Analysis & Reports

Airman Aaron Bushnell self-immolated in Washington, D.C. on February 25, 2024, to protest Israeli military actions in Gaza. The U.S. Air Force ruled his death as misconduct, overturning an initial finding of mental health issues. Bushnell had expressed strong pro-Palestine views and livestreamed his protest, stating he would no longer be complicit in genocide.

The U.S. Air Force finalized requirements for a new drone to replace the MQ-9A Reaper, which has been in service since 2007. During a Senate hearing, officials discussed the need to replenish combat losses and the desire for a more cost-effective, modular platform. The Air Force is also exploring options to buy back MQ-9A drones, with current numbers reduced to approximately 135.

Iran launched thousands of missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf States since February 28, 2023, with Israeli defenses intercepting nearly 90% of the 650 medium-range ballistic missiles aimed at Israel. The attacks resulted in 24 civilian casualties and significant damage to US facilities. Iran's missile accuracy has improved, complicating defense efforts, while missile defenses are reportedly strained due to high usage of interceptors.

U.S. Special Operations Command adopted Reveal's Identifi mobile biometric system as a Program of Record on May 13, 2023. This system enables identity verification and threat assessment without relying on network connectivity, enhancing operational efficiency for special operators. Initial fielding has begun, with plans for broader deployment through fiscal 2026.

The U.S. Army has cleared the CODiAQ armed quadruped robot for operational test and evaluation, with live fire training scheduled for October 2026. This system, developed by Australian Skyborne Technologies, will be evaluated by U.S. Special Operations Command and a foreign ally. The contract includes 14 systems equipped with 28 modular weapon payloads, emphasizing safety and operational utility in high-risk environments.

The U.S. Army evaluated the Wraith autonomous electronic warfare drone during Exercise Ivy Mass at Fort Carson, Colorado, in May 2026. The drone successfully conducted nearly a dozen autonomous missions, geolocating and identifying radio frequency threats without GPS. This evaluation aimed to enhance the Army's electronic warfare capabilities in environments where GPS is compromised, providing actionable intelligence to ground commanders.

The U.S. Army selected Teledyne FLIR Defense's Rogue 1 loitering munition for its Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program, enabling infantry brigades to engage tanks at over 12 miles. Up to 130 systems will be delivered for testing next summer, enhancing the Army's anti-armor capabilities without requiring vehicle support. The Rogue 1 is designed for use in GPS-denied environments and can be operated by a single soldier.

RENK America developed a drive-by-wire transmission upgrade for the U.S. Army's Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), enabling autonomous operation without vehicle redesign. This upgrade utilizes Forterra's AutoDrive software, allowing the vehicle to function without a human driver. The AMPV, which entered service in 2021, is intended to replace the M113 armored personnel carrier and can potentially enhance other vehicles in the Army's fleet.

US Space Command (SPACECOM) and its allies are finalizing a joint plan for orbital warfare capabilities by the end of the year. This initiative involves collaboration among Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the UK, New Zealand, and the US, focusing on enhancing space operations through exercises and developing counterspace capabilities. Recent successful exercises, including Operation Selene, have laid the groundwork for this military cooperation.

The 101st Airborne and 1st Armored divisions are deploying to the U.S.-Mexico border this summer as part of a troop rotation, with approximately 8,700 active-duty soldiers currently stationed in the region. The deployment includes the replacement of several units and aims to support Joint Task Force-Southern Border. Concerns have been raised about the living conditions for troops and the potential threats from drug cartels in the area.

The U.S. seeks additional funding for the war against Iran, with costs rising to $29 billion. Senior defense officials indicated that operational costs and equipment repairs are driving the increase. Despite a declared ceasefire, limited exchanges of fire continue near the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. maintains plans for potential escalation or retrograde of military operations.

Lockheed Martin successfully completed the Seeker Characterization Flight Test of the QuadStar missile at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, on May 11, 2026. This test validated the missile's seeker performance and Command Launch Assembly functionality, marking a significant milestone in the U.S. Army's next-generation short-range interceptor program. The achievement demonstrates the missile's capabilities to engage unmanned vehicles and aerial threats effectively.

Russian forces conducted extensive drone and artillery attacks against Ukrainian positions from May 9 to 11, 2026, resulting in 180 combat engagements and significant losses for both sides. President Putin claimed the war was nearing its end, despite ongoing military operations and a recent three-day ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Trump. Notably, drones from Russian territory crashed in Latvia, highlighting the conflict's regional implications.

Dmitri VolkovTue May 12 2026Loading...

An Air Force MQ-9 drone downed aerial targets using Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) missiles during a demonstration at the Nevada Test and Training Range. This marks a shift towards more cost-effective defense measures against drones, as APKWS missiles are significantly cheaper than traditional options. General Atomics highlighted the collaboration with the Air Force to enhance the MQ-9's capabilities in countering drone threats.

On February 5, 1958, a B-47 Stratojet from the 375th Bombardment Squadron collided with an F-86 Sabre over Wassaw Sound, Georgia, leading to the release of a Mark 15 thermonuclear bomb into the ocean. Despite a large search operation, the bomb was never recovered and is considered 'irretrievably lost' by the Department of Defense. Concerns remain about the bomb's potential hazards due to its conventional explosives and radioactive materials.

On July 4, 1961, eight engineers entered the K-19 submarine's radioactive reactor to repair a coolant leak off the coast of Greenland. They successfully created a makeshift cooling loop but died within days from radiation poisoning. Over the next two years, a total of 22 crew members succumbed to radiation-related illnesses. The incident highlighted the K-19's troubled history, including multiple breakdowns and accidents during its service.

Paratroopers competed in the inaugural Best Jumpmaster competition at Fort Benning, Georgia, showcasing their skills over three days. The event included a PT test, ruck march, and various jumpmaster skill assessments, culminating in a jump from a Black Hawk helicopter. A team from Fort Benning's Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade won the competition, which is set to become an annual event during Infantry Week.

Paratroopers competed in the inaugural Best Jumpmaster competition at Fort Benning, Georgia, involving 28 jumpmaster-qualified soldiers. The three-day event included various skill tests, culminating in a jump from a Black Hawk helicopter. The winning team was from Fort Benning's Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade, and the competition is set to be an annual event during Infantry Week.

The Coast Guard plans to expand its Deployable Specialized Forces by adding over 650 personnel and establishing a new Special Missions Command in Kearneysville, West Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance operations against drug trafficking, utilizing military-style tactics and coordination. The budget proposal for fiscal year 2027 allocates $80 million for this expansion, reflecting an increased focus on countering drug cartels as terrorist organizations.

The U.S. Air Force operated the B-58 Hustler, its first supersonic bomber, from 1956 to 1970, during which 116 units were built and 26 were lost to accidents. The aircraft set numerous speed and altitude records but was ultimately retired due to high operational costs and an outdated mission profile, never seeing combat. Its design was rendered less effective by advancements in Soviet surface-to-air missile technology.