Analysis & Reports

AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources

F-5E Tiger II Fighter

Northrop Spent About $1,200,000,000 of Its Own Money on the F-20 Tigershark and Sold 0 Aircraft. The F-5 It Was Built to Replace Has Been Flying for More Than 60 Years.

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

Northrop Grumman developed the F-5 and F-20 aircraft, with the F-5E Tiger II serving over 30 air forces since its introduction in 1975. The F-20 Tigershark, developed in the 1980s, was intended for export but failed to sell any units despite significant investment. The F-5 series remains operational in various countries, showcasing its long-term success in military aviation.

Source: 19FortyFiveFri Sep 11 2026
Turkish combat drone gets a longer-range strike weapon

Turkish combat drone gets a longer-range strike weapon

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

Baykar has equipped its Akıncı unmanned combat aircraft with Roketsan's new 300-ER air-launched ballistic missile, capable of striking targets over 500 km away. The missile, which features advanced guidance systems for precision targeting, is expected to undergo initial test firings soon. This development enhances the Akıncı's operational capabilities and extends its range significantly.

Source: Defense BlogFri Sep 11 2026

Israeli Army Claims Destruction of Hezbollah Underground Facilities in Southern Lebanon Using Over a Thousand Tons of Explosives

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentOperational

Israeli forces destroyed Hezbollah underground facilities located beneath Alita Hill in Southern Lebanon on September 10, using over 1100 tons of explosives. The operation targeted a network of tunnels used by Hezbollah's Badr unit, which included various Iranian-made weapons. This action is part of Israel's strategy to secure the region and prevent Hezbollah's re-entry into the area.

Source: Global TimesThu Sep 10 2026

Israeli Army Claims to Have Destroyed Hezbollah's Underground Tunnel Network in Southern Lebanon

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentOperational

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) destroyed Hezbollah's underground tunnel network in Southern Lebanon on October 10, using over 1100 tons of explosives. The operation targeted the Ali Taher Ridge and involved the destruction of eight tunnels totaling 5.4 kilometers. The IDF discovered numerous weapons, including rockets and drones, during the operation, which was confirmed by Israeli leadership as a completion of their organizational efforts in the region.

Source: Global TimesThu Sep 10 2026
Iran attack on base in Jordan damaged American military aircraft, US official says

Iran attack on base in Jordan damaged American military aircraft, US official says

Casualties & LossesWeapons & EquipmentOperational

Iranian strikes damaged multiple American military aircraft at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan this week. An A-10 Thunderbolt II was left with a missing wing, while eight F-15s sustained light damage. Since the conflict began in February, 42 U.S. military aircraft have been lost or damaged, and 18 U.S. service members have been killed.

Source: Defense NewsThu Sep 10 2026

Israeli military creates new branch focused on AI, drones and robotics

Political-MilitaryWeapons & EquipmentStrategic

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is establishing a new branch dedicated to unmanned systems and artificial intelligence, set to be inaugurated by early December 2026 in Jerusalem. This initiative aims to enhance operational capabilities and integrate advanced technologies across land, air, and sea. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir emphasized the importance of these advancements for future military operations and the potential to save lives on the battlefield.

Source: Breaking DefenseThu Sep 10 2026
U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors, E-3 Sentrys, C-17 Globemaster IIIs, C-130J Herculeses and C-12F Hurons participate in a close formation taxi known as an elephant walk at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 5, 2020. This event displayed the ability of the 3rd Wing, 176th Wing and the 477th Fighter Group to maintain constant readiness throughout COVID-19 by Total Force Integration between active-duty, Guard and Reserve units to continue defending the U.S. homeland and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonathan Valdes Montijo)

The US Air Force Capped F-22 Raptor Production at 187 Aircraft at About $143,000,000 Each. In November 2009 a French Rafale Costing About 64,000,000 Euros Got Behind 1 and Took the Shot.

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentOperational

In November 2009, during a multinational exercise at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, a French Rafale successfully engaged a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor in close-range combat. The exercise aimed to test the F-22's capabilities under conditions that negated its stealth advantage. The Rafale managed to acquire a firing position and simulate an attack using an infrared-guided MICA missile, demonstrating the potential vulnerabilities of the F-22 in visual-range engagements.

