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Service Life Extended to 2030 The U.S. Air Force will keep the A-10C Thunderbolt II in service through 2030 after combat operations against Iran highlighted the aircraft’s continued utility in close air support and related missions. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink confirmed the decision on April 20, 2026, reversing an FY2026 plan that had called for retiring all 162 remaining A-10s. Under the revised plan, two operational squadrons will remain active through 2030 and one through 2029. The move follows an internal review of operational demand during Operation Epic Fury, conducted from March to April 2026. Combat Employment in Operation Epic Fury A-10s were deployed within the first 48 hours of strike operations and were used for close air support against Iranian and proxy ground elements, armed overwatch, counter-drone missions, maritime strike, and combat search and rescue support. In the Strait of Hormuz, the aircraft was used against small, fast-moving attack craft in a congested environment where visual target identification and quick engagement cycles were important. On April 3, 2026, A-10s also supported the recovery of a downed F-15E crew, suppressing hostile fire while HH-60W helicopters and HC-130J aircraft executed the rescue. At least one A-10 was lost during that mission, though the pilot ejected after reaching friendly airspace. Fleet Structure and Congressional Limits The retained force will center on the 23rd Fighter Group at Moody Air Force Base, which keeps two squadrons, and a reserve squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, which will remain active through 2030. However, the extension does not restore the broader support structure that previously sustained the fleet. The final A-10 pilot training class graduated in April 2026 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, ending the pipeline for new pilots. Depot-level airframe maintenance at Hill Air Force Base had already been discontinued, and A-10 test units were inactivated in December 2025. Congress also shaped the decision through the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act. The law bars the Air Force from reducing the fleet below 103 aircraft and requires at least 93 primary mission aircraft through September 30, 2026. Any further cuts require certification by the Air Force secretary, a recapitalization plan, and congressional notification. Why the A-10 Was Retained Operation Epic Fury underscored mission areas where the A-10 still offers specific advantages. The aircraft can remain over a target area longer than faster jets, fly repeated low-altitude attack runs, and operate close to friendly forces. Its GAU-8/A 30 mm cannon fires about 3,900 rounds per minute, and the aircraft can carry up to 7,260 kilograms of ordnance on 11 pylons. During recent operations, A-10s used combinations of AGM-65 Maverick missiles, AIM-9M Sidewinders, APKWS laser-guided rockets, a Litening targeting pod, and external fuel tanks. APKWS, with a unit cost below $30,000, was used against Shahed-type drones as a lower-cost option than standard air-to-air missiles. Limits of the Extension The Air Force has not rebuilt long-term sustainment capacity for the aircraft, indicating that the decision is intended to preserve near-term combat capability rather than reverse the broader retirement plan. The A-10 remains vulnerable in heavily contested airspace, particularly against modern integrated air defenses and man-portable missiles, and it lacks onboard radar for autonomous target acquisition. The service has previously argued that newer aircraft, such as the F-35 and F-15EX, will eventually assume its missions, but production and fielding have not reached a level sufficient to replace the current close air support capacity. An estimated $423 million needed to sustain the A-10 fleet was not included in the FY2026 budget, underscoring that the extension is a limited measure rather than a full force-structure reset. View full article

Budget Request Released The Department of War on Tuesday released President Donald J. Trump’s Fiscal Year 2027 defense budget request, seeking $1.5 trillion in total spending. The department said the proposal represents a 42% increase over current funding levels. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the request is intended to expand U.S. military capacity while maintaining readiness. “We are delivering on President Trump’s commitment to expand American military dominance for decades to come,” Hegseth said. He added that the budget is meant to protect the homeland and sustain force readiness. The department also said it cut nearly $20 billion in what it described as unnecessary spending and redirected that money to warfighting priorities. Industrial Base and Procurement More than half of the proposed budget, or $756.8 billion, is allocated to what the department called investments in new capabilities. According to the release, the funding would support defense industrial base expansion, supply chain investments, critical minerals and munitions production, and additional work for small and medium-sized U.S. businesses. The department said the plan would increase purchases of major defense articles and could create hundreds of thousands of jobs, though it did not provide a detailed breakdown in the release. Homeland Defense and Readiness The budget requests $18 billion to begin operationalizing the “Golden Dome,” a homeland missile defense effort described as a layered system that would include space-based sensors and interceptors, kinetic and non-kinetic missile defeat capabilities, and related enabling technologies. It also includes $2.3 billion to sustain enhanced border security efforts