News &amp; Features (Page 13)

Posted on Jul 20, 2024

Russia may give anti-ship missiles to the Houthis, who carried out their first lethal strike on Israel today.

Intel Says Russia Looking To Arm Houthis With Anti-Ship Missiles: Report Intel Says Russia Looking To Arm Houthis With Anti-Ship Missiles: Report

Posted on Jul 19, 2024

Secret Service agent seen with a Glock 19 MOS without a red dot as part of trump's personal protection detail.

Land

Secret Service’s Lack Of Red Dot Pistol Optics Puzzles SWAT Officers Secret Service’s Lack Of Red Dot Pistol Optics Puzzles SWAT Officers

By Howard Altman, Tyler Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jul 19, 2024

The Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Fitzgerald it participating in the biennial RIMPAC exercise with a new addition to its arsenal, stealthy Naval Strike Missiles.

Sea

Navy Destroyer Modified With Naval Strike Missiles Sailing In RIMPAC Wargames Navy Destroyer Modified With Naval Strike Missiles Sailing In RIMPAC Wargames

Posted on Jul 19, 2024

Satellite imagery shows curious activity, including a cluster of crane barges, at a prominent shipyard in China over a period of several days in June 2024.

Odd Activity At Chinese Submarine Shipyard Draws Interest Odd Activity At Chinese Submarine Shipyard Draws Interest

Posted on Jul 18, 2024

Laser dazzlers could defend tanks from one-way attack drones.

Land

Laser Dazzlers For Defending Tanks Against Marauding Drones Are An Untapped Countermeasure Laser Dazzlers For Defending Tanks Against Marauding Drones Are An Untapped Countermeasure

By Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jul 18, 2024

An active expendable decoy, or AED capability has been tested and integrated on U.S. F-35 stealth fighters, resulting in a decision to field this operationally. The move apparently involves the British-made Leonardo BriteCloud, a small active-radar decoy that we have discussed at length in the past and which promises to enhance the F-35’s ability to defeat various types of air defense system threats.

Air

F-35s Set To Get Missile-Luring Expendable Active Decoys F-35s Set To Get Missile-Luring Expendable Active Decoys

Posted on Jul 18, 2024

The battle for Krynky, a key fishing village in Russian-occupied Kherson Oblast, may soon be over.

Ukraine Situation Report: Bloody Battle For Key Fishing Village May Soon Be Over Ukraine Situation Report: Bloody Battle For Key Fishing Village May Soon Be Over

Posted on Jul 18, 2024

119 F-16C Fighting Falcon 330MP AF Greece Kleine Brogel 2007

Air

Greek F-16C/Ds Lined Up For Ukraine: Report Greek F-16C/Ds Lined Up For Ukraine: Report

Posted on Jul 17, 2024

240416-N-HE057-1516 RED SEA (April 16, 2024) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the "Fighting Swordsmen" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, participates in an airborne change of command ceremony above the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in the Red Sea, April 16. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

Air

F/A-18F Super Hornet Pilot Is First U.S. Female Aviator To Shoot Down An Enemy Aerial Threat F/A-18F Super Hornet Pilot Is First U.S. Female Aviator To Shoot Down An Enemy Aerial Threat

Posted on Jul 17, 2024

The definitive audit of all the weapons dropped by Doug Masters in his F-16 in Iron Eagle.

Air

Iron Eagle: The Definitive Audit Of How Many Weapons Doug Masters Launched From His F-16 Iron Eagle: The Definitive Audit Of How Many Weapons Doug Masters Launched From His F-16

Posted on Jul 17, 2024

Experienced snipers break down how U.S. Secret Service counter-snipers handled the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

Experienced Snipers Break Down The Trump Assassination Attempt Experienced Snipers Break Down The Trump Assassination Attempt

Posted on Jul 16, 2024

New questions have emerged about the future of the F/A-XX Next Generation Fighter program, the budget for which a draft Senate defense bill would slash.

Air

Navy’s F/A-XX Next Generation Fighter Program Would Be Gutted Under Senate Defense Bill Navy’s F/A-XX Next Generation Fighter Program Would Be Gutted Under Senate Defense Bill

Posted on Jul 16, 2024

An EA-18G Growler scored the types first ever air-to-air kill during a recently concluded deployment.

Air

EA-18G Growler Scored Its First Air-To-Air Kill EA-18G Growler Scored Its First Air-To-Air Kill

Posted on Jul 16, 2024

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group expended 770 missiles and other munitions at Houthi targets over the course of a recently concluded nine-month deployment.

