Capabilities Analysis 2024-08-27
HC-130J Combat King II revolutionizes battlefield dynamics
The transport aircraft enables deep strikes, supports drones and extends helicopters' operational reach.
Capabilities Analysis 2024-08-23
China shows inability to protect own interests in Strait of Hormuz
China has leaned heavily on US-led protection of freighters in the region to ensure the safe passage of oil and natural gas that is critical to Beijing.
Capabilities Analysis 2024-08-22
Chinese inaction on Red Sea crisis raises capability questions
China has done little to nothing to halt Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea despite the clear threat to its commercial interests.
Capabilities Analysis 2024-08-10
F-35Cs, Super Hornets synergistically surpass all foes
The two US Navy fighter jets have their own unique strengths but comprise a lethal duo -- with one providing unmatched stealth, while the other fielding a fearsome array of weapons.
Capabilities Analysis 2024-07-25
M1A2C builds on the legacy of superior firepower, accuracy
The M1A2C, the most modern version of the US Army's M1 Abrams, features several upgrades including a new armor package to provide enhanced protection against IEDs.
Capabilities Analysis 2024-07-24
KC-135 Stratotankers make US partner of choice for aerial refueling
The KC-135 Stratotanker is ready to refuel from anywhere and extend the range and endurance of US and allied aircraft.
Capabilities Analysis 2024-06-20
US Army: robust, adaptive force addresses global challenges
The US Army's complex but coherent system poises it to meet diverse needs both at home and around the world.
Capabilities Analysis 2024-06-15
China's dependence on Suez Canal presents vulnerability
Beijing's economic links to the West depend heavily on the Suez Canal, a key maritime route through which about 60% of Chinese trade with Europe typically transits.
Capabilities Analysis 2024-06-10
US forces, allies maintain watch in Strait of Hormuz
China's energy and economic security rides on the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf nations. The key waterway plays a strategic role in any potential conflict between the United States and China.
Capabilities Analysis 2024-05-22
Faltering shipbuilding sector undercuts Moscow's Middle East ambitions
Run-down shipyards, a shortage of qualified personnel, outdated technology, corruption and increasingly harsh sanctions make Russia a dubious partner of choice in the region.
Capabilities Analysis 2024-05-10
M-SHORAD capabilities outstrip Russia's Pantsir system
The Maneuver Short Range Air Defense system provides continuous, all-terrain defense to forces on the battlefield, eclipsing the Russian Pantsir which has a spotty track record.
Capabilities Analysis 2024-05-06
Test launch of US Air Force hypersonic missile paves way for new capabilities
Today's new hypersonic missiles, which travel between 5 and 25 times the speed of sound, have the ability to undertake evasive maneuvers to overcome defenses.
Capabilities Analysis 2024-05-03
US military stands ready to combat biological threats
The US Department of Defense is implementing reforms and early warning systems to better combat future biothreats.
Capabilities Analysis 2024-04-10
B-1B Lancer outstrips Russia's Tu-160 Blackjack in versatility
While the Tu-160 was designed to be a stand-off weapons delivery platform, the B-1B Lancer can penetrate air defenses and deliver low-level strikes with a wide range of weapons.
Capabilities Analysis 2024-03-22
Ukraine invasion reveals 'kill chain' deficiencies for Russia, Iran air power
Success in modern warfare relies on a military's ability to take decisive combat action, a deficiency that plagues Russian aircraft -- and by extension, likely Iranian aircraft too.
Capabilities Analysis 2024-03-19
Inferior satellite capability limits military uses for Russia, Iran
The challenges Russia has faced due to its lackluster satellite capabilities have hindered its ability to use high-precision weapons in contested environments. This doesn't bode well for ally Iran.
Capabilities Analysis 2024-03-18
Russian, Iranian air forces lack deep strike capability
Issues with Russia's aircraft and guided weapon program have become apparent as the war in Ukraine rages on, while Iran, which uses Russian weaponry, finds itself with the same deficiencies.
Capabilities Analysis 2024-02-13
Aegis Combat System gives Arleigh Burke-class destroyers proven edge in combat
The ability of a destroyer to integrate with other assets across a multi-domain maritime warfare environment is key.
Capabilities Analysis 2023-09-19
B-52 vs. S-400: Overwhelming Russia's premier air defense system
Iran is considering the purchase of Russia's S-400 air defense system -- despite its vulnerability to volleys of cruise missiles that B-52s can easily deliver from safe distance.
Capabilities Analysis 2023-08-01
Sukhoi Su-34 proves to be ineffective tool for Russian air force
Russia's Ministry of Defence continues to tout the fighter-bomber as an essential frontline element, but heavy losses in Ukraine and ineffective technology suggest otherwise.
Capabilities Analysis 2023-06-15
Russian Su-35 fighter is no match for US F-22 Raptor
The Su-35's technological deficiencies and its repeated downings in Ukraine show it is unlikely to win in a head-to-head confrontation with the far more advanced F-22.
Capabilities Analysis 2023-05-02
Naval decay: kleptocracy turns Russian navy into dangerous joke
Money goes into the pockets of corrupt contractors and Kremlin officials, leaving ships of Russia's allegedly vaunted navy unable to fight or sail, oftentimes with deadly consequences.
Capabilities Analysis 2023-04-25
Sinking of key warships signals failure of Russian naval doctrine
The Bastion Defence doctrine eventually led to Russian ships cowering in Sevastopol, their crews fearful of meeting the same fate as two high-profile ships that were sunk by Ukraine.
Capabilities Analysis 2023-02-23
Beijing's lack of appeal as strategic partner hinders sales of fighter jets, arms
China's sabre-rattling and continued threats toward its neighbours and the world at large have dried up much of the potential appetite for its weaponry.
Capabilities Analysis 2023-02-16
Doubtful future of China's J-10 fighter suggests new focus on 5th generation J-20
Since the J-10 was already obsolete when introduced, its limited capabilities and dubious track record suggest that China should focus on newer, more advanced fighter aircraft.
Capabilities Analysis 2023-02-14
Limited ground attack capabilities of China's J-10 cloud potential Taiwan invasion
While the J-10 fighter is able to conduct air-to-air combat and ground attack missions -- including the suppression of air defences -- it is particularly limited in the latter by a variety of factors.
Capabilities Analysis 2023-02-07
Tested in combat? For China's J-10 fighter jet, the answer is simple: never
War watchers in military headquarters worldwide know what the US-made F-16 can or cannot do. The same cannot be said for the J-10.
Capabilities Analysis 2023-02-06
China's J-10 fighter proves to hold little appeal for foreign buyers
Despite years of hawking its J-10 fighters, China has been unable to overcome doubts that surround the quality of Chinese-manufactured aircraft.
Capabilities Analysis 2023-01-27
Russia's Su-35 fighter jet fails to stack up against rival warplanes
While the Su-35 is Russia's most advanced fighter plane, the war in Ukraine, head to head trials, and dissatisfied potential buyers prove it has significant disadvantages compared to other aircraft.
Capabilities Analysis 2023-01-23
Limited search, targeting and tracking capabilities hamstring Russia's Su-35s
The limitations of Russia's much-touted fighter jet, which the Kremlin is trying to sell to uninformed and isolated governments, hinder its effectiveness as an alleged fourth-generation aircraft.
Capabilities Analysis 2023-01-18
Falling for Kremlin propaganda, Iran set to acquire discredited Russian fighter jet
Aviation experts say Kremlin propaganda about the Su-35 vastly conflates its capabilities, and that Iran is buying jets that will not provide it an edge in a conflict with a modern military.