Lonesome Soldier comes at you fast, hard and direct. It is based on a true story and follows the life of Jackson Harlow, a regular American man who follows his dreams, believes in his country and joins the Army National Guard to serve. He comes home forever changed from war and is deeply affected by PTSD. Harlow has lost friends, his purpose in life and is in danger of losing his loved ones through his traumatic journey.

It’s a hot, midsummer day in Ocean City, Maryland, and by early afternoon the boardwalk is teeming with tourists in their bathing suits and sun hats. My wife and daughters march on ahead with my mom while I fall behind to stay with my father. His poor health doesn’t let him get around too quickly these days, nor does he seem to be in any rush. He has reached an age where the passage of time is no longer of any consequence.

The next major advance in the realm of drone warfare is being rapidly incubated and could flood into war zones, and become a huge security problem in non-combat environments too, in the near future.
What I am going to describe here is not really new to our readers. I have been talking about it for over a decade and Hollywood has portrayed it, often poorly or unwittingly, but we are now approaching the threshold of it becoming a widespread reality, with all the implications that come with it.
It’s not even a major challenge to accomplish, but that’s the point.

The officer tapped to lead U.S. military forces in the Pacific region pledged to use information tools and work with other government agencies to maximize information-related capabilities as a means of beating back a growing threat from China.
The comments come from Adm. Samuel Paparo, who was nominated by President Joe Biden to be the next commander of Indo-Pacific Command. Indo-Pacom will be at the forefront of countering Chinese activities that Washington opposes, including efforts to weaken U.S. influence and coerce other nations.

Iranian-backed militias launched a drone attack on a U.S. outpost in eastern Syria Sunday, killing at least six Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) troops and wounding many others stationed there, a spokesman for the U.S.-backed group said. The drone strike came days after the U.S. dropped 125 munitions on at least 85 targets in Iraq and Syria in the first wave of what is was expected to be a sustained campaign designed to reduce the ability of these militias to carry out such attacks. Regardless, those strikes were in response to the Jan. 28 drone strike on a U.S.

As the largest war in Europe since World War II rages and as China rises, the U.S. Army is preparing for an evermore dangerous world with an ambitious vision. To learn more about this vision, Ryan paid a visit to Gen. Randy George, who has been serving as the Army’s chief of staff since last September. They tackled a range of topics, from warfighting and professionalism in the Army, to modernizing training and acquisitions, and to lessons learned versus lessons identified. Gen. George reveals his thoughts on how the Army is learning from the war in Ukraine.

GlobalData intelligence forecasts Ghana’s defence budget to overcome its volatile spending in recent years.

Yemeni telecoms companies have warned that the Houthis are planning to target the Red Sea’s internet cables.

The Navy recently launched the Future Sailor Preparatory Course (FSPC).  This innovative new program was initially done as an experiment to help young men and women physically and academically qualify for service in the United States Navy.
During their training in the FSPC program, recruits either conduct physical training and readiness or classes to correct their academic readiness to meet the requirements to begin their regular boot camp training.
The course consists of two tracks — Fitness and Academic.

The Hellfire missile sale to the Netherlands by the US is aimed at strengthening the defence of the country and promoting NATO partnership.

The Constellation-class frigate design is derived from the Italian Navy’s Bergamini-class FREMM frigates. (US Navy)
Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias has announced that the country is interested in the joint production of a modified version of the Constellation-class frigates being built for the US Navy (USN). Dendias’ comments were made following a meeting with the defence minister of the Republic of Cyprus on 29 January.

Nato’s Support and Procurement Agency has ordered an undisclosed number of AT4 anti-armour weapon systems from Saab.

Finland is to send eight Hornet combat aircraft to NATO’s Southern Air Policing mission from 3 June to 31 July. (Finnish Air Force)
Finland is to send combat aircraft to NATO’s Southern Air Policing mission, marking the first out-of-area operational deployment for the Nordic country since joining the alliance.