Around The Globe

770 Weapons Expended By Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group On Historic Red Sea Deployment 770 Weapons Expended By Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group On Historic Red Sea Deployment

Posted on Jul 16, 2024

In a rare and impressive gathering, every airframe in the U.S. Coast Guard fleet converged at one location on 14 June 2024.

Air

Every Coast Guard Aircraft Type Pictured Together In Rare ‘Family Photo’ Every Coast Guard Aircraft Type Pictured Together In Rare ‘Family Photo’

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Jul 15, 2024

The US Marine Corps is looking at new "buckshot-like" ammunition for its rifles, advanced optics, add-on jammers, and other new counter-drone capabilities for smaller units.

Shotgun Pellet-Like Rifle Ammo, Gun-Mounted Jammers On Marine Anti-Drone Wishlist Shotgun Pellet-Like Rifle Ammo, Gun-Mounted Jammers On Marine Anti-Drone Wishlist

Posted on Jul 15, 2024

Russia has, for the first time, published footage showing what it says is the carriage and launch of the guided, glide version of its huge FAB-3000 aerial bomb — a weapon that weighs over 6,600 pounds in its basic version. The weapon is among the more recently announced additions to the family of UMPK munitions, which add a pop-out wing kit and a guidance package to a range of existing freefall weapons, as you can read more about here.

Air

Russia’s Giant 6,000lb Glide Bomb Seen Launched From Su-34 For First Time Russia’s Giant 6,000lb Glide Bomb Seen Launched From Su-34 For First Time

Posted on Jul 15, 2024

While former President Donald Trump's personal protection detail should be lauded for their actions during an assassination attempt, the fact that an armed man climbed a roof less than 450 feet away with a clear line of site is a failure of Secret Service planning, a former FBI agent told us.

Ex-FBI Agent’s Analysis Of Secret Service’s Actions Surrounding Trump Assassination Attempt Ex-FBI Agent’s Analysis Of Secret Service’s Actions Surrounding Trump Assassination Attempt

Posted on Jul 15, 2024

Former President Donald Trump was injured in a shooting at rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania that is now being investigated as an assassination attempt.

Sniper Killed, Trump Injured After Deadly Shooting At Rally (Updated) Sniper Killed, Trump Injured After Deadly Shooting At Rally (Updated)

Updated on Jul 14, 2024

With one million FPV drones pledged to Ukraine by an international coalition, the need for pilots is only going to increase.

Ukraine’s FPV Drone Obstacle Course Teaches How To Chase Vehicles, Fly Into Windows Ukraine’s FPV Drone Obstacle Course Teaches How To Chase Vehicles, Fly Into Windows

Posted on Jul 13, 2024

Life in an underground shelter during World War II, Paris, March 1940

Bunker Talk

Bunker Talk: Let’s Talk About All The Things We Did And Didn’t Cover This Week Bunker Talk: Let’s Talk About All The Things We Did And Didn’t Cover This Week

Posted on Jul 13, 2024

The U.S., Canada and Finland announced a plan to create an icebreaker shipbuilding program to compete with China and Russia.

Sea

Allied Pact Aims To Close Yawning Icebreaker Gap With Adversaries Allied Pact Aims To Close Yawning Icebreaker Gap With Adversaries

Posted on Jul 12, 2024

F-35 deliveries will resume with a limited TR-3 software load.

Air

F-35 Deliveries Finally Cleared To Resume, New Jets Will Be Limited To Training F-35 Deliveries Finally Cleared To Resume, New Jets Will Be Limited To Training

Posted on Jul 12, 2024

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighter appears to have encountered some kind of problem at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan, forcing an emergency egress by the pilot.

Air

F-35B Pilot Seen Leaping From Jet In Japan F-35B Pilot Seen Leaping From Jet In Japan

Posted on Jul 12, 2024

The US Air Force has revealed that development of a new relatively low-cost stand-off precision-guided munition is for Ukraine.

Air

Air Force’s Cheap And Fast To Produce Long-Range Missile Is Being Built For Ukraine Air Force’s Cheap And Fast To Produce Long-Range Missile Is Being Built For Ukraine

Posted on Jul 12, 2024

Ukraine apparently carried out a long-range drone strike on the Russian Kapustin Yar nuclear missile test site.

Ukraine Situation Report: Russian Strategic Missile Testing Facility Attacked Ukraine Situation Report: Russian Strategic Missile Testing Facility Attacked

Posted on Jul 11, 2024

The Senate Armed Services Committee has directed the US Navy to look at other missile-armed ship options in response to major delays with the Constellation class frigate program.

