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Aaron Stein

@aaronstein1.bsky.social
3.7K followers 275 following 454 posts

President/CEO @fpri.bsky.social; Podcast w/ blogfather @armscontrolwonk.bsky.social; Recent Substacker; Author: US War Against ISIS. Views are all my own

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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Sam Lair @slair.bsky.social · 5h
With GUGI in the news, I took a look at the Russian deep-sea submarine base at Olenya Guba. I pulled some beautiful, declassified satellite images. Take a look! www.fpri.org/article/2026...
fpri.org
House of GUGI: A Historical Imagery Analysis of Olenya Guba - Foreign Policy Research Institute
The special mission submarines and Yantar belong to the Main Directorate for Deep Sea-Research (Glavnoye Upravlenie Glubokovodnikh Issledovanii), more
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
🆕 FPRI Experts React | The Trump-Xi Summit. Our experts highlight different dimensions of the summit, all pointing to the same conclusion: both the United States and China were eager to convey strength, prioritizing the status of their partnership over addressing pertinent tensions between them.
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FPRI Experts React | The Trump-Xi Summit - Foreign Policy Research Institute
The much-anticipated summit meeting in Washington between American President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping masked any tensions that the two
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
If you aren’t currently a member but would like to attend this and future events, please contact our Events and Development Manager, Christine Datesman, at cdatesman@fpri.org.
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
🗓️ Member Briefing | Iran Rebuilds its Missile Arsenal In this members-only briefing, Aaron Stein and Sam Lair will discuss how FPRI's IDAC team is leveraging open-source satellite imagery to track and assess Iran's missile capabilities and stockpiles.
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Iran Rebuilds its Missile Arsenal: An Open Source Assessment - FPRI Events
In September, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Iranian regime has begun to rebuild its missile stockpiles, leveraging spare parts on hand and working
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Check out what FPRI worked on this week!
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Weekly Insights | September 25, 2026
Russia and Ukraine’s war of endurance, Latvia’s upcoming elections, and more
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
🆕 What Stands Out in the US-Greenland-Denmark Agreement with Rebeca Pincus and @aaronstein1.bsky.social. buff.ly/V0dMDxe
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What Stands Out in the US-Greenland-Denmark Agreement - Foreign Policy Research Institute
This whole Greenland saga has elicited all sorts of commentary. Let’s step back. The United States has had a presence on Greenland and permissive basing rules
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
In his report, Aaron Stein details how there is serious discussion in Russia about developing military weapons to disable US satellite constellations, reviving a countermeasure framework that Russia has long adopted against US space technology.
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Taking LEO Off the Board: Russian Thinking About Anti-Satellite Warfare - Foreign Policy Research Institute
The Soviet Union and Russia have invested in anti-satellite weapons to ensure that their nuclear deterrent remains credible. For both the Soviet Union and
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
FPRI hosted a wargame with participants joining from around the world. The TTX simulated nuclear escalation dynamics in space, following credible reports of Russia deploying nuclear weapons into orbit. Thank you to our participants for embodying the spirit of the game and making it a success.
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Aaron Stein @aaronstein1.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Colleagues from around the world joined us @fpri.bsky.social in Philadelphia for a TTX to study nuclear escalation dynamics in space. Thanks to @slair.bsky.social @duitsmanms.bsky.social @armscontrolwonk.bsky.social and Emily Holland for support. Game report coming soon!
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Ankit Panda @nktpnd.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Wrote up a short Substack on my way back from Philadelphia, where I had a good time in a space-nuclear table-top today hosted by @aaronstein1.bsky.social, @slair.bsky.social, and team. On salvage fuzes! panda.substack.com/p/salvage-fu...
panda.substack.com
Salvage Fuzing and Co-Orbital Nuclear Weapons
Why destroying a possible Russian co-orbital nuclear anti-satellite weapon probably isn’t a good idea.
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Take a look at the second issue of the #OrbisJournal, focusing on the second nuclear century. The authors each explore a critical element of the nuclear domain shaping the international system. Special thanks to Rachel Whitlark for all her hard work spearheading this issue. buff.ly/iso1dit
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Aaron Stein @aaronstein1.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
My latest report for @fpri.bsky.social with colleagues @slair.bsky.social and @armscontrolwonk.bsky.social
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
In his latest analysis piece, @duitsmanms.bsky.social explains how a coming US-Saudi Arabia nuclear agreement poses significant proliferation risks, as it allows Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium, in exchange for US nuclear reactors—which the US is not in a position to deliver. Read more below.
fpri.org
The US-Saudi Nuclear Deal: Abandoning the Gold Standard - Foreign Policy Research Institute
Donald Trump is famous for his love of gold. His agreement with Saudi Arabia, however, has undermined the so-called “Gold Standard” for nuclear
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
The proclamation of the Zeitenwende marked a clear step forward, but key questions remain regarding how that vision translates into long-term policy and proactive leadership on NATO’s Eastern Flank.
