Leonard Ekman, A&SF Mag
The F-35 is the most advanced fighter yet built, but decisions and compromises imposed on it more than a decade ago continue to push up its cost, decrease its…
Author: Michael
This is a free edition of our members-only newsletter, In Brief, where each week we ask three experts to weigh in on a key issue or event. To receive more exclusive content like this, sign up to become a War on the Rocks member today. *** This weekend, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Russian mercenary Wagner Group, led a mutiny against the Russian military. From Friday night into Saturday, Wagner forces managed to capture the city of Rostov and marched toward Moscow until, on Saturday night, they agreed to stand down after striking a deal with the Russian government.
As with many War on the Rocks readers, I was taken aback by the events of June 23rd to 25th in Russia. This weekend I had the distinct pleasure of experiencing this world-historic event at my cousin’s bachelor party, rehearsal dinner, and wedding. Despite the wide range of backgrounds among the groomsmen, as we threw axes and played pool, rehearsed the wedding, and talked at the reception, one topic dominated.
Japan’s ambitious national security and defense strategies offer the opportunity to build a far more operationally effective and deeply integrated U.S.-Japanese alliance. As Japan moves to stand up its first Permanent Joint Operational Headquarters, the United States should act quickly to update its own command structure in Japan.
UK CGS General Patrick Sanders told the RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2023 on 26 June that the upgrade of more than 60 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems would contribute to making the British Army more lethal. (Crown copyright)
At the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) Land Warfare Conference 2023 on 26 June, United Kingdom Chief of the General Staff (CGS) General Patrick Sanders outlined plans to make the British Army better prepared to fight in Europe.
The EU is looking to boost the airborne electronic attack capabilities of its member states via the REACT II programme. As a participant in the programme, Germany is already developing its own Eurofighter EK aircraft for the mission. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)
The European Union (EU) is looking to enhance its airborne electronic attack (AEA) capabilities via the Responsive Electronic Attack for Cooperation Tasks II (REACT II) programme announced on 26 June.
Led by Spain’s Indra Sistemas, REACT II is to be a 48-month research and development effort valued at EUR69.7 million (USD76.
China’s 131st Air Brigade is the latest to add J-20A fifth-generation fighters to its fleet, marking the third unit in the past year to transition to this advanced combat aircraft.
The rapid expansion of the J-20 fighter fleet
Following the 8th and 55th Air Brigades, the 131st Brigade joins the ranks of the growing fleet of J-20 fighters, whose rapid development establishes China as one of the main competitors in the fighter arena. Fifth generation, behind only the United States.
In the thrilling world of the John Wick movie franchise, the titular character is known for his lethal combat skills and remarkable weapon choices. Among his arsenal, one firearm stands out as an icon—the Pit Viper. This article delves into the details of this highly coveted gun, exploring its design, performance, tactical advantages, and its influence on the firearms industry.
The Inspiration Behind John Wick’s Gun
The creators of the John Wick movies aimed to portray a protagonist who possesses both exceptional combat skills and impeccable taste in weaponry.
Twitter screencap
Another 30 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and 25 Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers will be headed to Ukraine as part of the Pentagon’s latest tranche of aid, valued at up to $500 million.
The package was not expedited as a result of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin’s aborted mutiny, said Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon’s top spokesman.
⚡️🇺🇸American BMP M2A2 Bradley ODS-SA in service with the Armed Forces of 🇺🇦Ukraine somewhere on the southern front. pic.twitter.
Canadian Armed Forces
Members of the Canadian Army are working to prove a new concept of operations involving heavily armed Polaris MRZR 4×4 all-terrain vehicles, including ones with TOW anti-tank missiles. This effort started late last year and comes as troops in Ukraine have been making use of all-terrain vehicles, buggies, and other very light vehicles as mobile anti-tank platforms for well over a year now.