Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
The US Air Force F-22 Raptor Has a Combat Range of About 590 Nautical Miles. China’s J-20 Is Estimated at Around 1,100. New Stealth Fuel Tanks Take the Raptor to 850.
The U.S. Air Force is enhancing the F-22 Raptor's capabilities by integrating new stealth fuel tanks that extend its combat range to 850 nautical miles and sensor pods for improved targeting. These upgrades address previous deficiencies in the aircraft's range and targeting systems, particularly in light of competition from China's J-20. The F-22 remains a key asset for U.S. air dominance, especially in the Pacific region.
What we’re watching for at AFA 2026
The Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference is set to begin in National Harbor, Maryland. The U.S. Air Force is actively seeking a new high-end drone platform following losses of MQ-9 Reapers in the Middle East. Concurrently, the U.S. Navy and Air Force are engaged in munitions usage amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The anniversary of 9/11 should remind us how we go to war
The report emphasizes the constitutional role of Congress in declaring war, particularly in the context of the U.S. military actions following the 9/11 attacks. It critiques the accumulation of presidential power in military decisions and highlights the importance of congressional oversight in military engagements. The anniversary of 9/11 serves as a reminder of the need for a balanced approach to war powers.
Space Force picks Texas as US home for trinational DARC space radar network
The U.S. Space Force selected Lake Kickapoo, Texas, as the site for the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) radar network, with construction expected to start in 2027 and operational acceptance planned for 2030. This initiative aims to enhance global deep-space monitoring capabilities in collaboration with allies Australia and the UK. The program has faced delays and cost overruns since its inception.
Why propulsion could be the critical piece in Golden Dome’s architecture
Voyager Technologies is developing advanced propulsion systems for military applications at its American Defense Complex in Pueblo, Colorado. The company has secured multiple contracts related to the Golden Dome initiative, focusing on adapting commercial technologies for military use. Their propulsion systems provide unique capabilities, including throttleable thrust and energy conservation, which are critical for modern military operations.
Northrop Spent About $1,200,000,000 of Its Own Money on the F-20 Tigershark and Sold 0 Aircraft. The F-5 It Was Built to Replace Has Been Flying for More Than 60 Years.
Northrop Grumman developed the F-5 and F-20 aircraft, with the F-5E Tiger II serving over 30 air forces since its introduction in 1975. The F-20 Tigershark, developed in the 1980s, was intended for export but failed to sell any units despite significant investment. The F-5 series remains operational in various countries, showcasing its long-term success in military aviation.
U.S. Army orders more of its M110 sniper systems
The U.S. Army awarded a nearly $50 million contract to Knight's Armament Company for the production of M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper Systems, which will continue until September 10, 2031. This contract includes rifles, accessories, and training. The M110, which fires 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition, has been widely used in combat and is also being supplied to Ukraine's armed forces under a separate $21 million contract.
U.S. Navy hires small firm for drone-mimicking planes
The U.S. Navy awarded KestrelX a contract for low-observable target aircraft and engineering support for training exercises, with work distributed across Florida, Idaho, and North Carolina. This contract, valued at up to $9,987,285, extends KestrelX's threat-replication capabilities to the Navy, following previous work with the U.S. Air Force. The contract is set to last until 2028 and includes various military training operations.
U.S. Navy orders full production of new Growler jamming unit
The U.S. Navy awarded a contract worth up to $184.25 million to General Dynamics Mission Systems for the full-rate production of the Next Generation Electronic Attack Unit (NGEAU) for the EA-18G Growler. Work will be conducted at General Dynamics' facility in Bloomington, Minnesota, through September 2032. This upgrade enhances the Growler's electronic warfare capabilities, ensuring its effectiveness in complex electromagnetic environments.
Canada finances 270 million dollars for Patriot and FREYJA 2026 — Europe's air defense remains American
Canada is providing interceptors worth approximately 350 million Canadian dollars to Ukraine and is set to join the European FREYJA program for ballistic missile defense. This initiative aims to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities amid ongoing threats. The European Union has also allocated 3.2 billion euros for related procurement, indicating a reliance on American systems despite efforts for European defense autonomy.
Dr. Klaus WeberFri Sep 11 2026Loading...