in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. For readiness, the proposal adds $31.7 billion above FY2026 enacted levels for what the department called core readiness and readiness enablers, including cybersecurity, ship operations, flying hours, and ground readiness. Force Structure and Modernization The request includes funding for advanced platforms, including the F-47 and B-21, as well as accelerated modernization of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. It also provides for military pay increases and housing support for service members and their families. The department said the budget would increase total end strength by more than 2% in FY2027. Active-duty components would rise by more than 3%, for a total increase of 44,000 service members. Drones, Shipbuilding, Space, and Cyber The proposal allocates more than $74 billion for drone and counter-drone technologies, which the department said would triple spending in that area compared with FY2026. For maritime programs, the budget includes $65.8 billion for shipbuilding, shipyard modernization, and the creation of what the department called the “Golden Fleet.” The request would fund 18 new Battle Force Ships, which the release said is the largest such request since 1962. The budget would also nearly double funding for the U.S. Space Force, with more than $75 billion requested for space-related capabilities. Cyber operations would receive more than $20 billion under the proposal, aimed at defending federal systems, critical infrastructure, and supply chains while expanding cyber operational capacity. View full article

Release announced Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announced on April 14, 2026, the release of the Bodyguard 38 2.0, a revised small-frame revolver intended for personal-protection and everyday-carry use. The company, listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under ticker SWBI, said the model was developed as a compact, lightweight platform with a focus on straightforward operation. Caliber and operating system The Bodyguard 38 2.0 is chambered in .38 S&W Special +P. It uses a double-action-only trigger system and a 5-shot cylinder, a configuration commonly associated with simplified defensive carry revolvers. Smith & Wesson said the revolver is built around a 1.875-inch stainless-steel barrel and a one-piece aluminum-alloy upper frame, combining corrosion-resistant steel in the barrel assembly with reduced overall weight from the alloy frame construction. Size and carry profile According to the company, the revolver measures 4.6 inches in height and 1.35 inches in width, with an unloaded weight of 14.2 ounces. Those dimensions place it in the compact carry category, where low weight and minimal bulk are typically prioritized for waistband, pocket, or off-body carry. Smith & Wesson described the model as designed to balance durability with portability for routine concealed-carry use. Controls and sighting setup A notable design change is the ambidextrous, center-mounted cylinder release, which the company said is intended to allow operation with either hand. Smith & Wesson positioned the feature as useful for both right- and left-handed shooters and as part of the revolver’s emphasis on intuitive handling. The sight system consists of a machined U-notch rear sight and an orange partridge-style front sight. The company said this combination is intended to support faster target acquisition under varied lighting conditions. The revolver ships with a polymer boot-style grip, which Smith & Wesson said is intended to improve control and shootability while keeping the overall profile compact. Laser option and pricing Smith & Wesson said buyers will also have the option to purchase a version equipped from the factory with an integrated Crimson Trace red laser. The standard Bodyguard 38 2.0 has an MSRP of $449, while the laser-equipped version carries an MSRP of $549. Product positioning In its release, Smith & Wesson presented the Bodyguard 38 2.0 as an updated defensive revolver centered on compact dimensions, low weight, and a simple manual of arms. The package combines a small-frame .38 Special +P chambering, double-action-only operation, ambidextrous controls, fixed sights, and an optional factory-installed laser, placing it squarely in the market segment for discreet personal-defense handguns. View full article

Hi-Point Expands Into Suppressors With Hush-Point Line Hi-Point Firearms has introduced the Hush-Point family of suppressors, a new product line built around two models: the Hush-Point 22 and the Hush-Point 9/45. The launch extends the company’s catalog beyond firearms and into sound suppression, with one model aimed at rimfire and small-caliber use and the other covering a wider range of pistol calibers, plus limited rifle applications. Both suppressors share the same basic construction approach and are presented as part of a common family rather than separate standalone designs. Shared Design and Materials Across the line, Hi-Point lists a symmetrical four-piece design. The body, monolithic baffle, and muzzle cap are made from 7075 aluminum, while the host cap is made from 17-4 stainless steel. The use of a monolithic baffle indicates a single-piece internal core rather than a stack of separate baffles. Threading differs by model. The Hush-Point 22 uses 1/2x28 threads. The Hush-Point 45 is offered with 1/2x28 and .578x28 host cap thread options. Hi-Point does not rate either suppressor for full-auto use. Hush-Point 22 Specifications The Hush-Point 22 is the lighter and shorter of the two models. Hi-Point lists it at 6.19 inches in length and 4.9 ounces in weight, with a 1/2x28 host cap thread. Caliber compatibility on the Hush-Point 22 includes a broad range of rimfire and small-bore cartridges. Listed .22-caliber