Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
The U.S. Navy Built USS Midway Too Late for World War II — and It Served for the Next 47 Years
USS Midway (CV-41) was commissioned on September 10, 1945, and served in various military operations until its decommissioning in 1992. It played significant roles in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, adapting to the changing demands of naval aviation. The carrier was notable for its long service life and contributions to U.S. naval power during the Cold War and beyond.
The Gunless U.S. Navy Fighter That Got Shot Up Over Vietnam — and Forced the Navy to Create TOPGUN
The U.S. Navy's F-4 Phantom II faced significant challenges in air combat during the Vietnam War, leading to the establishment of the TOPGUN training program to enhance fighter tactics. The Ault Report revealed performance deficiencies, prompting a reevaluation of training and tactics. Notably, Lt. Randall Cunningham and Lt. j.g. William Driscoll became the first aces of the Vietnam War while flying the F-4 Phantom II.
The new Marine Scout career field is officially here
The Marine Corps is establishing a new primary military occupational specialty for scouts, effective October 1, 2023. Each infantry battalion will include a 26-Marine Scout Platoon equipped with advanced optics, communications gear, and drones. This initiative aims to enhance reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, providing commanders with essential tools for effective decision-making in future operations.
U.S. Army Reserve tests Pyka’s autonomous cargo aircraft in live exercise
The U.S. Army Reserve tested Pyka's DropShip autonomous cargo aircraft during a live exercise in Mississippi on June 30, 2026. The aircraft successfully completed a 32 km resupply mission, performed a precision airdrop of 91 kg, and demonstrated its ability to land on unprepared grass runways. This exercise showcased the aircraft's capabilities in supporting military logistics and casualty evacuation operations.
The US Army goes into the breach — without soldiers
The Oregon Army National Guard tested the Mule 28 heavy-lift drone at the Orchard Combat Training Center in Idaho to breach enemy obstacles using a Bangalore torpedo. This innovative approach aims to reduce the high casualty rates associated with traditional breaching methods. The trial reflects the Army's ongoing efforts to integrate drone technology into military operations, inspired by tactics observed in the Ukraine conflict.
SOCOM is seeking a long-range kamikaze drone
U.S. Special Operations Command is seeking to develop a long-range kamikaze drone with a range of at least 75 nautical miles and a loiter time of 40 minutes. The Request For Information was issued on June 26, with a response deadline of July 27. The drone will be launched from fixed-wing aircraft and is intended for evaluation on the AC-130J Ghostrider or another SOF platform.
China Shows Its Sixth-Generation Fighter Refueling for the First Time: The YY-20 Tanker Extending Its Pacific Reach
China showcased its YY-20 aerial tanker refueling a sixth-generation fighter for the first time in official media, marking a significant advancement in its military aviation capabilities. The YY-20 can carry about 90 tons of fuel, enhancing China's aerial refueling capacity. Analysts noted this development as a strategic move to project air power further into the Pacific, with the sixth-generation fighter expected to enter service in the early 2030s. The PLA's tanker fleet has rapidly expanded, indicating a shift in operational strategy.
At 18, he fought with Green Berets in Vietnam. Now, he finally has his Special Forces tab.
Terry McIntosh received a Special Forces tab at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in March 2023, retroactively acknowledging his service as a teenage Green Beret in Vietnam. He served with the 5th Special Forces Group and participated in combat missions, earning a Combat Infantryman Badge. The award was presented by retired Special Forces officer Al Kittredge during a celebration.
AEVEX wins $50M deal for GPS-resistant strike drones
AEVEX Corp. secured a $50 million contract from the U.S. Air Force on June 30, 2026, to enhance unmanned mission-support capabilities with GPS-resistant strike drones. The contract aims to develop a long-range precision strike platform suitable for contested environments. This initiative reflects a strategic shift in military operations towards the use of autonomous systems capable of operating without GPS.
U.S. Navy orders $312M more of its anti-missile jamming system
Northrop Grumman secured a $312 million contract from the U.S. Navy on June 24, 2026, to produce additional Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program Block 3 systems. This contract expands the production of advanced electronic jamming technology for destroyers, aircraft carriers, and amphibious assault ships, with completion expected by August 2029. The SEWIP Block 3 system enhances the Navy's electronic warfare capabilities, allowing ships to jam incoming missile guidance systems.
