Justin Bronk
@justin-br0nk.bsky.social
Senior Research Fellow for Airpower and Military Technology at RUSI, London. Associate Professor II at the Royal Norwegian Air Force Academy. Pilot. Views are my own.
RUSI biography and publications: https://t.co/wgeOUvRQdO
RUSI biography and publications: https://t.co/wgeOUvRQdO
Pinned
Justin Bronk
@justin-br0nk.bsky.social
· Mar 10
static.rusi.org
For those interested in some ideas on how European NATO members can rapidly improve their high end airpower capabilities by cooperative specialisation: static.rusi.org/nato-air-mis...
Amen. A drum I have been banging in futility for a decade too!
The use of the word ‘Kamikaze’ to describe what are essentially propeller powered missiles is also insensitive and inappropriate. Kamikaze pilots were brainwashed, usually very young human beings.
The use of the word ‘Kamikaze’ to describe what are essentially propeller powered missiles is also insensitive and inappropriate. Kamikaze pilots were brainwashed, usually very young human beings.
The fact that we use the word “drone” to describe such insanely different objects has been driving me batshit since 2015 (and I need to redo this piece I wrote about this issue back in 2019):
faineg.medium.com/the-ascent-o...
faineg.medium.com/the-ascent-o...
November 21, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Amen. A drum I have been banging in futility for a decade too!
The use of the word ‘Kamikaze’ to describe what are essentially propeller powered missiles is also insensitive and inappropriate. Kamikaze pilots were brainwashed, usually very young human beings.
The use of the word ‘Kamikaze’ to describe what are essentially propeller powered missiles is also insensitive and inappropriate. Kamikaze pilots were brainwashed, usually very young human beings.
Reposted by Justin Bronk
Polish PM Donald Tusk confirms sabotage on Warsaw-Lublin rail line: Explosion destroyed track near Mika village; more damage found closer to Lublin. Key route for Ukraine aid—possible Russian hybrid attack. No injuries, but investigations ongoing.
www.reuters.com/world/explos...
www.reuters.com/world/explos...
Polish PM says railway track blast was 'unprecedented act of sabotage'
An explosion that damaged a Polish railway track on a route to Ukraine was an "unprecedented act of sabotage", Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Monday, and he vowed to catch those responsible for an incident he said could have ended in tragedy.
www.reuters.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Polish PM Donald Tusk confirms sabotage on Warsaw-Lublin rail line: Explosion destroyed track near Mika village; more damage found closer to Lublin. Key route for Ukraine aid—possible Russian hybrid attack. No injuries, but investigations ongoing.
www.reuters.com/world/explos...
www.reuters.com/world/explos...
Reposted by Justin Bronk
China’s GJ-21 Naval UCAV Captured in Clearest Image Yet
Believed to be a naval variant of the GJ-11, the GJ-21 is expected to operate from the Type 006 Sichuan LHD after mockups of the drone were spotted on test-sites representing the ship.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/01/c...
Believed to be a naval variant of the GJ-11, the GJ-21 is expected to operate from the Type 006 Sichuan LHD after mockups of the drone were spotted on test-sites representing the ship.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/01/c...
China’s GJ-21 Naval UCAV Captured in Clearest Image Yet
Believed to be a naval variant of the GJ-11, the GJ-21 is expected to operate from the Type 006 Sichuan LHD after mockups of the drone were spotted on
theaviationist.com
November 1, 2025 at 6:58 PM
China’s GJ-21 Naval UCAV Captured in Clearest Image Yet
Believed to be a naval variant of the GJ-11, the GJ-21 is expected to operate from the Type 006 Sichuan LHD after mockups of the drone were spotted on test-sites representing the ship.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/01/c...
Believed to be a naval variant of the GJ-11, the GJ-21 is expected to operate from the Type 006 Sichuan LHD after mockups of the drone were spotted on test-sites representing the ship.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/11/01/c...
Reposted by Justin Bronk
Second Prototype of China’s J-36 Uncovered with Notable Structural Changes
Several images showing what appears to be the second prototype of the J-36 heavy fighter have started circulating online.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/28/s...
Several images showing what appears to be the second prototype of the J-36 heavy fighter have started circulating online.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/28/s...
Second Prototype of China’s J-36 Uncovered with Notable Structural Changes
Several images showing what appears to be the second prototype of the J-36 heavy fighter have started circulating online. Several images showing what
theaviationist.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Second Prototype of China’s J-36 Uncovered with Notable Structural Changes
Several images showing what appears to be the second prototype of the J-36 heavy fighter have started circulating online.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/28/s...
Several images showing what appears to be the second prototype of the J-36 heavy fighter have started circulating online.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/28/s...
Reposted by Justin Bronk
There's been endless talk about an AI bubble, but less about exactly how, why, and how much it's a bubble. So I turned to the framework put forward by scholars Brent Goldfarb and David A. Kirsch, authors of "Bubbles and Crashes," for assessing tech bubbles.
