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Giant Uncrewed Submarine Put Forward By Chinese Shipbuilder, Possibly Linked To Existing Design

Giant Uncrewed Submarine Put Forward By Chinese Shipbuilder, Possibly Linked To Existing Design

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Nov 14, 2024
The General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) Gray Eagle STOL drone has undertaken its first experimental operations from a warship, taking off from the deck of the South Korean amphibious assault ship Dokdo. Gray Eagle STOL — which we have discussed in depth in the past — incorporates technology first demonstrated on the company’s Mojave, which was specifically developed with the ability to perform short takeoffs and landings, including from rough fields, with minimal support. The latest development adds to the aviation-capable warships that the wider family of Q-1 lineage drones have now operated from.

Gray Eagle STOL Drone Flies From South Korean Amphibious Assault Ship

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Nov 13, 2024
The W5000, the world's largest unmanned cargo plane, is shown at The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, China, on November 12, 2024.

China’s New W5000 Cargo Drone Is The Biggest Yet

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Nov 12, 2024
Chinese Hypersonic Boost-Glide Vehicle Concept That Launches Its Own Weapons Emerges

Chinese Hypersonic Boost-Glide Vehicle Concept That Launches Its Own Weapons Emerges

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Nov 11, 2024
Clearer views of a new Chinese trimaran uncrewed surface vessel (USV) have emerged, highlighting a number of interesting low-observable (stealthy) and other features.

China’s New Stealthy Trimaran Drone Ship: Our Best Look Yet (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick
Updated on Nov 9, 2024
The curious North Korean Type 73 machine gun is getting new attention as a result of the Hermit Kingdom's expanding support for Russia's war in Ukraine, which now includes the deployment of thousands of troops.

North Korea’s Wacky Type 73 Machine Guns May Be Entering The Fight In Ukraine

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Nov 9, 2024
Massive Chinese Anti-Drone High-Power Microwave Weapon Emerges

Massive Chinese Anti-Drone High-Power Microwave Weapon Emerges

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Nov 7, 2024
A new large jet-powered Chinese armed drone said to have a 10-ton maximum takeoff weight, or a mockup thereof, has emerged, and the design looks to be at least configurable to be a swarm mothership.

New Heavyweight Chinese Jet Drone Looks To Be A Swarm Mothership

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Nov 6, 2024
J-15T fighter jet arrives in Zhuhai ahead of the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China 2024, on November 6, 2024 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province of China. The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition will be held in Zhuhai from November 12 to 17.

China’s J-15T Enhanced Carrier-Based Flanker Officially Unveiled

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Nov 6, 2024
China’s J-35A Stealth Fighter Officially Breaks Cover

China’s J-35A Stealth Fighter Officially Breaks Cover

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway
Updated on Nov 5, 2024
North Korea has tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that it claims is its longest-ranged so far. The announcement of the test of the Hwasong-19 comes amid large-scale U.S.-South Korean military maneuvers during which their aircraft have bombed mock-ups of North Korean ballistic missile launchers.

North Korea’s New ICBM May Have Biggest Transporter-Erector-Launcher We’ve Ever Seen

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Nov 1, 2024
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy, or PLAN has for the first time conducted dual-carrier operations in the South China Sea. The drills, involving the country’s first two in-service carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, as well as at least 11 other vessels, also showcased the PLAN’s fast-growing air wing, with a flyby conducted by a dozen J-15 carrier-based multirole fighters. While clearly engineered for public consumption, the photo opportunity also points to the very rapid progress made by the PLAN in developing its aircraft carrier and wider blue-water capabilities.

Two New Versions Of China’s J-15 Carrier Fighter Now Appear To Be Operational

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Oct 31, 2024
Taiwan is lining up to become the next customer for the combat-proven National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System or NASAMS air defense system, after the United States approved its sale to the country.

Battle-Proven NASAMS Air Defense Systems Approved For Taiwan

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Oct 30, 2024
NK Troops Ukraine

North Korea Gaining Modern Combat Experience Fighting Ukraine Is A Big Problem

By Tyler Rogoway
Posted on Oct 29, 2024
New imagery of Taiwan’s homegrown Huilong uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) reveals new details, including a pair of apparent tornedo tubes, indicating a possible combat capability. At this stage, it seems the submarine is intended as a testbed, rather than for a combat role, but the development does point to the growing ambitions of the Taiwanese Navy in terms of underwater warfare.

Our Best Look At Taiwan’s New Uncrewed ‘Smart Dragon’ Submarine

By Thomas Newdick
Updated on Oct 29, 2024
We have now gotten our first look at the Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous undersea vehicle (XL-AUV) underwater thanks to the Autonomous Warrior 2024 maritime autonomous capabilities demonstration in Australia.

