Howard Altman
@howardaltman.bsky.social
📤 818
📥 615
📝 95
Scoop: The FBI is looking for vendors who can provide it with fiber optic drones, the ubiquitous weapon of war in Ukraine.
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FBI Wants To Add Fiber Optic Drones To Its Arsenal
Fiber-optic-controlled drones, ubiquitous on the battlefield in Ukraine, could be headed to the FBI's armory.
https://www.twz.com/air/fbi-wants-to-add-fiber-optic-drones-to-its-arsenal
7 days ago
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U.S. testing Venezuelan air defenses and conducting training flights near the South American nation as part of increasing pressure campaign against Maduro.
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RC-135 Accompanied By Fighters Off Venezuela Testing Maduro's Air Defenses: U.S. Official
The flights are part of a massive U.S. military presence in the Caribbean aimed at putting maximum pressure on Venezuela's Maduro.
https://www.twz.com/air/rc-135-accompanied-by-fighters-off-venezuela-testing-enemy-air-defenses-u-s-official
8 days ago
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Nearly a month after a Navy Super Hornet fighter and a Seahawk helicopter crashed off the USS Nimitz in the hotly contested South China Sea, the recovery effort is in full swing.
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Navy Salvage Ship Trying To Fish Crashed Super Hornet And Seahawk Out Of South China Sea
USNS Salvor is on the scene in the tense South China Sea to recover both aircraft that crashed on the same night while flying from the Nimitz.
https://www.twz.com/sea/navy-salvage-ship-trying-to-fish-crashed-super-hornet-and-seahawk-out-of-south-china-sea
8 days ago
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Scoop: Controversial Russian general is in Venezuela leading advise and train mission, Budanov tells me. It is a long-standing rotation not directly related to current US Caribbean ops.
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Russian General In Venezuela Leading Advisory Mission: Ukraine's Intel Chief
The long-standing Russian mission in Venezuela is not directly related to the ongoing U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/russian-general-in-venezuela-leading-advisory-mission-ukraines-intel-chief
9 days ago
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Exclusive: A battlefield commander in Ukraine offers his inside view on the blood fight for Pokrovsk and its ramifications elsewhere on the front lines.
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Battlefield Commander In Ukraine Details Russia’s Increasing Frontline Pressure
The commander, whose troops are fighting in Pokrovsk, offers exclusive insights about the bloody battle there and its impact on Ukraine's defenses elsewhere.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/battlefield-commander-in-ukraine-details-russias-increasing-frontline-pressure
16 days ago
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The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, ordered to the Caribbean to take part in actions there, has been holding off the coast of Morocco for two days as news breaks that Trump won't strike Venezuela, for now.
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USS Ford Holding Off North Africa As Reports Emerge Trump Won't Strike Venezuela, For Now
The supercarrier, ordered to the Caribbean by Trump, has not moved significantly toward that area for two days.
https://www.twz.com/sea/uss-ford-holding-off-north-africa-as-reports-emerge-trump-wont-strike-venezuela-for-now
22 days ago
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You say it's only a Beaver Moon...
23 days ago
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Putin has ordered his top officials to give him proposals for restarting full-scale nuclear weapons tests. Experts tell me how long that could take and what it would entail.
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How Long It Will Take Russia To Resume Nuclear Detonation Tests: Experts Weigh In
After Trump's comments, Putin ordered his top officials to provide proposals on how to restart Russia's live nuclear weapons testing program.
https://www.twz.com/nuclear/how-long-it-will-take-russia-to-resume-nuclear-detonation-tests-experts-weigh-in
23 days ago
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Scoop: Tico class guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg now deployed in Caribbean as part of counter-narco operation. News comes as Trump denies plans to attack Venezuela.
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Navy Cruiser Joins Caribbean Flotilla As Reports Claim U.S. Is Readying Venezuela Strikes (Updated)
The deployment of USS Gettysburg comes as a carrier strike group is also heading to the region, while Trump denies he is about to strike.
https://www.twz.com/sea/navy-cruiser-joins-caribbean-flotilla-as-reports-claim-u-s-is-readying-venezuela-strikes
28 days ago
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While it is unclear what Trump was talking about when commenting on nuclear weapons testing, we reached out to some experts who do this for a living to get their take on what it all could mean.
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Experts Explain How Reviving Nuclear Weapons Tests Would Actually Happen
While it remains unclear exactly what Trump meant by "testing our nuclear weapons," we got expert opinions on the timelines and processes required to restart live detonations.
https://www.twz.com/nuclear/experts-explain-how-reviving-nuclear-weapons-tests-would-actually-happen
29 days ago
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Exclusive: Chief of Staff of First Corps Azov offers new details about the fight around Dobropillia, a counteroffensive Zelensky today called a success.