The Pentagon is using polygraphs to hunt leakers, but the tests are more theater than fact
In August 2025, the Pentagon subjected approximately 50 military officers and civilian employees to polygraph tests as part of an unprecedented inquiry into press leaks regarding the Iran war and U.S. munitions. The use of polygraphs, criticized for being more theatrical than factual, has escalated to identify internal dissenters, impacting personnel clearances and fostering a culture of fear regarding disclosures. This campaign may discourage internal candor and divert focus from core security priorities.
The US Air Force Built Only 21 B-2 Spirits and They Cost About $2,000,000,000 Each. It Wants at Least 100 B-21 Raiders at Roughly $750,000,000 Apiece.
The U.S. Air Force is developing the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, with the first flight occurring on November 10, 2023, at Palmdale, California. The program aims to procure at least 100 units, with a target cost of approximately $750 million each. This initiative seeks to replace the aging B-2 Spirit, which had a significantly higher cost per unit.
We Learned Nothing from 9/11
The report highlights the ongoing ideological motivations behind terrorism, particularly in relation to the 9/11 attacks. It discusses how various governments, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, engage with extremist groups while maintaining diplomatic relations with the U.S. The analysis suggests that future terrorist threats could emerge from these nations, utilizing diplomatic channels to facilitate their activities.
American Rheinmetall Selected to Support U.S. Marine Corps with Advanced Mission Master SP
American Rheinmetall was awarded a $7.28 million contract to support the U.S. Marine Corps with the Advanced Mission Master SP. The contract signifies a commitment to enhancing military capabilities. The announcement was made in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Why the Pentagon picked an Indiana Navy base to host a nuclear microreactor
The Pentagon selected Crane Naval Warfare Center in Indiana to host a next-gen nuclear reactor, aiming for deployment by September 30, 2028. This decision is part of the Army's JANUS program, which is focused on advancing military nuclear power capabilities. The initiative involves significant investment and collaboration with private companies to address technical and regulatory challenges.
Army selects Lockheed, Boeing-Anduril team for next phase in IFPC Inc 2 competition
The U.S. Army selected Lockheed Martin and a Boeing-Anduril team to advance to the demonstration phase of the Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2 program in Washington. This program aims to enhance air defense capabilities by bridging the gap between short-range and longer-range systems. The decision follows previous contracts awarded to other companies for interceptor development.
‘We have to throw technology at the cyber problem,’ Pentagon CIO says
The Pentagon is shifting its cybersecurity strategy to emphasize technology over manpower, as stated by CIO Kirsten Davies at the Billington Cybersecurity Summit in Washington, D.C. The Department of Defense is focusing on automation, machine learning, and AI to enhance its digital defenses. Additionally, DOD is reforming its acquisition processes and has launched a Cyber Registered Apprenticeship Program to attract skilled cybersecurity professionals. A review of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program is also underway.
Top Air and Space Force leaders will gather amid unresolved Iran war, budget uncertainty
Top military leaders from the U.S. Air and Space Force are set to gather in Washington D.C. next week to discuss budget priorities and strategies related to the ongoing conflict in Iran. This follows the commencement of Operation Epic Fury, with significant focus on military modernization and funding challenges. Gen. Dan Caine highlighted the need for substantial funding to support military operations and equipment replacements, particularly for lost drones.
Military publishes handbook on how to identify, react to, and hide from drones
The Pentagon's Joint Interagency Task Force – 401 published a handbook on drone identification and defense tactics, providing troops with techniques to detect and counter drones. The guide includes practical advice on camouflage and drone engagement strategies, emphasizing the importance of adapting to evolving drone threats. This unclassified edition follows a classified version released last year and aims to enhance U.S. military readiness against drone incursions.
Centuries Later, Alexander the Great’s Best Line on ‘Lions and Sheep’ Is Still the One of the Greatest Military Quotes in Armed Forces History
Alexander the Great, undefeated in battle, led the Macedonian Army to conquer regions including Asia Minor, Syria, Egypt, Babylonia, and Persia by the age of 30. His leadership style, as encapsulated in his famous quote about lions and sheep, highlights the importance of effective leadership in military success. He died at 32, shortly after which his empire fell into chaos among his generals.
