More from Joseph Trevithick (Page 10)

Chinese drone maker Tengden says it has conducted the first flight of a new cargo drone with a multi-metric-ton cargo capacity.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

Chinese Cargo Drone Capable Of Carrying Two Tons Has Flown

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 12, 2024

Tiny JSX-2 microjets able to act as surrogates for drones and cruise missile threats are supporting the Northern Strike 24-2 exercise.
Air Combat Exercises

Tiny Jets Masquerading As Cruise Missiles Featured In Michigan Airpower Exercise

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 9, 2024

US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets brandishing full loads of nine air-to-air missiles have touched down at a base in Jordan ahead of expected Iranian attacks against Israel.
F/A-18E/F

F/A-18E Super Hornets Fully Loaded With Air-To-Air Missiles Arrive In Jordan

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 9, 2024

France will have sent Ukraine 600 Hammer bombs by the end of the year.
MiG-29

Ukrainian MiG-29’s Special Pylon For Hammer Rocket-Boosted Bombs Emerges

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 8, 2024

Kratos, manufacturer of the XQ-58 Valkyrie, has confirmed that a new version of the drone is in the works that will feature built-in landing gear, which points to a larger derivative possibly with greater performance.
XQ-58

New XQ-58 Valkyrie Variant With Built-In Landing Gear To Fly Soon

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 8, 2024

A drone-hunting rifle-armed robot dog is being demonstrated at a US Army event dubbed Operation Hard Kill.
Machine Guns

Robot Dog With Gun Turret For Hunting Aerial Drones Being Tested By Army

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 7, 2024

A brief video clip of a U.S. Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye linking up with an Air Force HC-130J tanker somewhere over in the Middle East calls attention to how this aircraft has become even more of a force multiplier with the added ability to refuel in flight.
E-2

E-2D Refueling From HC-130 Over Middle East Highlights The Hawkeye’s Potential

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 7, 2024

An already massive hangar in northwestern China is now even bigger after receiving a 300-foot-long extension.
People's Liberation Army Air Force (China)

China’s Gigantic Secretive Blimp Hangar Has Gotten Even Larger

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 6, 2024

The U.S. Navy supercarrier USS Abraham Lincoln is heading toward the Middle East with an air wing that includes EA-18G Growlers equipped with new AN/ALQ-249(V)1 Next Generation Jammer-Mid Band (NGJ-MB) electronic warfare pods.
EA-18G

EA-18G Growlers With New Jamming Pods Onboard Carrier Heading To Middle East

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 6, 2024

The US Air Force says an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship has operated from a highway for the first time as part of the service's larger push to reduce its dependence on traditional runways. This is also comes amid questions about the future of the gunships in future high-end fights.
AC-130

AC-130J Ghostrider Gunship Has Operated From A Highway For The First Time

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 5, 2024

Video clips have emerged showing Chinese maritime special operations forces using multiple types of bird-like drones.
Unmanned

Chinese Sea Dragon Commandos Show Off Drones That Look Just Like Birds

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 3, 2024

More NATO members are now 'read into' top-secret Special Access Programs (SAP) related to the Joint Strike Fighter as part of a broader push to improve information sharing and interoperability.
F-35

More Top Secret F-35 Stealth Fighter Data Given To NATO Members

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 2, 2024

The Army has laid out a requirement for an AIM-120 AMRAAM-like interceptor that is the same general size as an AIM-9X SIdewinder for its Enduring Shield air defense system.
AIM-120 AMRAAM

Army Seeking AIM-9X-Sized Surface-To-Air Missile With AIM-120-Like Range

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 2, 2024

An US Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider gunship recently used its 30mm and 105mm to help sink a decommissioned amphibious warship during an exercise, which comes amid a larger discussion about the relevance of these aircraft in future higher-end operations.
AC-130

AC-130J Ghostrider Hammers Amphibious Warship During Rare Appearance At Sinking Exercise

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 1, 2024

The US Air Force's top officer in Europe has highlighted how kamikaze drones present threats, as well as opportunities, especially for smaller friendly countries that might not be able to afford higher-end capabilities.
Loitering Munitions

Long-Range Kamikaze Drones Offer ‘Cheap’ Strike Opportunities For U.S., Allies: USAF General

