Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Army vet supports her Navy sister in tough hospital journey
Kayla Saska sustained serious injuries in a 2019 shipboard accident while serving in the U.S. Navy, leading to multiple hospitalizations. Her sister, Army veteran Patricia Rowledge, provided crucial support during her recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland. Kayla faced significant medical challenges, including a rare reaction to treatment, but has since returned to competitive sports.
NASA test pilot Neil Armstrong was one of seven men secretly chosen to fly the X-20 Dyna-Soar, a reusable Air Force spaceplane cancelled in 1963 two decades before the Space Shuttle — and the orbital mission it was designed for is now flown by the Space Force’s X-37B and China’s Shenlong
The United States Air Force developed the X-20 Dyna-Soar, a reusable spaceplane, selecting seven pilots including Neil Armstrong. The program was cancelled in December 1963 due to unclear mission objectives, despite being close to operational status. The Dyna-Soar's design and intended military roles influenced future space programs, including the Space Shuttle and the X-37B.
Ceasefire a Mere Formality: Israeli Military Expands Operations in Lebanon, Aiming for "Scorched Earth" for Security
Israeli Defense Forces expanded military operations in southern Lebanon on May 31, 2023, following the crossing of the Litani River. The operations include airstrikes and ground assaults, particularly around Bofort Castle and Tyre, resulting in injuries to civilians. Negotiations for a ceasefire have stalled, with Israel seeking U.S. support for further actions against Hezbollah.
The XB-70 Valkyrie was a Mach 3 nuclear bomber built to fly so high and fast that nothing the Soviet Union launched could ever reach it — and one of the only two ever built was destroyed not in combat but in a midair collision during a publicity photo shoot for an engine company
On June 8, 1966, one of the two XB-70 Valkyrie prototypes was destroyed in a midair collision with an F-104 Starfighter during a formation flight near Barstow, California. The Valkyrie's pilot ejected but sustained severe injuries, while the F-104 pilot was killed instantly. This incident occurred during a publicity photo shoot for General Electric, highlighting the tragic loss of a significant military aircraft not in combat but in a marketing effort.
Over a service life from 1966 to 1998 more than 4,000 missiles were fired at the SR-71 Blackbird and not one ever hit it — because the unarmed spy plane’s entire defense against a surface-to-air missile was a single instruction to the pilot: go faster
The SR-71 Blackbird successfully conducted reconnaissance missions over North Vietnam and North Korea from 1966 to 1998, evading over 4,000 surface-to-air missiles by flying at speeds exceeding Mach 3. Its design allowed it to operate at extreme altitudes and speeds, making it untouchable by enemy defenses. The aircraft's perfect combat record remains unmatched in military aviation history.
U.S. Army’s top official tested laser-armed vehicle in New Mexico
The U.S. Army tested the AMP-HEL system, a laser-armed vehicle, at White Sands Missile Range on May 27, 2025. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll observed the testing of the LOCUST laser, which can disable drones effectively. This program aims to enhance the Army's counter-drone capabilities with cost-effective directed energy solutions.
San Francisco startup’s hydrofoil boat wows U.S. Navy brass
Navier's N30 hydrofoiling electric boat impressed U.S. Navy officials at the Sea-Air-Space conference, being labeled a 'game changer' for naval operations. The vessel's active foil control enhances stability and reduces crew fatigue by 80%, while its electric propulsion minimizes acoustic detection. This dual-use platform is positioned for both military and commercial applications, indicating strong interest from the Navy for future collaboration.
Neros Technologies shrinks its attack drone controller by half
Neros Technologies has launched the Crossbow Block 2, a redesigned ground control station for FPV attack drones, based in Los Angeles. This new system reduces the size by over 50% while maintaining a 25-kilometer operational range. It is currently being delivered to customers and will be utilized in the Department of War's Drone Dominance program, enhancing operator mobility and effectiveness in contested environments.
U.S. Defense Secretary: U.S.-Iran Negotiations Are Ongoing, Military Options Remain on the Table
U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper stated that negotiations with Iran are ongoing, but the U.S. is ready to resume military strikes if these talks fail. This statement was made during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30. The day before, President Trump convened a meeting at the White House to discuss the situation in Iran.
L3Harris wins $98M to make APKWS rockets deadlier against drones
L3Harris was awarded a $48.5 million contract to produce proximity fuzes for the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) to enhance its effectiveness against drones. The contract, which could total $98.4 million, includes work through September 2028 and involves multiple branches of the U.S. military. Testing at Yuma Proving Ground confirmed the fuze's effectiveness against larger unmanned aerial vehicles.
