Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
‘This Can’t Be Fixed’: Why the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class Aircraft Carriers Can Only Fly F-35B Stealth Fighters
The Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, which include the HMS Queen Elizabeth, can only operate F-35B stealth fighters due to design constraints. The carriers left Portsmouth on September 5, 2024, for three months of operations and training across Northern Europe and Britain. This limitation stems from a previous decision to abandon plans for F-35C compatibility, which would have required significant modifications to the carriers.
82 Years Later, General George Patton’s Best US Army Line Is Still the Greatest Military Quote in Armed Forces History
General George Patton emphasized the significance of preparation and operational planning in military success during World War II, particularly in the Third Army's operations in 1944. His strategies were crucial in the capture of Metz and the relief of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, which lasted from December 1944 to January 1945, resulting in 19,000 American casualties.
Space Force’s GMTI program gets a name, with Northrop as prime: General
The Space Force plans to launch the Resilient Radar System-Ground (RRS-G) satellite constellation by 2028 to track ground targets from orbit. The 77th Surveillance Squadron has been established to initiate ground moving target indicator missions. The program is developed by Northrop Grumman, with a budget request of $1.02 billion for GMTI procurement in fiscal 2027.
The M551 Sheridan ‘Flying’ Light Tank Has A Message for the M10 Booker and the US Army
The M551 Sheridan light tank, retired in 1997, was notable for its ability to be deployed by parachute alongside airborne forces and its potent 152mm gun. Despite its retirement, it remains the U.S. Army's best post-World War II light tank due to its unique capabilities. The recent failure of the M10 Booker light tank highlights the lack of a suitable replacement for the Sheridan's operational role.
Colt Canada brings C25 to UK and Europe
Colt Canada unveiled the new C25 rifle at DVD 2026 in Millbrook, UK, on 16 September 2026. The C25, chambered in 5.56 x 45mm NATO, features enhancements for accuracy and performance, addressing modern battlefield challenges. Approximately 3,000 Colt Canada weapon systems are currently in service with the British Army and other European forces.
GA-ASI Mojave First UAS To Complete Battlefield Short Field Ops
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and Hanwha Aerospace conducted the first flight operations of the Mojave STOL aircraft from a simulated battlefield in Pocheon-Si, South Korea, on September 16, 2026. The aircraft successfully landed and took off from a live-fire range, demonstrating its capabilities for tactical missions. This milestone highlights the collaboration between GA-ASI and Hanwha in developing unmanned systems for future military applications.
SPACECOM needs more capabilities to target space adversaries: Whiting
U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM) is currently assessing its capabilities to target adversary space systems and improve space control operations. SPACECOM Commander Gen. Stephen Whiting emphasized the need for robust space domain awareness and real-time battlespace awareness to effectively engage threats. The command is focused on addressing technological gaps, particularly in cislunar space, to ensure comprehensive monitoring and control of space operations.
Air Force to create new career field to defend bases from drones and missiles
The U.S. Air Force announced the creation of a new point-defense career field to protect bases from drones and missiles, with operations expected to begin within two years. Training for approximately 20 airmen is currently underway at the Joint Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems University. The initiative includes investments in new weapon systems and technology to enhance base defense capabilities against aerial threats.
2 US Army Delta Force Snipers Circling a Crashed Black Hawk Over Mogadishu on October 3, 1993, Asked to Be Put on the Ground to Defend the Wounded Crew, Were Refused Twice, Were Granted the Request on the Third Attempt, and Were Both Killed Holding a Position They Already Knew They Could Not Hold
On October 3, 1993, two Delta Force snipers, Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randall Shughart, were inserted into Mogadishu to defend the crew of a crashed Black Hawk helicopter. Despite being denied twice, they descended to the site and engaged armed fighters, ultimately sacrificing their lives to protect the wounded. Their actions led to the awarding of the Medal of Honor for their bravery.
Iran Ordered 80 Made in the USA F-14 Tomcat Fighters Under the Shah and Took Delivery of 79 Before the 1979 Revolution. By 1986 Only 25 Were Still Operational. Israeli Strikes on Isfahan in March Destroyed at Least 2 More, and Nobody Outside Iran Knows Whether Any Are Still Flying.
Israeli airstrikes in March 2023 destroyed at least two F-14A Tomcats at Isfahan, Iran, part of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force. Originally ordered under the Shah, 79 F-14s were delivered before the 1979 revolution, but by 1986 only 25 remained operational. The current status of Iran's F-14 fleet is uncertain, with no independent verification of how many are still flying.