options are .22 Short, .22 LR, and .22 WMR. The suppressor is also rated for several .17-caliber cartridges: .17 Mach 2, .17 HMR, and .17 WSM. Based on that caliber list, the Hush-Point 22 is positioned as a multipurpose suppressor for users running common rimfire platforms as well as select .17-caliber rifles and pistols that use compatible threading. Hush-Point 45 Specifications The Hush-Point 45 is the larger model in the lineup and is intended for centerfire handgun use, with some additional compatibility outside that category. Hi-Point lists overall length at 7.87 inches and weight at 12.8 ounces. Host cap thread options are 1/2x28 and .578x28. Pistol caliber support includes 30 Super Carry, .380 Auto, 9mm, .40 S&W, 10mm, and .45 Auto. Hi-Point also lists two rifle-compatible chamberings for the Hush-Point 45: .300 Blackout in subsonic loads and 5.7x28mm. That combination places the Hush-Point 45 in a broad utility role for shooters using multiple handgun calibers, while also allowing crossover use on select rifles or carbines that match the suppressor’s stated limitations and thread requirements. Product Positioning and Practical Notes The Hush-Point series appears structured around straightforward material choices, a shared architecture, and caliber coverage split between rimfire and centerfire use. The Hush-Point 22 addresses traditional rimfire suppression needs with low weight, while the Hush-Point 45 emphasizes wider cartridge compatibility and dual thread options. As listed by Hi-Point, neither model is full-auto rated, making the line oriented toward conventional semi-automatic and manually operated hosts rather than sustained automatic-fire applications. View full article

U.S. forces seize sanctioned Iranian-flagged cargo ship U.S. Marines boarded and took custody of the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska after the vessel attempted to pass a U.S.-enforced naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz, according to statements Sunday from President Donald Trump and U.S. Central Command. Trump said on social media that the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance stopped the ship after it tried to continue toward Iranian waters despite orders to halt and turn back. CENTCOM said the Touska was sailing toward Bandar Abbas, Iran, when the encounter occurred. CENTCOM says ship ignored warnings for six hours According to CENTCOM, the USS Spruance issued multiple direct messages to the Touska, but the vessel’s crew did not comply over a six-hour period. After repeated warnings, the destroyer instructed the crew to evacuate the engine room before engaging the ship. CENTCOM said Spruance then disabled the Touska’s propulsion by firing several rounds from its 5-inch Mk 45 naval gun into the engine room. Trump described the action as a direct hit that disabled the sanctioned vessel. CENTCOM also released brief video footage that appeared to show the destroyer maneuvering alongside the cargo ship and opening fire. Marines from 31st MEU conducted the boarding After the ship was disabled, Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded the Touska. Trump said U.S. forces now have “full custody” of the vessel. Neither Trump nor CENTCOM provided further details on the immediate status of the ship’s crew or what legal or operational steps will follow. The Touska was described as a vessel already under U.S. Treasury sanctions, a detail that may shape the handling of the seizure. No injuries or casualties were announced in the statements released Sunday. First direct ship seizure since blockade began The operation appears to be the first direct U.S. military action against a ship since Washington announced a blockade targeting vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports. U.S. officials have framed the blockade as a response to Iran’s moves to restrict access to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and commodity shipments. Before the Touska incident, U.S. forces had reportedly turned back more than 20 ships without boarding them. The latest seizure marks an escalation in enforcement after several days of rising tension around the waterway. Regional tensions continue to rise in Strait of Hormuz The broader confrontation has intensified in recent days. The article states that vessels linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired on two Indian tankers in the Strait of Hormuz a day earlier, while Iran said it would reimpose “strict control” over the waterway in response to the U.S. blockade. On Thursday, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said U.S. sailors were authorized to fire warning shots at ships attempting to cross the blockade and could board and take control of a vessel if necessary. The USS Spruance is assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and has been operating in the Arabian Sea. The U.S. naval presence in the area includes more than six destroyers, along with the USS Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, which carries about 2,200 Marines from the 31st MEU. View full article