Spoiler: On a scale of 1 to 8, AI is an 8
Spoiler: On a scale of 1 to 8, AI is an 8
AI Is the Bubble to Burst Them All
I talked to the scholars who literally wrote the book on tech bubbles—and applied their test.
www.wired.com
October 27, 2025 at 8:58 PM
There's been endless talk about an AI bubble, but less about exactly how, why, and how much it's a bubble. So I turned to the framework put forward by scholars Brent Goldfarb and David A. Kirsch, authors of "Bubbles and Crashes," for assessing tech bubbles.
Spoiler: On a scale of 1 to 8, AI is an 8
Spoiler: On a scale of 1 to 8, AI is an 8
Reposted by Justin Bronk
PM: Deliveries of #Gripen E to Ukraine could begin in just about 3 years time.
PM also said donation of C/D still a possibility, but again, now it's full focus on F-16 and Mirage.
PM also said donation of C/D still a possibility, but again, now it's full focus on F-16 and Mirage.
October 22, 2025 at 2:06 PM
PM: Deliveries of #Gripen E to Ukraine could begin in just about 3 years time.
PM also said donation of C/D still a possibility, but again, now it's full focus on F-16 and Mirage.
PM also said donation of C/D still a possibility, but again, now it's full focus on F-16 and Mirage.
President Zelenskyy in Sweden today: Ukraine plans to buy 100-150 JAS-39 Gripen E fighters. Certainly a positive sign for the post-war prospects of the Ukrainian Air Force. Great EW suite, modern AESA radar, Meteor missile compatible.
But, it doesn't help win the current war.
But, it doesn't help win the current war.
October 22, 2025 at 2:20 PM
President Zelenskyy in Sweden today: Ukraine plans to buy 100-150 JAS-39 Gripen E fighters. Certainly a positive sign for the post-war prospects of the Ukrainian Air Force. Great EW suite, modern AESA radar, Meteor missile compatible.
But, it doesn't help win the current war.
But, it doesn't help win the current war.
Reposted by Justin Bronk
Indonesia to Become Next Customer for China’s J-10C Fighter Jet
Indonesia is allocating a $9 billion budget for the J-10C, with officials saying the jets will arrive soon, although it is unclear if a contract has been signed already.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/17/i...
Indonesia is allocating a $9 billion budget for the J-10C, with officials saying the jets will arrive soon, although it is unclear if a contract has been signed already.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/17/i...
Indonesia to Become Next Customer for China’s J-10C Fighter Jet
Indonesia is allocating a $9 billion budget for the J-10C, with officials saying the jets will arrive soon, although it is unclear if a contract has been
theaviationist.com
October 18, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Indonesia to Become Next Customer for China’s J-10C Fighter Jet
Indonesia is allocating a $9 billion budget for the J-10C, with officials saying the jets will arrive soon, although it is unclear if a contract has been signed already.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/17/i...
Indonesia is allocating a $9 billion budget for the J-10C, with officials saying the jets will arrive soon, although it is unclear if a contract has been signed already.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/17/i...
Reposted by Justin Bronk
First Look Inside the Su-57 Felon’s Weapons Bay
A photo appeared online provides for the first time a look inside the Su-57’s main weapon bays, which so far were only seen closed.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/18/f...
A photo appeared online provides for the first time a look inside the Su-57’s main weapon bays, which so far were only seen closed.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/18/f...
First Look Inside the Su-57 Felon’s Weapons Bay
A photo appeared online provides for the first time a look inside the Su-57’s main weapon bays, which so far were only seen closed. We may have our first
theaviationist.com
October 18, 2025 at 6:36 PM
First Look Inside the Su-57 Felon’s Weapons Bay
A photo appeared online provides for the first time a look inside the Su-57’s main weapon bays, which so far were only seen closed.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/18/f...
A photo appeared online provides for the first time a look inside the Su-57’s main weapon bays, which so far were only seen closed.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/10/18/f...
And there it is… Ukraine will receive JAS-39 Gripen! Better late than never, I guess. The fighter that was always by far the closest fit to the Ukrainian Air Force’s operational needs is at long last officially on its way (timeline TBC for obvious reasons).
unn.ua/en/amp/minis...
unn.ua/en/amp/minis...
Ministry of Defense announced the transfer of Swedish Gripen fighters to Ukraine | УНН
УНН News of the World ✎ Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Ivan Havryliuk stated that Ukraine expects the supply of Swedish Gripen, French Mirage, and
additional F-16s.
unn.ua
September 29, 2025 at 3:04 PM
And there it is… Ukraine will receive JAS-39 Gripen! Better late than never, I guess. The fighter that was always by far the closest fit to the Ukrainian Air Force’s operational needs is at long last officially on its way (timeline TBC for obvious reasons).
unn.ua/en/amp/minis...
unn.ua/en/amp/minis...
