Analysis & Reports

The CIA's A-12 Oxcart operated from Area-51 in Nevada between 1967 and 1968, conducting covert reconnaissance missions at speeds of Mach 3.2 and altitudes of 90,000 feet. Designed to evade surface-to-air missiles, it was equipped with advanced technology and required pilots to wear space suits. Despite its capabilities, the program was short-lived due to high operational costs and the advent of better surveillance technologies.

HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales are currently operational but face significant mechanical failures and logistical challenges. The Royal Navy lacks sufficient aircraft, oilers, and escorts, relying on US support for operations. Both carriers have experienced serious issues since commissioning, undermining their intended role as power projection assets.

The U.S. Air Force operated the F-117 Nighthawk stealth aircraft in secrecy throughout the 1980s, with about 10,000 personnel involved in maintaining its confidentiality. The aircraft was first acknowledged publicly in 1988 and played a crucial role in Desert Storm, successfully striking over 31% of targets without any losses. The program cost approximately $6.56 billion and has influenced subsequent stealth aircraft designs.

On November 1, 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces reported drone attacks on multiple energy facilities in Abu Hamad and other locations in Nile State and Northern State, causing widespread power outages. The attacks were attributed to the Rapid Support Forces, which have not yet responded. Since mid-October, over 25 energy facilities have been targeted, exacerbating the power supply crisis amid ongoing armed conflict in Sudan.

Canada's federal government announced a new national security strategy aimed at enhancing intelligence collection and preparing for various potential threats, including war. The strategy, released on November 1, 2023, emphasizes strengthening sovereignty and strategic capabilities in critical areas. It also includes plans to modernize national security laws and adopt military lessons from Ukraine's conflict with Russia.

The Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Armed Forces conducted joint integrated air defense training during the Keen Sword 27 exercise, which concluded on October 29, 2026. Over 45,000 personnel, 40 vessels, and 260 aircraft participated, with additional contributions from Australia and other allied nations. During the exercise, North Korea launched more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles, highlighting the need for effective missile detection and response capabilities among the allies.

Tanaka TakashiSun Nov 01 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force deployed several F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets to Eareckson Air Station on Shemya Island in October 2023 as part of Operation Noble Defender. This marked the first air defense alert role for fighter jets at the station in years, highlighting the U.S. commitment to enhancing its military presence in the Arctic region. The operation involved coordination with Canadian forces and aimed to demonstrate rapid deployment capabilities.

James Thomas Ashbacher, a former contractor at Fort Bragg, was arrested for leaking national defense information online. He transmitted classified military materials to social media and was found in possession of military equipment, including night vision goggles. The FBI and Army Criminal Investigative Division are investigating the case, which began in 2021 when Ashbacher was employed with Top Secret clearance.

The U.S. Navy is converting its three Zumwalt-class destroyers to launch Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic glide missiles, enhancing their offensive capabilities. Each destroyer, costing $8 billion, will be equipped with 12 hypersonic missiles intended for high-value targets. The Zumwalt-class, designed for stealth and support of Marine operations, has not yet seen combat deployments and has been primarily used for testing.

The U.S. Navy operated the F-16N Viper from 1985 to 1995 as its premier adversary aircraft, simulating various enemy jets during training exercises at locations like Miramar and Key West. The aircraft, known for its high performance and maneuverability, was retired due to structural issues but significantly improved the training of Navy pilots. The Navy continues to utilize F-5 and F-16 aircraft for adversary roles through 2035, though none are expected to match the F-16N's effectiveness.

PACOM officials announced the establishment of a multilateral data-sharing network in 2026, enabling 35 countries to conduct joint military operations. The PACOM Mission Network facilitates secure data sharing and mission planning tools among allies. Japanese forces utilized the Maven Smart System for the first time during these exercises, enhancing their operational capabilities. This collaboration is seen as a significant step in deterrence against potential adversaries in the Pacific.

The U.S. Army is preparing for mass casualties in future wars by rehearsing burial operations for fallen soldiers. The Army Chaplain Corps, along with engineers, conducted exercises to establish procedures for temporary burials, estimating that 2,400 graves could be prepared in 24 hours. This preparation follows concerns about the military's readiness for large-scale casualties, with further exercises planned for spring 2027.

Lockheed Martin constructed the SR-71C from components of a ground mock-up and a YF-12A interceptor after an SR-71B trainer crashed on January 11, 1968. The SR-71C faced serious handling problems during test flights but served as a replacement trainer for Blackbird pilots. It was retired from service on June 24, 1976, and is now displayed at Hill Air Force Base.

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was developed in the 1960s for high-altitude reconnaissance missions against the Soviet Union, utilizing titanium sourced from the USSR. This aircraft could exceed Mach 3 and operated effectively in the Cold War, evading Soviet air defenses. It was retired in 1990, with its final flight occurring in 1999.

On October 29, 2023, U.S. Central Command presented military options against Iran to President Trump at the White House. The meeting included Defense Secretary and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, amid evaluations of resuming large-scale military operations. The Pentagon has bolstered air defense systems and ammunition in the Middle East, signaling Gulf nations to prepare for potential military actions following the midterm elections.

Canada unveiled its first national security strategy in over 20 years, emphasizing sovereignty and military investment. Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada will rebuild and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces while fostering international partnerships. The announcement follows the recent acquisition of 16 F-35 fighter jets and highlights ongoing tensions with the US regarding trade negotiations.

USS Spruance has been deployed for 342 days, raising concerns about maintenance and the well-being of sailors' families. The ship left Naval Base San Diego on November 21, 2025, as part of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and remains at sea. The Navy is facing a significant maintenance backlog, with other destroyers also experiencing extended deployments, leading to operational and logistical challenges.

The U.S. Navy reported 27 A-class incidents in Fiscal Year 2026, marking the highest rate in a decade. This includes 16 aviation and 11 surface incidents, with significant casualties and equipment losses. Notable incidents involved F/A-18F Super Hornets and MH-60R Seahawks, contributing to a broader trend of increasing military accidents across all branches. The report highlights systemic issues such as aging equipment and inadequate training.

The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade is testing the Oculus-based NeuroTrainer over the next eight months to enhance pilot alertness and reaction times. Pilots will participate in VR exercises three times a week, focusing on improving their cognitive skills in unpredictable environments. Evaluations will measure performance in simulators and gather feedback on the training's effectiveness. Similar initiatives are underway in other military branches.

Swarmbotics AI and TERN announced their collaboration in Phoenix to develop GPS-free navigation for ground robots. This new system, known as the Independently Derived Positioning System (IDPS), utilizes vehicle sensors to provide positioning without satellite signals. The Army has shown interest in this technology as it seeks alternatives to GPS for military applications. The integration of the TERN system into Swarmbotics' FireAnt robots was completed in less than a week.