Sea

Navy To Explore Arming Other Ships With Missiles Amid Constellation Frigate Woes Navy To Explore Arming Other Ships With Missiles Amid Constellation Frigate Woes

Posted on Jul 11, 2024

Russia says it will respond to the United States’ decision to dramatically increase its long-range fire capabilities in Europe starting in 2026. The United States will deploy to Germany a range of advanced ground-launched weapons, including the Typhon (firing both SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles) and “developmental hypersonic weapons” — a reference to the yet-to-be-fielded Dark Eagle.

U.S. Long-Range Missiles Headed To Germany As Arms Race Escalates U.S. Long-Range Missiles Headed To Germany As Arms Race Escalates

Posted on Jul 11, 2024

Northrop Grumman has offer a new and interesting look at its secretive XRQ-73 drone.

Air

Our Best Look Yet At The XRQ-73 Hybrid-Electric Stealthy Flying Wing Drone Our Best Look Yet At The XRQ-73 Hybrid-Electric Stealthy Flying Wing Drone

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jul 10, 2024

Private aerospace firm Metrea has bought France's entire fleet of KC-135 tanker in a major new bet on contractor aerial refueling services.

Air

All Of France’s KC-135 Tankers Bought By Private Aerial Refueling Company Metrea All Of France’s KC-135 Tankers Bought By Private Aerial Refueling Company Metrea

Posted on Jul 10, 2024

There is no official replacement for the F-22 Raptor, says the head of Air Combat Command. That could be another blow to the withering Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.

Air

Air Force Now Says It Has No Official F-22 Raptor Replacement Air Force Now Says It Has No Official F-22 Raptor Replacement

Posted on Jul 10, 2024

AIM-9 Shorads system which could be similar to FrankenSAM.

Around The Globe

Ukraine’s FrankenSAM Air Defense Concept Could Be Used To Protect USAF Bases Ukraine’s FrankenSAM Air Defense Concept Could Be Used To Protect USAF Bases

Posted on Jul 10, 2024

The Senate Armed Services Committee has directed the Pentagon to look into the possibility of transferring retired A-10 Warthog ground attack jets to Jordan.

Air

Surplus A-10 Warthogs Could End Up In The Jordanian Air Force Surplus A-10 Warthogs Could End Up In The Jordanian Air Force

Updated on Jul 10, 2024

The transfer of F-16s from Denmark and The Netherlands to Ukraine is now underway, U.S., Danish and Dutch officials say.

Transfer Of F-16s To Ukraine Is Now Underway Transfer Of F-16s To Ukraine Is Now Underway

Posted on Jul 10, 2024

The latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage features the "Beast" presidential limousine used to transport the President of the United States.

What We Just Learned About The “Beast” Presidential Limousine From Jay Leno’s Garage What We Just Learned About The “Beast” Presidential Limousine From Jay Leno’s Garage

Updated on Jul 10, 2024

Chinese soldiers are taking part in maneuvers in Belarus, adding another new dynamic to the security situation in Eastern Europe, dominated by Russia’s war in Ukraine and the fallout surrounding it. While Belarus has been a staunch ally of Russia it has, more recently, made overtures toward China, with the aim of building closer relations with it, including in the military sphere.

Chinese Troops Begin Drills Along Poland’s Border In Belarus Chinese Troops Begin Drills Along Poland’s Border In Belarus

Updated on Jul 9, 2024

Air Force special operations aviators are now training on AT-802U aircraft ahead of the arrival of their first OA-1K Sky warden light attack planes while questions grow about the program's future.

Air

AT-802U Trainers Arrive To Prepare USAF Aviators For A Murky Light Attack Future AT-802U Trainers Arrive To Prepare USAF Aviators For A Murky Light Attack Future

Posted on Jul 9, 2024

A video has emerged showing a Greek warship knocking out a Houthi drone, in one of the latest such incidents in an ongoing campaign that has been waged by the Iranian-backed rebel group since last November, in the wake of the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. In this encounter, the Greek Navy frigate apparently used its 127mm main gun, reinforcing the utility of these weapons against drones, while the drone itself was seen adjusting its flight altitude to make it harder to intercept.

Sea

Greek Warship Guns-Down Houthi Drone In New Video Greek Warship Guns-Down Houthi Drone In New Video

Posted on Jul 9, 2024

Russia claims Ukraine plotted to steal one of its Tu-22M Backfire bombers.

Air

Ukraine Situation Report: Plot To Steal A Tu-22M3 Backfire Thwarted Russia Claims Ukraine Situation Report: Plot To Steal A Tu-22M3 Backfire Thwarted Russia Claims

Posted on Jul 9, 2024

The Ukrainian Air Force has, apparently for the first time, published a video showing in detail its U.S.-made HAWK surface-to-air missile system. As we have discussed in the past, the missile provides a useful boost to Ukraine’s middle-tier air and missile defense capacity and, according to the Ukrainian Air Force, has scored some notable ‘kills.’