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Inside The Fight To Stop Russia's Biggest Battlefield Advance In A Year
The chief of staff of First Corps Azov offers exclusive details about the ongoing battle for Dobropillia in eastern Ukraine.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/inside-the-fight-to-stop-russias-biggest-advance-in-a-year
about 2 months ago
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Scoop: CBP tells me the Chicago drone ban I wrote about earlier today was prompted by "credible threat" that agents will be attacked by small drones during protests. We asked for proof of claim and will update with any pertinent information provided.
www.twz.com/air/cbp-clai...
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CBP Claims "Credible Threat" Of Drone Attacks Prompted Massive Chicago Airspace Restrictions
Customs and Border Protection has responded to our inquiry about the airspace closure, saying it was put in place due to a risk of drone attacks.
https://www.twz.com/air/cbp-claims-credible-threat-of-drone-attacks-prompted-massive-chicago-airspace-restrictions
about 2 months ago
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This just in: Drone incursion reports at US military bases have increased significantly in the past year, says NORTHCOM, which unveiled its new quick reaction force for bases that need help countering incursions.
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New Quick Reaction Force Will Counter Military Base Drone Incursions
Soon, teams of counter-drone experts and sensors, electronic warfare systems, and drone interceptors will rush to bases being swarmed by drones.
https://www.twz.com/air/new-quick-reaction-force-will-counter-military-base-drone-incursions
2 months ago
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On a day when the US carried out a lethal strike against a claimed Venezuelan drug boat, US Marines and sailors practiced amphibious landings in Puerto Rico.
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U.S. Amphibious Landing Exercise Underway In Puerto Rico As Tensions With Venezuela Mount
The amphibious training in Puerto Rico comes as the U.S. has at least eight warships in the Caribbean and just struck a Venezuelan drug boat.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/u-s-amphibious-landing-exercise-underway-in-puerto-rico-as-tensions-with-venezuela-mount
3 months ago
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The drone attack on a Colombian National Police Black Hawk helicopter is one more sign that the future of rotary-wing aviation in combat is murky.
www.twz.com/air/colombia...
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Colombian Black Hawk Downed By Drone Is A Glimpse Of What's To Come
Easy to access and employ, weaponized drones pose a rapidly increasing threat to combat helicopters around the globe.
https://www.twz.com/air/colombian-black-hawk-downed-by-drone-is-a-glimpse-of-whats-to-come
3 months ago
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On this, the 4th anniversary of the fall of Afghanistan, remember those who served there, those who came home forever changed, those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the loved ones left behind. And of course, those we abandoned who risked their lives to help us.
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Howard Altman: On invasion's anniversary, those with much at stake in Afghanistan look back
In the early morning hours of Oct. 20, 2001, Mark Nutsch and Robert Pennington were Green Berets assigned to ODA 595. They were stepping off a helicopter to meet with members of the Northern...
https://www.tampabay.com/news/military/macdill/Howard-Altman-On-invasion-s-anniversary-those-with-much-at-stake-in-Afghanistan-look-back_172874913/
4 months ago
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U.S. MQ-9 flies deep into Mexico as Trump administration ramps up campaign against cartels.
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U.S. MQ-9 Drone Just Flew A Mission Deep Into Mexico
The flight of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Guardian drone comes as the Trump administration is ramping up its campaign against Mexican drug cartels.
https://www.twz.com/air/u-s-mq-9-drone-just-flew-a-mission-deep-into-mexico
4 months ago
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What's it like to set U-2 flight records by zig-zagging over America for 14 hours? Instructor pilot Cory Bartholomew gave us some insights on the flight and the future of a program on the brink of being shuttered.
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Inside The U-2's Record-Setting 70th Anniversary Mission With One Of Its Most Experienced Pilots
The U-2 just made the longest flight of its 70-year flying career as its future is very much in doubt.
https://www.twz.com/air/inside-the-u-2s-record-setting-70th-anniversary-mission-with-one-of-its-most-experienced-pilots
4 months ago
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Exclusive: An American investor in Ukraine talks about how the war-torn nation became a defense tech powerhouse and how the US and allies are ignoring the lessons.