One of the world’s most versatile attack planes is taking on the counter-UAS mission
Embraer is adapting the A-29 Super Tucano to counter drones, enhancing its capabilities for air defense. This aircraft will operate between ground defenses and high-end fighters, engaging UAVs at ranges of 50-200 miles from protected assets. The A-29 utilizes advanced sensors and precision weaponry to effectively target and destroy drones, addressing the cost disparity in current counter-UAS operations. A proof-of-concept demonstration is underway with an undisclosed country.
A US Army Sergeant First Class Soaked in Fuel from a Burning Bradley Went Back into the Fire Again and Again to Pull Out His Soldiers While He Was Himself on Fire, Died of His Burns, and Waited 16 Years for the Silver Star He Was Given to Be Upgraded to the Medal of Honor
Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe rescued six soldiers and an Iraqi interpreter from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle near Samarra, Iraq, on October 17, 2005. Despite suffering severe burns, he continued to save his men until he was unable to do so. Cashe died three weeks later from his injuries and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on December 16, 2021, after a lengthy campaign for recognition.
German-Israeli company FTS unveils new light combat vehicle for German Special Forces
Flensburg Technology Systems (FTS) unveiled the TAHR light airborne combat vehicle for the German Special Forces Command (KSK) in Germany. The vehicle, designed for high mobility and rapid combat readiness, will see 200 units delivered under a framework agreement signed in 2025. It can be transported by Chinook helicopters and is capable of being air-dropped, enhancing operational flexibility for special forces missions.
Israel’s SPICE 1000 bombs can soon drop from F-35 fighters
Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced that the SPICE 1000 bomb technology will soon be integrated for use with the F-35 fighter aircraft. This integration is a collaborative effort with Lockheed Martin, taking place in the United States, and is expected to be completed within a few months. The SPICE 1000 allows precision strikes from a distance of 75 miles and has been a primary munition for the Israeli Air Force.
The Pentagon must prepare for battles around the moon: Joint Chiefs chair
The U.S. military is preparing for potential conflict in cislunar space and on the moon, as stated by Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. He highlighted the need for readiness in contested environments, while concerns grow over China's activities in the region. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 poses legal challenges for military operations on celestial bodies, prompting U.S. lawmakers to evaluate space law requirements to address these emerging threats.
US military must adapt as formations will be ‘hunted’ by autonomous systems, Caine says
Gen. Dan Caine stated that the U.S. military must adapt to future conflicts characterized by autonomous systems and advanced technology. He highlighted the importance of readiness and the integration of AI tools and drones in military operations. Caine noted the evolving nature of warfare, particularly with the military partnership between Russia and Iran, which poses new challenges for U.S. forces.
Army pays nearly $5 billion for massive defensive upgrade to helicopter fleet
The U.S. Army is investing nearly $5 billion to enhance its helicopter defenses with new anti-missile laser systems, awarding Northrop Grumman a $4.8 billion contract for the CIRCM program. This upgrade aims to protect against shoulder-fired missiles and will equip all Army rotary-wing aircraft. As of 2023, over 700 systems have been delivered, with the contract extending through 2035.
Hanwha, Magnet Defense to start construction on new MUSV this fall, testing next year
Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense are commencing construction of a new medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) named H38 in Washington this fall, with testing set for early next year. The H38 will be based on the M48 MUSV, which has successfully completed a 32,000-nautical mile mission. The Navy has expressed interest in modular capabilities for these vessels.
British Army explores pairing Ajax with a robot scout
ARX Robotics UK and General Dynamics Land Systems-UK announced a collaboration to integrate the Ajax armored vehicle with the Hector uncrewed ground vehicle in London on September 16, 2026. This integration aims to enhance the British Army's capabilities in reconnaissance and combat by allowing crews to control autonomous systems. The Ajax program, which has faced delays, is expected to achieve full operational capability by 2029, with ongoing investments in UK manufacturing and research.
‘They’re Playing With Fire’: A Russian Drone Struck 1.2 Miles From NATO’s Border, Beside a Train Carrying Former U.S. Intelligence Officials.
On 14 September, a Russian drone struck a train locomotive near the Yahodyn-Dorohusk border crossing with Poland, less than a mile from Polish territory. The attack occurred while a VIP train carrying former officials had just crossed into Poland. Eyewitnesses described a loud explosion and panic among passengers, highlighting the risks of Russian military operations close to NATO borders.
