Analysis & Reports

U.S. Army armor officers assert the continued relevance of armored formations in modern warfare, citing recent conflicts as evidence. They outline four essential conditions for successful maneuver and describe ongoing experimentation within the Army's armor branch, including new organizational changes and training initiatives. The report highlights the need for advancements in counter-drone capabilities to enhance the effectiveness of armored units.

The U.S. Navy successfully launched a Harpoon missile from the Harpoon Coastal Defense System during a test at Point Mugu Sea Range in California in late July 2026. This test demonstrated the system's capability to strike maritime targets from land, enhancing coastal defense options. The event involved collaboration with Boeing and various Navy offices, marking a significant milestone in defense capabilities.

In December 2005, the Swedish submarine HSwMS Gotland successfully simulated multiple attacks on the USS Ronald Reagan off the coast of California during a military exercise. This incident exposed significant vulnerabilities in the US Navy's aircraft carrier defenses against submarine threats, particularly from AIP-equipped vessels. Despite the lessons learned, the US carrier force remains vulnerable to similar threats two decades later.

On May 15, 1969, the USS Guitarro sank at Mare Island Navy Shipyard due to a lack of coordination between two civilian work crews during construction. The crews inadvertently flooded the submarine from both ends, leading to its sinking. Navy investigators attributed the incident to negligence and inadequate communication. The submarine was later refloated and commissioned in January 1970, serving until 1992.

USS Texas (BB-35) is undergoing maintenance and restoration at the Houston Ship Channel, with plans to reopen as a museum ship in 2027. The battleship, which served in both World Wars, is currently completing final restoration steps after extensive repairs. It is expected to be relocated to Galveston upon completion of the restoration.

President Trump signed an executive order to establish a new Space Academy at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, which may require military service from its graduates. A commission, including key defense officials, will plan the academy and submit a report within 120 days. The initiative aims to strengthen the U.S. space workforce amid the growth of the Space Force and commercial space industry, although concerns about its necessity and clarity have been raised.

On August 28, 1972, Captain Steve Ritchie and Captain Charles B. DeBellevue of the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron shot down a MiG-21 over North Vietnam, marking Ritchie as the only U.S. Air Force pilot ace of the Vietnam War. DeBellevue, operating as a weapons systems officer, logged his fourth kill during this engagement, later becoming the top American ace with six kills. This event underscored the critical role of back-seat crew members in modern air combat.

On August 28, 1965, Commander Malcolm Scott Carpenter led ten men in the U.S. Navy's SEALAB II experiment, living underwater for thirty consecutive days at a depth of 205 feet off La Jolla, California. This operation aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of saturation diving for military purposes. The team conducted various underwater tasks and communicated with astronauts in orbit, marking a significant milestone in military underwater operations.

USS Midway (CV-41) was commissioned on September 10, 1945, and served in significant military operations including the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. The carrier, which was modernized to a displacement of 64,000 tons, operated various aircraft and played a crucial role in U.S. naval history. It ultimately retired after 47 years of service and is now a museum in San Diego.

U.S. Marine Corps participated in RIMPAC 2022, conducting live-fire sniper range exercises in Hawaii on July 6, 2022. The exercise involved 25,000 personnel from 26 nations, showcasing various sniper rifles including the M40, AXMC, and MRAD. The Barrett MRAD was awarded a $49.9 million contract for its modular design and capabilities.

The Foxtrot-class submarines, built from 1957 to 1983, served in multiple navies and played a significant role during the Cold War, notably during the Cuban Missile Crisis when B-59 nearly launched a nuclear torpedo. As of 2026, only seven of the original seventy-five submarines remain, primarily as museum exhibits.

The Joint Task Force – Southern Border (JTF-SB) engaged and defeated three hostile drones using an Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) system at the southern border. This operation, aimed at countering drone threats potentially linked to drug cartels, is part of a broader initiative to enhance military capabilities against aerial surveillance. The task force operates under US Northern Command and collaborates with US Customs and Border Protection.

The Joint Task Force – Southern Border (JTF-SB) engaged and defeated three hostile drones using an Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) system at the southern border. This operation, aimed at countering drone threats potentially linked to drug cartels, reflects the Pentagon's increased military involvement in border security. The task force operates under US Northern Command and collaborates with US Customs and Border Protection.

In 1968, the SR-71 Blackbird crew experienced a dual engine flameout during a reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam. The crew attempted to restart the engines while descending to lower altitudes, successfully relighting them and landing safely at Kadena Air Base. This incident underscores the aircraft's engineering vulnerabilities despite its high-speed and high-altitude capabilities.

F-22 Raptors are engaged in air superiority operations and training exercises at various locations, including Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Joint Base Langley-Eustis. The aircraft face challenges from fourth-generation fighters like the Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon, as well as advanced air defense systems such as the S-400. Despite its advanced capabilities, the F-22's effectiveness can be compromised in close-range engagements and against innovative enemy tactics.

USS Enterprise (CVN-65) operated from 1961 to 2017, featuring eight nuclear reactors. It experienced significant incidents, including a deadly fire in 1969 that killed 27 sailors and a grounding in 2005 that led to a reactor shutdown. Despite these events, the reactor systems remained safe throughout its service, with no radiological incidents reported.

A sailor assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln jumped overboard on August 3, 2023, and was rescued. The sailor may face nonjudicial punishment for the incident, which is under consideration by the commanding officer. The Navy is addressing morale issues aboard the ship and has increased mental health support for the crew.

The U.S. military shot down three drones associated with drug trafficking groups using a high-energy laser system at the U.S.-Mexico border on August 25-26. This operation was carried out by the Southern Border Joint Task Force under U.S. Northern Command. The drones posed a personal threat to U.S. military and Customs and Border Protection personnel.

The U.S. Army is testing the FireAnt uncrewed ground vehicle, which reflects Cold War technology. The Shahed 136 drone, B-21 Bomber, and Typhon system also draw from 1980s designs. These developments indicate a revival of advanced military concepts from that era, now utilizing modern technology and materials.

The U.S. Air Force is testing modified F-16 Fighting Falcons for autonomous flight capabilities as part of the VENOM program, a collaboration with DARPA. This initiative aims to integrate AI into aerial combat, allowing pilots to toggle between manual and AI control. The F-16 was selected due to its robust design and existing support infrastructure, facilitating the development of advanced combat AI.