Analysis & Reports

The USS Alabama (BB-60) was towed through the Panama Canal in 1964, clearing the locks with only 11 inches of space on each side. This battleship, which served in WWII, carried 9 16-inch guns and had a crew of 2,500. It earned 9 battle stars and remarkably suffered no combat fatalities. Today, it is preserved at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama.

Georgia National Guard helicopters conducted aerial searches for illegal marijuana grows this summer, assisting police in obtaining search warrants. In one operation, a civilian officer aboard a UH-72 spotted marijuana in Dalton, leading to the seizure of 17 plants. Overall, the Guard helped seize 343 plants statewide, utilizing a new approach to cover broader areas efficiently.

The U.S. Air Force operated the SR-71 Blackbird, a reconnaissance aircraft capable of flying at Mach 3 and 85,000 feet, during the 1986 mission over Libya. Pilots underwent rigorous selection and training processes, including astronaut-level physical tests. The aircraft's speed and altitude allowed it to evade enemy missiles successfully.

Russia has initiated space warfare tactics, including the destruction of a reconnaissance satellite and navigation signal jamming, affecting Ukraine and NATO countries. NATO is debating the implications of these actions on collective defense, while the U.S. has adopted a more aggressive military posture in space. Private commercial space companies are increasingly involved in military operations, complicating the landscape of space warfare.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited a group of Ukrainian military pilots training at the International Test Pilots School in North Bay, Ontario, on September 12, 2026. The pilots are currently training on L-39 jets in preparation for transitioning to F-16 and Gripen fighter jets. Zelensky emphasized the importance of modern training and expressed pride in the capabilities of the Ukrainian pilots. The training program has been active since April 2025, with 21 service members enrolled.

The U.S. Army tested the Bullfrog, an autonomous machine gun system, against drone targets at Cibola Range in Arizona during the Falcon Peak 26.2 exercise. This system, developed by Allen Control Systems, integrates a standard M240 machine gun with a robotic turret to enhance targeting capabilities. The exercise aims to evaluate new technologies for countering small drones and improve military operational methods.

Northrop Grumman conducted a test flight of its kamikaze drone, Lumberjack, at Fort Hunter Liggett, California. The drone features a new quantum navigation system that operates independently of GPS, enhancing its operational capabilities in contested environments. During the test, Lumberjack successfully launched, flew, and landed multiple times, demonstrating its potential as a reusable training tool.

Several J-16 fighter jets from the Western Theater Command Air Force completed a 3000-kilometer flight to the Southeastern Coast, utilizing mid-air refueling. The pilots, including Wang Chenhui, showcased their skills in challenging weather conditions, successfully landing at an airbase after the mission. This operation highlights the increasing capabilities of the air force in long-distance deployments.

Multiple J-10C aircraft conducted live ammunition training exercises along the Southeast Coast, led by Captain Bu Jiawen. The training included ground target and air combat scenarios, demonstrating the unit's operational readiness. This unit has been recognized for its effectiveness in air defense and has recently been deployed to a new airfield for these operations.

Japan and South Korea are enhancing their naval capabilities in response to China's naval expansion, focusing on rapid information sharing regarding underwater activities. The Freedom Edge 2026 exercise commenced on September 7, 2026, involving multi-domain operations. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Taihei-class submarines and South Korea's KSS-III submarines are central to this effort, emphasizing stealth and operational coordination.

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USS Abraham Lincoln is returning to San Diego after a deployment of 286 days, including 200 days in combat zones. The carrier, which has accumulated significant wear and tear, will undergo extensive maintenance upon arrival. The ship's condition has raised concerns about the need for major repairs, and it may require relocation to Bremerton, Washington, for further inspections.

The U.S. Army is set to deploy four prototypes of the new M1E3 Abrams tank to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team at Fort Hood, Texas, later this year. This new tank, which is 25% lighter and uses 50% less fuel, will undergo operational testing before being taken to the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, in spring 2027. The M1E3 features an unmanned turret and a reduced crew size, reflecting a significant redesign to meet modern battlefield demands.

The U.S. Navy recommissioned Iowa-class battleships, upgrading them with 32 Tomahawk missiles each, significantly extending their strike range to 1,553 miles. This modernization occurred from December 1982 onwards, with the battleships actively participating in the Gulf War by launching 52 Tomahawk missiles against Iraqi targets. The total cost for the upgrades was approximately $1.7 billion for all four ships.

The Pentagon is expanding its testing of emerging technologies, including unmanned surface vessels and high-energy lasers, along the US-Mexico border. This initiative aims to enhance border security and combat narco-trafficking. Future deployments depend on budget negotiations in Congress, with ongoing assessments of current technologies and potential new projects planned for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird operated at high speeds using its Pratt & Whitney J58 engines, achieving Mach 3.2 with 80% thrust from the inlet. Designed by Lockheed's Skunk Works in 1964, 32 units were built for strategic reconnaissance. The J58 engines allowed sustained full afterburner operation, crucial for its mission profile.

The US military shifted its strategy post-9/11, focusing on counter-terrorism rather than great power competition. This led to the cancellation of the F-22 Raptor procurement and the development of the Littoral Combat Ship. The invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan were pivotal military operations that shaped US defense policy for decades.

The F-35 Lightning II operates in a 'beast mode' configuration, carrying up to 22,000 lbs of weapons, significantly compromising its stealth capabilities. This configuration is utilized for training and operational missions, including combat scenarios, as demonstrated by Israeli F-35Is in 2025. The aircraft's versatility allows it to perform various roles, including close air support, despite the trade-offs in stealth.

The U.S. Air Force is enhancing the F-22 Raptor's capabilities by integrating new stealth fuel tanks that extend its combat range to 850 nautical miles and sensor pods for improved targeting. These upgrades address previous deficiencies in the aircraft's range and targeting systems, particularly in light of competition from China's J-20. The F-22 remains a key asset for U.S. air dominance, especially in the Pacific region.

The Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference is set to begin in National Harbor, Maryland. The U.S. Air Force is actively seeking a new high-end drone platform following losses of MQ-9 Reapers in the Middle East. Concurrently, the U.S. Navy and Air Force are engaged in munitions usage amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

The report emphasizes the constitutional role of Congress in declaring war, particularly in the context of the U.S. military actions following the 9/11 attacks. It critiques the accumulation of presidential power in military decisions and highlights the importance of congressional oversight in military engagements. The anniversary of 9/11 serves as a reminder of the need for a balanced approach to war powers.