News &amp; Features (Page 17)

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

Posted on Jun 29, 2024

Land

Ukraine May Have Lost An M270 MLRS For The First Time Ukraine May Have Lost An M270 MLRS For The First Time

Posted on Jun 28, 2024

The Russian Navy’s first new Project 23550 combat icebreaker has made an important step toward service entry. The Unusually for an icebreaker, the Ivan Papanin is armed, with the option to further increase its firepower in the future, a reflection of Russia’s preparations for a potential future confrontations in the increasingly strategic Arctic region.

Russian’s New Combat Icebreaker Starts Sea Trials Russian’s New Combat Icebreaker Starts Sea Trials

Posted on Jun 28, 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.

Air

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

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.

Air

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

Posted on Jun 28, 2024

North Korea says it has successfully tested a ballistic missile fitted with a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) payload — one that contains several warheads, each capable of hitting a different target. Meanwhile, South Korea claims that the test was a failure. Whether successful or not, the emergence of MIRV technologies is another indicator of North Korea’s rapidly developing strategic arsenal, which is growing in size and capabilities despite sanctions.

Conflicting Claims Surround North Korea’s Test Of Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle Conflicting Claims Surround North Korea’s Test Of Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle

Posted on Jun 27, 2024

M10 Booker's story and its intended use.

The Army’s New M10 Booker: Deploy Fast And Carry A Big Gun The Army’s New M10 Booker: Deploy Fast And Carry A Big Gun

Posted on Jun 27, 2024

Ukraine has used a crowd-funded satellite to attack more than 1,500 targets in Ukraine and Russia.

“People’s Satellite” Helped Ukraine Hit Over 1,000 Targets Spy Agency Says “People’s Satellite” Helped Ukraine Hit Over 1,000 Targets Spy Agency Says

Posted on Jun 27, 2024

AI reading side numbers on carrier jets.

Using AI To Read Aircraft Identification Numbers On Navy Carrier Decks In Testing Using AI To Read Aircraft Identification Numbers On Navy Carrier Decks In Testing

By Eric Tegler

Posted on Jun 26, 2024

Pacific Defender 24 will see European AirPower head to the Pacific.

Air

European Air Power Teams Up For Pacific Mega Deployment European Air Power Teams Up For Pacific Mega Deployment

Posted on Jun 26, 2024

Ukraine Situation Report: North Korea May Send Forces To Occupied Territories Ukraine Situation Report: North Korea May Send Forces To Occupied Territories

Posted on Jun 26, 2024

A conventionally powered Portuguese attack submarine has completed a rare voyage under the Arctic ice. As well as being a first-of-its-kind mission for the Portuguese Navy, the deployment underlines the importance of the Arctic theater to NATO’s submarine fleet, although it’s nuclear-powered boats that traditionally dominate in this challenging area of operations.

Portuguese Diesel-Electric AIP Submarine Just Patrolled Under The Arctic Ice Portuguese Diesel-Electric AIP Submarine Just Patrolled Under The Arctic Ice

Posted on Jun 26, 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.

Air

AW609 Tiltrotor Has Flown From Italy’s Aircraft Carrier Cavour AW609 Tiltrotor Has Flown From Italy’s Aircraft Carrier Cavour

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.

Air

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

Updated on Jun 26, 2024

smoke billows following an Israeli air strike that targeted a house in the southern Lebanese village of Khiam near the Lebanese-Israeli border on June 21, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on June 21, that fighting between Israel and Hezbollah must not turn Lebanon into "another Gaza." (Photo by Rabih DAHER / AFP) (Photo by RABIH DAHER/AFP via Getty Images)

War Drums Grow Louder Along The Israel-Lebanon Border War Drums Grow Louder Along The Israel-Lebanon Border

Posted on Jun 25, 2024

80-passenger Soviet Mil Mi-6P helicopter

The Story Of The Soviet Union’s Monster Mi-6 Helicopter Airliner The Story Of The Soviet Union’s Monster Mi-6 Helicopter Airliner

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Jun 25, 2024

A USAF F-15EX Eagle II armed with 12 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.

F-15EX Testers Are Now Preparing The Eagle II For Rapidly Adapting To New Missions F-15EX Testers Are Now Preparing The Eagle II For Rapidly Adapting To New Missions

By Jamie Hunter

Posted on Jun 25, 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.

Air

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

Posted on Jun 25, 2024

A propeller-driven Yak-52 primary training aircraft has appeared with an impressive collection of kill marks displayed on its fuselage; seemingly confirmation of its success having been impressed into service as a drone-killer. While we reported on a series of previous videos showing the use of Soviet-era Yak-52s to attack Russian drones, the latest evidence suggests that the unorthodox solution could be becoming a more important part of Ukraine’s multilayered air defenses.

