The former Roosevelt Roads base in Puerto Rico has become a military base again: the United States is putting F-35s there against Venezuela

A closed base that lives again

The Roosevelt Roads Air Base in eastern Puerto Rico was closed in 2004 after years of protests by local residents against the American military presence. But twenty years later, she comes alive again. In September 2025, five fifth-generation F—35 fighters arrived here, the most advanced aircraft in the US arsenal. Along with them are helicopters, Osprey transporters and hundreds of military personnel.

This is not a drill. This is a redistribution of forces in a region where tensions are growing every day.

The F-35 arrived — it's not just a patrol

The very fact of the appearance of the F-35 in the Caribbean speaks for itself. These vehicles are designed to suppress air defenses, deep strikes, and high-threat operations. They are not used for routine patrolling. According to Reuters and Newsweek, their deployment is part of Donald Trump's order to send up to 10 such fighters to the region to fight drug cartels, especially the Tren de Aragua group, which the United States considers a "drug terrorist" organization.

The Pentagon officially declares: "There are no changes in strategy." But the deployment of stealth fighters 1,500 km off the coast of Venezuela is in itself a powerful signal.

The fight against drugs or pressure on Maduro?

The US administration insists that the operations are aimed only at drug trafficking. Recently, a missile strike destroyed a ship that was allegedly transporting drugs from Venezuela. Washington said it had eliminated 11 members of the Tren de Aragua. Caracas denies: "There were fishermen on board, not drug lords."

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio calls Maduro a "drug dictator," and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth personally inspected the base in Puerto Rico. All this adds up to a picture of not just an anti-drug campaign, but political pressure.

What Venezuela is doing in response

In Caracas, the US actions are called a provocation. Foreign Minister Ivan Gil accused the Americans that the military from the destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) illegally detained tuna fishers in the economic zone of Venezuela. The nine-person crew was on board for eight hours. "This is a direct invasion," Hill said. "The United States is looking for an excuse to escalate."

Recently, Maduro announced the mobilization of the entire army and militia along 284 "lines of defense" as part of the "Independence 200 Plan." All this is a response to what Venezuela perceives as preparations for intervention.

Sources

1. Firstpost / Reuters — F-35 arrival at Roosevelt Roads & Caribbean build-up
2. Newsweek — F-35 group modernised for anti-cartel mission vs Venezuela
3. Euronews — US-Venezuela tension context & military op details
4. The War Zone — Video & details of F-35B arrival in Puerto Rico
5. The Militant — Base history: closed 2004, now repurposed as Caribbean military hub
6. NY Post — 10 fighter jets deploying to Puerto Rico for counter-drug ops

The United States and Japan have launched the Resolute Dragon exercises — with missiles that China can reach

The exercises started almost immediately after the Pentagon's "frank" conversation with China

On Thursday, the United States and Japan began a large-scale two-week exercise called Resolute Dragon. Their special feature is not just maneuvers or communication training, but the deployment of real missile systems capable of hitting targets at long distances. According to sources, we are talking about complexes, the range of which allows reaching the territories of mainland China.

At the same time, the start of the exercises took place less than 48 hours after a video call between US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun. The Pentagon called the talks "frank and constructive," but actions speak louder than words.

Rockets in action — what exactly scares Beijing

Previously, the Japanese self-defense forces were limited by defensive doctrine, but now the situation is changing. The exercises use modern rocket launchers, including modified versions of American systems. They can hit ground targets at a distance of more than 1,000 km, which is enough to reach key targets in China's coastal regions.

For Beijing, this is not just a training exercise for its allies. This is a demonstration of the possibility of a strike on its territory — a direct change in the balance of power.

Why is Japan shooting further now

Japan used to avoid possessing offensive weapons. But China's growing activity in the Pacific Ocean, pressure on Taiwan, and the increasingly frequent incursions of aircraft and ships into the country's airspace and maritime space have forced Tokyo to rethink its strategy.

Now Japan is actively modernizing the army, buying long-range missiles and learning how to use them in close coordination with the United States. Resolute Dragon is not a show—off, but a practical elaboration of a new tactic.

Exercises as a signal — to whom and why

The message is addressed to three audiences at once:

• To China, we can respond if you cross the line.
• To the allies in Asia, we are close, you can rely on us.
• To its own population, the country is ready to defend itself.

Yes, Beijing condemned the exercises, calling them a threat to stability. But for Washington and Tokyo, this "instability" is the price of deterrence.

