Analysis & Reports

NATO allies intercepted Russian submarines training in Arctic waters near Svalbard in Spring 2023, simulating the deployment of a secret weapon designed to disable undersea cables. The operation was conducted by Russia's GUGI undersea warfare directorate, and NATO forces prevented the completion of the exercise. This incident highlights increasing concerns over Russian sabotage operations targeting critical infrastructure.

Australia's Army declared the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) combat ready on September 9, 2026, enhancing its air defense capabilities. The 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, is the first unit to operate the system, which is designed to counter various airborne threats. The NASAMS program, valued at A$2.5 billion, integrates advanced radar and missile technology.

Dwight D. Eisenhower coordinated the Allied Expeditionary Force during World War II, leading significant operations in North Africa and Europe from 1944 to 1945. He commanded the largest amphibious assault in history, Operation Overlord, on June 6, 1944, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic planning. Despite never seeing combat, his organizational skills were pivotal in the success of the Allied campaigns against Germany.

The HSwMS Gotland, a Swedish Gotland-Class Diesel Submarine, conducted training exercises with the U.S. Navy, achieving a simulated kill against the USS Ronald Reagan in December 2005. The U.S. Navy had rented the submarine for training purposes, enhancing its capabilities against conventional submarines. The arrangement began in 2004, with the Gotland arriving at Naval Air Station North Island in June 2005, allowing for extensive training against U.S. naval forces.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military has achieved absolute control over southern Syria and is nearing the defeat of the Iranian regime. He emphasized that this control spans from Mount Hermon to the Mediterranean Sea. The remarks were made during his visit to Mount Hermon on September 9, 2023, amid a politically charged environment as elections approach.

Northrop Grumman announced the development of the PGK E5, an anti-jam GPS-guided artillery kit, on September 9, 2023. This new version enhances accuracy in GPS-degraded conditions and maintains compatibility with existing artillery systems. The U.S. Army has awarded Northrop Grumman a contract worth $863 million for the production of M1156 kits, with over 100,000 units already built since 2013.

Boeing has advanced to the next phase of developing a new interceptor missile for the U.S. Army's Integrated Fires Protection Capability air defense system, collaborating with Anduril Industries for the solid rocket motor. This interceptor aims to enhance defense against cruise missiles and drones, filling a critical gap in the Army's layered air defense. The announcement was made on September 9, confirming Boeing's progress in the competition against other defense contractors.

In 2009, a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler simulated the shootdown of a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The Growler, equipped with AN/ALQ-99 jammers, successfully executed a simulated AIM-120 kill, prompting the pilot to paint an F-22 silhouette on his cockpit. This incident highlighted the capabilities of the Growler despite its fourth-generation status compared to the fifth-generation F-22.

The U.S. Navy is failing to assess long-term brain injury risks among pilots, as revealed by a Congressional report. This oversight has resulted in inadequate care and treatment for aviators, particularly following a series of suicides among F/A-18 pilots. Cultural stigmas and a lack of dedicated resources further complicate the issue, preventing effective mental health support for naval aviators.

Approximately 2500 Canadian Armed Forces members participated in Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 21 in Wainwright, Alberta, from May 1 to 11, 2021. The exercise tested soldier skills in a complex combat environment. Concurrently, trade tensions escalated as Canada imposed counter-tariffs on U.S. goods, prompting a U.S. response with bans on Canadian products, highlighting a potential breakdown in trust between the two nations.

Admiral Chester Nimitz was appointed Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet on December 16, 1941, following the Pearl Harbor attack. He emphasized leadership through selecting capable individuals and supporting their efforts. Nimitz led the U.S. Navy to significant victories during World War II, including the Battle of Midway, and was promoted to Fleet Admiral in December 1944.

The US Space Force operates the X-37B spaceplane, a 29-foot long, uncrewed vehicle that conducts long-duration missions in secrecy. Launched on Atlas V or Falcon 9 rockets, it features a classified payload bay and is designed for various technological tests. Its existence raises strategic implications regarding US capabilities in space and potential military applications.

The 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard returned to Burlington, Vermont, on September 6, 2026, after a nine-month deployment that included operations in the Caribbean, South America, and the Middle East. The unit, known as The Green Mountain Boys, conducted missions in support of U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Central Command during their deployment, which involved over 200 members.

On September 25, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. Army 7th Cavalry soldiers would retain their 20 Medals of Honor awarded for the Wounded Knee massacre in 1890. This decision followed a review panel's conclusion and has sparked ongoing debate in Congress, where some lawmakers advocate for revocation due to the massacre's historical context and the high number of civilian casualties. The massacre resulted in the deaths of approximately 150 to 375 Lakota, primarily unarmed men, women, and children.

The U.S. Air Force is developing rapidly deployable drone swarms for base security, utilizing cargo planes as launch platforms. The drones will autonomously defend bases from attacks, with a proposal deadline of October 21, 2023. The project emphasizes secure communications and has potential applications for disaster response and border surveillance.

The U.S. Department of Defense implemented new combat field fitness tests for over 80 military occupations designated as combat arms, effective August 31, 2023. This includes personnel from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, who must now meet specific fitness standards set by their respective branches. The Army's test consists of seven events, and failure to meet these standards may result in administrative actions, including potential separation from service.

German pilots from the Luftwaffe scored simulated kills against US Air Force F-22 Raptors during the Red Flag exercise in Alaska in 2012. They deployed 8 Eurofighter Typhoons and 150 personnel, achieving notable success while the F-22s were hampered by external fuel tanks. Following the exercise, the German pilots commemorated their victories by painting kill decals on their aircraft.

The F-35 Lightning II achieved a 20:1 kill ratio against F-16s during Red Flag 2017 at Nellis Air Force Base, showcasing its stealth and sensor capabilities. However, aggressor F-16 pilots successfully employed swarm tactics, revealing vulnerabilities in the F-35's limited missile capacity and forcing it into close-range engagements. This incident underscores both the strengths and limitations of the F-35 in modern air combat scenarios.

Admiral Chester Nimitz commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet during World War II, overseeing over 2 million personnel, 5,000 ships, and 20,000 aircraft. He emphasized the value of advice from junior officers and played a crucial role in the Battle of Midway. Nimitz was appointed to command shortly after the Pearl Harbor attack and signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on September 2, 1945.

Boeing developed and tested the YF-118G Bird of Prey stealth aircraft at Area 51 from 1992 to 1999, spending $67 million of its own funds. The aircraft, which utilized off-the-shelf parts, completed 38 test flights to explore stealth technology. It was designed as a technology demonstrator rather than for operational use, showcasing innovative manufacturing techniques.