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 31, 2024

Ukrainians F-16s will immediately be able to get more out of stocks Western munitions that have already been deliverd, as well as other benefits.
F-16

F-16s Will Let Ukraine Get More Out Of Western Munitions: USAF’s Top Officer In Europe

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 30, 2024

The US Army and US Navy recently "initiated" a test of a hypersonic weapon system, but the US military won't say whether or not it was a success or failure, or even if there was an actual launch at all.
Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW)

Hypersonic Weapon Just Tested In Florida, Results Unclear

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 30, 2024

The US Air Force says a program to explore low cost 'air vehicle' concepts that could be turned into cruise missiles or used for other purposes is as much about shaking up industrial base and supply chain status quos.
U.S. Air Force

Shaking Up U.S. Industrial Base Key To ‘Cheap’ Cruise Missile Program

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 29, 2024

A new picture offering the best look to date at a Ukrainian MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter armed with GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs has disclosed the use of a special pylon with a mysterious feature in front.
MiG-29

First Look At Mystery Weapon Pylon Ukrainian MiG-29s Use To Carry Small Diameter Bombs

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 26, 2024

Lockheed Martin has unveiled a new version of its Sniper targeting pod with added networking capabilities primarily designed to enable new connectivity between fourth-generation fighters and stealthy F-35s, but which also offers the ability to create localized 'kill webs' with various assets in the air and on the ground.
F-16

Networked Sniper Pod Will Let 4th-Generation Fighters Create ‘Kill Webs’ With F-35s

By Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jul 26, 2024

US Special Operations Command has been tasked to lead the so-called "left-of-launch" fight against drones before they can get airborne or maybe are even produced in the first place.
Unmanned

Destroying Drones Before Launch Is Becoming A Major Mission For U.S. Special Operators

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 25, 2024

Chinese H-6-series aircraft have flown off the coast of Alaska for what appears to be the first time in an important show of force along with Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers.
H-6 Bomber

Chinese H-6 Missile Carrier Jets Appear For The First Time Off Alaska (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 25, 2024

The US Army is eyeing adding the SM-6 to its air and missile defense arsenal, in addition to work already being done to field it in the long-range strike role.
U.S. Army

SM-6 Eyed As New Surface-To-Air Interceptor For The Army

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 24, 2024

The ballooning cost of the US Air Force's Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program is one of the drivers behind uncertainly over the future of its sixth-generation combat jet effort, which could evolve into a fully uncrewed platform.
NGAD

Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter Uncertainty Tied To Sentinel ICBM Woes

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 24, 2024

A look at an AIM-174 air-launched version of the SM-6 missile with previously unseen markings under the wing of a Super Hornet aboard the USS Carl Vinson has emerged.
F/A-18E/F

AIM-174 Missile Seen On Super Hornet About To Launch From A Carrier For First Time

By Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 23, 2024

General Atomics has revealed a new fifth member of its Gambit modular drone family that is carrier-capable and that could represent a step forward in a broader naval aviation vision for the United Kingdom and other countries.
Q-9

New Carrier-Based Version Of The Gambit Family Of Combat Drones Is In The Works

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 23, 2024

The US Secret Service is looking to buy new bolt-action sniper rifles.
Sniper Rifles

Secret Service Wants New Sniper Rifles

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 22, 2024

Trump is proposing an Iron Dome air defense system for the US.
Iron Dome

Trump’s Nebulous “Iron Dome” Pledge Actually Reflects Very Real Homeland Threats

By Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jul 22, 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.
U.S. Navy

Navy Destroyer Modified With Naval Strike Missiles Sailing In RIMPAC Wargames

By Joseph Trevithick

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.
China

Odd Activity At Chinese Submarine Shipyard Draws Interest

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 18, 2024

Laser dazzlers could defend tanks from one-way attack drones.
Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (C-UAS)

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

By Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jul 18, 2024

U.S. Navy Super Hornets and U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint spy planes are flying near Venezuela.
F/A-18E/F

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 17, 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.
F-22

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 16, 2024

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

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

By Joseph Trevithick

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 16, 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.
Drones

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 15, 2024

The Army says it hopes to begin fielding a new air and missile defense system based around an 155mm cannon firing hypervelocity projectiles by the end of the decade.
Cannons