Our First Look At The Ghost Shark Uncrewed Submarine Underwater

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Oct 25, 2024
Mirage 2000 for ukraine

French Mirage 2000s Destined For Ukraine Will Fly With Storm Shadow, MICA Missiles

By Howard Altman
Posted on Oct 23, 2024
NK special operations Russia

North Korean Troops In Russia Finally Confirmed By NATO, U.S.

By Howard Altman
Posted on Oct 23, 2024
South Korea may send advisors and weapons to Ukraine in response to North Korea's troop deployment to Russia.

South Korea Could Send Advisors, Weapons To Ukraine Over North Korean Troop Movements

By Howard Altman
Updated on Oct 22, 2024
BF-19, Lt Cdr Nicholas Baker RN, Flight 633, Test 808, Arrival JS KAGA for beginning of DT Sea Trails, 20 October 2024

Japan Expands Carrier Capabilities With F-35B, Drones Could Be Next

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Oct 22, 2024
Satellite view of the island of Guam plus Mk 41 VLS from Aegis Ashore air defense system.

Our First Look At Land-Based Aegis Missile Defense System In Guam

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway
Posted on Oct 21, 2024
A B-2 Spirit from the 509th Bomb Wing, 13th Bomb Squadron Whiteman Air Force Base, Miss., prepares to be refueled by a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 434th Air Refueling Wing at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind. during a nighttime aerial refueling mission.

Questions Linger Over Australia’s Role In B-2 Spirit Strikes On Yemen

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Oct 18, 2024
South Korean intelligence has offered a new assessment about North Korea's military presence in Ruussia.

South Korea Intelligence Offers Assessment Of North Korean Troops Fighting For Russia (Updated)

By Howard Altman
Posted on Oct 18, 2024
Thousands of North Korean troops are training to help Russia fight Ukraine.

Thousands Of North Korean Troops To Help Russia Fight Ukraine: Reports

By Howard Altman
Posted on Oct 15, 2024
China has revealed a new tiltrotor drone concept, the Zhang Ying UR6000, that has clear military potential, despite initially being pitched for civilian missions.

China’s Large Tiltrotor Drone Breaks Cover

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Oct 15, 2024
Trash-carrying balloons launched across the border by North Korea are seen floating in the sky above Seoul on October 4, 2024. Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in years, with Pyongyang ramping up weapons tests and bombarding the South with balloons carrying rubbish, and Seoul suspending a military deal and resuming propaganda broadcasts in response.

North Korea Sending GPS-Equipped Balloons Across The Border

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Oct 14, 2024
USS Chosen VLS resupply at sea test off San Diego.

Navy Just Reloaded A Vertical Launch System For The First Time While Underway At Sea

By Tyler Rogoway
Updated on Oct 12, 2024
North Korea accused South Korea on Friday of sending drones to scatter a "huge number" of anti-North leaflets over its capital Pyongyang, in what it called a political and military provocation that could lead to armed conflict.

Drones Penetrate North Korean Air Defenses To Drop Propaganda Leaflets On Pyongyang

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Oct 11, 2024
A TV screen shows an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a ceremony on September 6 to celebrate the launch of a newly built "tactical nuclear attack submarine" during a news program at the Yongsanl Railway Station. North Korea has launched a newly built "tactical nuclear attack submarine" capable of carrying out an underwater nuclear attack, with leader Kim Jong Un vowing to "further strengthen the state nuclear deterrence," the North's state media said on September 8. (

Signs Point To North Korea Building A Nuclear-Powered Submarine: South Korean Intel

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Oct 9, 2024
Popping China's Anti-access bubble with the AIM-174

How The Navy’s New Very Long-Range AIM-174 Missile Could Pierce China’s Anti-Access Bubble

By Tyler Rogoway
Posted on Oct 3, 2024
The mysterious incident at China’s Wuchang Shipyard in the spring of this year resulted in the sinking of the country’s latest nuclear-powered attack submarine, according to U.S. officials.

China’s New Nuclear Submarine Sank During Mysterious Incident In Wuhan: Report

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Sep 26, 2024
For the first time in more than four decades, China has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) out in the Western Pacific, ostensibly for training purposes.

First Chinese ICBM Test Into The Pacific In Decades Is A Big Deal (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Sep 25, 2024
China's sole aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, arrives in Hong Kong waters on July 7, 2017, less than a week after a high-profile visit by president Xi Jinping. - China's national defence ministry had said the Liaoning, named after a northeastern Chinese province, was part of a flotilla on a "routine training mission" and would make a port of call in the former British colony.

All Three Chinese Aircraft Carriers Were At Sea For The First Time

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Sep 23, 2024
Collins Aerospace has put forward a vision for what a high-end air combat engagement between the U.S. and Chinese armed forces, with the American side employing crewed fighters and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone wingmen, could look like in the future.

