Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
JNIM seizes gold mines in Burkina Faso — the Sahel transforms its deposits into operational bases in 2026
JNIM has seized control of gold mines in Burkina Faso, transforming them into operational bases as of 2026. The group capitalizes on the mining activities to tax local miners and transporters, creating a revenue stream and intelligence network. This situation has led to increased violence in the region, particularly as JNIM competes with ISSP for control over these valuable resources.
S.WMon Sep 14 2026Loading...Rheinmetall supplies artillery ammunition to international customer – contract value in the three-digit millions of euros
Rheinmetall has been commissioned to supply a low five-figure quantity of 155mm artillery projectiles to an international customer, with a contract value in the low three-digit million-euro range. Production has commenced, and the order is expected to be completed by 2027. The projectiles are already utilized by various NATO countries and are compatible with a range of 155mm weapon systems.
Russian jet drones are changing the nature of strikes on Ukraine in 2026
Russia launched drone strikes targeting fuel stations in Kyiv on September 13, 2026, resulting in at least two fatalities and twelve injuries. This marks a shift in the use of drones from military to economic pressure tactics. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported the destruction of 399 Ukrainian drones overnight, indicating a sustained aerial campaign against Ukrainian infrastructure.
S.WMon Sep 14 2026Loading...
“It Can’t Fire a Gun and Doesn’t Carry a Bomb.” That Was the Air Force Chief of Staff on the SR-71 Blackbird, an Aircraft With 17,300 Sorties and Zero Losses to Enemy Fire.
The U.S. Air Force retired the SR-71 Blackbird on January 26, 1990, primarily due to its high operational costs, estimated at $260 million annually, despite its unmatched performance and zero losses to enemy fire. The decision was influenced by budgetary constraints and a shift towards satellite reconnaissance, which ultimately failed to match the capabilities of the Blackbird.
Iran ‘blew the hell out of’ base in Bahrain, acting Navy Secretary admits
Iran launched severe drone and missile attacks on the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain, causing extensive damage and leading to the evacuation of over 1,000 military family members. The base, critical for the Navy's operations in the Middle East, has been rendered largely unusable, with supplies being redirected to Diego Garcia. The Navy's leadership has indicated that a return to the base is not imminent.
A US Air Force Mach 3 SR-71 Blackbird Flew More Than 15,000 Miles in 10 Hours and 30 Minutes With 5 Aerial Refueling. The Limit Was Not Fuel, Not the Engines, and Not the Crew. It Was 212 Liters of Liquid Nitrogen.
On April 26, 1971, the SR-71 Blackbird completed a record flight from Beale Air Force Base, covering over 15,000 miles in 10 hours and 30 minutes with five aerial refuelings. The mission, ordered by General P.K. Carlton, tested the aircraft's endurance, relying heavily on liquid nitrogen for safety and performance. This flight established new world records for duration and distance, showcasing the capabilities of the U.S. Air Force's reconnaissance technology.
On April 26, 1971 an SR-71 Blackbird Flew More Than 15,000 Miles in 10 Hours and 30 Minutes With 5 Aerial Refuelings. The Limit Was Not Fuel, Not the Engines, and Not the Crew. It Was 212 Liters of Liquid Nitrogen.
On April 26, 1971, the SR-71 Blackbird, operated by the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, completed a record flight from Beale Air Force Base, California, covering over 15,000 miles in 10 hours and 30 minutes. The mission involved five aerial refuelings and tested the aircraft's endurance, relying on liquid nitrogen to prevent fuel ignition. This flight established new records and demonstrated the aircraft's capabilities for future reconnaissance missions.
Britain tests A400M in Poland — why NATO needs resilient logistics by 2026
The British Royal Air Force tested the Atlas C1 A400M aircraft in Powidz, Poland, on September 13, 2026, in collaboration with the Polish Air Force. The exercise focused on operations on provisional and unpaved runways, addressing NATO's logistical challenges amid increasing threats from Russian drone incursions. This training is part of a strategic effort to ensure operational continuity in the face of potential attacks on established military infrastructure.
Dr. Klaus WeberSun Sep 13 2026Loading...Ukrainian Drones Strike Two Russian Refineries — The Depth of the Attack Changes the Oil War of 2026
Ukrainian drones struck two Russian oil refineries in Slavyansk-na-Kubani and Nizhnekamsk on September 13, 2026, testing the capabilities of Russian air defenses. The attacks, occurring 1,200 kilometers from Ukraine, signify a strategic escalation in the conflict, targeting critical logistical infrastructure. Russian officials confirmed air defense activity but did not reveal the damage extent, highlighting vulnerabilities in the defense of industrial sites.
Dmitri VolkovSun Sep 13 2026Loading...
Camp Davis South sees its first C-17 in over 20 years
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III landed at Camp Davis South, North Carolina, marking its first landing there in over 20 years. This event supports parachute training for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. The airfield, recently upgraded at a cost of about $28 million, enhances training capabilities for ground units and allows for the movement of larger military equipment.