Air

First Inside Look At Ukraine’s HAWK Air Defense Systems First Inside Look At Ukraine’s HAWK Air Defense Systems

Posted on Jul 8, 2024

The first weapon-ready plutonium pit for the future W81-! nuclear warhead has been produced.

Air

Problem Plagued Sentinel ICBM Program Will Press Ahead Despite Nearly Doubling In Cost Problem Plagued Sentinel ICBM Program Will Press Ahead Despite Nearly Doubling In Cost

Posted on Jul 8, 2024

Ukraine’s unorthodox efforts to develop ways of defeating Russian drones have taken an apparent new turn, with the appearance of a light airplane carrying a sharpshooter to intercept uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). At this stage, few details about the concept are available, but it’s notable that the aircraft in question — the Ukrainian-made Aeroprakt A-22 ultralight — is a type that we have seen in the past adapted as one-way attack drone, something you can read more about here.

Air

Ultralight Drone Hunting Planes Now In Use In Ukraine Ultralight Drone Hunting Planes Now In Use In Ukraine

Posted on Jul 8, 2024

The Department of Energy has recieved two new AW139 helicopters specially configured for nuclear detection missions.

Air

AW139 Nuclear Detection Helicopters Join Department Of Energy Fleet, Replace Bell 412s AW139 Nuclear Detection Helicopters Join Department Of Energy Fleet, Replace Bell 412s

Posted on Jul 8, 2024

A C-130J Super Hercules rests on the flightline under a fireworks display, July 3, 2018, at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

Bunker Talk

Bunker Talk: 4th Of July Edition! Bunker Talk: 4th Of July Edition!

Posted on Jul 4, 2024

The Pentagon has made a new announcement about the first forward-deployments of Air Force F-35As and F-15EXs to Japan, as well as changes to the Marine Corps' F-35B force in that country.

Air

USAF F-35As To Be Based In Japan Replacing Wild Weasel F-16s USAF F-35As To Be Based In Japan Replacing Wild Weasel F-16s

Posted on Jul 3, 2024

Ukraine will receive more than $2 billion in additional air defense interceptors for its Patriot and NASAMS systems.

Land

Ukraine Situation Report: $2.2B In New Air Defense Interceptors Coming From U.S. Ukraine Situation Report: $2.2B In New Air Defense Interceptors Coming From U.S.

Posted on Jul 3, 2024

The Navy's Training Air Wing 2 (TAW-2) has hit one million flight hours with the T-45 jet trainer as plans to replace that are have been delayed.

Air

Navy Delays Jet Trainer Replacement As T-45 Wing Hits One Million Flight Hours Navy Delays Jet Trainer Replacement As T-45 Wing Hits One Million Flight Hours

Posted on Jul 3, 2024

In a bizarre turn of events, Chinese-made Wing Loong drones, apparently headed to Libya, have been seized by Italian authorities off the coast of southern Italy. The disassembled drones were in crates that were marked as containing parts for wind turbines, in what seems to have been an effort to evade a United Nations arms embargo imposed on Libya.

Air

Chinese Wing Loong Drones Disguised As Wind Turbines Seized By Italy Chinese Wing Loong Drones Disguised As Wind Turbines Seized By Italy

Posted on Jul 3, 2024

The air-launched version of the hugely versatile SM-6 missile, also known as the RIM-174, has appeared on U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters at the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, the world’s largest international maritime exercise. We now also know the missiles are designated AIM-74B, indicating an air-to-air missile, although, as we have discussed in the past, the weapon also has the potential to strike high-priority ground targets, such as air defense sites, and warships, acting as a quasi-ballistic missile.

Air

AIM-174 Super Hornet-Launched Variant Of SM-6 Missile Breaks Cover In Hawaii (Updated) AIM-174 Super Hornet-Launched Variant Of SM-6 Missile Breaks Cover In Hawaii (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jul 3, 2024

Kratos has developed a new launch trolley that allows its XQ-58 drones to take off from traditional runways.