Sources

1. Newsweek — Resolute Dragon 11-25 Sep 2025: first-ever Typhon with Tomahawk & SM-6 deployed in Japan; Beijing warns Tokyo to stay purely defensive
2. Reuters — U.S. Typhon temporarily stationed in Japan for deterrence exercise; strong PRC & RF criticism
3. Japan Times — Historic first use of advanced missiles in U.S.-Japan drills aimed at re-capturing disputed East China Sea islands
4. Stars & Stripes — Largest Resolute Dragon: 5 200 U.S. & 14 000 Japanese troops, NMESIS & MADIS missiles; response to increased PRC activity around Taiwan
5. Al Jazeera — Russia & China condemn U.S. missile deployment, accuse Tokyo of militarisation
6. Yahoo News UK — Drills begin <48 h after candid U.S.-PRC defence ministers video-call

The American company received 1.7 billion for the production of APKWS point missiles

From Hydra to Smart Weapon

Hudson, New Hampshire-based Warfare Systems has received a $1.7 billion contract from the Pentagon. The money will be used for the production and supply of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS) projectiles. We are talking about upgrading the old 2.75-inch unguided Hydra missiles — they are being turned into high-precision weapons with semi-active laser guidance.

Now, instead of pouring "Hydra" over squares, helicopters and airplanes will be able to hit accurately — as if they put nails in one point.

What is APKWS and why is it needed?

The APKWS is not a new rocket, but an upgrade kit. It is installed on existing Hydra missiles, adding a guidance system — a laser sensor and rudders. After launch, the rocket itself catches a reflected laser beam, which someone (infantry, drone, other aircraft) directs at the target.

The advantage is obvious: cheaper than the Hellfire, but almost as accurate. It is ideal for attacks on vehicles, shelters, and manpower — where a powerful warhead is not needed, but accuracy is critical.

Who will get the missiles: the United States and its allies

According to the Ministry of Defense, the contract is designed to supply up to 55,000 units in batches from 13 to 17. The missiles will go to both the U.S. Navy and Army, as well as partners in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. This means that APKWS will be used not only by American pilots, but also by allies, from NATO countries to Middle Eastern partners.

Such a large-scale order indicates that the system has taken root and has become the standard.

Why is demand growing now?

In modern conflicts, where minimizing collateral damage is important, point weapons are especially highly valued. APKWS allows you to launch attacks in urban environments without risking hitting civilians.

In addition, it can be installed on various platforms, from Apache helicopters to drones and light attack aircraft. Its versatility and low cost make APKWS one of the most sought-after solutions in its arsenal.

Sources

1. Topwar.ru — Pentagon’s large order for 55,000 APKWS II rockets
2. Army Recognition — exclusive on the $1.743 billion contract
3. Defence Industry Europe — global production and deliveries through 2031
4. FlightGlobal — APKWS II’s role against drone threats
5. Defence Express — cost and Ukraine usage of APKWS II
6. Overclockers.ru — $1.7 billion for APKWS II to counter UAVs

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth fired the head of the Military Intelligence Agency: new purges at the Pentagon

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth fired Lieutenant General Jeffrey Cruz, the head of the Military Intelligence Agency, citing a "loss of confidence." This dismissal was the latest in a series of large-scale reshuffles in the leadership of national security, which takes the purges at the Pentagon to a new level. Cruz was reportedly the victim of internal conflicts and disagreements that led to his resignation.

Reasons for the dismissal of Lieutenant General Jeffrey Cruz

The reasons for the dismissal of Lieutenant General Cruz remain unclear, but sources point to a "loss of trust" as the main reason. This may be related to internal investigations or conflicts within the Military Intelligence Agency. Cruz's dismissal underscores the seriousness of the situation and the Secretary of Defense's desire to restructure senior staff in the field of national security.

Large-scale changes in the leadership of national security

Cruz's firing is part of a broader campaign to reshuffle the national security leadership, spearheaded by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. These changes affected several key positions, including the head of the Intelligence Agency. Such large-scale changes indicate the administration's desire to carry out reforms and strengthen control over intelligence agencies.

Influence on the structure of the Pentagon

These dismissals and reshuffles significantly affect the structure of the Pentagon. They create uncertainty and can lead to temporary difficulties in coordinating and completing tasks. However, from the Administration's point of view, such measures are necessary to ensure efficiency and transparency in the work of intelligence agencies. It can also help eliminate corruption and increase discipline in the ranks of the military.

Prospects and implications for American intelligence

Firing high-ranking officers like Cruz could have long-term consequences for American intelligence. On the one hand, this may lead to personnel updates and the introduction of new strategies. On the other hand, frequent reshuffles can cause instability and decrease the effectiveness of intelligence operations. Further reforms and changes in the structure and functions of intelligence agencies can be expected in the future.

