Defense Archives

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor is displayed on the flight line during a summit between U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Aug. 15, 2025. (Alaska National Guard photo by Seth LaCount)

The Treaty

Russia Claims a Member of NATO Is ‘Preparing for War’

Key Points and Summary – Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president, has accused new NATO member Finland of “preparing for war” and creating a “springboard...

Stephen SilverSeptember 9, 2025

Russia's President Putin Sitting at a Desk

The Treaty

China and Russia: Not An Alliance, Sorry

Key Points and Summary – Despite recent displays of unity, like last week’s military parade in Beijing, the Russia-China partnership is showing serious economic...

Stephen SilverSeptember 9, 2025

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

China’s J-20 Mighty Dragon Stealth Fighter: The Secret Is Out

Key Points and Summary – For the first time, China will put its J-20 stealth fighter on static display at an air show this...

Reuben JohnsonSeptember 9, 2025

An F-22 Raptor performs an aerial demonstration at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Aug. 8, 2025. The rapid change in angle of attack causes visible vapor to form around the aircraft, giving spectators a clear view of the jet’s aerodynamic performance. This demonstration highlights the unique thrust-vectoring capabilities of the F-22, allowing it to achieve extreme agility unmatched by other fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Cobin).

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The Beginning of the End for the F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighter

Key Points and Summary – Despite playing a vital role in escorting B-2 bombers during the “Operation Midnight Hammer” strikes on Iran in June...

Jack BuckbySeptember 8, 2025

An F-35A Lightning II banks away from an F-22 Raptor Feb. 6, 2020, near the Hawaiian Islands. F-35 Airmen from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., temporarily relocated to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, to join other flying squadrons in exercise Pacific Raptor. Every training mission of the exercise was carried out by total-force teams from the Air Force’s Active, Reserve and Air National Guard components. (courtesy photo)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

F-35 Stealth Fighter vs. F-22 Raptor: Who Wins Summed Up in 4 Words

Key Points and Summary – A hypothetical fight between the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II reveals a split verdict based on mission. -In...

Isaac SeitzSeptember 8, 2025

Virginia-class attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) sails in formation, off the coast of Hawaii during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, July 22. Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 27 to Aug. 1. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John Bellino)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The U.S. Navy’s Great Submarine Shortage

Key Points and Summary – A critical analysis concludes the U.S. Navy faces a dangerous shortage of attack submarines, leaving it stretched too thin...

Andrew LathamSeptember 8, 2025