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Critical Weapons Development Lessons From Ukraine Are Not Being Learned By The West
An American defense investor in Ukraine offers exclusive insights on Kyiv's grassroots military buildup and the velocity of its weapons development.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/critical-weapons-development-lessons-from-ukraine-are-not-being-learned-by-the-west
4 months ago
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Happy Hummus Face
4 months ago
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Breaking: Tragic death at F.E. Warren AFB prompts Global Strike Command to order temporary pause on use of Sig Sauer M18 pistols
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Sig M18 Pistols Pulled From Use By Air Force Global Strike Command
A fatal incident prompted the order to pause M18 use, which also comes after the disclosure of a concerning FBI report that Sig has pushed back on.
https://www.twz.com/land/sig-m18-pistols-pulled-from-use-by-air-force-global-strike-command
4 months ago
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Javier Alonso de Medina Salguero took some of the most amazing shots you will ever see of a combat jet striking a bird during high-speed aerobatic maneuvers. The pilot survived. The bird? Not so much.
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Eurofighter Typhoon Canopy-Shattering Bird Strike Captured In Amazing Images
A photographer snapped the instant a Spanish Eurofighter impacted a bird during an aerobatic demonstration.
https://www.twz.com/air/eurofighter-typhoon-canopy-shattering-bird-strike-captured-in-amazing-images
4 months ago
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Kyiv residents had a breath of fresh air today, a massive Ukrainian-made An-124 cargo jet. But where it took off from and why it was flying in such heavily restricted airspace remain mysteries.
www.twz.com/news-feature...
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Lumbering An-124 Condor Cargo Jet Appears In Kyiv's Highly-Restricted Airspace
We break down where the massive jet, which was unexpected to the citizens of Kyiv, likely came from and where it was going.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/lumbering-an-124-condor-cargo-jet-appears-in-kyivs-highly-restricted-airspace
5 months ago
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Now that the MOPs have been dropped, the Pentagon is awaiting BDA to determine how well the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators worked and what comes next for these weapons.
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Scientists Await GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator's Results From Iran Attack To Inform Its Future
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency has offered new details about the development and employment of MOP, and how it will guide what comes next.
https://www.twz.com/air/scientists-await-gbu-57-massive-ordnance-penetrators-results-from-iran-attack-to-inform-the-weapons-future
5 months ago
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The crew of the bulk carrier Magic Seas is preparing to abandon ship with the vessel taking on water after the first Houthi attack on Red Sea shipping since December. The Magic Seas was hit with explosive-laden drone boats, RPGs and small arms fire.
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Houthis Launch First Red Sea Attack On Shipping Since December
The Liberian-registered Magic Seas was hit with multiple explosive-laden drone boats, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/houthis-launch-first-red-sea-attack-on-shipping-since-december
5 months ago
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Los Alamos scientist Gary Stradling, who studied the physics of how to hit heavily fortified underground facilities, provides some fascinating insights about the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP).
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Los Alamos Scientist's Insights On The GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator
Before visiting a MOP test crater, Gary Stradling studied the physics of how a weapon could penetrate deep into heavily fortified underground facilities.
https://www.twz.com/nuclear/los-alamos-scientists-insights-on-the-gbu-57-massive-ordnance-penetrator
5 months ago
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With tanks and other armor becoming increasingly vulnerable to drone attacks, the Army wants new top attack protection add-on armor (think cope cages) for its tracked combat vehicles.
www.twz.com/land/army-wa...
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Army Wants Cope Cage-Like Armor To Protect From Drone Attacks On Its Tanks
With the threat of drones rapidly changing the realities of warfare, the Army finally requests overhead armor on 1,500 tracked vehicles.
https://www.twz.com/land/army-wants-new-armor-to-protect-from-overhead-drone-attacks-on-its-tracked-vehicles
5 months ago
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We are not the enemy. Those who cover the military have a deep respect for those who serve. Much of our reporting shines light on problems they face. Many of us have been downrange to bring home their experiences to the American public. Our commitment to this mission continues.
5 months ago
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“We believe that this is the largest single Patriot engagement in US military history." Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine offers new details about how air defenders protected Al Udeid
www.twz.com/land/largest...
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Largest Patriot Missile Salvo In U.S. Military History Launched Defending Al Udeid Air Base Against Iranian Attack
The Pentagon's top officer offered new details about how air defense crews at Al Udeid Air Base knocked down incoming Iranian missiles.
https://www.twz.com/land/largest-patriot-salvo-in-u-s-military-history-launched-defending-al-udeid-air-base-against-iranian-missiles
5 months ago
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I am thrilled to announce that the annual Military Reporters & Editors 2025 Journalism Contest is now open. You worked hard, did great work and deserve to be recognized in these challenging times. You can find the details and entry form in this link:
mrecontest.org
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MRE Contest – Military Reporters & Editors annual contest for journalists covering the military, defense industry, troops & veterans, national security or war.
https://mrecontest.org/
5 months ago
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Exclusive: Budanov gives me new details about Ukraine's game-changing drone boat campaign.
