Raw Intel

Perhaps it is because I spent a lot of time as a JO playing around with the how, when, and to what degree we would nuke someone that nuclear weapons can sometimes be a cold subject. Especially at the tactical nuke level - it isn't the end of the world. Indeed, we trained to fight and win in a nuclear environment not that long ago. Along those lines, I think more people should get comfortable with Alex Wellerstein's NUKEMAP. From Davie Crocket to the Tsar Bomb - play dial-a-yield all you want. Want to know what a probably terrorist nuke of NYC would look like? Without pondering fallout .... build your own ... even your hometown if you wish. …

Sal and EagleOne are back after July 4th with a full plate of catching up to do on the waterfront from ghosting Afghanistan, Japan & Taiwan's awkward natsec flirting, the INDOPACCOM J2 isn't all that happy with what he's discovered west of Wake, and the ever popular question, how many years is a 30-yr CG good for. Join us live if you can and roll in with your preferred topic in the chat room or call the switchboard number right here on the showpage. If you use iTunes, you can add Midrats to your podcast list simply by clicking the iTunes button at the main showpage - or you can just click here. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/FAFV?d=yIl2AUoC8zA http://…

The slow building crisis in Ukraine is reaching a point of critical mass. I think a decision point in coming in mid-Feb. I'm pondering in more detail over at USNIBlog. Come by and give it a read. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/FAFV?d=yIl2AUoC8zA http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/FAFV?d=qj6IDK7rITs http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/FAFV?i=w36yEhAGqR0:RrHkwzuF_HQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/FAFV?i=w36yEhAGqR0:RrHkwzuF_HQ:-BTjWOF_DHI http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/FAFV?i=w36yEhAGqR0:RrHkwzuF_HQ:V_sGLiPBpWU http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/FAFV?i=w36yEhAGqR0:RrHkwzuF_HQ:F7zBnMyn0Lo View the full article

Yesterday we looked at who in our NATO alliance was spending their fair share to our collective security. Today, including the plucky Finns, let's look at who is constructing what via the good folks at NavalAnalysis; My quicklook; nice to see a lot of 127mm vs lesser guns, that Italian DDX is a CGX, and that we need A LOT more VLS tubes in the alliance. A lot more. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/FAFV?d=yIl2AUoC8zA http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/FAFV?d=qj6IDK7rITs http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/FAFV?i=aYsFAr-YIDU:SMFs_ZawATY:gIN9vFwOqvQ http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/blogspot/FAFV?i=aYsFAr-YIDU:SMFs_ZawATY:-BTjWOF_DHI http://feeds.feedburn…

British E-3 Sentry (click to view full) Britain’s E-3D Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) is based on Boeing’s 707 family, and its ability to see and direct air operations within hundreds of miles provides vital strategic support. Since its introduction in 1992, the RAF’s fleet of 7 E-3s has been used in every major UK military operation, including Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. That availability depends on effective maintenance, and the UK MoD has a new approach. It’s meant to give them more flyable planes, while costing less money. The new Sentry Whole Life Support Program (WLSP) began in August 2005, when Northrop Grumman won a 20-year…

As a general rule, a right and natural thing is simple. Even a radical change, when that change is the correct and productive thing, it is simple to understand, execute, and explain to other people. Just a few words, just a few moments of instruction. Follow on questions are easy. Words are clear and direct. When you find something is such an ill fit to objective reality and the best course of action that you have to redefine the language, shut off debate, and threaten any mild concern with destruction of reputation and livelihood to any who may have those questions and concerns ... then you need to think real hard if what you are doing is really correct. This week's DivT…

Americas Airbus Defence and Space has recently concluded a successful two-week flight-test campaign for its A400M Roll-on/Roll-off firefighting prototype kit. The campaign, conducted in south-western and central Spain, showcased the prototype’s ability to drop 20,000 liters of retardant, creating high concentration lines over 400 meters long on the ground. Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air […]View the full article

Americas Boeing won a $210 million ceiling-priced delivery order under previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00383-22-G-YY01) for procurement of nine various configurations of flight control surface spares used on the F/A-18E/F and E/A-18G aircrafts. The delivery order does not include an option period. Work will be performed in Hazelwood, Missouri (85%); and St. Louis, Missouri (15%), and work is expected to be completed by July 2032 with no options. The announcement contains purchases under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Boeing has revealed the cons…