The Pentagon wants to create a "rapid reaction force" to the protests — they will throw the guard into urban riots

Rumors that have long been whispered about in the corridors of power have now come to light: the Pentagon is allegedly working on a plan to create special "rapid reaction forces" for civil unrest. Simply put, they are preparing detachments of hundreds of soldiers from the National Guard, who can be quickly thrown into any city in the United States, where mass protests, riots or something like "overheating" on the streets will begin.

This plan is part of the initiatives of the administration of Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called for a harsh crackdown on street protests. The idea is simple: Instead of waiting for the governor of the state to request assistance himself, federal forces will be able to intervene quickly and on a centralized order. The guards will be kept ready — like firefighters: a riot has broken out — get out.

Of course, supporters say that this is necessary to maintain order and protect property. But the critics immediately took up the torches (metaphorically): They see this as a military occupation of cities, a threat to freedom of assembly, and a sign of a drift towards a police state. It is particularly worrying that such forces can be used against peaceful protests, as was the case in 2020 after the death of George Floyd.

So far, this is not an approved policy, but rather internal developments. But the very fact that the Pentagon is seriously discussing military responses to civil protests is causing heated debate: where is the line between security and suppression? And most importantly, who will decide what is considered a "riot"?

The Pentagon wants to create two "kings of armaments" — who will rule the procurement of the Navy and the Air Force?

The Pentagon seems to have decided to bring order to the chaos with arms purchases. A large—scale reform is currently being discussed: two new super-duties are being created - literally "royal", as they have already been dubbed in behind-the-scenes conversations. These executives will have full control over the largest procurement programs, first the Navy and then the Air Force, and they will report directly to Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg. The goal is to speed up decision—making, reduce bureaucracy, and finally bring to mind projects that have been drowning in reports and delays for years.

According to sources, Vice Admiral Robert Gaucher, an experienced commander of the Navy's submarine forces, is being considered for the role of the "tsar" of the submarine fleet. It is he who can take under his wing all underwater programs, including strategic nuclear submarines and the latest torpedoes. And on the Air Force side, Lieutenant General Dale White, the current Deputy Minister of Procurement, is likely to step into this role. He faces a difficult task: overseeing such gigantic projects as the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, the new F-47 fighter jet and, most acutely, the problematic Sentinel intercontinental missile, which has long been overdue and overspent its budget.

The scale of these new positions has not yet been definitively determined, but one thing is clear: the Pentagon is serious about reforming the system. If it works, it could be a turning point for the entire American defense.

The Pentagon has put on the line: the tests of the "Golden Dome" will be held under the gun of the 2028 elections

 The Pentagon has taken on an enormous challenge: to conduct the first major test of its new, multibillion-dollar missile defense system called the Golden Dome during the busy period from May to October 2028. This graph is not an accident. It was established with one clear goal: to have time to prove the effectiveness of the system before the presidential elections in 2028.

The tests will become a kind of public examination for military officials and the entire defense department. Their success will determine whether the administration of President Donald Trump will be able to realize his grandiose but extremely ambitious vision of the space shield. Trump has repeatedly stated the need to create a system capable of protecting the entire US territory from any missile attack, be it intermediate—range or intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The Golden Dome is not just an upgrade of old systems. This is an attempt to create a fundamentally new missile defense architecture, with a large number of sensors in space and on earth integrated into a single network, and new interceptors capable of destroying targets at the earliest stages of their flight. However, the technological and financial risks are huge.

The tight deadlines set before the elections add to the pressure. The success of the tests can be a powerful political trump card for the current administration, proving its ability to ensure national security. But if the deadline fails or is missed, the consequences could be disastrous for both the reputation of the program and the political prospects of Trump and his allies.

Northrop Grumman is building a "Golden Dome" for America — and wants to be in charge of the new air defense

 The American giant of the defense industry Northrop Grumman has stated that it will not just be a participant, but a key player in the Pentagon's large—scale missile defense system called the Golden Dome for America. Does it sound like fiction? In fact, this is a new US strategy to create a unified, super—powerful air defense network capable of intercepting missiles, drones, and even hypersonic weapons.

Northrop Grumman is actively expanding its participation in the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) program. The company already supplies radars, control systems, sensors and software that link everything together — from satellites to interceptor missiles. Now they want to become the "brain" of this whole system.

Why now? Because the threats are growing: China, Russia, and North Korea are all actively testing new missiles, including hypersonic ones. And the United States understands that the old systems are not enough. We need a unified network that sees everything, thinks fast and hits accurately.

In addition, the demand for such technologies is growing not only in the United States, but also abroad — the allies want to protect themselves. And Northrop Grumman is ready to supply not only components, but also entire defense architectures.

So the Golden Dome is not just a metaphor. This is an attempt to create an impenetrable shield over America and its allies. And Northrop Grumman is already building a place for itself at the center of this system.