Air

Yak-52 Kill Marks Hint At Success In Ukraine’s Drone War Yak-52 Kill Marks Hint At Success In Ukraine’s Drone War

Posted on Jun 25, 2024

Ukraine attacked a Russian space communications facility in Crimea.

Land

Ukraine Used Prized ATACMS Missiles To Strike Unique Cold War-Era Space Communications Station Ukraine Used Prized ATACMS Missiles To Strike Unique Cold War-Era Space Communications Station

Posted on Jun 24, 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.

Air

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

Posted on Jun 24, 2024

On June 16, 2024 3d Multi-Domain Task Force and 1-181 Field Artillery Regiment of the Tennessee National Guard employed the U.S. Army Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (AML) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) as part of the Valiant Shield 24 Combined Joint SINKEX. The AML and PrSm engaged a maritime target alongside other joint assets during the SINKEX. The VS24 SINKEX is the first employment of both the AML and the PrSM outside of the U.S and is a significant milestone in the Army’s continuing development of long-range fires capabilities.

Land

Army’s New PRsM Ballistic Missile Hits Moving Ship For The First Time In Pacific Test Army’s New PRsM Ballistic Missile Hits Moving Ship For The First Time In Pacific Test

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.

Land

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

Posted on Jun 24, 2024

Russia is now using the Sea of Azov to launch missiles act Ukraine.

Ukraine Situation Report: Russia Now Launching Kalibr Cruise Missiles From The Sea Of Azov Ukraine Situation Report: Russia Now Launching Kalibr Cruise Missiles From The Sea Of Azov

Posted on Jun 22, 2024

Family Fallout Survival Plan @ Levittown Shopping Center, 1960's

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 22, 2024

A mysterious array of what looks like 16 hemispherical structures has emerged in Ukraine without immediate explanation.

Land

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

Posted on Jun 22, 2024

Yemen has released a video showing its Tufan-1 uncrewed surface vessel (USV), or drone boat, blowing apart a target vessel during tests.

Small, Agile Houthi Drone Boat Shown Obliterating Ship During Test Small, Agile Houthi Drone Boat Shown Obliterating Ship During Test

Posted on Jun 22, 2024

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

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

Posted on Jun 21, 2024

The Ka-29 Helix-B helicopter was downed during a massive, multi-domain, Ukrainian drone attack

Air

Russian Navy Ka-29 Assault Helicopter Downed Amid Massive Ukrainian Drone Attack Russian Navy Ka-29 Assault Helicopter Downed Amid Massive Ukrainian Drone Attack

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.

Air

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

Posted on Jun 21, 2024

AIM-120 being loaded into a NASAMS launcher

Air

U.S. Diverting Missiles From Foreign Customers To Ukraine Could Have Repercussions Beyond Air Defense U.S. Diverting Missiles From Foreign Customers To Ukraine Could Have Repercussions Beyond Air Defense

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jun 21, 2024

A South Korean K1E1 tank participates in a joint river-crossing exercise in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi province on March 20, 2024. Russian’s President Putin has warned South Korea that it would be making “a big mistake” if it decided to supply weapons to Ukraine. While Seoul has so far condemned Moscow for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and provided Kyiv with economic and humanitarian, it has stopped short of sending arms.

South Korean Arms For Ukraine Would Be A Huge Deal And Putin Knows It South Korean Arms For Ukraine Would Be A Huge Deal And Putin Knows It

Posted on Jun 20, 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.

Air

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

Posted on Jun 20, 2024

Ukraine is ramping up its attacks on Russian ISR drones to reduce their situational awareness.

Ukraine Situation Report: Drone-On-Drone Aerial Engagements Ramp-Up Ukraine Situation Report: Drone-On-Drone Aerial Engagements Ramp-Up

Posted on Jun 19, 2024

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

Air

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

Posted on Jun 19, 2024

Sweden has retired its long-serving SAAB 105 trainer.

Air

Sweden’s Unique Little Saab 105 Jet Retired After 57 Years Sweden’s Unique Little Saab 105 Jet Retired After 57 Years

Posted on Jun 19, 2024

NOMADS will provide short-range air defenses including in contested areas.

Land

Norway’s NOMADS Armored Short Range Air Defense System Unveiled Norway’s NOMADS Armored Short Range Air Defense System Unveiled

Posted on Jun 19, 2024

A new report from the Government Accountability Office raises questions and concerns about the Air Force's push to retire 32 Block 20 F-22 Raptors.

Air

Ditching Older F-22s Risks Creating Capability Gaps, New Costs Ditching Older F-22s Risks Creating Capability Gaps, New Costs