Well that’s a first (as far as I’m aware at least). A Ukrainian FPV successfully taking out a Russian Mi-8/17 helicopter. Looks opportunistic - FPV looking for targets on the road and reacts rapidly and with impressive pilot skill to seeing the helicopter rapidly approaching…
The Ukrainian military says it has destroyed a Russian Mi-28 helicopter with an FPV drone. Video from the drone shows it approach the aircraft almost head on until the instant it presumably impacts. Video shot from another drone shows the helicopter crash in flames.
Drones are changing war.
Drones are changing war.
September 29, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Well that’s a first (as far as I’m aware at least). A Ukrainian FPV successfully taking out a Russian Mi-8/17 helicopter. Looks opportunistic - FPV looking for targets on the road and reacts rapidly and with impressive pilot skill to seeing the helicopter rapidly approaching…
Interesting footage of China’s new J-35 and upgraded J-15T fighters, plus KJ-600 AEW&C aircraft practicing arrested landings and catapult launches from the Type 003 aircraft carrier Fujian:
youtu.be/YlSwXhB_7EE?...
youtu.be/YlSwXhB_7EE?...
003福建舰电磁弹射舰载机原声大片！J35第五代舰载机
YouTube video by 西葛西造舰
youtu.be
September 22, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Interesting footage of China’s new J-35 and upgraded J-15T fighters, plus KJ-600 AEW&C aircraft practicing arrested landings and catapult launches from the Type 003 aircraft carrier Fujian:
youtu.be/YlSwXhB_7EE?...
youtu.be/YlSwXhB_7EE?...
Reposted by Justin Bronk
(Reuters) - Poland flatly rejected on Friday a suggestion by U.S. President Donald Trump that drone incursions into its airspace could have been a mistake, describing them as "a deliberate Russian attack".
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/business/aer...
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/business/aer...
Poland says Russian drone incursions could not have been a mistake, contradicting Trump
Poland flatly rejected a suggestion by President Donald Trump that drone incursions into its airspace could have been a mistake, describing them as "a deliberate Russian attack".
www.reuters.com
September 12, 2025 at 11:32 AM
(Reuters) - Poland flatly rejected on Friday a suggestion by U.S. President Donald Trump that drone incursions into its airspace could have been a mistake, describing them as "a deliberate Russian attack".
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/business/aer...
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/business/aer...
Reposted by Justin Bronk
Second B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Has Flown (Updated) www.twz.com/air/second-b...
Second B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Has Flown (Updated)
Air Force officials had previously said their was goal was to have two B-21s flying around the end of this year.
www.twz.com
September 11, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Second B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Has Flown (Updated) www.twz.com/air/second-b...
Reposted by Justin Bronk
Large Stealth Flying Wing Aircraft Photographed Over China www.twz.com/air/large-st...
Large Stealth Flying Wing Aircraft Photographed Over China
The mysterious low-observable flying-wing aircraft bears a distinct resemblance to a huge drone that appeared satellite imagery earlier this year. The mysterious low-observable flying-wing aircraft be...
www.twz.com
August 20, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Large Stealth Flying Wing Aircraft Photographed Over China www.twz.com/air/large-st...
"The wars of the future will not be fought on a battlefield or at sea.
They will be fought in space--
Or possibly on top of a very tall mountain.
In either case, most of the actual fighting
Will be done by small robots."
They will be fought in space--
Or possibly on top of a very tall mountain.
In either case, most of the actual fighting
Will be done by small robots."
August 12, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Reposted by Justin Bronk
New episode just posted:
Why Drones Don't Win Wars
YouTube video by Ward Carroll
youtu.be
August 6, 2025 at 3:15 PM
New episode just posted:
Reposted by Justin Bronk
Why Drones Can’t Replace Traditional Firepower
My @GeopolDecanted discussion with @justin-br0nk.bsky.social about his recent provocative @rusi.bsky.social piece on this topic.
We also discuss efficacy of Ukrainian F-16s, Operation SpiderWeb and much more. Watch 👇
youtu.be/ykLIH2kY1U8
My @GeopolDecanted discussion with @justin-br0nk.bsky.social about his recent provocative @rusi.bsky.social piece on this topic.
We also discuss efficacy of Ukrainian F-16s, Operation SpiderWeb and much more. Watch 👇
youtu.be/ykLIH2kY1U8
Why Drones Can’t Replace Traditional Firepower
YouTube video by Dmitri Alperovitch
youtu.be
August 5, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Why Drones Can’t Replace Traditional Firepower
My @GeopolDecanted discussion with @justin-br0nk.bsky.social about his recent provocative @rusi.bsky.social piece on this topic.