The Pentagon has thrown another 2 billion at THAAD: missile interception missiles are becoming the norm

 

THAAD

The US Department of Defense on Monday made a major adjustment to its missile defense program: Lockheed Martin received a contract worth $ 2.06 billion for the production of interceptors for the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system, the very "shield" that is supposed to catch enemy ballistic missiles on approach.

This is not a new contract, but a modification of an existing one. Now its total value has increased from $8.35 billion to $10.42 billion, a figure that makes one's ears pop. But in the face of growing threats from North Korea, Iran and other countries, the Pentagon considers such investments necessary.

What will Lockheed Martin do? To produce key components of THAAD interceptors at fixed prices — that is, without additional surcharges. Work will unfold at several plants: in Dallas (Texas), Sunnyvale (California), Troy (Alabama) and Camden (Arkansas). This is not only defense, but also jobs — both politics and economics combined.

The THAAD system is one of the most efficient in the world: it intercepts rockets at high altitude, even before they have time to enter the dense layers of the atmosphere. It has already been deployed in South Korea, Guam, Qatar and other hot spots. Now the United States wants to increase its stock of interceptors in case a massive missile attack begins.

The expected completion date is December 1, 2029. At the start of the contract, the Pentagon had already allocated $284.92 million for procurement in 2024-2025.

Interestingly, only one offer was requested for this contract, and one was received. In other words, Lockheed Martin is actually a monopolist in this field. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in Huntsville, Alabama, is the customer and is overseeing the process.

The United States approved the sale of anti-aircraft missiles to Egypt for 4.7 billion

 

The United States has officially given the green light for the sale of a serious anti—aircraft "kit" to Egypt - worth almost $ 4.7 billion. The deal was approved by the State Department, and the details were announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Thursday. This is not just the delivery of a pair of missiles, but an entire air defense system that can seriously strengthen Egypt's ability to repel airstrikes and drone attacks.

The main "link" in this package is the NASAMS (National Advanced Surface—to-Air Missile System) system. This is a modern air defense system developed jointly by the United States and Norway, and it has already established itself as one of the most effective in its class. NASAMS does an excellent job with airplanes, helicopters, cruise missiles and, most importantly, drones.

What exactly will Egypt get?  

- 4 AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radars are the "eyes" of the system that catch targets at a great distance, even if they are flying low.  

- Hundreds of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles (their modified version is used against ground targets) — the main "tooth" of the system.  

- Dozens of launchers and control units — to make it all work as a single mechanism.

For Egypt, this is a step towards modernizing its air defense. The country is now facing threats from all sides, from drones in Libya to tensions in Sinai and East Africa. NASAMS will make it possible to intercept targets at medium and low altitudes, which is especially important in an environment where drones and smart missiles are becoming more dangerous.

And for the United States, this is not only a strengthening of the alliance with a key player in the Middle East, but also another major export contract. However, the deal has been approved so far, but not concluded — the final decision is for Cairo. But if Egypt confirms the request, then in a couple of years it will have one of the most modern anti-aircraft systems in the region.

Pentagon Launches Production Of New Tactical PrSM Missiles: Preparing for Major Conflicts

The Pentagon has announced the start of mass production of new Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) tactical missiles. These missiles are designed for multi-Domain tactical groups (MDTF) in Europe, the Arctic and the Asia-Pacific region. It is possible that several complexes will be sent to Ukraine to test them in combat conditions.

PrSM is a modern replacement for ATACMS. The range of these missiles is 500 kilometers, which makes them an intermediate link between multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and short—range ballistic missiles. Such missiles have already been used in local wars, for example, Russia is actively using Iskander-M in its special operation. Ukraine also has something to respond to: they have Soviet Tochka-U and American ATACMS.

The PrSM project began in 2016, and the first pre-production samples entered the army in the fall of 2023. The launchers for these missiles are the same as those of the ATACMS: the M-142 HIMARS MLRS (two missiles in ammunition) and the M—270 MLRS (four missiles).

The PrSM program is divided into four stages. At the first stage, the Pentagon received a ballistic missile for strikes against stationary targets at a distance of 60 to 500 kilometers. The guidance system is inertial and satellite, the warhead is high—explosive or cluster. Its weight is estimated from 100 to 230 kilograms. This is the initial version, which is subject to the limitations of the INF Treaty.

After the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty, Lockheed Martin began developing a second modification, the Land Based Anti—Ship Missile (LBASM). The range of this missile is up to a thousand kilometers. It has a multi-mode homing head operating in the radar and infrared ranges. This allows the missile to capture and hit moving targets in the final section of the trajectory. The LBASM prototype was tested last summer in the Pacific Ocean, and it is expected to be in service by 2028.