U.S. Army finished dismantling Cold War nuclear plant
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the dismantling of the SM-1 nuclear power plant at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, a project that began in 2021 and concluded in 2026. This facility was the first in the U.S. to supply nuclear-generated electricity to the commercial grid. The decommissioning involved removing radioactive materials and restoring the site. The Army is now planning to install new small nuclear reactors at various bases under the Janus program.
U.S. Coast Guard’s new patrol plane lands in Sacramento
The U.S. Coast Guard received its first HC-130J Super Hercules at Air Station Sacramento, marking a significant upgrade from the C-27J Spartan patrol planes. This aircraft enhances the Coast Guard's capabilities in detecting and interdicting maritime threats. The delivery is part of a broader investment in fixed-wing aircraft, with plans for Sacramento to eventually operate four HC-130Js by 2030.
China-Myanmar "Peace Train-2026" Joint Exercise Conducts Full Process Drills
Chinese and Lao medical teams conducted a joint humanitarian medical rescue exercise in Vientiane on September 12, 2026, successfully locating and treating 20 injured individuals. The exercise utilized drones, tracked unmanned vehicles, and a mobile ICU, integrating AI technology for medical decision-making. This operation aimed to enhance coordination and efficiency in emergency medical responses during natural disasters.
The US Navy Planned 32 Zumwalt-Class Destroyers and Built 3. Each One Cost About $10,600,000,000 With Development Included — More Than 7 Times the Original Estimate — and the 2 155mm Guns on Every Ship Were Never Fired Because Each Shell Reached $800,000.
The U.S. Navy is modernizing its three Zumwalt-class destroyers, planning to replace their radar systems and adapt them for Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic missiles. Originally intended to be a fleet of 32 ships, the program faced significant cost overruns and challenges, leading to the cancellation of ammunition for their guns. The modernization is expected to continue into 2028, with the first at-sea test of the new weapon planned for 2027.
U.S. Defense Officials Urge Congress to Approve New Fiscal Year Defense Budget
U.S. Department of Defense officials are urging Congress to approve a $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027 to replenish critical weapon and ammunition stocks. This budget request, submitted by the Trump administration, marks the largest military funding request in U.S. history, reflecting a 42% increase from the previous year. The Pentagon is currently awaiting funding to fulfill contracts with defense contractors.
Argentina plans to start construction of a naval base in the southern Malvinas Islands.
Argentina plans to establish a naval military base in Ushuaia, with construction set to begin on January 2. The base will support submarines, naval infantry, and naval aviation, serving as a logistics hub for Argentina's Antarctic operations. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance Argentina's military presence in the South Atlantic, amidst ongoing sovereignty disputes with the UK over the Falkland Islands.
45,000-Ton US Navy Battleship USS Alabama Was Towed Through the Panama Canal With 11 Inches of Clearance on Each Side. She Carried 9 16-Inch Guns Firing 2,700-Pound Shells, Earned 9 Battle Stars Across the Pacific, and Never Lost a Sailor to Enemy Fire.
The USS Alabama (BB-60) was towed through the Panama Canal in 1964, clearing the locks with only 11 inches of space on each side. This battleship, which served in WWII, carried 9 16-inch guns and had a crew of 2,500. It earned 9 battle stars and remarkably suffered no combat fatalities. Today, it is preserved at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama.
The Mach 3 US Air Force SR-71 Blackbird Ran on a Fuel So Stable You Could Put Out a Match in It. Then They Had to Invent a Way to Light It.
The U.S. Air Force's SR-71 Blackbird operated using a specialized fuel known as JP-7, which was engineered to withstand extreme temperatures and prevent combustion. This fuel served not only as a power source but also as a coolant for the aircraft, allowing it to maintain high speeds without risk of explosion. The ignition of JP-7 required a unique chemical system involving triethylborane (TEB) to initiate combustion.
New Russian tanks arrive with upgraded protection
Uralvagonzavod delivered a new batch of T-90M and T-72B3M tanks to the Russian Army, featuring upgraded protection systems. This delivery coincided with Tank Crew Day, highlighting the ongoing efforts to enhance Russia's armored capabilities amid significant losses in Ukraine. The tanks include advanced protective features developed over two years, aimed at improving battlefield survivability.
"Flamingo Missiles Strike Saratov and Perm — Russia's Rear Becomes an Industrial Front 2026"
Ukrainian forces attacked the Saratov oil refinery and Uralchem Azot chemical plant on September 10-11, 2026, marking a significant escalation in targeting Russian industrial capabilities. This was the sixth strike on the Saratov facility this year, indicating a systematic effort to disrupt Russian logistics and supply chains. The Russian government confirmed damage to these sites but did not disclose the extent of the impact.
Dmitri VolkovSat Sep 12 2026Loading...