We also discuss efficacy of Ukrainian F-16s, Operation SpiderWeb and much more. Watch 👇
youtu.be/ykLIH2kY1U8
My @GeopolDecanted discussion with @justin-br0nk.bsky.social about his recent provocative @rusi.bsky.social piece on this topic.
We also discuss efficacy of Ukrainian F-16s, Operation SpiderWeb and much more. Watch 👇
youtu.be/ykLIH2kY1U8
Just published via RUSI... I suspect this one may generate some strong opinions but I think it's an important set of factors for military planners especially in the Land domain to engage with:
NATO Should Not Replace Traditional Firepower with ‘Drones’
www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
NATO Should Not Replace Traditional Firepower with ‘Drones’
www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
NATO Should Not Replace Traditional Firepower with ‘Drones’
Over-reliance on uncrewed aerial systems or ‘drones’ is leading to significant problems for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and is not something Western militaries should attempt to replicate
www.rusi.org
August 4, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Just published via RUSI... I suspect this one may generate some strong opinions but I think it's an important set of factors for military planners especially in the Land domain to engage with:
NATO Should Not Replace Traditional Firepower with ‘Drones’
www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
NATO Should Not Replace Traditional Firepower with ‘Drones’
www.rusi.org/explore-our-...
Reposted by Justin Bronk
'The seismic shifts in US politics since President Trump returned to the White House have made far greater European defence autonomy an obvious necessity' writes @justin-br0nk.bsky.social in the latest RUSI Commentary.
US Weapons and European Capability Gaps
NATO allies aiming to increase independence from Washington should focus on generating European capacity in areas where only the US military can currently perform key missions.
www.rusi.org
July 28, 2025 at 10:10 AM
'The seismic shifts in US politics since President Trump returned to the White House have made far greater European defence autonomy an obvious necessity' writes @justin-br0nk.bsky.social in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Reposted by Justin Bronk
When it comes to the results of Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia, one of the most asked questions is why Ukrainian drone strikes cause damage that often appears insufficient. The answer lies largely in engineering trade-offs: the balance between range and payload. Thread 🧵:
July 26, 2025 at 11:26 AM
When it comes to the results of Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia, one of the most asked questions is why Ukrainian drone strikes cause damage that often appears insufficient. The answer lies largely in engineering trade-offs: the balance between range and payload. Thread 🧵:
Reposted by Justin Bronk
Ukrainian F-16s Get Specialized Vehicles For Operating Constantly On The Move www.twz.com/air/ukrainia...
Ukrainian F-16s Get Specialized Vehicles For Operating Constantly On The Move
New ground support vehicles will help F-16s adapt to Ukraine's dispersed operations playbook, which is also influencing U.S. planning.
www.twz.com
July 24, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Ukrainian F-16s Get Specialized Vehicles For Operating Constantly On The Move www.twz.com/air/ukrainia...
Reposted by Justin Bronk
Belgian F-35 Fleet Will Reach 45 Jets, Expanding Existing Order by 11
Belgium will shore up its commitment to the F-35 with a follow-on order for more jets and for cruise missiles to arm them, while also seeking an expanded role in the European FCAS.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/07/21/b...
Belgium will shore up its commitment to the F-35 with a follow-on order for more jets and for cruise missiles to arm them, while also seeking an expanded role in the European FCAS.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/07/21/b...
Belgian F-35 Fleet Will Reach 45 Jets, Expanding Existing Order by 11
Belgium will shore up its commitment to the F-35 with a follow-on order for more jets and for cruise missiles to arm them, while also seeking an expanded
theaviationist.com
July 21, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Belgian F-35 Fleet Will Reach 45 Jets, Expanding Existing Order by 11
Belgium will shore up its commitment to the F-35 with a follow-on order for more jets and for cruise missiles to arm them, while also seeking an expanded role in the European FCAS.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/07/21/b...
Belgium will shore up its commitment to the F-35 with a follow-on order for more jets and for cruise missiles to arm them, while also seeking an expanded role in the European FCAS.
Story: theaviationist.com/2025/07/21/b...
Reposted by Justin Bronk
"I Fought in Ukraine and Here’s Why FPV Drones Kind of Suck"
@warontherocks.bsky.social h/t @rikefranke.bsky.social
warontherocks.com/2025/06/i-fo...
@warontherocks.bsky.social h/t @rikefranke.bsky.social
warontherocks.com/2025/06/i-fo...
I Fought in Ukraine and Here’s Why FPV Drones Kind of Suck – War on the Rocks
warontherocks.com
June 26, 2025 at 11:51 AM
"I Fought in Ukraine and Here’s Why FPV Drones Kind of Suck"
@warontherocks.bsky.social h/t @rikefranke.bsky.social
warontherocks.com/2025/06/i-fo...
@warontherocks.bsky.social h/t @rikefranke.bsky.social
warontherocks.com/2025/06/i-fo...