Railgun Ammo-Firing Air Defense Artillery Cannon Plans Laid Out By Army

By Joseph Trevithick

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.
U.S. Air Force

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 12, 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.
U.S. Navy

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 11, 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.
KC-135

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

By Joseph Trevithick

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.
A-10

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated 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.
Presidential Transport

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jul 10, 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 Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC)

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 9, 2024

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

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 8, 2024

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

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 8, 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.
F-35A

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

By Joseph Trevithick

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 3, 2024

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

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 3, 2024

The US Army has put out a new request for information for compact sensors for use on high-altitude balloons underscoring its broader vision for using those capabilities in the future.
Airborne Radar

Army’s High-Flying Balloon Surveillance Vision Grows With Call For New Radars, Other Sensors

By Joseph Trevithick

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.
Loyal Wingman

Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter’s Future Increasingly Uncertain

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 2, 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.
Loyal Wingman

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 1, 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 Force One

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

By Eric Tegler, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 29, 2024

The US Army's elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment has been testing Arctic and desert camouflage options on top of a now well-known multi-tone blue scheme.
160th SOAR "Nightstalkers"

160th SOAR Night Stalkers Testing Arctic, Desert Vinyl Camo Wraps As Global Missions Evolve

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 28, 2024

A video has emerged showing a Ukrainian MiG-29 toss-bombing a munition, a critical tactic that helps limit the exposure of the launching platform to enemy defenses.
MiG-29

Watch A Ukrainian MiG-29 Toss A Bomb Across The Front Lines

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 28, 2024

Leonardo's AW609 tiltrotor has completed a series of shipboard trials aboard the Italian carrier ITS Cavour, a major milestone in the aircraft's development.
Future Vertical Lift

AW609 Tiltrotor Has Flown From Italy’s Aircraft Carrier Cavour

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 26, 2024

Congress is pressing ahead with legislation that would compel the Air Force to restore nuclear capability to its entire fleet of B-52 bombers after the likely sunset of an armed control deal with Russia.
B-52

What It Will Take To Make The Entire B-52 Fleet Nuclear-Capable

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jun 26, 2024

The Ohio class nuclear ballistic missile submarine USS Tennessee, the Ticonderoga class cruiser USS Normandy, an E-6B Mercury 'doomsday plane,' and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft recently took part in an unusual show of force in the Norwegian Sea.
P-8

U.S. Ballistic Missile Submarine, ‘Doomsday Plane’ Take Part In Rare Show Of Force Off Norway

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 25, 2024

A secretive stealthy drone being developed under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft (SHEPARD) Demonstration program has now been designated the XRQ-73.
Stealth

Shadowy XRQ-73 Hybrid-Electric Stealthy Flying Wing Drone Emerges

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 24, 2024

Ukraine is set to be the first to use a U.S.-made 105mm "soft-recoil" howitzer in combat, which could have impacts outside of that conflict.
Cannons

Humvee-Mounted Low-Recoil 105mm Howitzer To Make Combat Debut In Ukraine

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 24, 2024

A mysterious array of what looks like 16 hemispherical structures has emerged in Ukraine without immediate explanation.
Land-Based Electronic Warfare

What Is This Mystery Row Of Spheres In A Ukrainian Field?

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 22, 2024

Satellite imagery has offered even clearer looks at Northrop Grumman's Manta Ray submersible drone.
U.S. Homeland

Huge Manta Ray Underwater Drone Looks Like A Docked Star Wars Spaceship

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 21, 2024

A claim has emerged that Russia has begun using 3,000-kilogram (6,600-pound) class FAB-3000 M54 bombs with pop-out wing kits against targets in Ukraine.
Tu-22

Is This Our First Look At Russia’s New Monster Glide Bomb Striking Ukraine?

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 21, 2024

MH-6s belonging to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment are now flying with a multi-tone blue camouflage scheme that looks intended primarily for use in maritime operations.
160th SOAR "Nightstalkers"

Blue Camouflage MH-6 Little Birds Point To Night Stalkers’ Pacific Pivot

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 20, 2024

The US government has approved potential sales of Switchblade 300 and ALTIUS 600M loitering munitions to Taiwan.
Loitering Munitions

Sale Of Over 1,000 Kamikaze Drones To Taiwan Points To Grand “Hellscape” Counter-China Plans

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 19, 2024