Defense Archives

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) sails alongside Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) on Dec. 8, 2025. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), flagship of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, demonstrating the U.S. Navy’s long-term commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathaly Cruz)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The Navy Has 1 Big Advantage over China’s New Aircraft Carriers

Key Points and Summary – This piece argues that America’s true carrier advantage over China is not hull count, but lived experience. -U.S. flight...

Harry KazianisDecember 14, 2025

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

J-36 vs. J-50: China’s Hidden Battle to Beat America’s F-47 NGAD Stealth Fighter

Key Points and Summary – China’s unveiling of its J-36 and J-50 sixth-generation fighter prototypes is more than a flex—it’s a window into how...

Reuben JohnsonDecember 14, 2025

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor performs a vertical climb during the 2025 Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) Kaneohe Bay Air Show, at MCBH, Aug. 9, 2025. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show provided an opportunity to showcase the aircraft, equipment, and capabilities of the armed forces in the Indo-Pacific region to the local community. The air show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations, and vendors, was designed to celebrate MCBH’s longstanding relationship with the local community. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Peter Bannister)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The American Military Can’t Build a Military Anymore

Key Points and Summary – The Navy’s Constellation-class frigate was supposed to be the cheap, proven ship that fixed U.S. procurement dysfunction. -Instead, delays...

Andrew LathamDecember 14, 2025

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 912th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare to recover the second B-21 Raider to arrive for test and evaluation at Edwards AFB, Calif., Sept. 11, 2025. The arrival of a second test aircraft provides maintainers valuable hands-on experience with tools, data and processes that will support future operational squadrons. (U.S Air Force photo by Kyle Brasier)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

New B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Summed Up in 3 Letters

Key Points and Summary – The B-21 Raider is edging closer to operational service, with a second test jet now flying and the Air...

Stephen SilverDecember 14, 2025

A U.S. Navy F/A-18F and F-35, both assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9, fly over the Point Mugu Sea Range in Southern California with a U.S. Air Force F-15 during Gray Flag 2024 on Sept. 24, 2024. Gray Flag is an annual large-force test event that brings the joint force together to test and evaluate multi-domain systems in a maritime environment, ensuring our nation’s warfighters are equipped with effective, interoperable systems that will help them deter aggression, protect our nation’s prosperity and security, and return home safely to their families. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Kory Hughs)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet Fighter Has a Message for the Navy

Key Points and Summary – The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet was never meant to be a star, but it became the backbone of U.S. naval...

Harry KazianisDecember 14, 2025

A U.S. Soldier, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, XVIII Airborne Corps, prepares to throw a weighted medicine ball during a physical training session at Segra Stadium in Fayetteville, N.C., July 15, 2025. The full-body exercise was part of a circuit training rotation designed to boost strength and endurance. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gianna Elle Sulger)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The Real Reason the U.S. Army’s Recruiting Numbers Are Now Surging

Key Points and Summary – After years of recruiting shortfalls, the U.S. Army’s Future Soldier Preparatory Course at Fort Jackson is quietly reshaping how...

Robert FarleyDecember 14, 2025