Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
U.S. Marines to use Accrete’s Argus AI for information ops
The U.S. Marine Corps awarded a contract to Accrete for the Argus for Cognitive Advantage AI platform, designed to track and analyze narratives across social media and other media in real time. This system enhances information operations by processing large volumes of open-source data, including video content and translations in 243 languages. Accrete's technology aims to counter adversaries using digital channels to shape public perception.
British Media: The U.S. Ammunition Crisis Predated the U.S.-Israel-Iran Conflict
The U.S. military is experiencing significant ammunition shortages due to resource allocation for conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. This situation has been exacerbated by a lack of congressional debate on the implications of reduced stocks and the diversion of military resources. The Trump administration is seeking a $1.5 trillion defense budget to address these challenges, but logistical issues remain unresolved, indicating deeper strategic flaws in U.S. military policy.
It Would Have Cost $50,000,000,000 To Restart the F-22 Raptor ‘Factory’ and $259,000,000 Per Fighter: That Meant No More Can Ever Be Build
In 2016, Congress directed the U.S. Air Force to evaluate the cost of restarting F-22 Raptor production, which was estimated at $50 billion for 194 aircraft. The Air Force ultimately decided against reopening the production line, choosing instead to focus on future aircraft development. This decision was influenced by the operational challenges and costs associated with reviving the outdated F-22 program.
Standing on the Surface of Venus Would Feel Like Standing 3,000 Feet Underwater on Earth, and It Is 870°F
The Soviet Union's Venera program successfully explored Venus, landing multiple probes between 1970 and 1982. These probes faced extreme conditions, including temperatures of 870°F and pressures 92 times that of Earth, requiring innovative engineering solutions. The Venera landers were designed to endure these harsh environments, allowing them to transmit data and images from the surface.
58 Years Ago, the NASA’s X-15 Hit Mach 6.72 and Nearly Melted: It Is Still One of the Greatest Achievements in Military History
On October 3, 1967, the X-15 aircraft achieved a speed of Mach 6.72 over Mud Lake, Nevada, piloted by Major William 'Pete' Knight. This record flight lasted 140 seconds and reached an altitude of 102,100 feet. The X-15 program, a collaboration between the Air Force, Navy, and NACA, involved three aircraft and aimed to achieve hypersonic flight and space penetration. The X-15 remains the fastest crewed, powered airplane ever recorded, with no pilot having flown faster since.
The US Air Force Lost Nearly 10 Percent of Its ‘Irreplaceable’ B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber Force and No More Can Be Built
The U.S. Air Force lost two B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, one in Guam in 2008 and another in Missouri in 2022, reducing the fleet to 19 aircraft. The Spirit of Kansas was destroyed due to sensor failure, while the Spirit of Hawaii was deemed uneconomical to repair after a landing gear failure. The production line for B-2s has been closed since the 1990s, preventing any further construction of these aircraft until the B-21 Raider becomes operational.
The US Air Force B-1B Lancer Bomber Is Fighting In a Stealth and Air Defense World It Was Never Designed For
U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers are actively engaged in air operations against targets in Iran, utilizing stand-off munitions. The bombers have been modified to enhance their payload capacity and integrate hypersonic weapons. Recent deployments include operations from Dyess Air Force Base and Misawa Air Base, with significant contributions to U.S. military efforts in the region.
Space war 2040: SPACECOM preps for attacks on ground segments, eyes cislunar ops
U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM) is preparing for future space warfare by developing operational concepts for 2040, focusing on emerging challenges such as vulnerabilities in ground infrastructure and the significance of cislunar space. The foundational assessment outlines the need for adaptability and innovation in a crowded and contested space environment. This document is part of a trilogy aimed at guiding future military operations in space.
“It Was the Greatest Mistake We Ever Made”: The US Air Force Wanted 132 B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers and Ended Up with Just 21
The U.S. Air Force faced significant cuts to the B-2 Spirit bomber program in the 1990s, reducing planned production from 132 to just 21 aircraft. This decision, influenced by the end of the Cold War, has had lasting effects on U.S. military capabilities. The B-21 Raider program is now being developed to ensure a larger fleet of stealth bombers, with plans for at least 100 units to address current strategic challenges from Russia and China.