U.S. Marines buy more unmanned anti-ship missile launchers
The U.S. Marine Corps awarded a $70.6 million contract to Oshkosh Defense for additional ROGUE-Fires carriers to enhance anti-ship capabilities against Chinese naval forces. This contract is part of a total investment of $92 million announced this week, aimed at developing and deploying unmanned missile-launching systems. The Marine Corps plans to field 261 NMESIS launchers by 2030, with initial deliveries already made in 2024.
Q&A with SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Frank Donovan
Gen. Frank Donovan leads U.S. Southern Command, focusing on the integration of autonomous warfare systems to enhance operational capabilities. He emphasizes the need for a robust data environment to support these systems in diverse terrains. The command is working on establishing the SOUTHCOM Autonomous Warfare Command to address operational gaps and improve coordination with partners.
US Navy to explore powering shore installations with aircraft carriers
The U.S. Navy plans to test the capability of powering shore installations at Naval Station Norfolk using energy from a Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier this summer. This initiative aims to enhance energy resilience and mission assurance for military bases. The USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to be the carrier involved in the pilot program, which will demonstrate the ability to meet emergent, mission-critical needs.
Army sent jailbroken tech to Middle East as part of ongoing hackathon
The U.S. Army is sending jailbroken systems to the Middle East as part of Operation Jailbreak, an ongoing hackathon aimed at improving interoperability among military systems. This initiative, which began in early May and will conclude on June 6, involves the integration of 23,000 pieces of equipment to enhance command and control capabilities. The effort is influenced by lessons learned from Ukrainian military operations and aims to rapidly deploy new technologies in response to ongoing conflicts.
How far is there to go until the US and Iran end the war?
The United States and Iran have reached an agreement to extend a ceasefire and lift some sanctions, while negotiations continue regarding Iran's nuclear program and Hezbollah's involvement in Lebanon. The U.S. blockade on Iranian ports is affecting Iran's economy, and Israel's position remains a critical factor in the negotiations. A 60-day framework has been established for finalizing the deal.
SPACECOM exploring tech for future offensive cislunar ops: Chief Scientist
U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM) is prioritizing the development of capabilities for operations in cislunar space, including offensive space control, as stated by Chief Scientist David Denhard at the SSIB conference in New Mexico on May 28, 2023. This marks a significant policy shift towards enhancing space domain awareness and operational capabilities beyond geosynchronous Earth orbit. SPACECOM aims to ensure freedom of action in space and project power as needed.
U.S. Marines begin fielding their cannon-armed amphibious vehicle
The U.S. Marine Corps began fielding the ACV-30 amphibious vehicle on May 28, 2025, enhancing its capabilities with a 30mm automatic cannon. This vehicle can operate in open ocean and engage enemy targets from the water, marking a significant advancement in amphibious warfare. BAE Systems confirmed the delivery as part of a larger contract for over 150 units, aimed at improving the Marine Corps' operational effectiveness in contested environments.
Canada’s new self-propelled howitzer shown at Ottawa expo
Canada unveiled the Grizzly LAV SPH, a new self-propelled howitzer, at CANSEC 2026 in Ottawa. The system can fire a 155mm shell while moving and has a range of up to 70 km. It features an automated loading system and is operated by a crew of three from within an armored hull, addressing the country's modernization needs for indirect fire capabilities.
Canada’s Roshel develops mobile mortar system
Roshel and ST Engineering unveiled a mobile mortar system concept at CANSEC 2026 in Ottawa. This system, mounted on a Senator Pickup, can be deployed and stowed in 15 seconds, enhancing infantry indirect fire capabilities. It fires both 81mm and 120mm rounds and includes features to protect the crew from detection and injury. The concept aims to provide a more mobile and survivable indirect fire solution for infantry units.
054B Luhe Ship Participates in Far-Sea Training with Liaoning Ship for the First Time, PLA Aircraft Carrier Group Addresses Anti-Submarine Shortcomings
The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted training exercises in the West Pacific from May 25-26, 2023, involving the Liaoning aircraft carrier and the newly integrated 054B Luohe frigate. The naval group, which included five ships, performed fixed-wing and helicopter operations, showcasing a shift towards a more integrated naval task force. This exercise highlights the PLA Navy's evolving capabilities and operational strategies in the region.
Li MinghuiFri May 29 2026Loading...
