift in air defense strategy.

The Air Force Test Center is prioritizing safety while rapidly developing and testing new technologies, including upgrades for the B-52 Stratofortress and the introduction of Massed Modular Aircraft to replace the MQ-9 Reaper. This follows a recent incident where eight airmen died during a B-52 test flight. The center is collaborating with tech industries to enhance capabilities and integrate AI into military operations.

The Royal Navy's aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, faced significant mechanical breakdowns and maintenance issues from 2022 to 2025, impacting operational readiness. HMS Prince of Wales broke down shortly after departing Portsmouth, leading to a nine-month repair period, while HMS Queen Elizabeth experienced multiple issues, including a propeller shaft coupling failure. Despite these challenges, HMS Prince of Wales successfully completed Operation Highmast in 2025, suggesting improved reliability moving forward.

The Pentagon is testing new technologies along the US-Mexico border, including high-energy lasers, unmanned boats, and drones. Plans for next year include expanding these efforts with more autonomous systems and counter-drone capabilities, as reported by Assistant Secretary of Defense Mark Ditlevson.

The USS John F. Kennedy is nearing completion, having completed acceptance trials on August 15, 2023, and is expected to be delivered in spring 2027. The carrier is 98% complete and will feature advanced weapon systems, including the F-35C Lightning II capabilities. However, the project is running approximately four and a half years behind schedule due to various modifications and technological delays.

The 142nd Wing of the Air National Guard successfully dropped live bombs from the F-15EX Eagle II at Nellis Air Force Base for the first time, marking a significant operational milestone. This transition from the F-15C/D to the F-15EX involves extensive training and certification for pilots and weapons loaders. The Air Force aims to expand its F-15EX fleet from 129 to 267 jets, enhancing its multi-role capabilities.

U.S. military leaders announced preparations for operations in lunar space during a conference in Maryland on September 16, 2023. The U.S. Space Force plans to double its personnel to about 25,000 over the next five years, focusing on enhancing deterrence capabilities. Additionally, the U.S. has acknowledged the deployment of space control weapons, marking a significant development in its military capabilities in space.

Witnesses at a congressional hearing in Washington D.C. raised concerns about the rapid influence of AI on military targeting decisions, warning that human oversight may not be sufficient. The Pentagon's strategy aims for an 'AI-first' approach, but critics argue that this could compromise accountability and lead to civilian harm, as seen in a recent Tomahawk missile strike that killed many civilians. Congress is seeking clarity on AI's role in such incidents.

In 2015, the French Navy's Rubis-class submarine Saphir conducted simulated torpedo attacks against the USS Theodore Roosevelt off the coast of Florida. The exercise revealed vulnerabilities in the carrier's defenses, as the submarine successfully penetrated the protective envelope and targeted the carrier and its escorts. This incident raised concerns about the effectiveness of large naval vessels against smaller, older submarines.

The Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, which include the HMS Queen Elizabeth, can only operate F-35B stealth fighters due to design constraints. The carriers left Portsmouth on September 5, 2024, for three months of operations and training across Northern Europe and Britain. This limitation stems from a previous decision to abandon plans for F-35C compatibility, which would have required significant modifications to the carriers.

The Space Force plans to launch the Resilient Radar System-Ground (RRS-G) satellite constellation by 2028 to track ground targets from orbit. The 77th Surveillance Squadron has been established to initiate ground moving target indicator missions. The program is developed by Northrop Grumman, with a budget request of $1.02 billion for GMTI procurement in fiscal 2027.

Colt Canada unveiled the new C25 rifle at DVD 2026 in Millbrook, UK, on 16 September 2026. The C25, chambered in 5.56 x 45mm NATO, features enhancements for accuracy and performance, addressing modern battlefield challenges. Approximately 3,000 Colt Canada weapon systems are currently in service with the British Army and other European forces.