Air

XQ-58 Valkyrie Can Now Take Off From Runways Thanks To New Launch Trolly System XQ-58 Valkyrie Can Now Take Off From Runways Thanks To New Launch Trolly System

Posted on Jul 3, 2024

Air

New Electronic Warfare Pod Turns Marine MQ-9 Reaper Into “A Black Hole” New Electronic Warfare Pod Turns Marine MQ-9 Reaper Into “A Black Hole”

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jul 3, 2024

USMC’s New ACV Amphibious Assault Vehicles Have Arrived In Japan USMC’s New ACV Amphibious Assault Vehicles Have Arrived In Japan

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Jul 2, 2024

Russia has unveiled a counter-drone interceptor, a single-use drone with an explosive warhead that’s expressly designed to bring down the kinds of Ukrainian uncrewed aerial vehicles that have taken a steady toll of Russian troops and equipment on the battlefield. The Vogan-9SP counter-drone interceptor was developed by Russia’s Red Line company, seemingly a new entrant in the field.

Air

Russia Jumps Into Purpose-Built Drone-Hunting Drone Weapons Space Russia Jumps Into Purpose-Built Drone-Hunting Drone Weapons Space

Posted on Jul 2, 2024

Israeli AH-64 helicopter gunship pilots have provided an extensive account of their operations during the surprise attack on the country by Hamas militants last October 7. Their accounts — provided to the Israeli media — give a rare insight into the Israeli Air Force’s immediate response to the first invasion of Israeli territory since 1948.

Air

Israeli AH-64 Apache Commanders Describe Brutal Reality Of October 7 Missions Israeli AH-64 Apache Commanders Describe Brutal Reality Of October 7 Missions

Posted on Jul 2, 2024

Russian missile strike on airfield in Ukraine.

Land

Ukraine Situation Report: Russia Strikes Airbase In Drone-Directed Missile Attack Ukraine Situation Report: Russia Strikes Airbase In Drone-Directed Missile Attack

Posted on Jul 2, 2024

The US Air Force is taking a second look at the crewed sixth-generation stealth combat jet it is developing under the Next Generation Air Dominance initiative to see where costs could be cut, even at the cost of losing certain capabilities.

Air

Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter’s Future Increasingly Uncertain Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter’s Future Increasingly Uncertain

Posted on Jul 2, 2024

Billionaire Jared Isaacman Is going to fly a Tornado F2A.

Air

Tornado F2 Set To Become Most Advanced Flying Fighter In A Private Individual’s Hands Tornado F2 Set To Become Most Advanced Flying Fighter In A Private Individual’s Hands

Posted on Jul 1, 2024

Anduril and General Atomics have shared new details about progress and challenges, including on production and autonomy issues, as part of the Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.

Air

Construction Of First Collaborative Combat Aircraft Drone Has Begun At General Atomics Construction Of First Collaborative Combat Aircraft Drone Has Begun At General Atomics

Posted on Jul 1, 2024

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle from Royal Air Force Lakenheath's 494th Fighter Squadron returns to formation after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Fairchild Air Force Base's 92nd Aerial Refueling Squadron, over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 2, 2024. The U.S. Air Force is globally postured to protect and defend freedom of coalition allies and regional partners within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to maintain peace and stability across the region.

Air

Flying The F-15E Strike Eagle In Air-To-Air Combat, From Dogfighting To Drone Hunting Flying The F-15E Strike Eagle In Air-To-Air Combat, From Dogfighting To Drone Hunting

Posted on Jul 1, 2024

Piggyback bomber at a Nazi airfield In WWII.

Air

Recalling The Nazis’ Bizarre Piggyback Bombers 80 Years After They Went To War Recalling The Nazis’ Bizarre Piggyback Bombers 80 Years After They Went To War

Posted on Jun 30, 2024

The US Air Force's Air Mobility Command has outlined a critical need to give its fleets new counter-drone defenses they can use wherever they go.

Air

Built-In Counter-Drone Defenses Sought For Air Force Transports, Tankers Built-In Counter-Drone Defenses Sought For Air Force Transports, Tankers

By Eric Tegler, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 29, 2024

An officer of the Swiss Civil defence of the canton of Geneva closes the door of a private concrete nuclear fallout shelter located underneath a residential building in the city of Meyrin near Geneva on March 25, 2022. - Russia's invasion of Ukraine has awakened long-slumbering anxiety interest in Switzerland in concrete nuclear fallout shelters built across the country during the Cold War, with spots available for every single resident. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

Bunker Talk

Bunker Talk: Let’s Talk About All The Things We Did And Didn’t Cover This Week Bunker Talk: Let’s Talk About All The Things We Did And Didn’t Cover This Week

Posted on Jun 29, 2024

A small group of Russian soldiers has held out in a bombed-out building in Vovchansk

Land

Ukraine Situation Report: Besieged Russian Troops Holding Out In Bombed-Out Factory Ukraine Situation Report: Besieged Russian Troops Holding Out In Bombed-Out Factory