Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Blue Angels commander calls beach flyover ‘unsafe’
The Blue Angels conducted a flyover over a crowded beach in Pensacola, Florida, which was deemed 'unsafe' by Navy Capt. Adam Bryan. The jet blast from the maneuver caused beach chairs and umbrellas to be blown over. This incident occurred during an airshow event, and despite safety concerns, senior military leaders shared celebratory posts about the flyover.
Navy orders removal of commanders’ portraits, bios, on service websites
The U.S. Navy has ordered the removal of portraits and biographies of commanders from its websites due to personnel security concerns. This directive affects officers and sailors of rank O-9 or below, aiming to reduce the risk of adversaries tracking and targeting Navy personnel. The Navy will maintain existing biographies but will not allow new uploads on public-facing platforms.
Army helicopter pilots to take solo flights in training for first time in decades
Army pilots began conducting solo cross-country flights in civilian airspace for the first time in years at Fort Rucker, Alabama. This training involves 1,300 students annually and includes advanced maneuvers and aeronautical decision-making. Students must complete at least two solo flights to progress to advanced training, reflecting a significant shift in the Army's aviation training approach.
Navy, Army risk wasting money, time without unified hypersonic missile strategy: GAO
The U.S. Navy and Army are developing hypersonic missile capabilities, with the Navy's Conventional Prompt Strike and the Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon. Both services are investing over $50 billion but face significant delays and production challenges. The Government Accountability Office warns that without a unified strategy, inefficiencies and further delays are likely, impacting taxpayer funds. Lockheed Martin is currently unable to meet production goals for the missiles, complicating the situation further.
China Revived the Nuclear Weapon That Comes Over the South Pole. The Soviets Gave It Up by Treaty — This Time There’s No Treaty
China has resurrected the fractional orbital bombardment system (FOBS), conducting secretive tests in 2021 that demonstrated its capability to evade U.S. early-warning systems. The U.S. Senate confirmed Gen. Michael Guetlein to lead the Golden Dome missile defense project in response to this threat. The Defense Intelligence Agency projects that China could field 60 operational FOBS by 2035, amid a rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal.
US Navy 2 years behind on hypersonic missile installation on Zumwalt destroyers
The U.S. Navy is two years behind schedule in installing hypersonic missiles on three Zumwalt-class destroyers, with missile flight testing now pushed to 2027. Rising costs, reliability issues, and a lack of coordination between the Navy and Army are significant challenges. The cost of the Conventional Prompt Strike missiles has escalated sharply, complicating production efforts.
S-400: How Russia’s Most Feared Air Defense System Broke an Alliance, Met Its Match in Ukraine, and Became a Bargaining Chip
Russia is negotiating with Turkey regarding the future of Turkey's S-400 missile systems, which may be traded to lift U.S. sanctions and restore Turkey's NATO status. The S-400 has been a significant geopolitical factor, leading to Turkey's expulsion from the F-35 program and ongoing tensions with the U.S. Meanwhile, Ukraine has successfully targeted and destroyed several S-400 systems during the conflict.
In 1976, the Air Force Priced Out Turning the A-10 Warthog Into a Nuclear Bomber. The Memo Still Exists.
In 1976, the U.S. Air Force evaluated the cost to modify 275 A-10 Warthogs to carry nuclear weapons, estimating $15.9 million for the project. The proposal arose during a period of heightened concern over Soviet armored forces in Europe. Ultimately, the Air Force did not pursue the modification due to the A-10's design limitations for nuclear delivery. The aircraft continues to serve in conventional roles today.
Saronic picks Brownsville, Texas, for $3 billion Port Alpha shipyard
Saronic is constructing the $3 billion Port Alpha shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, expected to create 10,000 jobs and open in 2028. The facility will support the production of unmanned surface vessels, contributing to U.S. maritime capabilities amid a federal push for enhanced shipbuilding. Texas has provided financial incentives to facilitate the project, which is anticipated to have a significant economic impact.
How to protect dozens of connected networks that are at risk and targeted by AI
The Pentagon is actively defending multiple connected networks that are increasingly targeted by AI-enabled adversaries. This defense strategy was discussed at the TechNet Cyber event in Baltimore, highlighting the challenges posed by these advanced threats.
