--- title: "Bunker Talk: Let’s Chat About All The Stories We Did And Didn’t Report On This Week" description: "We can talk about submarine screws, A-12 spy plane modifications, geopolitics, space tankers, strategy—you know, no big whoop." date: "2019-02-01" modified: "2019-02-01" authors: - name: "Tyler Rogoway" job_title: "Editor-in-Chief" link: "https://www.twz.com/authors/tyler-rogoway.md" url: "https://www.twz.com/26296/bunker-talk-lets-chat-about-all-the-stories-we-did-and-didnt-report-on-this-week-7" categories: - "Bunker Talk" - "News & Features" tags: - "BSing" - "Bunker Talk" - "Off Topic" - "Open Forum" - "Open Thread" - "Weekend Chat" --- # Bunker Talk: Let’s Chat About All The Stories We Did And Didn’t Report On This Week ![]() *www.twz.com* This week, the annual Director of Operational Test and Evaluation's report hit and we got an updated view of how some of the military's [highest profile weapons programs]() are [developing](). We also talked a bit about the A-12 spy plane's little known potential as [a clandestine space launch system](). We were also able to offer an [update on the Navy's FFG(X)]() next generation frigate program as well as how the service plans to reorganize some of its assets into an [experimental surface combatant squadron](). There was also [some puzzling words]() from the USAF's head honcho to dissect and a [look into the bowels]() of a Russian *Akula* class nuclear fast attack submarine. We even got to take a rare look at some [modernized submarine propulsion technology](), among other stories. Still, there were many subjects we didn't get to. But it's not too late. Welcome to Bunker Talk! This is a weekend open discussion post for the best commenting crew on the net, in which we can chat about all the stuff that went on this week that we didn't get to. In other words, literally an off-topic thread. We can all discuss this Malaysian Hornet pilot's sweet gear: https://twitter.com/_/status/1091330243955179520 Or what about this nice chart showing the USMC's future rifle squad design: https://twitter.com/_/status/1091064714728226816 Then there is this special D-Day anniversary paint job on one of RAF Lakenheath's Mud Hens: https://twitter.com/_/status/1090980575551332353 https://twitter.com/_/status/1090965118177984513 Also take look at what's hanging out behind this Libyan MiG-23 pilot in Misrata—a KC-130T!: https://twitter.com/_/status/1090937520878161920 Here's a nice look through the helmet mounted display on a Turkish T129 attack chopper: https://twitter.com/_/status/1089293541623414785 This week also saw the first ground run of the SB\>1 Defiant: https://twitter.com/_/status/1090978208206540800 Or forget all this military crap and just take in this sick Terminator theme cover: https://youtube.com/embed/eIRQQjVYQ78 Once again, this is an entirely open exercise, so let's enjoy some pointed debate and have some laughs. Let's get after it! *Contact the author: Tyler@thedrive.com* ## Author Tyler’s passion is the study of military technology, strategy, as well as foreign policy, and he has fostered a dominant voice on those topics in the defense and national security space. Tyler was the creator of the hugely popular defense site *Foxtrot Alpha* before developing *TWZ*, which he continues to lead as the Editor-In-Chief to this day. ### Author social links [Twitter]()