More from Ryan Robertson
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A new loitering drone waits before striking: Weapon of the week
In December, Straight Arrow News profiled an AI-guided drone hunter from Anduril. Now, the same company has the ALTIUS-700M, a drone that doesn’t need to have the target in sight before being launched. The ALTIUS-700M can fly for 75 minutes with a range of 100 miles. It’s a loitering drone, which means it can passively… -
AI fighter pilot initiatives aim to reduce risk, boost air superiority
The profession of being a fighter pilot is iconic, with historical figures like the Red Baron and fictional characters like Maverick. Yet, just as the bi-wing gave way to the turbo-prop and the F-117 to the F-35, the role of these pilots is evolving. Today’s pilots of the F-22 and F-35, modern icons in their… -
Russia ramping up use, production of glide bombs
Russian glide bombs were credited with helping turn the war in Ukraine in Russia’s favor during the battle of Avdiivka. Now Moscow said it’s ramping up production of the munitions. Glide bombs are made up primarily of two things: the bomb and the glide kit. Russia previously produced the Drel, a glide bomb that also… -
AI-powered WWII exhibit allows visitors to talk to heroes of ‘Greatest Generation’
The National WWII Museum is bringing history to life with new interactive exhibits. To create these exhibits, the museum interviewed 18 veterans from the “Greatest Generation,” including a Medal of Honor recipient who passed away in 2022, and combined their stories and images with artificial intelligence. As a result, museum visitors can now engage in… -
Here’s why Japan putting missiles on Okinawa matters to China
It just got a little bit harder for China to try and take Taiwan or impose its will in the western Pacific. That’s because Japan just moved a battery of its new Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles to Okinawa. Ryukyu Shimpo, a media outlet in Japan, reported the country’s Self Defense Force, the official name of… -
US fires off hypersonic missile test amid pressure from China, Russia
In what may be the weapon’s final test, the U.S. Air Force fired a Lockheed Martin Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon from a B-52 Bomber on Sunday, March 17. The test happened over the Pacific near Guam. So far, the Air Force is being tight-lipped on how fast this version of a hypersonic missile flew. Based… -
Russia’s nuclear intentions up in space: Weapons and Warfare
In this episode of Weapons and Warfare, we take a deeper look at Russia and its nuclear ambitions in space. Host Ryan Robertson visits with three experts for their insights on what’s possible and likely when it comes to Russia and its nuclear capabilities in space. Also featured in this episode: You can subscribe to… -
How credible is a Russian space-based nuclear threat?
Back in February, Rep. Michael Turner, R-Ohio, caught the attention of the public when he indicated Russia was moving toward making a space-based nuclear weapon. Russia denied the claim, dismissing the statements as a ploy to pressure Russia into an arms deal with the West. The mere idea, though, caused some to wonder, “What if… -
A-UGVs give Marines an advantage on the battlefield: Weapon of the week
Controlling a battle-ready vehicle on a screen is no longer just for video games. American Rheinmetall Vehicles created the Mission Master SP, an autonomous, unmanned ground vehicle (A-UGV). These A-UGVs are built to be used for a wide range of situations. The Mission Master SP has a variety of modular attachments and can be fitted… -
Ukraine and Russia now strapping shrapnel mines to drones
Ukraine’s Western allies are trying to find as many artillery shells as possible to give the country in its war against Russia. The hard truth, however, is the West can’t produce or buy enough to meet Ukraine’s needs. The Czech Republic is leading a European initiative to buy artillery shells for Ukraine. Eight hundred thousand… -
Do the Houthis really have hypersonic missiles now?
Russia’s state-owned RIA Novosti news agency reported the Houthi militants in Yemen are now in possession of hypersonic missiles. The report said the Houthis’ missile forces successfully tested a missile capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 8 and runs on solid fuel. “Oh, good! The Houthis may have hypersonic missiles now! That should… -
How the Department of Defense’s $850 billion budget breaks down
It’s budget planning time in Washington. That means it’s time for the Department of Defense to submit its request for money from the American taxpayers. For fiscal year 2025, the Pentagon is asking for $849.5 billion. That’s only about 1% more than it requested last year, which doesn’t keep up with inflation. This is an… -
The future of unmanned combat air vehicles, XQ-67A unveiled
The XQ-67A is an autonomous jet built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and the Air Force Research Laboratory. It completed its maiden test flight on Feb. 28 at the General Atomics Gray Butte Flight Operations near Palmdale, California, according to the U.S. Air Force. “Really, it’s the next phase of these uncrewed air vehicles that…