Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
The Pentagon Cut the B-2 Bomber Program From $75,400,000,000 to $61,100,000,000 and Made Every Aircraft More Expensive. Cutting the Order From 132 to 21 Nearly Quadrupled the Cost per Bomber.
The Pentagon reduced the B-2 Bomber program from 132 to 21 aircraft, significantly increasing the cost per bomber to over $2 billion. This decision was made in response to the end of the Cold War, leading to a decrease in planned production rates. The B-2 Spirit bombers, known for their stealth capabilities, continue to play a role in U.S. military operations from bases like Whiteman Air Force Base in Nevada.
Pentagon's AI Missile Defense Bet Could Rewrite Patriot's Limits in 2026
The Pentagon is pursuing an AI system to enhance missile defense capabilities, aiming for a two-second decision-making time. This initiative, led by the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit, seeks to integrate various data sources to improve threat assessment and operational decisions. The limitations of the Patriot missile system, including supply and cost issues, highlight the need for better command and control in air defense. NATO's interoperability with this new system is also a significant concern.
Alexandra ReevesSun Sep 13 2026Loading...The U.S. Accelerates Development of Alternatives to the "Reaper" Drone
The U.S. Air Force is accelerating the development of a new drone model, the Modular Multi-role Aircraft (MMA), to replace the MQ-9A Reaper due to significant combat losses. As of September 3, 2023, the Air Force has lost 24 Reapers since February 2023, prompting a shift towards a more economical and durable solution. The MMA is designed to perform similar missions at a lower cost and is expected to be deployed in significant numbers.
U.S. Army speeds up testing for new command system
The U.S. Army is testing two versions of the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) network with the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson and the 25th Infantry Division in Maryland. This testing aims to enhance battlefield decision-making through advanced technology. The Army plans to invest nearly $3 billion in the program, with a goal of fielding NGC2 across all divisions within five years.
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.
The F-111B Was Supposed to Be a US Navy Aircraft Carrier Fighter. It Exceeded 80,000 Pounds, Needed a Wingspan 7 Feet Wider Than the Air Force Version Just to Slow Down Enough to Land, and the Navy Walked Away in May 1968.
The U.S. Navy rejected the F-111B aircraft program in May 1968 due to excessive weight and performance issues. Only seven units were completed, and the program was ultimately canceled after significant deficiencies were identified. The F-111B was intended to operate from aircraft carriers and defend against Soviet bombers but failed to meet operational requirements.
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.
Over 4,000 Missiles Failed to Hit a Single US Air Force Mach 3.2 SR-71 Blackbird. Speed Was the Only Way to Survive as It Had No Weapons to Fire Back
The SR-71 Blackbird, operational from the mid-1960s to the late 1990s, faced over 4,000 missile launches from various nations, including North Vietnam and Libya, without sustaining any hits. Its defense strategy relied solely on speed, allowing it to evade all missile threats. The only confirmed missile engagement occurred in 1981 over Korea, where the missiles missed the aircraft.
Air Force’s longest-deployed planes finally get to retire
The U.S. Air Force retired the EC-130H Compass Call electronic warfare plane at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in September 2021 after nearly 19 years of continuous deployment. The aircraft completed 14,753 sorties and 90,364.4 combat flight hours. It will be replaced by the EA-37B, which offers enhanced capabilities for electronic warfare operations.
Last of Air Force’s longest-deployed planes finally gets to retire
The last EC-130H Compass Call electronic warfare plane retired after its final flight over Arizona in September 2026, concluding its 19-year service. The aircraft, part of the 55th Electronic Combat Group, was replaced by the EA-37B Compass Call, which offers enhanced electronic warfare capabilities. The EC-130H had a significant operational history, including 14,753 sorties and 90,364.4 combat flight hours since its first deployment in 2002.