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
🗓️ In-Person Event | Thursday, September 17 | 5:00 - 6:30 PM In the wake of shifting geopolitical realities, the debate surrounding Germany’s military readiness, industrial capability, and strategic leadership has taken center stage. More details below ⬇️
fpri.org
Zeitenwende in Action: Germany’s Future Role in NATO Security - FPRI Events
For decades, Germany’s position in NATO was defined by a delicate balance: serving as a reliable alliance partner while exercising diplomatic restraint and
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
⏰️ Tuesday, September 8 | 5:00 PM Aaron Stein and Sam Lair will host an in-person discussion on the cost of proposed satellite constellations under the Golden Dome Program—an enduring source of debate around space-based interceptors—and their potential consequences. Register here: buff.ly/Wd14UmG.
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Nothing New Under the Golden Dome - FPRI Events
Aaron Stein and Sam Lair will discuss their forthcoming FPRI report on the cost and consequences of proposed space-based interceptor satellite constellations
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Frank Kuhn @frankkuhn.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
When you’re out cycling and then get a gentle reminder to check out the latest issue of @fpri.bsky.social Orbis. 😅
A cyclist on the road A street sign giving directions to the town „Orbis“
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Sam Lair @slair.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
I return to the Arms Control Wonk Podcast to talk Golden Dome and SBIs with @aaronstein1.bsky.social and @armscontrolwonk.bsky.social Come for our explanations of math, stay to hear what everyone's favorite SBI countermeasure is! www.armscontrolwonk.com/archive/1222...
armscontrolwonk.com
Calculating the Cost of Golden Dome
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Aaron Stein @aaronstein1.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
The blogfather @armscontrolwonk.bsky.social and I sat down with @fpri.bsky.social fellow @slair.bsky.social to discuss our joint research on the actual cost of space based interceptors and this layer of Golden Dome. We thank New-Land Foundation for support. www.armscontrolwonk.com/archive/1222...
armscontrolwonk.com
Calculating the Cost of Golden Dome
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Nate Schenkkan @nateschenkkan.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
I am hiring a Research Associate to join my team at Scholars at Risk: apply.interfolio.com/191007. Great way to get started in international human rights work, particularly if you have an interest in academic freedom
apply.interfolio.com
Apply - Interfolio {{$ctrl.$state.data.pageTitle}} - Apply - Interfolio
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
The report by @aaronstein1.bsky.social examines Soviet and now Russian thinking about war in space, the investments made to hold at risk US assets in orbit, and how US private sector advancements are pushing the Russians to consider deploying nuclear weapons in space. buff.ly/N45n4cy
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Taking LEO Off the Board: Russian Thinking About Anti-Satellite Warfare - Foreign Policy Research Institute
The Soviet Union and Russia have invested in anti-satellite weapons to ensure that their nuclear deterrent remains credible. For both the Soviet Union and
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Ankit Panda @nktpnd.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
🚨 Job Alert: We’re hiring for a research assistant at @carnegienpp.bsky.social. Come work with me and the rest of the team. Details below; apply by the 18th of August: carnegieendowment.applicantpro.com/jobs/4169113
carnegieendowment.applicantpro.com
Research Assistant, Nuclear Policy Program - Washington, DC
Research Assistant Nuclear Policy Program The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a renowned international affairs institution, seeks a full-time research assistant to support its Washington, ...
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
The quest to leverage space for warfighting has continued. How has Russia adapted its strategy to the domain, and what does it mean for US defense planning and investment? Click the link below to find out more from @aaronstein1.bsky.social.
fpri.org
Taking LEO Off the Board: Russian Thinking About Anti-Satellite Warfare - Foreign Policy Research Institute
The Soviet Union and Russia have invested in anti-satellite weapons to ensure that their nuclear deterrent remains credible. For both the Soviet Union and
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Aaron Stein @aaronstein1.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Really great read from @fpri.bsky.social @slair.bsky.social @duitsmanms.bsky.social
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Aaron Stein @aaronstein1.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
More jobs @fpri.bsky.social! Our Eurasia and Asia teams are looking to expand and hire a part-time RA/EA to support our awesome work. Apply to join our growing team. www.fpri.org/about/employ...
fpri.org
Career Opportunities - FPRI
FPRI is committed to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse work experience and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will
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Aaron Stein @aaronstein1.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
My colleague @armscontrolwonk.bsky.social and I discussed on our podcast the history of our now decade-and-half old show, his future, my future, and our major plans for 2027 and beyond www.armscontrolwonk.com/archive/1222...
armscontrolwonk.com
From Past to Future
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Happy National Intern Day!🎉 Thank you to all of our summer and 2026 interns for supporting our fellows and staff. Read more about the internship program on our website. buff.ly/eFf8GoJ
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Russian nuclear-armed submarines have long operated under the protection of thick Arctic sea ice, but as it melts away, Carl Parkin breaks down the challenges they face.