U.S. Army tests robot railcar to move military cargo
The U.S. Army Reserve utilized the TugVolt autonomous railcar to move military cargo during Operation Sentinel Justice at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, in June 2026. Soldiers trained on the system and effectively operated it to meet real logistics needs when actual cargo arrived. This exercise demonstrated the potential of the TugVolt to enhance military logistics and address manpower shortages in rail operations.
The U.S. Navy Was Mocked for Buying a Destroyer With Empty Decks. It Became One of Its Best Ships, Then the Navy Sank Most of Them
The U.S. Navy retired the Spruance-class destroyers, decommissioning them between 2000 and 2005, and sank most as gunnery targets. Initially criticized for their limited armament, these ships later proved adaptable, launching Tomahawk missiles during conflicts. The decision to retire them is now seen as costly, as the Navy faces a shortage of destroyers.
Women finish Ranger School in better physiological condition than men, study finds
A study conducted by the U.S. Army Research Institute found that men experienced greater hormonal changes than women during Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia, from 2022 to 2023. Women finished the course in better physiological condition, showing limited alterations compared to men. The research involved 27 men and 10 women, focusing on the impact of stressors on soldiers' health and performance.
Men at Ranger School face greater hormonal changes than women, study finds
Men undergoing Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia, experienced greater hormonal changes than women, according to a study conducted between 2022 and 2023. The research involved 27 men and 10 women and highlighted the physiological impacts of stressors like limited sleep and calorie deficits. Findings suggest that male physiology is more affected in multi-stressor environments, which could inform future interventions for soldier health and performance.
Marine lost at sea identified as 21-year-old infantryman from Minnesota
Lance Cpl. Armando Ortiz Canseco, a 21-year-old Marine from Minnesota, was declared dead after a 43-hour search following his disappearance from the USS Anchorage off the coast of California on June 25, 2023. Recovery operations were conducted by Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard personnel. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance are currently under investigation.
The U.S. Marines Are Now Flying F-35 Stealth Fighters With No Radar
Six U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighters flew without radar during a joint service flyover in the Philippine Sea on February 26, 2026. The aircraft, part of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, were equipped with ballast instead of radar due to delays in the new AN/APG-85 radar system. This situation highlights ongoing challenges within the F-35 program, including low readiness rates and significant modernization delays.
Israel’s Smart Shooter sees c-UAS demand grow across US military: Exec
Smart Shooter secured a $3.4 million contract from the US Marine Corps, reflecting the growing demand for troop-level counter-drone solutions across the US military. The company has also received contracts from the US Navy and Army, indicating widespread interest in its SMASH 2000LE system. This technology aims to enhance accuracy against small, fast-moving drones and has been in use by US special forces since 2020. Additionally, Smart Shooter is exploring international contracts, including agreements with Israel and Australia.
U.S. Marines deploy Iron Dome-based missile system to Guam
U.S. Marines from the III Marine Expeditionary Force calibrated and evaluated the Medium-Range Intercept Capability system (MRIC) at Mason Range, Guam, on June 24, 2026, during the Valiant Shield 2026 exercise. This marks the first confirmed deployment of the MRIC in the Pacific theater, integrating Iron Dome technology to enhance air defense capabilities against evolving threats. The exercise involved joint forces rehearsing multi-domain operations critical for future confrontations in the Indo-Pacific.
U.S. Army engineers test drone that breaches wire obstacles
On June 22, 2026, the 741st Brigade Engineer Battalion tested the Mule 28 drone in Oregon, successfully using it to deliver a Bangalore torpedo to breach wire obstacles. This innovative approach aims to minimize soldier casualties during breaching operations, leveraging technology to enhance combat engineer capabilities. The drone was developed by Lorica Technologies and represents a significant advancement in military engineering tactics.
Two U.S. destroyers get new electronic warfare suites
The USS Chung-Hoon and USS James E. Williams completed modernization, enhancing their electronic warfare capabilities with the AN/SLQ-32(V)7 system. This upgrade significantly improves their ability to detect and jam incoming anti-ship missiles and disrupt enemy communications. The modernization is part of the Navy's DDG Modernization 2.0 program, which aims to enhance the combat readiness of the U.S. destroyer fleet.
