International Military Roundup: P90/MP7 Origins, Ukraine Demining, MQ-9 Divestment Debate and More

Recent international military developments have been frequent. From the origins of personal defense weapons to demining in Ukraine, and from U.S. equipment divestment debates to historical incidents, here are the details.

In 1989, NATO issued a requirement: a weapon capable of defeating the CRISAT target — 1.6mm of titanium backed by 20 layers of Kevlar — which no pistol cartridge at the time could do. FN responded with the P90, and HK responded with the MP7 and its proprietary 4.6×30mm ammunition. The MP7 weighs under four pounds, measures 16.5 inches with the stock extended, fires at 950 rounds per minute, and has magazines located in the grip. The weapon eventually equipped DEVGRU, GSG 9, GIGN, and the U.S. Capitol Police. ^[1]

A Green Beret and Silver Star recipient who survived an IED attack is now clearing landmines in Ukraine and is the subject of a new documentary, "Safe Ground." ^[2]

Congress is facing a choice about the future of the MQ-9A Reaper. Because the aircraft has suffered heavy losses, Congress must weigh its operational capability against the cost risks of a replacement, amid proposed legislation to pause its retirement. ^[3]

The U.S. Army's most dangerous logistics problem is hiding behind motor pools. An active-duty officer writes that the Army must establish company-level asset management chiefs before the next major conflict. ^[4]

In 1984, an SR-71 Blackbird taking off from Andrews Air Force Base suffered a serious incident. Its right afterburner attachment section blew out during a low pass over the runway, driving 1,500-degree flame into the wing and peeling titanium alloy skin from the leading edge. Pilot McCrary shut down the engine and headed for the bay to dump fuel over water, but 30 seconds later concluded the aircraft would not last that long. He dumped fuel where he was, and 14,000 pounds of fuel ignited a 13-acre fire in Maryland. He landed at Andrews with the aircraft still burning, and afterward found his legs shaking uncontrollably. It was the last time he and Dave Lawrence ever flew a Blackbird. ^[5]

The U.S. Marine Corps announced several incentives to encourage personnel to extend overseas tours by one year or longer. ^[6]