Read the latest articles from The War Zone (Page 97)

How the A-10's Avenger cannon went from terrible to terrifying.
A-10

How The A-10’s Avenger Cannon Went From Terrible To Terrifying

This is the story of how the A-10 Warthog overcame its teething issues and became the feared 'flying gun' it is today.

America's pier that is being used to deliver aid to Gaza broke free and is now being recovered.
U.S. Homeland

Gaza Aid Pier Lasted Less Than Two Weeks Before Breaking Apart

The Trident Pier broke apart in rough seas with pieces of it and boats used to support it being scattered along the coastline.

The first official photos have appeared showing a Soviet-era ground-based air defense system upgraded with Western surface-to-air missiles — a so-called ‘FrankenSAM.’ The images, published by Ukraine’s Operational Command East, show a tracked self-propelled Buk-M1 system — known in the West as SA-11 Gadfly — which is said to have been adapted to fire the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow, a missile that previously provided point defense for numerous NATO and allied warships.
9K37M Buk (SA-11 Gadfly)

Ukraine’s FrankenSAM That Uses RIM-7 Sea Sparrow Missiles Breaks Cover

In desperate need of air defenses, Ukraine's Soviet-designed SA-11 Buk mobile air defense systems have been outfitted with Sea Sparrows.

Black Flag 24-1, out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, run by the Air Force’s 53rd Wing.
Air Combat Exercises

Massive China-Focused Black Flag Test Exercise Flies Deep Into The Virtual Realm

The Air Force’s Black Flag exercise is now testing capabilities in entirely virtual mock air battles with China.

250,000 American flags are placed at the foot of every headstone in the Arlington National Cemetery for Memorial Day Weekend. Arlington National Cemetery has evolved from a place of necessity to a national shrine to those who have honorably served our Nation during times of war – including every military conflict in American history – and during times of peace. The cemetery is the final resting place for service members, veterans, and their families. “Service to country” is the common thread that binds all who are honored and remembered here. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sarah Villegas
Bunker Talk

Bunker Talk: Memorial Day Weekend Edition

Think, share, discuss, reflect.

Ukrainian M1 Abrams Tanks Get Elaborate ‘Cope Cages,’ Soviet Explosive Reactive Armor
M1 Abrams

Ukrainian M1 Abrams Tanks Get Elaborate ‘Cope Cages,’ Soviet Explosive Reactive Armor

New defenses are appearing on Ukraine's M1 Abrams tanks after at least a quarter of them have been knocked out, primarily by drones.

Taiwan under threat during second day of Chinese drills.
Taiwan

China Stages Mock Strikes On Taiwan In Day 2 Of “Punishment” Exercise

Beijing stepped up its Joint Sword-2024A military action against Taiwan, sending more aircraft and ships toward the island nation.

Ukraine is one of three countries, along with Bulgaria and Japan, that will recieve a new tranche of Small Diameter Bombs under a $6.9 billion contract with Boeing.
Ukraine

Ukraine Situation Report: Kyiv Says It’s Using Air-Launched Small Diameter Bombs

For the first time, it’s been revealed that Ukraine is using the air-launched GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb, apparently to great effect.

Detonation of a Russian S-300 or S-400 air defense system after it came under attack from ATACMS ballistic missiles.
Russia

ATACMS Obliterates Russian Air Defense System As It Desperately Tries To Defend Itself

The video shows the vain efforts of the Russian S300/S400 to engage incoming ATACMS missiles, before being spectacularly knocked out.

Satellite imagery confirms an attack on a Russian strategic early warning radar site, which could point to a new and worrisome dimension to the conflict around Ukraine.
Russia

Strike On Russian Strategic Early Warning Radar Site Is A Big Deal

Russia losing a strategic early warning radar system is a new twist in the Ukraine conflict that could have further reaching ramifications.

