Steve Balestrieri

Lehigh Acres

Columnist for @PatsFans.com, National Security Columnist https://t.co/sE8pYdBwMz, Co-host Patriots 4th & 2, US Army Special Forces operator, Member @PFWAwriters

Articles

The Biggest Threat to The U.S. Military Might Be Over (Not Russia or China)

3 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Steve Balestrieri

After years of missing recruiting goals, sometimes as much as 25 percent for the Army, military recruiting across the board is up. In early February, the US Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) announced its best December in 15 years, enlisting 346 soldiers daily. By the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, the Army also met its goal of recruiting 55,000 new active-duty soldiers.
The Royal Navy's Astute-Class Submarine Has a Message for Russia's Stealth Subs

3 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Steve Balestrieri

Key Points – The Royal Navy urgently needs its Astute-class submarines to maintain naval dominance amidst global threats like those from Russia’s undersea forces. -Built by BAE Systems and powered by advanced Rolls-Royce nuclear reactors, these submarines feature remarkable stealth, agility, and striking power.
Too Expensive? The 'New' B-52J Bomber Is Sending An 'SOS' to the U.S. Air Force

3 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Steve Balestrieri

Key Points – The U.S. Air Force’s modernization of the iconic B-52 bomber into the B-52J is running into major hurdles, triggering a Nunn-McCurdy cost breach due to expensive radar upgrades. -Intended to keep the bomber operational into its 100th year alongside the stealthy B-21 Raider, the modernization includes radar and engine enhancements. -However, significant cost overruns in Raytheon’s radar modernization program (RMP) could force Congress to slash the number of upgraded bombers.
F-35I Adir Stealth Fighter Won't Ever Fly for the US Air Force

4 days ago | nationalsecurityjournal.org | Steve Balestrieri

Key Points – Israel’s F-35I Adir, a specially modified variant of Lockheed Martin’s stealthy F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, gives the Israeli Air Force (IAF) unmatched regional dominance. -Tailored with advanced electronic warfare capabilities, domestic sensors, and bespoke helmet-mounted displays, the Adir enhances Israel’s operational flexibility. -Its stealth technology allows undetected penetration of enemy air defenses, enabling critical strikes on Iranian-backed militants and strategic targets.
The Walls Are Closing in on the Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier

4 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Steve Balestrieri

Key Points – The Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, continues to face significant operational setbacks. Despite its advanced capabilities, the ship has suffered recurring mechanical issues, including propulsion system failures and integration difficulties with its F-35B fighters. -These troubles were underscored by the carrier’s inability to participate in critical NATO exercises due to propeller problems and an embarrassing F-35B crash caused by human error.
Patriots News 5-11, Rookie Mini Camp Ongoing

4 days ago | patsfans.com | Steve Balestrieri

Good morning. Here are your Patriots news 5-11 and notes for this week. First of all, Happy Mother’s Day to all of you wonderful moms out there. We all hope that you have a happy and fun time surrounded by loved ones. Hamingjusöm móðir. The Patriots opened their annual three day rookie mini camp on Friday, and things will wrap up later today. We’ll have more of mini camp below. Only one player and one coach were absent. Running back TreVeyon Henderson was not there; no reason was given for his absence.
Russia's New PAK DA 6th-Generation Stealth Bomber Has a Message for Any Air Force

6 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Steve Balestrieri

The Russian PAK DA is a stealth bomber under development as part of the PAK [Perspectives of Aerial Complexes] program. Officially named the “Long-Range Aviation Complex,” the PAK-DA is designed to replace the aging Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers. Designed by the Tupolev Design Bureau, which has produced the Tu-95 and the Tu-160. Russia expects this aircraft to undertake various missions, ranging from nuclear deterrence to conventional strike operations.
Mach 3 Faceoff: A-12 vs. SR-71 (How America’s Legendary Spy Planes Differ)

6 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Steve Balestrieri

Key Points – During the Cold War, the U.S. developed two legendary Mach-3 spy planes: the CIA’s A-12 Oxcart and the Air Force’s SR-71 Blackbird. -Both designed by Lockheed’s Skunk Works, the A-12 was smaller, single-seated, and faster, built specifically for stealthy, high-altitude photographic reconnaissance. -The slightly larger SR-71 featured two seats and carried a broader range of sensors for more diverse reconnaissance roles, including radar and electronic intelligence.
F-35 Flip-Flop: Why Canada Can’t Make Up Its Mind on Fighter Jets

6 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Steve Balestrieri

Key Points: Canada’s troubled F-35 procurement process spans nearly two decades of indecision and reversals. Initially joining the Joint Strike Fighter program in 1997, Canada committed to buying 65 F-35s in 2010 before controversy halted the deal. -Justin Trudeau’s 2015 election saw Canada abandon the F-35, opting briefly for Boeing’s Super Hornets, before reversing course again in 2023, finalizing a deal for 88 F-35s.
Forget Going to Fly for Canada: F-22 Has a Message for the JAS 39 Gripen

6 days ago | 19fortyfive.com | Steve Balestrieri

Key Points: The Swedish JAS-39 Gripen and the American F-22 Raptor are exceptional fighters with distinctly different roles and strengths. -The Gripen prioritizes affordability, flexibility, and ease of maintenance, excelling in short-runway operations and multi-role missions. -Conversely, the stealthy F-22 dominates air-to-air engagements with unmatched stealth, supercruise speed, and thrust-vectoring maneuverability.