Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
How commercial drones make the Pentagon’s ‘Blue UAS Select’ list
The U.S. Department of Defense began testing commercial drones at Fort Benning, Georgia, as part of the Drone Dominance Program. This initiative aims to evaluate uncrewed aerial systems to streamline procurement and enhance military capabilities. The Pentagon plans to invest over $1 billion in domestic drone production and aims to acquire 300,000 drones by 2028, with testing scheduled to continue every six months.
Forthcoming US arm sales changes leave unanswered questions
U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order in February 2025 to restructure foreign arms sales, focusing on prioritizing countries that invest in their self-defense. The order aims to streamline processes and improve transparency in arms sales, potentially reshuffling the priority list for arms recipients. Canada is responding by seeking to diversify its defense partnerships away from the U.S.
Transatlantic Fault Lines: Washington's Warning Against European Defense Autonomy
U.S. Ambassador Andrew Razder warned Europe against implementing 'Buy European' defense regulations during a diplomatic intervention on February 20, 2026. This warning followed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's call for European defense autonomy at the Munich Security Conference, highlighting tensions in transatlantic defense relations. Razder emphasized the importance of NATO interoperability and the deep integration of U.S. and European defense industries.
Dr. Klaus WeberFri Feb 20 2026Loading...Trump says he is considering limited strikes on Iran
U.S. President Trump is considering limited military strikes against Iran if an agreement is not reached by the set deadline. During a breakfast meeting with governors at the White House on February 20, he indicated that military action is on the table. Reports suggest that the U.S. military could initiate these strikes within days to compel Iran to make concessions.
As Dems push for briefing on El Paso incident, experts warn it could be the ‘tip of the iceberg’
On February 11, 2023, the FAA imposed a 10-day flight restriction over El Paso International Airport due to alleged drone incursions, later attributed to party balloons. Customs and Border Patrol deployed anti-drone technology without proper coordination with the FAA, prompting concerns from lawmakers and experts about interagency communication failures. The incident highlights potential future challenges in managing drone threats and airspace security as the Pentagon expands its counter-drone authorities.
152mm Monster: The U.S. Army’s M60A2 ‘Starship’ Tank Summed Up in 2 Words
The U.S. Army produced 526 units of the M60A2 'Starship' tank in the 1970s, featuring a 152mm gun-launcher and MGM-51 Shillelagh missile capability. However, it was phased out by 1981 due to reliability issues and operational complexity. The tank's design aimed to bridge the M60 and MBT-70, but it ultimately proved to be a disappointment in service.
U.S. Navy clears StormBreaker weapon for Super Hornet fleet
The U.S. Navy approved the StormBreaker smart weapon for operational use on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet on February 20, 2026. This approval enhances the Navy's precision strike capabilities, allowing engagement of mobile targets in adverse weather. StormBreaker is the only operational smart weapon that can engage both moving and stationary targets in all weather conditions, increasing the lethality of the Super Hornet fleet.
‘Significantly Degraded’: The U.S. Navy Just Lost Another Aircraft Carrier
The USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) remains sidelined at Newport News, Virginia, due to a 14-month delay in its midlife overhaul caused by supply chain issues and significant mechanical degradation. Inspections revealed a degraded steam turbine generator, impacting its operational readiness. Meanwhile, the USS Gerald R. Ford is engaged in high-tempo operations, raising concerns about crew fatigue and system strain.
Russian strategic bombers complete planned flight in the Bering Sea with foreign aircraft accompanying.
Two Tu-95MS strategic bombers from the Russian Aerospace Forces completed a planned flight over the Bering Sea, lasting over 14 hours, escorted by Su-35S and Su-30SM fighters. During the flight, foreign aircraft accompanied the bombers at certain stages. NORAD reported detecting multiple Russian military aircraft in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, confirming that these aircraft remained in international airspace.
U.S. Marine Corps rejects switch to M7 rifle
The U.S. Marine Corps has decided to retain the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle for its close combat formations, rejecting the Army’s M7 Next Generation Squad Weapon. This decision aligns with the Marine Corps' unique service requirements and modernization priorities. The Marine Corps will continue to monitor the Army's M7 program for future considerations.