What American Fighters And Their Drone Wingmen Fighting Chinese Jets Might Look Like

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Sep 20, 2024
The U.S. Air Force has no plans to acquire stealthy uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV) capable of operating with very high degrees of autonomy independently of crewed aircraft, at least in the near term publicly, despite surging Chinese developments in this domain.

No Flying Wing UCAVs Being Developed By U.S. Air Force While China Surges Ahead

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Sep 17, 2024
MQ-9 showcases capabilities to Joint Force during first-time Valiant Shield participation.

MQ-9 Reapers Gathered In Florida, Simulated Fighting Over South China Sea

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Sep 13, 2024
BAE Systems has launched its new uncrewed ground vehicle, or UGV, the Autonomous Tactical Light Armor System (ATLAS) Collaborative Combat Variant (CCV), a roughly 11-ton 8x8 vehicle that’s being pitched as a “combat wingman” with the potential for a high degree of autonomy. The powerfully armed vehicle is the latest addition to a growing number of UGVs that are designed to provide more flexibility to ground forces’ commanders, primarily by reducing the risks that personnel are exposed to on the battlefield.

ATLAS Uncrewed “Combat Wingman” Fighting Vehicle Unveiled

By Thomas Newdick
Updated on Sep 12, 2024
China has offered a new and closer look at the catapults on its newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian. We also now have what appears to be the first look inside the retractable enclosed control station built into the flight deck that catapult officers on the ship will use to launch planes.

New Chinese Aircraft Carrier’s Catapult Control ‘Bubble’ Looks Very Familiar

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Sep 11, 2024
It’s the turn of the Royal Australian Navy to provide us with a spectacular view of airborne infrared countermeasures in action, with a recent video showing a demonstration by one of its MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission maritime helicopters. In the past, TWZ has taken examined some remarkable air-launched countermeasures action, including extreme close-ups, mass drops, airshow routines, and flare ‘dumps’ from heavyweight transports. This may be the first time we’ve seen a helicopter perform this kind of pyrotechnical feat so close to a warship.

Australian MH-60R Helicopter Executes Stunning Flare Dump Off Stern Of Destroyer

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Sep 10, 2024
We have just gotten our clearest view so far of a Chinese J-20 stealth fighter powered by the definitive WS-15 domestically produced engines. While the appearance of the photo at this point raises a number of questions, it’s meanwhile clear that the significant shortcoming of the J-20 — its powerplant — appears to have now been addressed.

Our Best Look Yet At China’s J-20A Fighter With WS-15 Engines 

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Sep 9, 2024
Satellite imagery and videos offer new evidence of a surge in the development of the stealthy flying-wing uncrewed combat air vehicles in China, especially with regard to the GJ-11 Sharp Sword.

Chinese Flying Wing UCAV Testing Accelerating Based On Satellite Imagery, Videos

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Sep 5, 2024
AC-130

The Future Of The AC-130 Gunship: Evolve Or Die

By Tyler Rogoway
Updated on Aug 31, 2024
Alternatively known as the Y-9LG, the Y-8GX-12 is another ECM version based on the Y-8 Category III Platform. It was first identified in satellite imagery in late 2017. Surprisingly, considering its assumed role, the Y-8GX-12 has a ‘balance beam’ radar antenna above its fuselage, as found on the KJ-200 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. It is believed, however, that the radar aboard the Y-8GX-12 is instead used for long-range jamming, using its powerful electronically scanned radar beams to suppress enemy radar signals.

Our Best Look Yet At China’s New Standoff Electronic Warfare Plane

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Aug 30, 2024
India has reportedly introduced to service its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, or SSBN, INS Arighat, marking a significant development in the country’s burgeoning strategic nuclear capability. The new submarine, armed with indigenously developed ballistic missiles, is understood to incorporate improvements over its predecessor, although India’s SSBN fleet, and its nuclear forces in general, continue to be hugely outstripped by those of China, its main strategic rival.

India’s Improved Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarine Enters Service

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Aug 29, 2024
The U.S. Coast Guard's heavy icebreaker USCGC Polar Star has returned to its home port of Seattle, Washington, after a major service life-extending overhaul – and not a moment too soon.

U.S. Coast Guard Has A Working Heavy Icebreaker Again

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Aug 29, 2024
A new photo has emerged of China’s mysterious stealthy Chinese corvette or light frigate, an intriguing design, with apparent low-observable features, which you can read more about here. In fact, the latest photo raises more questions than it answers, in particular the presumed HQ-10 surface-to-air missile launcher at the rear of the vessel apparently being something else entirely.

Our Best Look At China’s Stealthy Experimental Corvette

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Aug 28, 2024
Thailand looks to have provided the Saab Gripen E/F program with a major vote of confidence, with reports that its air force has selected the Swedish-made jet as its next fighter. While the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) already operates earlier Gripen C/D aircraft, the Gripen E/F brings with it significant advances in capability, the extent of which make it almost an entirely new aircraft compared to its predecessor.