Source: 19FortyFiveThu Sep 10 2026
Iran likely to reverse-engineer captured US underwater drone

Iran likely to reverse-engineer captured US underwater drone

Weapons & EquipmentInformation OperationsOperational

Iran captured a U.S. military underwater drone in the Strait of Hormuz and is likely to reverse-engineer it. The Dive-LD autonomous underwater vehicle was designed for long-range surveillance. Iranian embassies have publicly mocked the U.S. for the incident, framing it as a propaganda victory. U.S. military officials have downplayed the drone's significance, stating it was an older model with no sensitive data.

Source: Defense NewsThu Sep 10 2026
Hypersonic Missiles

The Government Accountability Office Reviewed All 13 Programs in the US Air Force’s $21,000,000,000 B-52 Modernization and Found 10 of Them in Trouble. The Engine Replacement Went From $3,000,000,000 to $15,400,000,000.

Weapons & EquipmentLogisticsOperational

The U.S. Air Force's B-52 modernization effort, involving 13 programs, faces significant challenges, with 10 programs over budget or delayed. The Commercial Engine Replacement Program's costs surged from $3 billion to $15.4 billion, while the radar modernization program's costs increased from $2.3 billion to $2.9 billion. A recent crash of a test aircraft has added to the program's complications. The B-52 is set to remain operational into the mid-21st century.

Source: 19FortyFiveThu Sep 10 2026

UAV "Geranium" and Iranian Engineers Form a Russian-Iranian Military Technology Framework in 2026

Political-MilitaryWeapons & EquipmentStrategic

Iranian engineers are collaborating with Russian military technology sectors, focusing on UAVs and navigation systems as of 2026. Nearly 10,000 Iranian specialists are being trained in Russia, enhancing Iran's military capabilities. This partnership allows Iran to access advanced technologies while providing Russia with expertise in circumventing sanctions. The collaboration emphasizes dual-use technologies and the evolution of military systems.

Dmitri VolkovDmitri VolkovThu Sep 10 2026
USS New Jersey Iowa-Class Battleship Creative Commons Photo

A 16-Inch Shell From an Iowa-Class Battleship Weighed 2,700 Pounds and Reached 24 Miles. The Tomahawk the US Navy Bolted On in the 1980s Weighed 992 Pounds and Reached 1,553 Miles.

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

The USS Iowa and other Iowa-class battleships underwent significant upgrades in the 1980s, incorporating advanced weaponry such as Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles. During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, USS Missouri launched 28 Tomahawk missiles against Iraqi targets, showcasing the enhanced capabilities of these vessels. The upgrades included the installation of Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems and the removal of older gun mounts to accommodate modern missile systems.

Source: 19FortyFiveWed Sep 09 2026

Saudi Arabia claims multiple areas in the south were attacked by Houthi forces again.

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentOperational

Houthi forces launched ballistic missile and drone attacks on the Saudi cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Jizan on September 9. Earlier that day, the coalition reported conducting numerous airstrikes against Houthi positions in Marib, Al-Jawf, and Taiz provinces in Yemen.

Source: Global TimesWed Sep 09 2026
PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 24, 2026) – U.S. Navy Lt. Patrick Urrutia, left, and U.S. Navy Lt. Jg. Gabriela Patrick depart a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler attached to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Jan. 24, 2026. Theodore Roosevelt, flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, is underway conducting exercises to bolster strike group readiness and capability in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Cesar Nungaray)

The US Navy EA-18G Growler Costs About $67,000,000. The Jamming Pods That Make It a Growler Cost Roughly $45,000,000 More, and a Combat-Ready Aircraft Passes $112,000,000.

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

The EA-18G Growler is deployed by the U.S. Navy for electronic warfare in the Middle East, particularly to jam Iranian radar systems. It costs over $112 million when fully equipped, including advanced jamming pods. The Growler plays a critical role in ensuring safe operations for U.S. strike aircraft in contested airspace.

Source: 19FortyFiveWed Sep 09 2026
Kaan Stealth Fighter from Turkey.

