Analysis & Reports

The U.S. conducted 74 airstrikes against Al-Shabaab in Somalia in 2026, primarily around Baidoa, where federal troops are engaged in conflict with local forces. Al-Shabaab retains control over key areas and continues to exploit the political instability in the region. The shift in U.S. focus back to Al-Shabaab indicates a response to the group's persistent threat despite ongoing military operations.

Marie DuboisSat Jul 18 2026Loading...

France's Air and Space Force will launch PEGASE 26 in September 2026, deploying four Rafale fighter jets and supporting 300 airmen across the Arctic, Indo-Pacific, and Middle East. The operation will last 38 days and involve A330 MRTT and A400M Atlas aircraft for logistics. This mission aims to demonstrate France's military capabilities and strengthen partnerships in these strategic regions.

During a training mission in 2017, U.S. Air Force Captain Brett DeVries's A-10 Thunderbolt II experienced a cannon malfunction, resulting in a canopy failure and compromised landing gear. DeVries executed a controlled belly landing at Grayling Air Gunnery Range in Michigan, successfully exiting the aircraft without injury. The incident highlighted the aircraft's design for survivability and effective emergency management.

On January 25, 1966, an SR-71 Blackbird disintegrated during a test flight at Mach 3.18 over New Mexico, resulting in the survival of pilot Bill Weaver and the death of reconnaissance systems specialist Jim Zwayer. The incident marked the only fatality in the aircraft's history, which had a combat record free of enemy action. The SR-71 was known for its speed and advanced technology, with 12 of the 32 built lost to accidents, not enemy engagement.

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.

The Blue Angels performed a low flyover over a crowded beach in Pensacola, Florida, on Wednesday, which was later deemed 'unsafe' by Navy Capt. Adam Bryan. The jet blast from the maneuver caused beachgoers' chairs and umbrellas to be blown over. This incident occurred during the annual Red, White and Blue Air Show, which features the Blue Angels as a centerpiece.

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.

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.

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.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) celebrated 10 years of operations at the Flight Test and Training Center (FTTC) in Grand Forks, North Dakota, which has trained over 4,000 pilots and sensor operators. The FTTC has facilitated significant milestones in unmanned aircraft systems, including the first transatlantic flight of the MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft in 2018. GA-ASI continues to play a crucial role in the development and training of UAS capabilities for international customers.

RIMPAC 2026 involved 38 countries and over 30,000 personnel testing logistics and advanced manufacturing capabilities in Hawaii. The U.S. Navy demonstrated the use of autonomous boats and 3D printers to address supply chain challenges. The exercise highlighted the importance of maintaining operational readiness despite long supply lines and equipment failures. Key technologies included deployable manufacturing cells and unmanned surface vessels for resupply operations.

Marcus ChenFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

Henry Kaiser’s shipyard in Vancouver, Washington, launched 50 escort aircraft carriers from 1943 to 1944, significantly enhancing U.S. naval capabilities during World War II. The USS Casablanca was commissioned in July 1943, marking the beginning of a rapid production cycle. These carriers played vital roles in various naval operations, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and were instrumental in the U.S. Navy's efforts against German U-boats.

On July 16, 1945, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted the Trinity test, detonating the first nuclear weapon, a plutonium implosion bomb known as 'Gadget', in the Jornada del Muerto desert of New Mexico. This event marked a pivotal moment in military history, leading to the development of nuclear deterrence and fundamentally altering international relations. Since then, no two nuclear-armed powers have engaged in full-scale conventional warfare.

The U.S. Army is integrating Link 16 tactical data link into its aviation platforms to enhance connectivity and operational effectiveness. This modernization effort includes the UH-60 Black Hawk and Apache helicopters, with over 37,000 Link 16 terminals already deployed across U.S. and allied forces. The initiative aims to ensure that all platforms operate collaboratively in the modern battlefield, improving situational awareness and decision-making capabilities.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $418.5 million contract to NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement Services for the dismantlement of the USS Enterprise in Mobile, Alabama, with completion expected by September 2030. This contract follows a previous award that was contested, resulting in a lower bid. The dismantlement will involve recycling materials and safely disposing of hazardous waste, serving as a model for future decommissioning of similar vessels.

Iran's military actions have led the U.S. to deplete its interceptor stockpiles, prompting concerns about a potential maritime quarantine by China against Taiwan. The U.S. Navy is facing challenges in maintaining readiness due to simultaneous conflicts and strategic commitments in the Gulf and Indo-Pacific regions. Taiwan's government is preparing for possible Chinese maritime actions, which could impact its energy and resource supplies.

ZeroUSV delivered the Oceanus17 uncrewed surface vessel at its headquarters in Plymouth following successful Factory Acceptance Tests. The Oceanus17, measuring 17 meters, is designed for long-range operations and features advanced autonomy capabilities. It will undergo final commissioning before its official naming ceremony next month.

A U.S. Navy jet from the Blue Angels performed a low-altitude flight over a crowd in Florida on July 15, raising safety concerns. The incident, part of a flight demonstration, has prompted an investigation by military officials. Videos of the event circulated on social media, leading to public criticism regarding the safety of the maneuver.

The U.S. Army is set to award contracts for the Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (CAML) program in August 2023. Concurrently, the Army is negotiating with AeroVironment for the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, aimed at countering drone threats. The CAML will replace the Typhon long-range launcher, and the Army seeks to acquire 20 E-HEL systems by 2026.

The U.S. Air Force conducted a live-fire test of the YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, successfully firing an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile at a target over the Mojave Desert on October 31, 2025. This test marks a significant milestone in the development of unmanned fighter jets designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft. A human operator retained command throughout the engagement, ensuring that the decision to fire was not made autonomously.