Acquisition of the AGM-154C Block III missiles will allow Taiwan to augment its asymmetrical warfare capabilities. (Commonwealth of Australia)
The US Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded Raytheon Missile Systems a USD68.4 million contract to produce AGM-154C Block III Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) air-to-ground missiles for Taiwan.
Under the contract, Raytheon Missile Systems will produce and deliver 50 AGM-154C Block III missiles for Taiwan over the next four years.

Kronstadt
, the second Lada-class SSK on order for the Russian Federation Navy, is pictured during its commissioning ceremony at Admiralty Shipyards on 31 January.
( United Shipbuilding Corporation)
The Russian Federation Navy (RFN) formally commissioned Kronstadt, the second Project 677 Lada (Sankt Petersburg)-class diesel-electric submarine (SSK), in a ceremony at Admiralty Shipyards in St Petersburg on 31 January.

Laura Heckmann, National Defense Magazine
ARLINGTON, Virginia — Most software aboard Navy ships is older than the sailors and less sophisticated than home gaming systems.

WSJ
Biden administration seeks to roll back Iranian influence by resolving Gaza conflict, pushing Israel-Saudi normalization and establishing a Palestinian state.

B.

William Treseder, RCDefense

Taiwan showcased the Sky Bow III surface-to-air missile system during a media event at Hualien Air Force Base in August 2022. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images)
Taiwan has initiated deployment of its Sky Bow III surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems – known locally as Tien Kung III – at existing MIM-23 Hawk and Sky Bow II air-defence system sites, a Republic of China Army (RoCA) officer told Janes on 29 January.

The UK MoD is delivering platforms more quickly, with the delivery of 500 HX vehicles due to occur within the next seven months.

BAE Systems is acquiring Malloy Aeronautics, a UK-based company that develops a range of heavy-lift quadcopters including the T-600, which can carry 200 kg payloads at ranges up to 80 km. (Crown Copyright)
BAE Systems has acquired UK quadcopter manufacturer Malloy Aeronautics in a bid to expand its product portfolio.
The acquisition, announced by BAE Systems on 2 February, will integrate Malloy Aeronautics into its FalconWorks – a research and development arm that specialises in the air domain.

In the early 20th century, following the Battle of Gallipoli in which entrenched Turkish forces inflicted considerable losses on a more powerful allied army and fleet, the future of amphibious warfare was called into question by many thinkers and practitioners. Not long after, then-Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal was proclaiming “a Marine Corps for the next 500 years” in the wake of the U.S victory at Iwo Jima.

Latin America and the Caribbean are home to just 9 percent of the global population but account for a third of the world’s homicides. A lethal mix of drugs, readily available firearms, and unemployed youth is fueling a wave of violence that has taken on epidemic proportions. Ecuador is now ground zero for the region’s gang brutality. Whether Quito succeeds in containing the violence will depend as much on how it manages corruption and political instability as it does on the brute force called upon to suppress organized crime. On Jan.

The DGA has awarded Nexter a contract for 109 CAESAR 6×6 Mk II SPHs, with deliveries beginning in 2026. (Nexter)

The Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), the French defence procurement agency, has awarded Nexter a contract for 109 CAESAR 6×6 Mk II new generation self-propelled howitzers (SPHs), KNDS (KMW+Nexter Defense Systems) announced in a press release on 2 February. Later the same day, a KNDS spokesperson confirmed to
Janes
that all 109 CAESARs would be newbuilds, with deliveries beginning in 2026.

The US Department of Defense is working on a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with OpenAI that will be signed in the next few months, a top official in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E) announced on 31 January.This collaboration with OpenAI is an opportunity to leverage commercial technology’s
ability to move quickly, Maynard Holliday, assistant secretary of defense for critical technologies in OUSD R&E, said.

The keel-laying ceremony of the first Swordfish frigate was held on 31 January. (PGZ)
A keel-laying ceremony for Poland’s first Project 106 Miecznik (Swordfish)-class frigate was held at the Polish Armaments Group (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa: PGZ) Naval Shipyard in Gdynia on 31 January, PGZ has confirmed.

