Oil and gas revenues have been Russia’s most important source of income, accounting for up to half of the total Russian budget over the last decade. Despite severe sanctions imposed by the West to curb Russian energy income following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Moscow’s oil revenues don’t seem to have been significantly affected. Watch…

New ability achieved. For the first time in the Indo-Pacific, the United States Marine Corps successfully fired the AGM-179 joint air-to-ground missile (JAGM), hitting and sinking a moving vessel near Okinawa, Japan. The JAGM was fired by a USMC AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter during an expeditionary strike training mission by the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.…

Moral injuries have been around for as long as people have engaged in combat. Historic works like the “Iliad,” the “Odyssey,” and modern blockbusters like “Oppenheimer” also explore the topic. However, the term “moral injury” has only recently been given a name and started to be understood. That is partially because only 15% of enlisted…

America is celebrating its 248th Independence Day on July 4, 2023. This episode’s weapon of the week will take a look at some patriotically themed vessels, vehicles and weapons that the U.S. military has accrued over the years. The USS Constitution — also known as Old Ironsides — is the world’s oldest commissioned warship still…

New satellite imagery shows China may be expanding electronic spying stations in Cuba. The island is just 90 miles south of Florida, giving it an ideal position to monitor sensitive U.S. communications and maritime activity in the region. This latest development follows the Pentagon’s 2023 denial of a reported agreement between China and Cuba to…

On Tuesday, June 25, Israel’s Supreme Court unanimously struck down a military draft exemption privilege for members of its ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu relies on the support of two ultra-Orthodox parties to maintain power, both of which oppose the court ruling. The court held, in essence, that these military draft exemptions…

Russia is analyzing fragments of a U.S.-made ATACMS missile, alleging it was used in a strike in Crimea that killed four people. This incident escalates tensions, with Moscow examining the missile’s guidance system and accusing the U.S. of involvement. The U.S. refutes claims it directs Ukrainian military actions, emphasizing that Kyiv makes independent decisions. The…

On Oct. 1, Mexico’s newly elected President Claudia Sheinbaum will be the first female to take office and face her first test: the growing threat of drug cartels. A report released on Saturday, June 29, said that Mexican drug cartels are claiming to have increased firepower, including sophisticated U.S. weaponry like the FGM-148 Javelin Missile.…

On June 24, the Weimar Triangle nations of France, Germany, and Poland discussed a proposal to develop a European ground-launched, long-range weapon. This plan was just one item on the agenda for the trio of NATO states as they addressed European security in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Watch the video above as Straight…

U.S. military bases across Europe are on a heightened terror alert. They’ve been put on alert level “Charlie” — the second highest state of alert. The specific nature of the threat has not been disclosed, but officials said it is not related to the French elections. U.S. European Command states they are constantly assessing security and remain vigilant.…