There are two more modifications. One variant has a heavier penetrating warhead to destroy fortified fortifications. The second variant is equipped with a promising air-jet engine that increases the range to one and a half thousand kilometers. If you launch such missiles from Poland, they will reach Moscow.

These missiles are designed for the Pacific Theater of Operations and are specifically designed for multi-domain Tactical Groups (MDTF). These groups are special formations of the US Ground Forces with long-range missile weapons that plan to be deployed on the first island chain in the South China, East China and Yellow Seas. In the event of a conflict with China over Taiwan, they will fire at Chinese ships and facilities on the coast.

Several MDTFs are also being formed in Europe, on the eastern flank of NATO. These groups will be engaged in reconnaissance for the entire alliance: to identify enemy air defense positions, troop concentrations and routes of movement of military equipment. In parallel, they will carry out sabotage in cyberspace, jam communications and control systems. The next step is to strike at key military infrastructure facilities.

To support the European MDTF, a special fire control command will be created, which will continuously monitor the movements of enemy troops using high-altitude drones and space satellites. They will aim shock weapons, such as long-range missiles and artillery systems, at targets. According to the commander of the US Army in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, this is a key element of multi-domain operations in major conflicts.

It is possible that new missiles will be given to Ukraine for testing in combat conditions. Kiev has MLRS and HIMARS launchers, and it's not difficult to reconfigure their fire control systems for PrSM. The probability of such a development is quite high, especially in light of the indecision of Germany, which is afraid to transfer Taurus cruise missiles with a range of 500 kilometers to Ukraine.

Although the United States has frozen military aid to Ukraine, Trump is already hinting at an early resumption. He claims that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive exclusively "defensive" weapons, but in no military regulations in the world are the means of defeating the enemy divided into "defensive" and "offensive". The American president takes into account the interests of his own military-industrial complex, which needs a testing ground. Ukraine is an ideal option.

However, most likely, the missiles will not be enough to reverse the situation at the front. Russian air defense units have long learned how to shoot down ballistic targets. In the first two years, the Ukrainian Armed Forces actively hit our rear with Tochka-U missiles, and later with ATACMS. Neither became a superweapon for Kiev. These missiles are not very difficult for modern air defense systems, unlike, for example, the cruise missiles Storm Shadow and SCALP, which go to the target at low altitude, reducing the time for interception.

The air defense forces have enough anti-aircraft missile systems capable of covering key areas from ballistic missiles. These are the S-300V4, S-400, S-350 Vityaz, Buk-M2 and Buk-M3. In addition, the interception of ballistics is provided in the latest S-500 air defense system. However, the most effective method of combating the operational-tactical missile systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is destruction on the ground. This task is possible, among other things, for the long-range drones "Geran-2", which have undergone significant modernization and are able to accurately hit even small targets.

The United States continues to attempt to create hypersonic missiles: what is behind the HASTE program

The United States continues its offensive push in the hypersonic weapons race. In July 2025, the American company RocketLab conducted another test launch under the HASTE program, a suborbital hypersonic vehicle that should become the closest analogue of the Russian Avangard rocket. The launch was scheduled for July 12-13 from NASA's Wallops Island test site, and aroused great interest from both the military and analysts.

What is HASTE?

HASTE is a hypersonic vehicle developed by RocketLab for the Pentagon, which is intended to serve as a platform for testing technologies needed to create hypersonic gliders. The construction uses carbon composites, modern 3D-printed parts, as well as miniature electronics of the latest generation. This is not just a flying tube — it is a technological prototype of the future.

However, unlike the Russian Avangard, which has been on combat duty since 2019, HASTE remains at the experimental stage. That is, if Russia already has a combat system, then the United States still has a technology demonstrator.

 Contract with Dynetics and prospects

In 2023, the US Department of Defense signed a contract with Dynetics to conduct several HASTE launches in 2024-2025. These tests will be used to develop the LRHW (Dark Eagle Rocket) and CPS programs, promising hypersonic gliders for land and marine systems. If all goes according to plan, the US will be able to equip its new Sentinel intercontinental missiles with hypersound, as well as future Trident-II replacements on submarines.

The rebirth of the ARRW

In addition to HASTE, the United States has resumed the ARRW (Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon) program, which is developing the AGM-183A air-launched hypersonic missile. This missile is launched from an airplane, gains altitude and speed on the upper stage, and then separates and flies to the target at a speed of about Mach 5, maneuvering and bypassing the air defense systems.

The main advantage of the ARRW is its compactness. Due to its small size, it can be equipped with both nuclear and non-nuclear warheads, making it a versatile tool for rapid response.