A fighter jet launches from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea on Feb. 3, 2024. (photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Janae Chambers/U.S. Navy).
After two days of widespread military operations in the Middle East, American officials say the airstrikes against Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, Syria and Yemen are just the beginning.
The operations came almost a week after a drone attack killed three American soldiers at the Tower 22 base in Jordan and wounded dozens more. On Friday the United States bombed seven sites in Iraq and Syria, using more than 125 munitions.

Detailed analysis of the hypersonic SR-72, its innovative technology, and its role in US military strategy.
Advanced Features of the SR-72 and Its Impact on Modern Warfare
The SR-72, known as the “Son of the Blackbird,” emerges as a towering figure in the pantheon of military aviation, marking a milestone in the evolution of hypersonic flight. Still in its embryonic stage, this development is intended to succeed the legendary SR-71 Blackbird.
The essence of the SR-72 lies in its ability to fly at speeds reaching Mach 6, a qualitative leap compared to the Mach 3.3 of the SR-71.

(Image courtesy Saab).
A relatively new precision bomb is on its way to Ukraine for use on the battlefield. It would be the first time the munition is used in combat, and it will be used before the American military gets any of its own, despite testing it early in development.
That’s according to a report from Politico which said that the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs started being sent to Ukraine this past week. The story cites four sources, who said the munitions would quickly be fielded onto the battlefield against Russia.

We have seen some great photos of the F-117 Nighthawks that continue to operate in developmental test and training roles. These images have improved incrementally since their use as aggressor and for test support became openly discussed by the Air Force, with the locales they could operate from expanding along with it. Now, one set of images, taken by aviation photographer James Reeder, is the best we’ve ever seen.

The Speculated Tactics
Israeli Military’s Actions: Experts are sounding the alarm over allegations that the Israeli army is systematically destroying buildings within one kilometer of the Gaza border to create a buffer zone. This strategy, they claim, leaves a significant number of Palestinians without homes.
Examining the Impact
Destruction Statistics: Following the October 2023 Hamas attack, Professor Adi Ben Nun reports that more than 30% of the structures within the targeted area were damaged or destroyed.

The US warned that it would conduct more air strikes against pro-Iranian forces in the Middle East and was ready to counter their actions.

“What happened on February 2 is just the beginning of a series of US responses. There will be more steps, some obvious, others less noticeable. However, I would not describe this as a military campaign without end,” White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said today.
Advisor Sullivan said that the airstrikes targeting Iraq and Syria were highly effective, reducing the fighting capacity of pro-Iranian forces there.

(Photo courtesy Bellevue Police Department).
A Bellevue, Washington man had a conundrum. He had acquired a military-grade rocket made during the Cold War from his deceased neighbor and was looking to donate it. He had called the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio about giving it to them. The museum then called the police. That’s according to the Bellevue Police Department, which this week shared that they had sent the bomb squad to the man’s home to discover he was in possession of an air-to-air munition.

The Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is the close air support (CAS) ‘greatest of all time’. The design of this simple, yet reliable, rugged, and awesomely effective CAS platform is superb.
However it’s too low-tech for the military industrial complex, where making money is the name of the game, not national security, enabled by compliant bureaucrats and legislators.
The U.S.

The F-22 Raptor, an iconic creation of Lockheed Martin and a pillar of American combat aviation, is facing its decline. This aircraft, a milestone in military aviation history, is recognized by experts and enthusiasts as the pinnacle of air combat platforms.
Inaugurating the era of fifth-generation fighters, the Raptor has been an undisputed benchmark in the skies. However, the inexorable advance of technology and military strategies points towards a future where the F-22 will give way to more recent innovations.

SANA’A, YEMEN – FEBRUARY 01: Yemen’s Houthi fighters man machine guns mounted on vehicles while participating in a parade in solidarity with Palestinians and denounce the U.S.-led aerial attacks on Yemen on February 01, 2024, on the outskirts of Sana’a, Yemen. (Photo by Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images).
American and British forces launched a series of airstrikes on Yemen today, striking at least 10 areas including in the capital of Sana’a.
That’s according to reports from Reuters and the Associated Press, citing American defense officials.