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AIM-9X Being Used By Ukraine's Drone Boats To Engage Russian Jets, Not AIM-9M
Ukrainian spy boss Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov gives us exclusive details about the latest in Ukraine's drone boat offensive.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/aim-9x-being-used-by-ukraines-drone-boats-to-engage-russian-jets-not-aim-9l-ms
6 months ago
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Exclusive: Budanov tells me Russia is giving North Korea the capability of producing Shahed and Garpiya drones, which could change the balance of power on the peninsula.
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Russia Giving North Korea Shahed-136 Attack Drone Production Capability: Budanov
Ukraine's intelligence chief says Moscow is giving Pyongyang advanced military technologies that could shift the balance of power on the peninsula.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/russia-giving-shahed-136-attack-drone-production-capabilities-to-north-korea-budanov
6 months ago
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Exclusive: The commander of Azov's Unmanned Systems Battalion tells me about the brutal fight in eastern Ukraine, changing Russian tactics, the trouble with "dragon drones," why he's wary of using gun-toting ground robots and much more.
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Ukrainian Commander's Exclusive Insights On Brutal Drone Warfare On The Frontline
The commander of Azov's Unmanned Systems Battalion shares the latest details about how tactics are evolving in the bloody Donbas region.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukrainian-commanders-exclusive-insights-on-brutal-drone-warfare-on-the-frontline
6 months ago
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Ukraine destroyed Russian strategic bombers in a massive drone attack. What we know and our early analysis.
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Russian Strategic Bombers Destroyed In Unprecedented Wide-Scale Drone Attack (Updated)
The attacks that went after the heart of Russia's strategic aviation capabilities and one arm of its nuclear deterrent should serve as a global wake-up call.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/russian-strategic-bombers-destroyed-in-unprecedented-wide-scale-drone-attack
6 months ago
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New rules on Pentagon media access put in place by @SecDef further chill the free flow of information vital to the public. Our Military Reporters & Editors statement:
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MRE Speaks Out Against Hegseth's New Pentagon Press Restrictions - Military Reporters and Editors
News from Military Reporters and Editors - MRE for reporters, editors, digital, photo and visual journalists covering the military, national security and defense.
https://www.militaryreporters.org/2025/05/mre-speaks-out-against-hegseths-new-pentagon-press-restrictions/
6 months ago
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To all the Gold Star families I have come to know, your loved ones will always be honored, and your losses will never be forgotten.
6 months ago
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A US defense official tells me more F-15E Strike Eagles have deployed to Diego Garcia to help protect the island and its assets, including four B-52 bombers.
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More F-15E Strike Eagles Deploy To Diego Garcia
The multi-role fighters were sent to protect the island stronghold and its B-52 guests amid evolving threats.
https://www.twz.com/air/more-f-15e-strike-eagles-deploy-to-diego-garcia
6 months ago
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Scoop: F-15s deployed to Diego Garcia for force protection.
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F-15 Eagles Deploy To Diego Garcia To Protect The Indian Ocean Outpost
The F-15s are providing protection for the island base which is currently hosting B-52s amid rapidly developing threats from Iran and its proxies.
https://www.twz.com/air/f-15-eagles-deploy-to-diego-garcia-to-protect-the-indian-ocean-outpost
7 months ago
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An executive with Global Ordnance talks about the worldwide shortage of TNT and propellant for artillery shells.
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Shell Game: Inside The Worldwide TNT Shortage
We talk to a major U.S. artillery shell maker about how ongoing conflicts have severely strained the global supply of critical explosive compounds.
https://www.twz.com/land/shell-game-the-worldwide-tnt-shortage
7 months ago
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There has been much debate about the Qatari gift of a 747-8. But the bottom line is that turning it into an Air Force One will cost a bundle.
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Turning Qatar's Gifted 747 Into Air Force One Will Be Anything But Free
Trump rightly said only "a stupid person" would turn down the free Qatari jet, but turning it into Air Force One for a few years of service isn't realistic.
https://www.twz.com/air/turning-qatars-gifted-747-into-air-force-one-will-be-anything-but-free
7 months ago
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Scoop: Budanov tells me GUR shot down two Su-30 Flankers with AIM-9 Sidewinders. Marks the first downing of jets by drone boats and the first successful use of Sidewinders from a drone boat.