HACM program: a new generation of cruise missiles

Another interesting project is HACM (Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile), developed by Raytheon. It will be the world's first hypersonic cruise missile with a ramjet engine and hypersonic combustion. Gorenje Its claimed speed is up to Mach 8, which makes it extremely difficult to intercept.

However, the implementation of the project still raises questions: no one has yet mastered technologies of this level in mass production. But if the United States succeeds, it will be a new era in hypersonic weapons.

The United States clearly does not intend to lag behind in the hypersonic weapons race. The HASTE, ARRW and HACM programs are different branches of an ambitious project aimed at creating a full range of hypersonic systems — from ground and underwater to aviation.  

However, despite technological superiority and financing, the United States still remains in the role of catching up. Russia and Avangard have already shown that they can create working combat systems, while American projects are still at the stage of testing and refinement.

The USA has completed the Liberty Lifter program: its "Caspian Monster" remained at the demonstrator stage

Liberty Lifter 

The American Office of Advanced Research Projects of the US Department of Defense (DARPA) has officially completed the Liberty Lifter program, which involved the creation of its own analogue of the famous Soviet ekranoplan, the Caspian Monster. The aim of the project was to develop a large seaplane capable of transporting heavy loads over long distances without the need to use airfields or ports.

Christopher Kent, head of the program, noted that experts have proved that such an aircraft can be built. They studied the physics of flying over water, tested technologies that will allow it to take off and land even in conditions of strong sea waves. For this purpose, materials and methods borrowed from marine construction were used.

However, despite the successful tests of the demonstration sample, the Pentagon has no plans to launch full-scale production of such a machine. But the technologies obtained can be used in future projects, for example, to create lighter and more efficient next—generation aircraft.

Aurora Flight Sciences worked on the project, which emphasized that the research results can already be implemented into real developments — and this may happen in the coming years.

What is Liberty Lifter?

It would be a giant seaplane capable of delivering tons of cargo at high speed around the world. Unlike traditional aircraft, it could take off and land on water, making it independent of the airfield infrastructure. The idea was reminiscent of the Soviet Lun ekranoplane, created in the USSR back in the 1980s. Its length was 74 meters, its speed was up to 500 km/h, and its range was up to 2000 km.

Such a vehicle could transport heavy equipment, missiles, or even divisional personnel directly to their destination — without intermediate overloads and logistical difficulties.

Why was the project closed?

Most likely, because it turned out to be too complicated and expensive for practical use. Although the demo showed good results, further development would require huge investments. Instead, DARPA decided to leave the developments for the future, when technologies become more accessible and efficient.

In general, the American "Caspian Monster" remained at the experimental stage. But the idea of creating superheavy seaplanes or ekranoplanes capable of transporting cargo without infrastructure continues to live on. Maybe someday she'll come back in a new guise.

The Pentagon has suspended supplies of ammunition to Ukraine due to a shortage of missiles for its own needs and Israel

The Pentagon has temporarily halted the shipment of promised ammunition to Ukraine, including air defense missiles and precision-guided munitions. This decision is related to the results of an audit conducted in the context of a moderate-intensity conflict between Iran and Israel. The analysis showed that the United States is experiencing a shortage of missiles and anti-missiles for air defense and missile defense systems, necessary both for its own defense needs and to support Israel.

In the context of the escalating situation in the Middle East and the growing threats from Iran, the American military leadership has decided to prioritize the protection of national territory and key allies. This temporarily limits the ability to supply weapons to Ukraine, despite continued support through international assistance.

This measure highlights the difficulties in managing strategic stocks of precision-guided weapons and points to the need to increase production and modernize defense systems to meet all current and future needs.

Promising MV-75 tiltrotor aircraft for the US Army aviation

 

A promising MV-75 tiltrotor aircraft is currently being developed for the aviation of the US Army. Currently, this sample is at the stage of testing and refinement, and in parallel, the preparation of future mass production is underway. According to the Pentagon's current plans, the first tiltrotor planes of the new model will enter combat units before the end of the decade and will reach initial operational readiness at the same time.

It should be recalled that the future MV-75 tiltrotor was developed by Bell Textron Inc. and was initially named V-280 and Valor. The project started in the early 1980s and was created for the US Army Joint Multi-Role (JMR) competition. In 2013, it was transferred to the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program, and since 2019, the tiltrotor has been a participant in the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) competition.

In December 2022, the Army announced the results of the FLRAA program. The V-280 project from Bell Textron showed the best ratio of characteristics and capabilities. A contract was signed to continue the development and construction of experimental batches of equipment.