U.S. Space Force taps California startup for orbital nuclear reactor
The U.S. Space Force awarded a $161 million contract to Antares to develop a nuclear reactor for spacecraft. Antares will conduct a ground demonstration of the R1-S reactor and plans to test the Mark-1 reactor by 2027. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance military capabilities in space, with goals to deploy a nuclear reactor in space by 2028.
Tiny nuclear reactors headed to a Georgia U.S. Army base
The U.S. Army announced the installation of three Kaleidos microreactors at Fort Benning, Georgia, on August 26, 2026, as part of the Janus Program. These reactors will provide 3 megawatts of power to ensure energy resilience for critical operations at the base. Radiant Industries will manage the reactors, which are designed to operate independently of the regional power grid and are expected to be operational by 2028.
U.S. Army tests robotic machine gun against drones
The U.S. Army tested the Bullfrog, an autonomous machine gun system, against drone targets at Cibola Range in Arizona during the Falcon Peak 26.2 exercise. This system, developed by Allen Control Systems, integrates a standard M240 machine gun with a robotic turret to enhance targeting capabilities. The exercise aims to evaluate new technologies for countering small drones and improve military operational methods.
Global nuclear warhead count rises for the first time in years
Nuclear-armed states expanded their arsenals in 2025, with the global count of nuclear warheads reaching approximately 12,187. The United States and Russia continue to lead in warhead numbers, while China and India also increased their stockpiles. The expiration of the New START treaty in February 2026 has reduced transparency regarding nuclear deployments. Tensions in South Asia escalated with significant conflict between India and Pakistan.
► Quantum Systems and XTEND Partner to strengthen software and AI ecosystem from sensing to strike
Quantum Systems and XTEND announced a partnership to develop integrated autonomous mission solutions for defense and public safety on September 10, 2026. The collaboration aims to enhance interoperability and reduce training requirements for armed forces. This initiative supports a joint program for a European NATO customer and aligns with NATO's increased defense spending commitments.
Northrop’s kamikaze drone gets jam-proof navigation
Northrop Grumman conducted a test flight of its kamikaze drone, Lumberjack, at Fort Hunter Liggett, California. The drone features a new quantum navigation system that operates independently of GPS, enhancing its operational capabilities in contested environments. During the test, Lumberjack successfully launched, flew, and landed multiple times, demonstrating its potential as a reusable training tool.
U.S. Army orders more engines for Israel’s Eitan vehicle
The U.S. Army has modified a contract with Rolls-Royce Solutions America, adding $39.1 million for the production of engines for Israel's Eitan armored vehicle. This brings the total contract value to approximately $158.9 million, with production expected to be completed by September 11, 2027. The funding originates from Foreign Military Sales funds allocated to Israel since 2010, highlighting a long-term military procurement process.
U.S. Army’s top ammo supplier lands another big contract
The U.S. Army awarded a contract worth up to $788.4 million to Olin Winchester for the supply of 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and .50-caliber ammunition. This five-year contract, managed by Army Contracting Command in Independence, Missouri, will run through September 10, 2031, and is crucial for maintaining ammunition supplies for Army and Marine Corps units. Olin Winchester has been the primary supplier of small-caliber ammunition for the U.S. military.
U.S. Air Force funds research into orbital combat tools
The U.S. Air Force awarded BlueHalo a contract worth up to $100 million for research and development of orbital combat tools, with initial funding of $1.7 million. The five-year contract will be executed at BlueHalo's facilities in Huntsville, Alabama, and Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. This initiative aims to enhance scientific knowledge and technology for space systems, although specific details of the tasks remain undisclosed.
On-Site Shooting! Coastal, J-10C with Live Ammunition Training
Multiple J-10C aircraft conducted live ammunition training exercises along the Southeast Coast, led by Captain Bu Jiawen. The training included ground target and air combat scenarios, demonstrating the unit's operational readiness. This unit has been recognized for its effectiveness in air defense and has recently been deployed to a new airfield for these operations.