Americas Lockheed Martin won a $25 million modification to keep working on the AEGIS system for ships. This work includes keeping the system running well, making sure all parts work together, writing instructions and helping people use it. The Navy office in Washington, D.C. that handles ship-related contracts gave them this extra work on January 30, 2025. Lockheed Martin got $383 million to make a new version of the Trident II D5 for the US Navy. This new missile, called D5LE2, is supposed to work until 2084. It will be used on new submarines called Columbia-class, which will replace older Ohio-class submarines. Jerry Mamrol, Lockheed Martin VP, said this upgraded missil…

India has told U.S. officials that it is not interested in purchasing the F-35 stealth fighter, despite growing pressure from Washington to expand its defense imports, according to a recent report from Bloomberg. Officials familiar with the matter, cited anonymously due to the sensitivity of the discussions, said the Modi government is unlikely to proceed […] The post India rejects U.S. F-35 fighter offer, Report says first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

China has presented its newest shipborne unmanned helicopters during a military parade, revealing a system described as capable of reshaping future naval combat. The aircraft, domestically developed and already in service with the Chinese Navy, were highlighted in a recent broadcast by China’s CCTV7. According to information released at the parade, the unmanned rotary-wing vehicles […] The post China shows naval unmanned helicopters first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

The U.S. Army has awarded FN America, LLC a $2 million Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) contract to further develop its Precision Grenadier System — a next-generation soldier weapon designed to deliver greater precision and lethality than current grenade launchers. According to the company, the FN Multi-purpose Tactical Launcher 30mm (MTL-30) will be designed in […] The post U.S. Army taps FN America for next-gen grenade launcher first appeared on Defence Blog.View the full article

Ukrainian Armor, a domestic defense manufacturer, has begun licensed production of 105mm and 155mm artillery shells in Ukraine with technical support from Czech-based defense group Czechoslovak Group (CSG), according to a report by Militarnyi. The initiative, carried out under a formal licensing agreement signed in October 2024, provides Ukraine with access to production rights, manufacturing […]View the full article

The United States Army has finalized a $390 million contract modification with BAE Systems to upgrade and deliver additional Bradley A4 infantry fighting vehicles, expanding the service’s fleet of modernized armored platforms. According to the company, the upgraded M2A4 configuration will replace older Bradley variants and give Soldiers improved lethality, protection, and on-board systems across […]View the full article

Several Tomahawk cruise missiles failed to reach their intended targets during a recent American strike on Islamic State positions in Nigeria, according to reporting by Militarnyi. At least three missiles reportedly fell short, with local residents discovering debris and unexploded warheads the morning after the attack. Photos of the missile remnants were published by conflict […]View the full article

Japan’s Ministry of Defense reported that four Chinese Navy vessels transited from the East China Sea into the Pacific Ocean between January 27 and 28, passing through waters near Okinawa and the Miyako Strait, in a movement monitored by Japanese air and naval forces. According to a statement released on January 28 by Japanese Defense […]View the full article

FN America announced Monday that it has conducted function testing of its FN MTL-30 30mm Medium Tactical Grenade Launcher as part of ongoing development work under the U.S. Army’s Precision Grenadier System (PGS) Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) award. The company said the recent testing was carried out in collaboration with Strategic Sciences and focused […]View the full article

Lithuania’s Minister of National Defence, Robertas Kaunas, said a drone that crashed and exploded in Varena district was most likely a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle that deviated from its course, possibly due to electronic warfare interference. The incident occurred near the village of Lavisos, about 30 kilometers from the Belarusian border, according to Lithuania’s Ministry […]View the full article

Ukraine expects its pilots to begin training on Swedish-made JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets as early as 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, signaling a new step in efforts to rebuild the country’s air force during the war. In remarks cited by Militarnyi, Zelenskyy pointed to a growing partnership with Sweden focused on strengthening Ukraine’s future […]View the full article

More than once, mostly on the Midrats Podcast, I have said something to the effect, “Bravo Zulu to the Iranian engineering team who developed the Shahed. Everyone is copying them left, right, and sideways. Even the Americans are trying to steal their engineering valor.” Well, belay my last: I was not just wrong, but mind-numbingly wrong. Let’s set the record straight. The Shahed drone is as American as apple pie—OK, perhaps apple strudel! The Dornier Drohne Anti-Radar (DAR) was an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Dornier GmbH to detect and destroy enemy radar installations, especially those used for air defense, within a defined target area. The development project w…