In November 2024, the prototype V-280 received the Army designation YMV-75A. The letters "MV" stood for Multirole Vertical (multi-purpose vertical takeoff vehicle), and the letter "Y" marked a specific prototype. In turn, the number "75" was supposed to remind of 1775, when the US Army was formed.

In mid-May 2025, it became known that the Pentagon had officially approved the designation MV-75. The experimental equipment will continue to be tested under this index, and serial machines will receive it in the future. The alphanumeric designation will now be used in official documents instead of the abbreviation FLRAA.

The original goal of the FLRAA program was to create a multi-purpose aircraft to replace existing UH-60 helicopters. It was assumed that in a few decades the new technology would completely displace its predecessors. However, the plans were later revised.

In mid-May, General James Mingus, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, revealed current plans for FLRAA and MV-75 at a public event. He noted that the new tiltrotor has a unique ratio of characteristics and capabilities, and for this reason is of particular interest to the army.

It is reported that Bell Textron is currently fulfilling a previously received contract for the assembly of pre-production equipment. As part of this shipment, she must transfer six MV-75 products to the army. Next year, these machines will be put into factory testing, after which they will be handed over to the customer.

The Army aviation will begin its own tests of six tiltrotor aircraft in 2027-28. They are going to spend no more than two or three years on these events. According to their results, the equipment will receive an operating permit, and its development in combat units will begin. The first unit on the MV-75 is expected to reach initial operational readiness in 2030.

General J. Mingus said that the 101st Airborne Division would be the first to receive the new equipment. This unit regularly participates in various operations, and it has to operate in different conditions, without the necessary infrastructure, etc. It is expected that the MV-75 tiltrotor planes will increase the mobility of the division and show the required level of reliability for any action.

In the future, new tiltrotor aircraft may enter other formations of the US Army. However, plans of this kind have not yet been clarified. In addition, the Pentagon is not ready to disclose the planned volume and pace of mass production. Perhaps all such plans have not been worked out yet.

Interestingly, the army has revised some of its global plans. Thus, the MV-75 FLRAA is no longer considered as a replacement for the cash UH-60. Tiltrotor planes will not have to displace helicopters. On the contrary, over the next few decades, the two families of technology will serve in parallel and complement each other.

The Pentagon is striving to create a military space Internet, but the project is still far from being realized

The US military aims to transform satellite communications into something similar to the Internet — flexible, fast and providing seamless compatibility between different networks. However, as Pentagon representatives stated at the MilSatcom USA industry conference, this long-planned military space Internet project is still in its early stages and is far from being fully implemented.

In the modern era, there are significantly more commercial satellites than military ones, which creates a unique ecosystem that the US Department of Defense seeks to use for its needs. The main goal is to integrate military and commercial satellite networks into a single, reliable and scalable communication system capable of providing rapid data exchange in any environment.

Despite ambitious plans, the creation of such a system requires solving many technical, organizational and political problems. Pentagon officials noted that significant efforts are needed to standardize protocols, ensure cybersecurity, and ensure compatibility of equipment from various manufacturers.

The successful implementation of the military space Internet will significantly improve the efficiency of communications on the battlefield, ensure the stability of communications in conflict and cyber attacks, and improve coordination between various units and allies.

The US Army plans to deploy a second Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system in 2026, despite doubts about its effectiveness

LRHW/Dark Eagle

Despite growing doubts from experts and criticism about combat lethality and reliability, the US Army remains committed to its hypersonic weapons program and has announced plans to deploy a second Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system in 2026.

The system, officially known as the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), is part of the Pentagon's strategy to create a new generation of high-speed strike weapons capable of bypassing the most advanced air and missile defense systems. The main element of the LRHW is the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile itself, which can reach speeds of more than Mach 5 (17,000 km/h) and is equipped with an Advanced Hypersonic Weapon (AHW) maneuvering warhead.

The first battery was officially put into service in 2023 after a series of successful, albeit limited, tests. However, since then, a number of analysts and specialists have raised questions about the real combat value of the system. In particular:

- Accuracy problems when hitting mobile or low-visibility targets;

- High cost of development and production;

- A limited number of launches for a full reliability assessment;

- The complexity of logistics and integration into existing command structures.

Nevertheless, the US Department of Defense believes that hypersonic technologies are a key element of future strategic parity, especially in light of similar programs by Russia and China, which have already deployed their own hypersonic complexes such as Avangard and DF-17.

The deployment of the second system in 2026 will be an important stage in the process of building operational capabilities, and will also allow additional field tests to be conducted in conditions close to combat. According to Pentagon officials, the goal is not only to strengthen the US position in the hypersonic race, but also to develop tactics for using such systems in multinational coalitions.

In the future, the LRHW/Dark Eagle program may become the basis for creating a flexible and distributed network of hypersonic strike systems compatible with NATO and other allies.

