Daily Brief - China’s J-36 Stealth Fighter Makes Second Flight.

Your daily strategic update on defense innovation, technology, and the future of warfare. Here is what we’ve got for you today:

• China’s J-36 heavy stealth fighter flies for the second time, reinforcing speculation about its role.

• Norwegian soldiers test drone tactics on tanks, using low-cost objects to refine targeting techniques.

• Canada rethinks its F-35 purchase amid trade tensions with the U.S., raising uncertainty over its fighter procurement.

• BlueHalo fires its FE-1 low-cost surface-to-air missile for the first time, expanding short-range air defense options.

📰 Critical Headline

China’s J-36 Heavy Stealth Fighter Spotted in Second Flight
New satellite imagery and flight tracking confirm that China’s J-36 twin-engine stealth fighter has flown for a second time, signaling continued progress in its testing phase. The aircraft, believed to be a heavy-class stealth platform, could be designed for carrier operations, long-range air superiority, or deep-strike missions. The J-36's emergence suggests China is expanding its fifth-generation fleet beyond the J-20 and FC-31, with potential implications for regional air dominance.

🌍 Situation Report

• Norwegian Soldiers Drop Tennis Balls on Tanks to Test Drone Tactics: Norwegian soldiers conducted drone strike simulations by dropping tennis balls on tanks, testing how small drones could deliver precision strikes on armored vehicles. The exercise aimed to evaluate attack angles, targeting accuracy, and the effectiveness of drone-guided munitions in disrupting tank operations. The tests align with the growing use of FPV drones and loitering munitions in modern battlefields.
  

• Canada Reconsiders F-35 Purchase Amid Trade Dispute with U.S.: The Canadian government is reconsidering its planned F-35 acquisition, citing concerns over rising procurement costs and new U.S. trade restrictions affecting defense supply chains. While Canada initially committed to buying 88 F-35s, officials are now weighing alternative fighter options or potential delays. The review comes as Washington imposes stricter controls on critical defense exports, affecting parts and maintenance contracts for allied nations.
  

• BlueHalo Fires FE-1 Low-Cost Surface-to-Air Missile in First Test: The FE-1 surface-to-air missile was successfully test-fired for the first time, demonstrating a low-cost, short-range air defense capability. Developed by BlueHalo, the FE-1 is designed to counter drones, cruise missiles, and other aerial threats while offering affordable mass production potential. The system is being evaluated for deployment with mobile ground units and fixed air defense networks.

🎥 Recon Feed

🔍 Intel Spotlight

U.S. Army Deploys Radars to Detect Cartel Drones at Mexico Border
The U.S. Army has deployed specialized radars along the Mexico border to track cartel-operated drones used for smuggling, reconnaissance, and surveillance. These radars enable early detection and interception of UAV activity, supporting Customs and Border Protection (CBP) efforts to disrupt illicit drone operations. The move follows an increase in cartel drone incursions, with UAVs being used for drug trafficking, human smuggling, and monitoring law enforcement patrols.

🎙 Audio Intel

👤 Strategic Voices

💡 Intel Archive

📜 Words of Valor

"If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time."
— Steve Jobs

📬 Final Word

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