Turkey Was Thrown Out of the F-35 Program in 2019 and Built Its Own Fifth-Generation Fighter. The Kaan Flies on 2 American General Electric F110 Engines Producing Roughly 29,000 Pounds of Thrust Each.

Weapons & EquipmentPolitical-MilitaryOperational

Turkey developed the TAI Kaan, a fifth-generation fighter aircraft, to reduce reliance on the U.S. after being expelled from the F-35 program in 2019. The first prototype flew in February 2024, powered by two General Electric F110 engines. Indonesia has agreed to purchase 48 units, showcasing confidence in Turkey's military capabilities. The Kaan aims to achieve operational independence while still relying on U.S. technology for its engines.

Source: 19FortyFiveWed Sep 09 2026
Iran and US hit tankers in biggest wave of attacks on shipping since war began

Iran and US hit tankers in biggest wave of attacks on shipping since war began

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentCasualties & LossesHybrid

Iran attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz and fired ballistic missiles at a U.S. base in Jordan. In retaliation, the U.S. sank 5 Iranian oil tankers, resulting in at least one seafarer killed and another missing. The situation has escalated tensions in the region, impacting global energy supplies and leading to threats against oil tankers in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports.

Source: Defense NewsWed Sep 09 2026
Elbit Systems unveils new brand for its autonomous combat drones

Elbit Systems unveils new brand for its autonomous combat drones

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

Elbit Systems launched FUSE, a new business line for autonomous combat drones and ground vehicles, in Rosh HaAyin, Israel, on September 9, 2025. The FUSE portfolio includes the Dominion-X software, enabling a single operator to control multiple systems in GPS-denied environments. The technology has been proven in operational use, with over 1 million flight hours logged. FUSE systems are currently in service with military customers in Israel, the U.S., and Europe.

Source: Defense BlogWed Sep 09 2026
Jordan intercepts 18 Iranian missiles in September 2026 and reveals the gap in Gulf air defense.

Jordan intercepts 18 Iranian missiles in September 2026 and reveals the gap in Gulf air defense.

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentOperational

Jordan intercepted 18 Iranian missiles on September 9, 2026, amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington. This action underscores Jordan's strategic position and the challenges of air defense in the Gulf region. The interceptions indicate a significant military capability but also reveal vulnerabilities in regional defense systems.

Ahmed Al-RashidAhmed Al-RashidWed Sep 09 2026

The Israeli army claims to have destroyed multiple weapon storage facilities and rocket launch sites in Gaza.

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentOperational

Israeli airstrikes destroyed multiple weapon storage facilities and a rocket launch site used by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza on September 8. The strikes targeted facilities containing various weapons, including rockets and Kalashnikov rifles. The Israeli Defense Forces stated their intent to continue operations to weaken the military capabilities of armed groups in the region.

Source: Global TimesWed Sep 09 2026

ISI introduces EROS NOVA – its next-generation Very-Very-High-Resolution Intelligence Satellite

ISR ActivityWeapons & EquipmentInformational

ImageSat International introduced the EROS NOVA satellite on September 08, 2026, in Israel. This next-generation satellite features a native resolution of 25 cm and integrates advanced imaging capabilities, including visible and SWIR imaging, video collection, and onboard AI. EROS NOVA aims to enhance intelligence collection and analysis for defense and strategic applications.

Source: EDR MagazineWed Sep 09 2026
Saudi Arabia Requests Over 10,000 JDAM-ER Bombs in $5 Billion U.S. Deal in 2026

Saudi Arabia Requests Over 10,000 JDAM-ER Bombs in $5 Billion U.S. Deal in 2026

Weapons & EquipmentPolitical-MilitaryOperational

Saudi Arabia requested over 10,000 JDAM-ER bombs from the U.S. on September 4, 2026, as part of a deal valued at over $5 billion. This request follows a series of Houthi attacks in southern Saudi Arabia, indicating an urgent need to rearm its strike aircraft. The JDAM-ER bombs will enhance the precision and range of Saudi airstrikes, although the deal also highlights the ongoing dependency on U.S. military support for operational capabilities.

Ahmed Al-RashidAhmed Al-RashidWed Sep 09 2026