‘Time Travel’: SR-71 Pilot Recalls Blackbird Flying So Fast It Landed at Beale AFB Almost Day Before Taking off From Kadena AB
The SR-71 Blackbird conducted high-speed reconnaissance missions, flying from Kadena Air Base in Japan to Beale Air Force Base in California. It operated at speeds exceeding Mach 3.2 and was never shot down. The aircraft was retired in the late 1990s due to high costs and the advent of satellite technology, creating an intelligence gap that the upcoming SR-72 aims to fill.
Russian strategic bombers complete planned flight in the Bering Sea with foreign aircraft accompanying.
Two Tu-95MS strategic bombers from the Russian Aerospace Forces completed a planned flight over the Bering Sea on October 20, lasting over 14 hours. The mission was escorted by Su-35S and Su-30SM fighter jets, with foreign aircraft accompanying them at certain stages. These flights are part of regular operations in international airspace, adhering to international flight rules.
The Largest U.S. Military Reinforcement Since 2003: Strategic Implications for the Gulf Security System
The U.S. has deployed an unprecedented military presence in the Middle East, including 18 F-35 fighters and two aircraft carriers, amid rising tensions with Iran. This deployment, which includes advanced air and naval assets, is intended to enhance U.S. military readiness and provide a defensive umbrella for Gulf Cooperation Council states. The buildup occurs concurrently with diplomatic negotiations regarding Iran's uranium enrichment program.
Ahmed Al-RashidFri Feb 20 2026Loading...U.S. startup confirms six-hour test of AERO Sky hybrid drone
Petrel Technologies confirmed that its AERO Sky hybrid drone successfully completed a six-hour endurance test in Florida in February 2026. The drone demonstrated capabilities for extensive reconnaissance missions, covering hundreds of miles. Designed as a low-cost platform, it combines vertical takeoff and landing with fixed-wing efficiency, making it suitable for various defense applications, including surveillance and potential strike missions.
U.S. Air Force signs $94.7M deal for multi-domain analysis systems
The U.S. Air Force awarded a $94.7 million contract to DCS for the development of advanced multi-domain analysis systems at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. This contract, announced on February 19, 2026, aims to enhance mission-level operational effects modeling across air, ground, space, and cyber domains, with completion expected by February 19, 2031. The initiative supports the Air Force's multi-domain operational framework and focuses on integrating real-world sensor data with simulated conditions.
East Sea Outpost, First-Class Combat Duty!
The Eastern Theater Navy Observation Station on the Southeast Coast continuously monitors for unidentified maritime targets. Personnel maintain a state of readiness, operating radar systems to provide timely intelligence. The station functions 24/7, ensuring constant vigilance over maritime activities.
LIFT Aviation/LIFT Airborne Technologies are Unveiling the Next Generation of Rotary Wing Helmets for Military, Contractors, and Aviation Pilots
LIFT Aviation launched the AV3 Assault rotary wing helmet in Carson City, designed for military personnel and aviation pilots. The helmet features advanced protection, NVG compatibility, and a lightweight design. It will officially debut at Verticon 2026, setting a new standard for rotary wing helmet performance and comfort.
US Navy taps Fincantieri to build Marine Corps landing vessels
Fincantieri has been contracted to build four Medium Landing Ships for the U.S. Marine Corps at its Marinette Marine yard in Wisconsin. This contract follows the cancellation of the Constellation class frigates. A Vessel Construction Manager will be appointed to oversee the program, which aims to deliver a total of 35 vessels. Congress has allocated $800 million to assist in the transition from the Constellation project to the new landing ship program.
The American Military Buildup in the Gulf: An Analysis of the Largest Combat Deployment Since the 2003 Invasion of Iraq
The U.S. is conducting a major military buildup in the Gulf region, deploying significant naval and air forces, including USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln. This operation aims to pressure Iran regarding ongoing nuclear negotiations. F-22 Raptors and F-35As have been repositioned to bases in the region, while Iran has issued threats against U.S. naval forces. The situation reflects heightened tensions and strategic military posturing in the area.
Ahmed Al-RashidFri Feb 20 2026Loading...Viewing the Honghe Ship in Naked Eye 3D: Isn't This Too Close?
A video featuring the 'Red River Ship' from the Chinese Navy creates a strong immersive experience for viewers, making it appear as if the ship is leaping out of the screen. This presentation has garnered significant attention on social media.