Taurus Enters 9mm PDW Segment Taurus USA announced on April 14 the launch of the Taurus RPC, a new 9mm platform described by the company as its first dedicated entry in the personal defense weapon, or PDW, category. Taurus said the RPC is built to NATO standards and is intended to offer a compact format with a focus on reliability and adaptability. The release places the RPC as an expansion beyond the company’s established handgun and long-gun lines into a more specialized pistol-caliber platform market. Layout, Materials, and Controls According to Taurus, the RPC uses an aluminum construction intended to reduce weight while maintaining what the company describes as duty-grade durability. The platform includes fully ambidextrous controls, with bolt release/lock and magazine release access from either side. The charging handle is non-reciprocating and reversible, allowing users to configure it for right- or left-side operation. Taurus also lists an AR-15 compatible soft rubber over-molded grip and a single-stage, flat-faced trigger. Three integrated quick-detach sling attachment points are built into the platform for carry options. Rail System and Barrel Setup The RPC uses a full-length Picatinny top rail for optics and other accessories, paired with an M-LOK handguard for additional mounting space. At the rear, the receiver includes a vertical Picatinny rail for attachments. A 4.5-inch threaded barrel is standard across the line. Taurus said the RPC also incorporates a quick-change barrel system intended to support additional configurations in the future. Configurations and Magazine Options Taurus is offering two primary versions of the RPC. The standard model uses a rear Picatinny rail end plate, while the second version includes a Strike Industries FSA folding brace. Taurus said the brace-equipped model is intended to provide added stability while retaining a compact profile. The platform feeds from 32-round 9mm magazines as standard. Taurus also said both versions will be offered with 10-round magazines for jurisdictions where higher-capacity magazines are restricted. Company Statement and Pricing In the announcement, Taurus President and CEO Bret Vorhees said the RPC represents “an important step” for the company as it enters a new product category. He described the platform as designed to be reliable, easy to use, and adaptable while meeting the value expectations of Taurus customers. Taurus lists the MSRP at $938.99 for the standard non-brace model and $1,098.99 for the version fitted with the Strike Industries brace. Published Specifications Taurus identifies the RPC’s listed features as a 9mm chambering, 32-round capacity, full-length Picatinny top rail, rear vertical Picatinny rail, M-LOK handguard, fully ambidextrous controls, flat-faced single-stage trigger, AR-15 compatible over-molded grip, 4.5-inch threaded barrel, three QD sling attachment points, and a quick-change barrel system. View full article

Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains under severe strain after reports that Iranian forces fired on merchant vessels and warned ships they were not authorized to transit the waterway. The incidents mark a renewed maritime escalation in the broader U.S.–Iran conflict and place fresh pressure on one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Merchant vessels report direct fire Reuters reported on April 18 that merchant ships attempting to cross the strait received radio warnings from the Iranian navy stating they were not permitted to pass. Two vessels also reported being hit by gunfire, according to the agency. The reported attacks represent a shift from harassment, delays, or coercive inspections to direct engagement with civilian shipping. If sustained, that would significantly increase operational risk for commercial operators, insurers, and naval forces monitoring traffic through the area. Conflicting claims over whether Hormuz is open Associated Press reported that Iran has again fully closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to the continuing U.S. blockade. AP also said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned approaching vessels that they could be treated as enemy targets. The same report said Iranian forces fired on several commercial ships, including two India-flagged vessels. Those accounts help explain recent mixed messaging around the waterway: while some diplomatic statements have suggested partial reopening, reported conditions at sea indicate that access remains subject to Iranian control and could change quickly. Traffic moving only under tight restrictions Reuters reported that British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called for the full resumption of shipping through Hormuz, saying normal maritime traffic has not returned. A convoy of tankers has reportedly moved through the area, but only under tightly managed conditions. That distinction is important for shipping markets. The strait may be passable in limited cases, but it is not operating as a normal commercial route. Vessel movement appears restricted, politically conditioned, and vulnerable to rapid disruption, leaving charterers and insurers to treat the corridor as an active security risk rather than a stabilized lane. Maritime pressure now central to the conflict Recent developments suggest the conflict is increasingly being fought through blockade pressure, shipping disruption, and control of sea access rather than only through strikes on military or infrastructure targets. AP reported that the U.S. blockade remains in place, while Washington continues to use maritime pressure as part of its broader strategy. That means any formal ceasefire has done little to restore confidence at sea. Instead, the maritime domain has become a primary arena where both military leverage and economic pressure are being applied. International response may widen More than 50 countries support freedom of navigation through the strait, and more than a dozen are prepared to provide maritime assistance if required. That does not guarantee a coalition deployment, but it raises the possibility of expanded escort missions or convoy protection if attacks on commercial shipping continue. For now, the Strait of Hormuz remains the conflict’s most sensitive pressure point. It is where military confrontation, energy security, and global trade intersect most directly, and where further incidents could quickly broaden the crisis beyond the immediate U.S.–Iran dispute. View full article