A Russian Mi-17 helicopter of the US special Operations Forces suddenly appeared in Arizona — why is it there?

 

Against the background of tense Russian-American relations and a complete embargo on the supply of military equipment from Russia, an unusual event was recorded in Arizona (USA) — the appearance of a Russian Mi-17 helicopter, painted in a discreet gray coloring and associated with the American Special Operations Forces (SOF).

The incident occurred during recent exercises in an urban environment conducted by the US military. The participation of helicopters of this type in them has aroused the interest of analysts and experts, as it indicates the continued use of Russian-made equipment in secret Pentagon programs even after the complete severance of military-technical cooperation with Moscow.

One of the participants in the exercises, namely the Mi—17, was spotted at the Tucson air base, where US Air Force units supporting special forces operations are based. This particular instance, according to open data, was previously listed as part of a limited number of helicopters acquired by the United States before the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine and modified for the needs of special operations.

Despite the fact that the United States is actively developing its own programs for the creation and modernization of helicopters for special forces (for example, the Sikorsky MH-60 or the new Boeing SB-1 Defiant), the Mi-17 remains in demand in certain scenarios.:

- High reliability and ease of maintenance, especially in remote theaters of military operations;

- Large carrying capacity, allowing to transport special forces groups or equipment in difficult conditions;

- A unique flight technical base that can be used to train counteraction to similar machines used by potential opponents.;

- Secrecy and non-obviousness: in some regions of the world, the use of a "Russian" helicopter can help in misinformation or conceal the true identity of the operation.

According to sources, some of these vehicles are on the balance sheet of the 6th Special Operations Detachment (6th SOS), which is traditionally associated with conducting secret missions that often overlap with the activities of the CIA and other intelligence agencies.

It is noted that this Mi-17 also participated in the preparation for operations in the Middle East, including work in mountainous and desert conditions, where high engine efficiency and maneuverability are important. Such vehicles can be used both for the delivery of special groups, as well as for the evacuation of citizens or the elimination of high-ranking targets.

C-5M Super Galaxy makes a secret flight from Italy to Saudi Arabia — what could this mean?

C-5M Super Galaxy

On Thursday, June 19, at 22:26 eastern time, the fact of the approach of a heavy military transport aircraft C-5M Super Galaxy to the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, was recorded. The plane took off from the Aviano Air Base (Italy), known as a key logistics support point for the US Air Force in Europe and the Middle East.

Although there have been no official comments from the Pentagon yet, experts point to a likely logistical or strategic mission involving the delivery of bulky cargo, equipment, or even combat systems. The C-5M Super Galaxy is one of the most spacious and long—range transporters in the world. It is capable of transporting up to 122 tons of payload over a distance of more than 4,600 km without refueling, making it ideal for high-alert operations.

A flight to Saudi Arabia may be related to several factors:

- Increased US military presence in the region amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran;

- Support for the deployment of CENTCOM forces near a potential conflict zone;

- Delivery of missile defense components or high-tech equipment to the Allies;

- Technical evacuation or rotation of personnel in an emergency situation.

The presence of American military facilities like Prince Sultan Air Base, which already housed THAAD and Patriot systems, suggests that this flight could have been part of a broader operation to strengthen regional security.

The secrecy surrounding the flight and the lack of a public schedule may also indicate infrequent or particularly important tasks that are being solved through the use of the US strategic Air fleet.

The question remains whether this is a planned logistical operation or part of the preparation for possible actions in the event of an escalation in the Middle East. But one thing is for sure — every such flight is a signal: Washington is ready to react quickly and in any direction.

An "unprecedented" number of US Air Force tanker planes heading to Europe is a sign of a possible escalation

KC-135 Stratotanker

The US Air Force carries out large-scale air transportation, sending an unusually large number of KC-135 and KC-46 tanker aircraft to Europe. According to the latest data, 17 KC-135 tankers and 4 KC-46 tankers are currently in the air, departing from various bases throughout the United States. In addition, even more planes are preparing for takeoff.

Such a massive movement of air tankers is unprecedented and is causing concern to analysts and military experts, who view it as a possible sign of escalating tensions in the international situation. Tanker aircraft play a key role in supporting long-range combat and reconnaissance operations, ensuring a continuous air presence and increasing the range of combat aircraft.

Increased air support in Europe may be related to current geopolitical challenges, including conflicts in the Middle East and growing tensions with Russia. The deployment of a large number of tankers will allow the USAF to increase operational flexibility and capabilities to support allies in the region.

Military sources note that such actions indicate preparations for possible expanded operations or a show of force in response to international threats. Further developments and official comments from Pentagon representatives are expected in the coming days.