More from Ryan Robertson
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US military using AI to find air strike targets in the Middle East
Artificial intelligence is quickly being integrated into various aspects of life, from navigation apps to word processing programs. Now, its application has extended to U.S. military strategies. According to Bloomberg, the U.S. military used AI to identify targets for air strikes in the Middle East in early February, marking a significant use of technology in… -
Russia war-gamed using nuclear weapons against China, leaked docs say
Leaked documents from Russia are shedding light on Moscow’s strategy for using nuclear weaponry. The leaked documents also revealed new insights into the Kremlin’s relationship with China, showing that Russia had mapped out potential conflict scenarios with its southern neighbor. The Financial Times obtained the allegedly classified Russian military documents. There were 29 leaked files… -
Why is the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier launching carts into the James River?
The U.S. Navy’s newest aircraft carrier is launching large, metal carts into the James River in Virginia. It’s okay, though. It’s all part of the building process for carriers. HII released video of the USS John F. Kennedy during dead-load testing of its electromagnetic aircraft launch system, or EMALS (pronounced eee-mahlz). The testing was done… -
Air and Space Forces gearing up for future threats: Weapons and Warfare
In this episode of Weapons and Warfare, the Air and Space Forces are making changes to improve their readiness in the face of constantly evolving threats from around the world. Senior leadership is giving service members a glimpse into the direction each branch is headed. Also featured in this episode: You can subscribe to the… -
Falcons inspire MUTANT missile development: Weapon of the week
; The Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) has a new missile using an articulation control actuation system, meaning the head and fins of the missile can move to meet a target. The technique mirrors the actions of a falcon bird, which researchers used as inspiration for the missile’s capabilities. “[Engineers] noticed a really interesting thing… -
Air and Space Forces reveal new priorities to prepare for evolving threats
The 2024 AFA Warfare Symposium showcased a clear theme of impending change amidst a backdrop of industry buzzwords and acronyms. The symposium unveiled 24 new priorities for the Air and Space Forces’ leadership, aimed at creating a more agile force that relies on established teamwork at home bases. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David… -
Ukraine needs, wants to make its own weapons
If not for donated Western weaponry and military support, the war in Ukraine would be long over. If Ukraine wants to stay in the fight against Russia, however, the country needs to rely more on its own domestic production of weapons, vehicles and ammunition. Almost as soon as Vladimir Putin took power in Russia 24… -
Russia’s war in Ukraine is changing the world
It’s been two years since the start of Russia’s three-day special military operation to take Ukraine. Hundreds of thousands of people are dead. Entire cities have been reduced to rubble. The 600-mile frontline hasn’t changed much over the last year, but if you believe what world leaders are saying, this next year could decide the… -
US charges alleged Yakuza boss in plot to sell nuclear materials to Iran
In what seems like a plot lifted from an international thriller, U.S. authorities charged a 60-year-old alleged Japanese Yakuza boss, Takeshi Ebisawa, with attempting to sell nuclear materials to Iran, officials announced Feb. 21. Ebisawa is accused of trying to distribute uranium and weapons-grade plutonium to an undercover agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA),… -
The Houthis have underwater drones now
The Houthis have a new weapon to use in their attacks on ships in the Red Sea; Iranian-made uncrewed underwater vessels (UUVs). Basically, drone torpedoes. U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the region, said U.S. naval forces took out the submersible threat, along with three cruise missiles and a suicide drone on… -
Congress is holding Air and Space Forces back: Weapons and Warfare
In this episode of Weapons and Warfare, Ryan Robertson hits the road and reports from the AFA Warfare Symposium in Colorado. Robertson examines how Congress’ failure to pass a new budget is holding back the Air and Space Forces’ ability to adapt and keep pace with threats from around the world. Also featured in this… -
Air Force secretary urges funding to modernize: ‘We are out of time’
The 2024 Air Force Association’s Warfare Symposium in Colorado could be characterized by the theme of change. Air Force and Space Force leaders emphasized the need to prepare troops for evolving threats worldwide. However, the leaders also expressed frustration over the delay in implementing these plans, attributing it to Congress. During the symposium’s opening event,… -
Hivemind AI is a ‘key enabler for the US military’: Weapon of the week
Shield AI co-founder and President Brandon Tseng breaks down this episode’s weapon of the week in an interview with host Ryan Robertson. Tseng explains how an AI pilot called Hivemind is combining with a Firejet from Kratos to help advance the U.S. military’s aerial capabilities. (This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity).…