Targeting Iran's Domestic Supply Lines, US Military Strikes Multiple Bridges Within Iran
The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on multiple bridges and military infrastructure in Iran on September 16, 2023, aimed at disrupting supply lines to the port city of Abadan. This operation lasted for 7 hours and involved fighter jets, drones, and warships. The strikes resulted in at least 8 fatalities and 19 injuries, prompting a retaliatory response from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. This marks the sixth consecutive night of U.S. strikes against Iranian targets.
Air Force’s new basic training takes shape as recruits work on real planes
The United States Air Force is overhauling its Basic Military Training by introducing hands-on training with retired aircraft at a mock-up airfield in San Antonio, Texas. This new program, called BMT Next, began in summer 2023 and focuses on operational readiness, allowing recruits to practice essential airfield skills. The full mock-up airfield is expected to be operational by October 2023, enhancing the training experience for new airmen.
The Trump administration’s global campaign against ‘radical left terrorism’ is built on a national security memo
The Trump administration launched a global campaign against 'radical left terrorism' with a summit in Washington on July 16, 2026, attended by representatives from over 65 countries. This initiative is supported by the National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSPM-7, which allows preemptive law enforcement actions against individuals based on their political beliefs. The U.S. Department of Justice and FBI are actively investigating left-wing movements as part of this strategy.
Canada to spend $1.4 billion on armored combat support vehicles built locally
Canada announced a $1.4 billion contract to acquire 190 armored combat support vehicles from General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, increasing its fleet from 360 to 550 vehicles. Additionally, 35 vehicles will be built for Ukraine. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance domestic defense capabilities and reduce reliance on U.S. military equipment, as stated by Prime Minister Mark Carney during the announcement in Victoria, British Columbia.
New ‘Golden Defender’ missile monitor ship to be built at Hanwha Philly shipyard
Hanwha Philly Shipyard is constructing a new missile range instrumentation vessel named Golden Defender in Philadelphia. This vessel will support the Pentagon's Golden Dome missile defense system and is part of a contract awarded by the Office of Management and Budget. The shipyard aims to enhance its production capacity significantly in the coming years.
Army stands up new PSYOP Company focused on Africa
The U.S. Army activated Delta Company, 7th Psychological Operations Battalion at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on July 15. This new unit will focus on psychological operations in Africa, supporting U.S. Africa Command's mission. The company, nicknamed 'Drongo,' is part of a broader transformation within the Army's special operations forces.
China's 84 Hour South China Sea Closure Tests Manila's Coalition
China announced a military training closure in the South China Sea from July 21 to July 24, restricting entry to practice military control. This action coincides with the anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling against China's maritime claims, highlighting Beijing's intent to assert its influence. The closure aims to test the responses of regional actors, including the Philippines and its allies, regarding maritime operations in contested waters.
Marcus ChenFri Jul 17 2026Loading...
Thailand Owns the World’s Smallest Aircraft Carrier. It Has No Aircraft, Rarely Sails, and Includes a Royal Apartment
HTMS Chakri Naruebet, the world's smallest aircraft carrier, has been utilized by the Royal Thai Navy as a floating command center and hospital during disaster relief operations, including recent flooding in southern Thailand. Commissioned in 1997, it has not operated fixed-wing aircraft since 2006 and is primarily docked at Sattahip. Despite its limited military capabilities, it has provided significant humanitarian assistance during crises.
A naval failure in the Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. Navy has failed to secure the Strait of Hormuz against Iranian opposition, despite moving 4,500 Marines into the region. This operational shortfall stems from historical gaps in mine warfare capabilities and logistical challenges. The ongoing situation poses significant risks to global navigation and economic stability, as both the U.S. and Iran have resumed strikes and blockades affecting maritime traffic.
The Harpoon Missile at (Almost) 50: How a Cold War Whale-Hunter Became the Free World’s Ship-Killer, and Why It Refuses to Retire
Taiwan established a new Littoral Combat Command in July 2026, integrating 400 Harpoon Block II missiles and 100 truck-mounted launchers into its coastal defense. This move follows the U.S. Navy's conclusion of the classic Harpoon production, marking a significant shift in military strategy. The Harpoon missile, with a history of widespread deployment, is set to play a crucial role in Taiwan's defense against potential maritime threats.
