Analysis & Reports

A Rocket Force unit conducted a full-scale combat exercise in Southern China, simulating a chemical weapon attack and testing communication recovery protocols. The exercise involved reconnaissance and tactical responses to various threats, including simulated casualties. Missiles were launched successfully at designated targets during the operation.

Lockheed Martin is building four additional Vectis drones, bringing the total to five, with the first prototype expected to fly by the end of 2027. The Vectis drone is designed to operate alongside piloted fighter jets, enhancing combat capabilities. This announcement follows a major Air Force conference in Washington, D.C., where the drone was unveiled.

The SR-71 Blackbird operated at extreme altitudes and speeds, reaching over 85,000 feet and Mach 3.2, but faced limitations due to heat generated by its J58 engines. On July 28, 1976, it set a speed record of 2,193.167 mph. While capable of exceeding these limits, doing so posed risks of damage to the aircraft.

The 104th Fighter Wing welcomed the F-35A Lightning II at Barnes Air National Guard Base on September 13, 2026, marking the end of its F-15C/D Eagle operations. The wing retired its last F-15s on October 23, 2025, and plans to base 18 F-35As to enhance its mission capabilities. This transition follows a three-year process initiated by the Air Force's selection of Barnes as the preferred site for the new squadron.

USS St. Louis (LCS 19) departed Naval Station Mayport on September 13, 2026, to patrol waters near the U.S. southern border, taking over from USS Cooperstown (LCS 23). This deployment is part of U.S. Northern Command's mission to enhance maritime homeland defense and interdict illegal activities at sea.

Lockheed Martin is accelerating the development of the Vectis stealth drone by building four additional prototypes alongside the one currently in production. The first prototype is expected to fly by the end of 2027, showcasing its adaptability for various missions including ISR. Lockheed is employing innovative manufacturing techniques to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works is developing four additional Vectis multirole combat drones, bringing the total to five. The announcement was made during the Air & Space Force Association’s defense conference in Washington, D.C. The drones are expected to be ready for flight by the end of 2027, featuring advanced design elements for improved performance. Company officials indicated that development work is already underway.

On April 26, 1971, the SR-71 Blackbird completed a record flight from Beale Air Force Base, covering over 15,000 miles in 10 hours and 30 minutes with five aerial refuelings. The mission, ordered by General P.K. Carlton, tested the aircraft's endurance, relying heavily on liquid nitrogen for safety and performance. This flight established new world records for duration and distance, showcasing the capabilities of the U.S. Air Force's reconnaissance technology.

On April 26, 1971, the SR-71 Blackbird, operated by the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, completed a record flight from Beale Air Force Base, California, covering over 15,000 miles in 10 hours and 30 minutes. The mission involved five aerial refuelings and tested the aircraft's endurance, relying on liquid nitrogen to prevent fuel ignition. This flight established new records and demonstrated the aircraft's capabilities for future reconnaissance missions.

Oman and the United States held a joint military committee meeting in Washington on September 12, 2026, to enhance military cooperation amid security challenges in the Gulf. The discussions focused on strengthening military collaboration and operational readiness, particularly in response to recent disruptions in maritime navigation due to Iranian actions. The partnership aims to improve maritime security while maintaining Oman's political independence.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Sep 13 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force is accelerating the development of a new drone model, the Modular Multi-role Aircraft (MMA), to replace the MQ-9A Reaper due to significant combat losses. As of September 3, 2023, the Air Force has lost 24 Reapers since February 2023, prompting a shift towards a more economical and durable solution. The MMA is designed to perform similar missions at a lower cost and is expected to be deployed in significant numbers.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III landed at Camp Davis South, North Carolina, marking its first landing there in over 20 years. This event supports parachute training for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. The airfield, recently upgraded at a cost of about $28 million, enhances training capabilities for ground units and allows for the movement of larger military equipment.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the dismantling of the SM-1 nuclear power plant at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, a project that began in 2021 and concluded in 2026. This facility was the first in the U.S. to supply nuclear-generated electricity to the commercial grid. The decommissioning involved removing radioactive materials and restoring the site. The Army is now planning to install new small nuclear reactors at various bases under the Janus program.

German Defense Minister Pistorius will meet U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth on September 15, 2023, in Texas to discuss U.S. military deployments in Europe and attend the unveiling of F-35 fighter jets. This meeting is significant due to prior tensions between the two nations regarding military strategies in Iran and Ukraine. The U.S. currently has about 38,000 troops stationed in Germany, the largest presence in Europe.

The U.S. Navy rejected the F-111B aircraft program in May 1968 due to excessive weight and performance issues. Only seven units were completed, and the program was ultimately canceled after significant deficiencies were identified. The F-111B was intended to operate from aircraft carriers and defend against Soviet bombers but failed to meet operational requirements.

The SR-71 Blackbird, operational from the mid-1960s to the late 1990s, faced over 4,000 missile launches from various nations, including North Vietnam and Libya, without sustaining any hits. Its defense strategy relied solely on speed, allowing it to evade all missile threats. The only confirmed missile engagement occurred in 1981 over Korea, where the missiles missed the aircraft.

The U.S. Air Force retired the EC-130H Compass Call electronic warfare plane at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in September 2021 after nearly 19 years of continuous deployment. The aircraft completed 14,753 sorties and 90,364.4 combat flight hours. It will be replaced by the EA-37B, which offers enhanced capabilities for electronic warfare operations.

The last EC-130H Compass Call electronic warfare plane retired after its final flight over Arizona in September 2026, concluding its 19-year service. The aircraft, part of the 55th Electronic Combat Group, was replaced by the EA-37B Compass Call, which offers enhanced electronic warfare capabilities. The EC-130H had a significant operational history, including 14,753 sorties and 90,364.4 combat flight hours since its first deployment in 2002.

Capt. Michael Cloninger of the 90th Fighter Squadron safely executed a belly landing of an F-22 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, on September 18, 2024, after the front landing gear failed during a ceremonial flight. He circled the airfield for an hour to burn off fuel before landing without incident. Cloninger was later awarded the Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy for his exceptional airmanship during the emergency.

Capt. Michael Cloninger of the 90th Fighter Squadron safely executed a belly landing of an F-22 aircraft after the right wheel assembly broke off during a ceremonial flight on September 18, 2024, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The pilot circled for an hour to burn off fuel before landing. He was later awarded the Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy for his extraordinary airmanship during the emergency.