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Two Russian Su-30 Flankers Downed By AIM-9s Fired From Drone Boats: Ukrainian Intel Boss
The event marks the first time drone boats downed fighters and the first successful use of AIM-9 missiles to take down any aircraft via drone boat.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/two-russian-su-30-flankers-downed-by-aim-9s-fired-from-drone-boats-ukrainian-intel-boss
7 months ago
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Sig Sour? Army CPT rips into XM7 rifle as "unfit." Sig Sauer gave us a point-by-point rebuttal.
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Army Captain Slams New XM7 Rifle As "Unfit," Sig Sauer Says Otherwise
The infantry officer and Expeditionary Warfare School student presented his findings, which lambasted the new rifle for its ergonomics, weight, and durability.
https://www.twz.com/land/army-captain-slams-new-xm7-rifle-as-unfit-sig-sauer-says-otherwise
7 months ago
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The attack by @CENTCOM devastated the Houthi-controlled port, as you can see in these satellite images. How much this will affect the Yemen-based, Iran-backed rebel group remains to be seen.
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Destruction From U.S. Attack On Houthi Port Shown In Satellite Imagery
A key fuel transfer facility on the Red Sea has been wiped out by U.S. airpower, as shown in new satellite imagery.
https://www.twz.com/air/destruction-from-u-s-attack-on-houthi-port-shown-in-satellite-imagery
7 months ago
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NORAD responded to this video. ”https://www.twz.com/air/very-close-encounter-between-f-35-and-su-35-caught-on-cockpit-camera
8 months ago
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Inspired by the success of fiber optic-controlled FPV aerial drones, Ukraine is testing how this system works on ground drones.
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Unmanned Ground Vehicles Controlled Via Fiber Optic Cables Being Tested By Ukraine
The move is inspired by the success of fiber optic cables on first-person view (FPV) aerial drones used by both sides.
https://www.twz.com/land/unmanned-ground-vehicles-controlled-via-fiber-optic-cables-being-tested-by-ukraine
8 months ago
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Greenland plays a vital role in U.S. national defense -especially tracking the increasing danger from Russian submarines - the top U.S. commander in Europe testified today. He made it clear he was talking about the military value, not the policy issue of Trump wanting to take it from Denmark.
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Greenland "Absolutely Critical" For Hunting Russian Submarines: Top U.S. General In Europe
General Cavoli testified before Congress that Greenland is vital to U.S. national security, especially for confronting the growing threat of Russian submarines.
https://www.twz.com/sea/greenland-absolutely-critical-for-hunting-russian-submarines-top-u-s-general-in-europe
8 months ago
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NORTHCOM's commander wants permission for U.S. troops to take down Mexican cartel drones flying over the southern border.
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OK To Shoot Down Cartel Drones Flying Over Border Sought By NORTHCOM Boss
The push for new authorization to engage drones comes as Mexican cartels are increasingly using them over the border for surveillance and smuggling.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/ok-to-shoot-down-cartel-drones-flying-over-border-sought-by-northcom-boss
8 months ago
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Those in the infamous Signal chat about a looming strike against the Houthis had government-issued secure options that adhere to data-retention laws. So why weren't they used?
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Signal For Secure Comms: Convenience Over Security Without The Record-Keeping
We talked to experts about what secure communications options key decision makers have and why Signal is an attractive but highly problematic solution.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/signal-for-secure-comms-convenience-over-security-without-the-record-keeping
8 months ago
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Engels Air Base, 300 miles from Ukraine, suffered extensive damage to its munitions storage area during yesterday's Ukrainian drone attack, satellite imagery shows
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Russian Bomber Base Suffered Major Damage To Munitions Area In Ukrainian Drone Attack
The attack on Engels Air Base, 300 miles from Ukraine, sent a shockwave across the city and a towering black cloud overhead.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/russian-bomber-base-suffered-major-damage-to-munitions-area-in-ukrainian-drone-attack
8 months ago
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Caves and tunnels are dark, dangerous and confined spaces in which to fight. @USSOCOM wants to give Green Berets FPV drones to provide underground overmatch.
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Green Berets Looking For FPV Drones To Help Them Clear Hostile Cave Complexes
SOCOM says these drones would be safer and more effective than relying on Military Working Dogs.
https://www.twz.com/land/green-berets-looking-for-fpv-drones-to-help-them-clear-hostile-cave-complexes
9 months ago
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