The Head of US Indo-Pacific Command Wants 200 B-21 Raider Stealth Bombers in the US Air Force. The Pentagon’s Plan Says 100 But Could Change Fast
Adm. Samuel Paparo of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command advocates for the procurement of 200 B-21 Raider bombers to enhance nuclear deterrence and strike capabilities. The Pentagon's initial plan was to acquire 100 B-21s, but discussions suggest increasing this number to at least 145. The U.S. Air Force has also announced a two-pilot crew configuration for the B-21 to support long-endurance missions.
US Air Force Problem: The A-10 Warthog Needs To Be Allowed to Retire Even If It Performed During the Iran War
Congress introduced the BRRRRT Act, mandating the U.S. Air Force to retain at least 126 A-10 Warthogs through fiscal year 2033, while restoring maintenance and training infrastructure. The A-10's design is deemed obsolete against modern air defense systems, raising concerns about military readiness and budget allocation for future conflicts. The Air Force argues that resources spent on the A-10 could be better used for newer platforms essential for great-power competition.
Kongsberg lands $118m RS4 weapon systems deal for Canada’s ACSVs
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace finalized a $117.8 million agreement with General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada for the supply of Protector RS4 Remote Weapon Systems. This deal underscores the ongoing defense procurement efforts in Canada.
‘Hot competition’: NSA deputy sounds alarm on China threat, AI race
China is actively supporting Iranian forces with geospatial intelligence to target US installations and providing military assistance to Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. The NSA emphasizes the importance of countering these threats and advancing AI capabilities to maintain a strategic advantage. This ongoing situation highlights China's role as a disruptor in global security.
How the Army balances Patriot priorities and approaches Golden Dome
The U.S. Army is expanding its Patriot air-defense force to meet increasing global demand and is developing the Golden Dome missile-defense system. Lt. Gen. John Rafferty, head of the U.S. Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command, provided insights during a recent symposium.
New York Guardsmen worked almost a million hours as prison guards
The New York National Guard mobilized over 8,000 soldiers to serve as prison guards in response to a strike by civilian guards in February 2025. This operation involved airlifting troops from the Bronx to various prisons, costing over $100 million per month at its peak. As of December 31, nearly 3,000 Guardsmen remained on duty, continuing to address staffing shortages in state prisons.
$400,000,000 Up In Smoke: 14 MBT-70 Tanks Were Built. 5 Survive. 1 Was Sold for Scrap With Only the Turret Left
The MBT-70 tank project, a joint U.S.-West German initiative, resulted in 14 prototypes, of which only 5 remain today. The project was aimed at developing a counter to Soviet armored vehicles during the Cold War but faced significant logistical and engineering disagreements, leading to its cancellation. One of the tanks was sold for scrap in 2019, leaving only the turret intact.
The B-1B Lancer Bomber Almost ‘Merged’ With an F-22 Raptor to Become a Mach 2.2 B-1R ‘Arsenal Ship’ the US Air Force Could Surely Use Right Now
Boeing proposed the B-1R project in 2004 to upgrade the B-1B bomber by integrating F-22 engines, aiming for Mach 2.2 speed and enhanced air-to-air capabilities. The project was intended to address the limitations of the aging bomber fleet but was canceled in the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review. A total of 67 B-1B airframes were available for conversion, but the Air Force opted for a new long-range strike aircraft instead.
U.S. Navy wants new variant of ESSM missile
The U.S. Navy is soliciting proposals for a new variant of the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) to improve ship defense capabilities. The sources sought notice was posted on August 20, 2023, with responses due by October 19, 2023. The new missile must fit existing launch systems and address a broader range of threats. Raytheon is the current prime contractor for the ESSM.
U.S. Navy orders EMALS spares while Trump moves fleet toward steam
The U.S. Navy ordered $42.9 million in spare parts from General Atomics for the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) to support existing Ford-class carriers. The contract will be executed across locations in Tupelo, San Diego, Boston, and Lakehurst, with completion expected by April 2034. This order is separate from a recent directive by President Trump to replace EMALS and AAG on the future USS Doris Miller with steam catapults.
U.S. Navy adds $41.5M for Tomahawk warhead production in Alabama
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems has been awarded a $41.57 million contract modification to produce 559 warhead cases and fuzewells for the U.S. Navy's Tactical Tomahawk missile, primarily in Anniston, Alabama. The work is expected to be completed by April 2028 and supports the WDU-36/B warhead, which is part of the missile's land-attack capabilities. This contract is part of a broader effort to increase Tomahawk missile production.