As the U.S. assesses the results of its first wave of retaliatory airstrikes against Iranian forces and their proxies in Iraq and Syria, Tehran-linked militias in the region have delivered mixed messages, vowing revenge but also saying they don’t want to escalate tensions.
The airstrikes, carried out in response to the deadly Jan. 28 drone attack on U.S. troops in Jordan, killed dozens of Iranian-backed militia fighters, as well as civilians, according to claims by Iraq, Syria, Iranian-backed militias and a monitoring group.

Throughout the current year 2024, the Russian company UAC [United Aviation Corporation] of Rostec will begin deliveries of the modernized Su-57, now equipped with the latest generation AL-51F1 engine, formerly known as “Izdelie 30”. The revamped fighter has been renamed Su-57M, with the “M” standing for modified.

Rostec reports that the excellent AL-51F1 engine has passed all tests successfully, exceeding all expectations. The new engine provides a robust thrust of 11,000 kg and an afterburner capable of reaching 18,000 kg.

The morning after the aerial strikes on Iranian-backed militias and IRGC-related targets in Syria and Iraq there are questions about what the effort achieved, especially as it was telegraphed five days in advance. What was clearly one of the operation’s primary targets – located near Dier al-Zour, a hotspot of Iranian-backed militant activity in eastern Syria that sits along the Euphrates River – no longer exists.

Pre-strike and post-strike imagery shows the munitions storage installation turned into a series of burned craters.
Dier al-Zour’s location in the region.

In a shocking turn of events in mid-January, British military intelligence confirmed the mid-flight explosion of a Russian A-50U surveillance plane. Ukraine claims responsibility for shooting down this aircraft, marking the first such incident in the century.
The Downing and Its Strategic Impact
On January 14, the A-50U met its demise, reportedly shot down concurrently with an Ilyushin IL-22 control plane. British intelligence had previously warned of Russia utilizing command and control aircraft to gather critical information for targeting Ukrainian air assets and radars.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, attached to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, flies over the Pacific Ocean after taking off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 12, 2022. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Chris Hibben).
American forces launched airstrikes at 85 targets at seven sites in Iraq and Syria Friday, the first part of what the U.S. says will be a multi-part response.

The Russian Defense Ministry has declared 2024 as the year in which several nuclear weapons will become part of the inventory of Moscow’s strategic forces, thus moving a series of goals that were intended to be achieved last year.

Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said on January 26 that the entry into the armed forces of the Sarmat strategic missile system, Tu-160M ​​bombers and the Borei-A Knyaz Pozharsky nuclear submarine are the main tasks for 2024.

How were terrorists able to perfectly time their drone attack without inside information?

Image by IAEAUS Delegation: Robert Malley, Special Envoy for Iran, US Department of State Ariane Tabatabai

In September 2023, Pentagon Chief of Staff Ariane Tabatabai, an Iranian immigrant, was accused of having worked as an agent of the Tehran regime.

Iraq said the US airstrike violated its sovereignty and killed civilians, while Damascus accused Washington of “inflaming the Middle East conflict.”

The Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office today announced that a US airstrike targeting pro-Iranian militia groups in the country had killed 16 people, including civilians, and injured 25 people. “This is the latest aggressive act targeting Iraq’s sovereignty,” the agency said.
Iraqi officials also denied reports that Washington coordinated with Baghdad before the attack. “The US lied and distorted the truth.

The US military began airstrikes in Iraq and Syria on Friday night in response to a drone strike in Jordan on Sunday that killed three US soldiers. The attacks began around 4 pm EST against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated militia groups, hitting at least seven facilities, US defense officials said.
President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin vowed that the strikes would continue in retaliation for the deaths of the Army reservists. “Our response began today.

John Carl Baker, Jacobin North Korea is taking an increasingly hostile posture toward the US.

John B.

Segers, New Republic The Biden administration’s open-ended escalations in the Middle East are starting to feel like the sequel to a bad movie.

Wills Robinson, Daily Mail Blasts were reported at multiple locations in Syria on Friday night as America weighed up when to launch a wide military operation in the region.