Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army officially changed the title of culinary specialists to tactical field feeding specialists during a ceremony at Fort Lee, Virginia, in late October 2023. This change reflects the Army's focus on preparing soldiers for large-scale combat operations, emphasizing the importance of battlefield logistics in food preparation. The new title aims to better capture the operational role of these soldiers in sustaining warfighters.

USS Enterprise (CVN-65) was towed from Newport News to Mobile, Alabama, on November 2, 2026, for dismantling by NorthStar Maritime. The total cost for its inactivation and scrapping is approximately $1.43 billion, with completion expected by September 2030. This marks the end of the carrier's long service history as the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy.

The Northrop YF-23, developed as a competitor to the F-22 Raptor, first flew on August 27, 1990. It was considered by some experts to have superior performance, including stealth and supersonic cruise capabilities. Two prototypes were built, and both are currently displayed in museums at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Torrance, California.

The U.S. Navy's Iowa-Class battleships, designed with up to 17 inches of armor and four engineering plants, exemplify robust naval warfare principles. They were armed with nine 16-inch guns and various missiles, contrasting sharply with modern destroyers, which are criticized for their lighter, less armored construction. Historical references highlight the evolution of naval combat and the importance of offensive capabilities.

Saudi Arabian forces intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile aimed at the Medina area on November 5, 2026. The missile was launched towards the region, prompting air defense alerts in Yanbu. No casualties or damages were reported from the interception, which underscores the ongoing military tensions between Saudi Arabia and Houthi militants.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Nov 06 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army awarded a $609 million contract to Amentum Services on Nov. 5, 2026, to supply 500 full-time-equivalent workers for its depots, primarily at Red River Army Depot in Texas. This contract aims to address workforce shortages following an 18% reduction in personnel at key depots since fiscal 2021. The contract will support operations related to tactical vehicles and drone components, with a performance period extending until Nov. 12, 2031.

Shield AI announced its acquisition of Echodyne for $5.3 billion to enhance its drone-warfare capabilities. The acquisition includes Echodyne's advanced radar systems, which are crucial for counter-drone technology. This move aligns with the growing demand for such technologies, particularly highlighted by recent conflicts. The acquisition is expected to support military forces over the next 36 months.

Sgts. Aaron Turner and Michael Boron were awarded the Soldier’s Medal for their bravery in subduing an active shooter at Fort Stewart, Georgia, on August 5, 2025. The incident resulted in four soldiers and one civilian being wounded. Following the shooting, the Army charged the shooter, Sgt. Quornelius Radford, with multiple offenses, leading to his conviction and sentencing to six life sentences. Six additional soldiers were recognized for their life-saving actions during the crisis.

The Pentagon authorized the National Guard to enhance law enforcement support in Washington, D.C., by deploying additional equipment including 60 marked patrol cars and Humvees. As of October 29, 2023, 3,084 Guardsmen are assigned to assist local law enforcement, particularly in operations around Anacostia Park. The Guardsmen are restricted from making arrests but can temporarily detain individuals while local law enforcement is notified.

The Russian Navy accepted the final Improved Kilo-II-class submarine, Yakutsk, into service with the Pacific Fleet in June 2025. These submarines displace 3,950 tons submerged and can dive to 980 feet, equipped with 18 torpedoes or four Kalibr cruise missiles. They have been actively used in military operations, including attacks against Islamic State targets in Syria and Ukraine.

The Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Houthi forces towards the Medina region on the 5th. This action was confirmed by coalition spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki, with no immediate response from the Houthi side.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53K helicopter airlifted a U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk from a mountainside in California's Sierra Nevada in late September. The MH-60S had made a hard landing at 10,000 feet but was undamaged. The CH-53K, the only aircraft capable of this recovery, used a special rigging setup to ensure the Seahawk remained intact during the lift.

Two U.S. airmen died in non-hostile incidents last week, raising American fatalities in the Iran conflict to 23. One airman died in the U.S. Central Command area, while the other died in the United States. Their deaths are classified as non-combat related, with one under investigation. The Pentagon has categorized these incidents under Overseas Operations.

An Army Black Hawk helicopter narrowly avoided fireworks during a flyover at an NFL game in Seattle on November 2. The crew and aircraft were unharmed, with no reported injuries or damage. The incident has raised safety concerns regarding military flyovers at public events, highlighting the need for better coordination.

U.S. Army soldiers conducted training with the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) on November 2 near Fort Hancock, Texas, as part of counter-drone operations against cartel-linked drones. The 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division operated the system mounted on an Infantry Squad Vehicle. The AMP-HEL has been effective in downing drones, with a reported 15 takedowns in a recent 30-day period.

Joint Task Force-Southern Border tested the upgraded Bumblebee Version 2 interceptor drones near Chaparral, New Mexico, on October 21. The drones are designed to disable hostile drones by ramming them, enhancing border security under Operation Ardent Vanguard. The military reported significant drone activity in the area, primarily related to reconnaissance for human trafficking.

U.S. Army soldiers tested the Anduril-built Heimdal Mobile Trailer Kit near Chaparral, New Mexico, on October 21, 2025, as part of efforts to intercept illegal drone flights at the southern border. The system integrates radar and thermal cameras to enhance drone detection capabilities. In the preceding month, the Joint Task Force-Southern Border recorded significant drone activity, including 378 detections and one captured drone.

The Russian Navy's Akula-class submarines were developed to track and potentially engage US Ohio-class submarines during the Cold War. Only 15 of the planned 25 were completed, with advanced technology like the SOKS wake detection system enhancing their stealth capabilities. Notably, an Akula-class submarine reportedly tracked an Ohio-class submarine in 1996, highlighting its operational effectiveness. Today, 3-4 Akula-class submarines remain in service.

The U.S. military is beginning to adopt unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) following Ukraine's lead, with over $115 million committed for UGV projects in fiscal 2026. Ukraine has ordered more than 22,000 UGVs for logistics and combat roles. The U.S. Marine Corps is developing UGVs for naval strike missions, while the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment is acquiring IBEX UGVs for logistics and counter-UAV defense.

The U.S. Marine Corps and Navy will conduct a technology demonstration for battlefield cargo drones in Huntsville, Alabama, from January 25 to February 5, 2027. This event will showcase the Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS), which aims to enhance logistics support for small units. The drones will perform multiple flights, demonstrating their ability to transport payloads autonomously under various conditions.