More from Ryan Robertson
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Pilot shortage prompts US Air Force to target flexibility in filling roles
From the fictional characters like Ice Man and Maverick in “Top Gun” to real-life heroes such as Chuck Yeager and Neil Armstrong in “The Right Stuff,” the image of a fighter pilot from any era remains iconic. For as long as aircraft have ruled the skies, men and women have climbed into cockpits to answer… -
US Air Force tackles pilot shortage problem: Weapons and Warfare
This week on Weapons and Warfare, the team dives into a pressing issue facing the U.S. Air Force: the pilot shortage. As the demand for skilled aviators continues to rise, the Air Force is implementing innovative strategies to attract and retain talented pilots. From modernizing training programs and increasing incentives, host Ryan Robertson explores how… -
US Navy, partners soar ahead in CCA drone development
The United States Navy just took another major step forward on its path to pair unmanned aircraft with piloted planes. The Navy is working closely with the United States Air Force to develop Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), also known as loyal wingmen. In early November 2024, Navy Air Vehicle Pilots stationed in Maryland were able… -
Israeli airstrike destroys Iran’s active nuclear facility
New details have emerged about an Israeli airstrike last month on Iran’s Parchin Military Complex, reportedly targeting the Taleghan 2 facility, which U.S. and Israeli intelligence say was used for nuclear weapons research. High-resolution satellite images reveal significant damage to the site. Officials claim the strike disrupted Iran’s efforts to resume nuclear weapons development. Taleghan… -
Trump 2.0 could be very different for Israel and its wars
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant in early November. The move means there’s no real opposition left to Netanyahu in the governing coalition, leaving many Israeli citizens to wonder when the wars in Gaza and Lebanon will end. Avi Melamed is a former Israeli intelligence officer and hostage negotiator. He’s… -
US, Japan, South Korea flex defense capabilities near Korean Peninsula
The United States, Japan, and South Korea are conducting joint military exercises in the Indo-Pacific region amid rising tensions. The Freedom Edge drills, led by the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington, feature advanced fighter jets such as the F-35 and cutting-edge military assets from all three nations. The trilateral exercises showcase capabilities in missile… -
China unveils new stealth jet and ‘space-air fighter’
The 15th Zhuhai Airshow in China kicked off on Tuesday, Nov. 12. While there was plenty of entertainment flying above, the show also gave the People’s Liberation Army a chance to showcase some of its latest advancements in weapons technology. This year’s airshow saw the unveiling of China’s newest 5th-Gen stealth fighter, the J-35. Not… -
The Army’s next-gen approach to recruitment: Weapons and Warfare
This week on Weapons and Warfare, the team explores the innovative strategies the Army is implementing to transform recruitment in an ever-evolving military landscape. Host Ryan Robertson checked in with Army leadership to see how they are reshaping the way they attract new talent. Also featured in this episode: You can subscribe to the Weapons… -
New tech aims to take over enemy drones: Weapon of the Week
In today’s battlespace, drones have become as ubiquitous as armored vehicles, fighter jets and aircraft carriers, forming an essential part of any military force’s strategy. While defenses against traditional warfare methods are well-established, counter-drone defense is a rapidly evolving field. This is where the EnforceAir2 from D-Fend Solutions comes into play. A quick search on… -
US Army implementing new strategies amid recruiting challenges
Recruiting, much like in college sports, is the lifeblood of America’s volunteer military force. Military recruiters are encountering more challenges in attracting top talent to serve the country, similar to their counterparts in college sports. With more opportunities in secondary education and an evolving workforce that does not require a four-year degree, young people have… -
Influx of aid to Ukraine as Biden administration nears its end
President Biden may be a lame-duck president, but Ukraine is hoping he can fly lots of weapons and aid to the country before it’s time to hand power over to President-elect Donald Trump. Earlier this year, after extensive negotiations, the U.S. Congress approved a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine. However, at least half of… -
Putin praises Trump as leaders eye breakthrough in Ukraine conflict
Russian President Vladimir Putin broke his silence on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, offering congratulations and praise while signaling a readiness to talk. With Russia’s war in Ukraine continuing, Putin highlighted Trump’s campaign promises to ease tensions but emphasized that Moscow’s demands remain unchanged. Speaking at a meeting in Sochi, Putin congratulated Trump on his… -
Secret US military space plane works on maneuvers while on orbital mission
The U.S. military’s secretive X-37B space plane is performing a groundbreaking orbital maneuver called aerobraking. The process uses atmospheric drag instead of fuel to gradually lower its orbit — a technique that could significantly extend mission durations and reduce operational costs. The unmanned X-37B launched on its seventh mission in December 2023, hitching a ride…