Nearly 50 warplanes, along with ships and assets ashore, took part in the first day of what Chinese authorities have dubbed "punishment" drills encircling Taiwan following the inauguration of the island's latest President.
China

China’s “Punishment” Drills Around Taiwan: Day One

Chinese aircraft, warships, and assets ashore are taking part in a massive of show of force following the inauguration of Taiwan's new President.

B-2/B-21 comparison
B-2

B-21, B-2 Comparison Image Shows Just How Weird The Raider’s Windows Really Are

The B-21 Raider evolved from the B-2, but it's very much its own design, with its limited cockpit visibility being a standout trait.

Su-34 launches new glide bombs
Su-34

Russia’s Small Diameter Bomb-Like Weapon Seen In Action For The First Time

For the first time, we’ve seen evidence of complete UMPB D-30SN glide bombs as well as of them being launched by a Su-34 Fullback.

Exercise TARTAN SPIRIT has tested, trained and integrated critical capabilities to ensure they are ready for any operational missions. From scenario driven training to Tactical Landing Zones, this Exercise takes personnel from RAF Brize Norton, the RAF’s largest station and home to the UK’s Air Mobility Force, Prestwick Airport is the Deployable Operating Base and West Freugh the Forward Operating base. II Squadron RAF Regiment deployed alongside the Air Mobility Force to further strengthen their tactics, training and techniques alongside various aircraft. These skills are essential for ensuring RAF aircraft can operate safely across the globe. By training together we continue to provide integrated and scaleable Air Force Protection capability whilst preparing all RAF personnel for the rigours of operations, providing them with critical skills to survive, operate and maintain their operational edge.
C-130

Confessions Of A C-130 Hercules Pilot

From air loadmaster to captain, few aviators know their way around the U.K. C-130 Hercules fleet as well as Scott Bateman.

Everything We Learned About The Next Doomsday Planes For The Air Force
E-4

Everything We Learned About The Next Doomsday Planes For The Air Force

The Sierra Nevada Corporation says the first 747-8i destined to become a Survivable Airborne Operations Center jet will be delivered soon.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has chosen designs from Northrop Grumman and Sikorsky for the next phase of its AdvaNced airCraft Infrastructure-Less Launch And RecoverY (ANCILLARY) autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) X-plane demonstration program. The effort aims to develop and test in flight an X-plane that will offer long endurance and the ability to launch and recover from ship flight decks and small austere land locations in adverse weather without additional infrastructure equipment. It’s part of an increasing focus on expeditionary deployments of the kind that will be required in a future conflict in the Pacific.
Drones

DARPA’s Naval VTOL X-Plane Drone Program Narrows Down To Two Designs

Northrop Grumman and Sikorsky have been chosen to further develop designs for long-endurance naval VTOL drones.

An uncrewed ground vehicle launching quadcopter
U.S. Homeland

Army Tests Quadcopter Swarm-Launching Uncrewed Ground Vehicle For Clearing Mines

Explosive-laden quadcopters deployed via uncrewed ground vehicles could be part of future Army anti-mine operations.

B-21 raider first air-to-air image
B-21

First Aerial View Of B-21 Raider Offers New Insights

With flight testing now deeply underway, the U.S. Air Force is giving us our first look from high up in the sky at the B-21 Raider.

A series of imagery confirms that the widely used Sea Baby uncrewed surface vessel (USV), or drone boat, has been equipped with Grad-series artillery rockets. The rocket-armed boat has reportedly already been used to successfully engage Russian vessels. Once again, the development demonstrates that Ukraine is exploring using its growing fleet of USVs for missions beyond one-way kamikaze attacks.
Ukrainian Navy

Artillery Rocket-Firing Ukrainian Drone Boat Shown During Testing

Ukrainian officials claim that the drone boat, fitted with Grad artillery rockets, has already been used in combat.

U-2's new radar is going to the Army's HADES surveillance jet.
Civil Aviation

Radar Developed For U-2 To Go On Army Intel-Gathering BizJets

The latest version of the Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System has a clear future after the planned retirement of the iconic U-2 in 2026.