Thailand Chooses Gripen E/F As Its New Fighter

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Aug 27, 2024
Japan reports that a Chinese Y-9Z surveillance aircraft violated its airspace in what it says is the first time such an incident has taken place.

Chinese Electronic Intelligence Plane Makes Unprecedented Incursion Into Japanese Airspace

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Aug 26, 2024
North Korea has revealed two new kamikaze drones that look to be virtual copies, at least externally, of the Israeli-made Harop and Hero-400.

North Korea Unveils Clones of Israeli Kamikaze Drones

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Aug 26, 2024
The War Zone has learned new details about the Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous undersea vehicle in an interview with Dr. Shane Arnott, Senior Vice President for Engineering at Anduril and the company's maritime lead.

Everything We Just Learned About The Ghost Shark Uncrewed Submarine

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Aug 23, 2024
Laser Weapon on type 071.

Laser Weapon Appears On Chinese Amphibious Assault Ship

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Aug 19, 2024
Next summer, U.S. Air Force units will deploy from bases in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and elsewhere across the United States to forward locations in the Western Pacific as part of a massive new air combat exercise.

Air Force Units Will Flood The Western Pacific In Huge New Airpower Exercise Next Summer

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Aug 19, 2024
A major fire, which may still be ongoing, has reportedly broken out on the former Soviet Kiev class aircraft carrier Minsk, which has been rotting away in a man-made lagoon just off a stretch of the Yangtze River in China for years now.

Soviet Aircraft Carrier Turned Failed Chinese Tourist Attraction Is On Fire (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick
Updated on Aug 17, 2024
A Cessna Model 208B Grand Caravan converted into a cargo drone was among the participants in a recently concluded U.S. Air Force-led large force air combat exercise focused on preparing for a potential future conflict with China.

Cessna Caravan Turned Into Cargo Drone Tested At China-Focused Airpower Exercise

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Aug 16, 2024
Secretive ultra-quiet special operations drones, now designated RQ-29s, that have been operating in the Middle East for years might now be headed for the Pacific.

Super Quiet Special Operations Drones May Migrate To Pacific Theater

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Aug 14, 2024
The legendary Martin Mars flying boat Hawaii Mars has made a spectacular final flight, taking it from its long-time home on Sproat Lake in British Columbia, Canada, to see out its retirement in a museum in the same state. Originally developed for the U.S. Navy and the war in the Pacific, the huge aircraft found a niche as a water bomber with Coulson Aviation but had not flown in this role since 2015.

Giant Hawaii Mars Flying Boat Made Its Final Glorious Flight

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Aug 12, 2024
Chinese drone maker Tengden says it has conducted the first flight of a new cargo drone with a multi-metric-ton cargo capacity.

Chinese Cargo Drone Capable Of Carrying Two Tons Has Flown

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Aug 12, 2024
Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 92nd Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, fly alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron over the western United States during Exercise Bamboo Eagle 24-3, Aug. 5, 2024. Through employment of the KC-135 aircraft, the 91st ARS extends U.S. global power and global reach by planning and executing aerial refueling missions for U.S. and allied combat and support aircraft. During Bamboo Eagle, Air Mobility Command assets will support warfighters implementing all-domain combat-power generation from disaggregated basing locations throughout the western part of the U.S., along with distributed command and control, agile logistics, and tactical air-to-air refueling. Bamboo Eagle provides participating units opportunities to reoptimizing for Great Power competition and to focus on mission readiness by to deliver cross-functional and lethal combat capabilities with the speed and agility required to meet pacing challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook)

Massive China-Focused Air Combat Exercise Underway Off California Coast

By Thomas Newdick
Posted on Aug 9, 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-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.

China’s Gigantic Secretive Blimp Hangar Has Gotten Even Larger

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Aug 6, 2024
Video clips have emerged showing Chinese maritime special operations forces using multiple types of bird-like drones.

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

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Aug 3, 2024
The Air Force Special Operations Command has released its report on the cause of the crash of a CV-22 Osprey off the coast of Japan last November, which killed eight crew. The accident investigation attributes the mishap to a catastrophic failure of one of the tiltrotor’s gearboxes and also points to decisions made by the pilot as a significant contributing factor. The crash had already led to all V-22s across the U.S. Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy being grounded for more than three months, an order that was lifted in March.

CV-22 Osprey Crash In Japan Was Caused By Gearbox Failure

By Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman
Posted on Aug 1, 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-130J Ghostrider Hammers Amphibious Warship During Rare Appearance At Sinking Exercise

By Joseph Trevithick
Posted on Aug 1, 2024
North Korean NLOS missile vehicle in Ukraine

North Korean Anti-Tank Missile-Toting Vehicle Appears To Be Operating In Ukraine

By Howard Altman
Posted on Jul 30, 2024