A Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the U.S. plans to livestream the scheduled Dec. 3, 2026 execution by firing squad of Nidal Hasan, the former Army psychiatrist convicted of killing 13 people at Fort Hood in 2009. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously announced plans to make the execution public, a recommendation approved by President Donald Trump. If carried out, it will mark the U.S. military's first firing squad execution since 1945. The official provided no additional details regarding broadcasting procedures.
A Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block 1B interceptor missile is launched from the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) during a Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy test in the mid-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo)
According to Breaking Defense, the Pentagon and Raytheon have entered into a multi-year contract valued at up to $6.3 billion for SM-3 IB air defense missiles. This contract agreement follows several months after the Department of Defense and Raytheon established a framework agreement designed to increase the production of these air defense munitions. Detailed contract terms, exact delivery schedules, and specific budget breakdowns were not fully provided in the short excerpt.
Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James Kilby warned that the long-term readiness costs of extended Navy deployments, such as the USS Abraham Lincoln’s 321-day mission, remain hidden. Speaking before the National Commission on the Future of the Navy, Kilby stated that current readiness figures are "artificially high" during combat surges. He cautioned that returning ships will strain industrial maintenance capacity, likely forcing deferred maintenance or reduced modernization. While Kilby highlighted unmanned vessels as a potential future solution to alleviate strike group demand, he noted t
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) accused the Pentagon of blocking his access to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar to conceal drone strike damage sustained during conflict with Iran. Murphy called the denial part of a cover-up to hide the war's true costs and stated he plans to draft legislation mandating congressional access to overseas military bases. A Defense Department official rejected the accusation, stating the denial enforced standard travel restrictions issued in March 2026. Murphy also reported extensive damage to the U.S. embassy in Riyadh from a separate drone attack.
According to an article by Sean Spoonts published in 19FortyFive, the U.S. Navy developed the Seawolf-class submarine in the 1980s specifically to counter Soviet Typhoon-class ballistic missile submarines under Arctic ice. Designed for extreme stealth, the Seawolf featured a pump-jet propulsion system, HY-100 steel hull, and an operational depth exceeding 2,000 feet. It was reportedly up to 70 times quieter than the preceding Los Angeles class. However, post-Cold War budget cuts capped production at three hulls, including the specialized USS Jimmy Carter.
Canada faces significant maritime defense challenges as its four aging Victoria-class diesel submarines must remain operational until at least 2034, when newly announced German Type 212CD replacements are scheduled to arrive. Preferred supplier Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems aims to deliver the first vessel between 2033 and 2034, but potential program delays risk creating a critical gap. The article notes Canada's current fleet suffers from severe operational limitations, brief sea times, and persistent staffing shortages, threatening the retention of vital institutional knowledge before the new
According to a profile by journalist Caleb Larson, Japan is upgrading 98 Mitsubishi license-built F-15J fighters under the Japan Super Interceptor (JSI) program. Approved via U.S. and Japanese agreements with Boeing and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the modernization replaces aging systems with AN/APG-82(V)1 AESA radar, advanced mission computers, and electronic warfare suites. The non-stealth JSI jets will carry modern weapons, including JASSM-ER standoff missiles, functioning as long-range "missile trucks" networked with Japan's F-35s to counter Russian and Chinese air activities. The remaini
According to defense columnist Isaac Seitz writing for 19FortyFive, Russia’s Lada-class diesel-electric submarines were designed as lighter, stealthier replacements for Kilo-class vessels. The program faced major delays after the lead ship, Sankt Peterburg, suffered severe design flaws and was decommissioned in 2024. Following redesigns, Russia commissioned subsequent hulls equipped with advanced stealth coatings, automated combat systems, and Kalibr missile capability. However, Seitz notes that despite initial plans, the Lada-class currently lacks Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) due to techn
An F/A-18E Super Hornet launches from the USS Abraham Lincoln, Aug. 31, 2026. Navy photo by Seaman Shepard Fosdyke Jackson. Navy photo by Seaman Shepard Fosdyke Jackson.
According to Task & Purpose, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln and its carrier strike group received the Presidential Unit Citation for their deployment during conflict with Iran. The strike group spent 321 days away from home, including 40 days in combat. The award citation credits the crew with launching 3,963 combat sorties during Operation Epic Fury and sinking 64 Iranian vessels. The Lincoln is the second strike group awarded the honor.
A congressional report tallied the U.S. aircraft lost and damaged in the Iran war, which included fighter jets, helicopters, and drones. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Heather Amador Paulino. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Heather Amador Paulino.
