Jack Buckby

London, New York

Columnist & author covering war, tech, & extremism -- National Security Journal, 19FortyFive, The National Interest, & more. Unashamed AI luddite.

Articles

F-22 Raptors, F-35 Fighters and B-2 Bombers: The US Warplanes That Could Soon Attack Iran

1 week ago | nationalsecurityjournal.org | Jack Buckby

Key Points – The Pentagon is deploying significant air and naval power to the Middle East as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate. -This includes F-16, F-22, and F-35 fighter jets, as well as a large-scale relocation of approximately 30 KC-135 and KC-46 aerial refueling tankers to bases across Europe.
Iran and America Look Destined for War

1 week ago | nationalsecurityjournal.org | Jack Buckby

Key Points – Hopes for a diplomatic solution to the Iran nuclear crisis are collapsing as the Trump administration’s hardline position appears to have been rejected by Tehran. -President Trump’s demand for a complete halt to domestic uranium enrichment, a red line for Iran, has stalled negotiations just days before an anticipated sixth round of talks in Oman. -This comes after an earlier US proposal for a regional enrichment consortium was also rebuffed.
Taiwan Receives 'Narwhal' Submarine Boost Against China's Invasion Fleet

1 week ago | nationalsecurityjournal.org | Jack Buckby

Key Points – Taiwan has achieved a major defense milestone, successfully completing the first phase of sea trials for its inaugural domestically built submarine, the Narwhal. -The diesel-electric submarine sailed from Kaohsiung on Saturday and completed its “floating navigation” tests on Tuesday, which validated its propulsion, radar, and ventilation systems.
Ukraine's Air Defense Is 'Overwhelmed': Russia Has Declared 'Drone War'

1 week ago | nationalsecurityjournal.org | Jack Buckby

Key Points – Russia has dramatically ramped up its drone production, turning what was once a Ukrainian advantage into a full-blown industrial arms race. -Moscow is now reportedly producing over 5,000 long-range UAVs per month—a mix of Shahed-136 strike drones and decoys—a fivefold increase from late 2024, likely enabled by a covert supply of Chinese components. -This mass production has fueled devastating recent assaults, like the June 17th attack on Kyiv that killed at least 18 people.
Will Trump 'Take Out' Iran's Leader? The World Holds Its Breath.

1 week ago | nationalsecurityjournal.org | Jack Buckby

Key Points – As the Israel-Iran conflict enters its fifth day, US President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric with a direct threat to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. -In a Truth Social post, Trump warned that while the US would not “take out” Khamenei “for now,” his patience was “wearing thin” and demanded “unconditional surrender.”-This follows days of intense Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites.
Is Trump Going to Attack Iran?

1 week ago | nationalsecurityjournal.org | Jack Buckby

Key Points – As the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, President Donald Trump’s cryptic and often contradictory statements are fueling global uncertainty about potential US military involvement. -On Tuesday, Trump posted on Truth Social that “we now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” while also stating the US would not “take out” Iran’s Supreme Leader, “at least not for now.”-This follows his dramatic early exit from the G7 summit.
Ukraine Strikes Drone Factory Deep Inside Russia

1 week ago | nationalsecurityjournal.org | Jack Buckby

Key Points – Ukrainian forces conducted a long-range drone strike on June 15th in Russia’s Tatarstan region, over 1,000 km from the border. -While Russian officials claimed the target was an automobile plant, Ukraine’s General Staff and OSINT analysts assert the strike was aimed at a key facility in Yelabuga that produces Shahed-type attack drones for Russia’s military-industrial complex.
Iran's Air Force Belongs in a Museum

1 week ago | nationalsecurityjournal.org | Jack Buckby

Key Points – Israel’s overwhelming success during its “Operation Rising Lion” air assault on Iran on June 12-13 can be largely attributed to the severe vulnerabilities of Iran’s aging air force and fragmented air defenses. -The backbone of Iran’s air fleet consists of outdated American-made F-14s, F-4s, and F-5s from the 1970s, supplemented by older Soviet and Chinese models, which lack the capability to counter modern stealth aircraft like the F-35I Adir.
'Custom U.S.-Made Fighters': Iran Is Getting Punished by Israel's Air Force

1 week ago | nationalsecurityjournal.org | Jack Buckby

Key Points – Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion,” the massive air assault on Iran on June 12-13, showcased the vast technological superiority of the Israeli Air Force (IAF). -The multi-wave strike, involving over 200 aircraft, was led by Israel’s three core fighter jets: the F-35I “Adir,” the F-15I “Ra’am,” and the F-16I “Sufa.”-The F-35I Adir, a stealth fighter with unique Israeli modifications and reportedly upgraded range, likely penetrated Iran’s air defenses to neutralize key threats.
The Iran-Israel War Question Everyone Wants Answered

1 week ago | nationalsecurityjournal.org | Jack Buckby

Key Points – Four days into a direct military conflict that began with Israel’s massive air assault on Iranian nuclear and military targets on June 13th, the war’s duration remains uncertain. -While Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israeli cities, its capabilities are seen as degraded. -Some analysts, like Daniel B.