According to a report from the Congressional Research Service, 81 U.S. military fighters, helicopters, and drones have been lost or damaged during operations involving Iran. The CRS compiled the tallies using public news reports and official statements after the Pentagon failed to respond to inquiries. Financial estimates for overall war costs exceed $33 billion, with equipment losses estimated between $1.9 billion and $3.7 billion by oversight agencies. Additionally, a Congressional Budget Office report warned that ongoing operations pose significant risks to U.S. missile interceptor stockpil
Journalist Georgia Gilholy reports on the technical management and high fuel consumption of the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft. Operating at Mach 3 and altitudes exceeding 80,000 feet, the aircraft consumed up to 8,000 gallons of JP-7 fuel per hour. Former pilot David Peters described balancing center of gravity and inlet doors to minimize aerodynamic drag, while Pratt & Whitney J58 engines transitioned from turbojet to partial ramjet operation. Specialized KC-135Q tankers refueled the jet every two hours, extending its unrefueled 3,000-mile range to 15,000 miles.
In an analysis for 19FortyFive, Harrison Kass examines the strategic role and growing vulnerabilities of U.S. Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. Nimitz- and Ford-class supercarriers provide unique mobility and air superiority capabilities, carrying 60 to 70 aircraft. However, emerging threats—such as Chinese anti-ship ballistic missiles and Iranian drone capabilities—raise concerns about concentrating firepower on a single target. Although potential supplements like uncrewed aircraft, long-range missiles, and smaller amphibious assault ships exist, Kass notes the Navy currently has no act
In an opinion piece for 19FortyFive, national security analyst James Jay Carafano argues that Tehran miscalculated by attempting to wait out President Donald Trump through U.S. midterm elections. According to Carafano, the Trump administration has significantly degraded Iranian military capabilities, nuclear potential, and regional surrogates such as the Houthis. He contends that future sessions of Congress will find it politically and strategically impossible to undo these outcomes, predicting the conflict will have minimal long-term impact on domestic energy affordability and voter behavior
On October 6, 2026, a $6.6 billion initiative was announced to expand the U.S. submarine industrial base through a software-defined shipyard named Arsenal-2. The enterprise pairs $3.7 billion in private investment from Anduril Industries with a U.S. Navy contract valued at up to $2.9 billion linked to production milestones. Situated in Baltimore County, Maryland, Arsenal-2 is planned to construct components for Virginia-class submarines, with initial facility operations projected for 2030 alongside early operational support from a California manufacturing site.
The drive-thru menu at the 62 Area dining hall at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, this month. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Davin Tenbusch. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Davin Tenbusch.
Marines at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California now have access to a new drive-thru at the 62 Area chow hall, featuring Tres Habaneros, operated by Sodexo Group. According to Master Gunnery Sgt. Marcus Jenkins, the service addresses Marine feedback regarding accessibility, particularly for service members in dirty work uniforms. Junior enlisted personnel can pay via meal cards, while standard pricing applies to others. The facility expands on existing drive-thru options at Pendleton and other military bases.
According to an Air Force statement, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations has certified an initial team of six special agents to operate and instruct others on the Skydio X10D small autonomous drone system. Following a weeklong training course in Quantico, Virginia, the agents will use a train-the-trainer model to expand the capability across technical operation units. The drones are intended to support aerial monitoring, surveillance, outdoor crime scene documentation, and protective services. Five X10D systems are slated for deployment to technical operations agents in January 2027
According to 19FortyFive, the United States Navy misses the long-range capabilities of the retired Grumman F-14D Tomcat, particularly when compared to newer carrier aircraft like the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-35C Lightning II. Designed primarily for long-range fleet defense against Soviet bombers during the Cold War, the Tomcat featured variable-sweep wings and upgraded General Electric engines. Despite its range advantages, the F-14D was retired in 2006 due to high maintenance costs, leaving a capability gap in long-distance fleet protection.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is set to return to San Diego following a 320-day deployment in the Middle East. According to Military Times, the extended deployment raised serious concerns regarding sailor mental health and shipboard morale. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed that eight sailors within the carrier strike group attempted suicide during the mission. Mental health professionals and sailors indicated that onboard psychiatric assistance systems are strained by prolonged combat deployments. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to welcome the crew.
According to a report published by 19FortyFive referencing an account from Aviation Geek Club, U.S. Air Force Major Phil Handley and First Lieutenant Jack Smallwood achieved a rare aerial victory on June 2, 1972, during the Vietnam War. Flying an F-4E Phantom II, Handley engaged North Vietnamese MiG-19s after all four of his air-to-air missiles failed to function properly. Handley then utilized the aircraft’s nose-mounted 20mm M61A1 Vulcan rotary cannon, firing 300 rounds while traveling at Mach 1.2 to destroy an enemy fighter at low altitude.
South Korean soldiers conducting landmine clearance operations near Mount Geumseong discovered the earliest known Korean firearm, identified as a Hwangja Hwatong (Yellow-Character Hand Cannon). According to the National Naju Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, preliminary research indicates the 10-inch bronze artifact likely dates to either 1377 or 1437, periods marked by Goryeo Dynasty gunpowder development or King Sejong's artillery standardization. Inscriptions detail its production official and maker.