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A Crown Jewel in Peril: Russia’s Arctic Aggression Masks Nuclear Vulnerability - Foreign Policy Research Institute
Russia sees opportunity in the Arctic. For centuries, ever-present sea ice has made the region hostile to trade or military exploitation. But as the ice
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Jeffrey Lewis @armscontrolwonk.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
First our OSINT team, now LeBron. It’s been a good week for Philly. @fpri.bsky.social
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Dr Emma Salisbury @salisbot.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
It's my first anniversary at @fpri.bsky.social today! I'm enormously grateful to the whole team for being so consistently supportive and encouraging - and particularly to @aaronstein1.bsky.social for giving me the opportunity to be a big nerd. You guys are the best!
static.klipy.com
Top Gun Maverick Iceman Bro Hug
ALT: Top Gun Maverick Iceman Bro Hug
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Jeffrey Lewis @armscontrolwonk.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Some news! As many of you know, I've been a Distinguished Research Fellow at @fpri.bsky.social consulting with @aaronstein1.bsky.social on space and missile defense. Today it gets much better: the whole freaking open-source research team is joining FPRI full time. (1/4)
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Aaron Stein @aaronstein1.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
For those on the West Coast. We have big news @fpri.bsky.social 👇
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Aaron Stein @aaronstein1.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
We have big news at @fpri.bsky.social! For almost a year now @armscontrolwonk.bsky.social and I have been collaborating on a series of projects about deterrence, space, and missile defense. Last week, we made it official. Jeffrey's all-star team is starting full time at FPRI.
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Aaron Stein @aaronstein1.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
China just conducted a rare open-ocean test of its JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile. Why does that matter? What does it tell us about China’s sea-based nuclear deterrent, targeting, and strategic signaling?
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
If you missed our virtual book talk, watch the discussion on our YouTube channel. The authors of "Moscow's Mercenaries" detailed the Wagner Group's functions, the intense political drama surrounding the Group and the death of its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, and more.
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Moscow’s Mercenaries: The Rise and Fall of the Wagner Group
FPRI’s Eurasia Program Director Dr. Emily Holland hosted a book talk marking the release of Moscow’s Mercenaries: The Rise and Fall of the Wagner Group with authors Christopher M. Faulkner, Raphael…
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Sam Lair @slair.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Such a blast a write this with Aaron and to feature in Aviation Week!! Really thrilled!
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Aaron Stein @aaronstein1.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
my @fpri.bsky.social colleague @slair.bsky.social and I wrote about how Golden Dome may hasten the burgeoning nuclear arms race in space for @aviationweek.bsky.social aviationweek.com/space/satell...
aviationweek.com
Opinion: Golden Dome Revives Nuclear Anti-Satellite Weapons Concerns | Aviation Week
Proliferating space constellations could suffer the same fate as the Telstar 1 satellite in 1962.
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
⏰️ Virtual Event Reminder | Tomorrow, July 21 | FPRI will host a book talk centering on why the #WagnerGroup is so important to the Kremlin, how Wagner expanded across multiple theaters, and updates on the Group's activities.
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Moscow’s Mercenaries: The Rise and Fall of the Wagner Group - FPRI Events
Join FPRI’s Eurasia Program for a book talk hosted by Program Director Dr. Emily Holland marking the release of Moscow’s Mercenaries: The Rise and Fall of the
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Aaron Stein @aaronstein1.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
I’ve followed the air war at a very granular level. It is still a miracle/testament to professionalism that a jet hasn’t been hit on the ground at MSAB
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
⏰️ Upcoming Virtual Event | Tuesday, July 21 | 12:00 PM EDT Register for our upcoming book talk on "Moscow’s Mercenaries: The Rise and Fall of the Wagner Group." The conversation will explore the Wagner’s rise and collapse and the future of mercenary activity in global security.
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Moscow’s Mercenaries: The Rise and Fall of the Wagner Group - FPRI Events
Join FPRI’s Eurasia Program for a book talk hosted by Program Director Dr. Emily Holland marking the release of Moscow’s Mercenaries: The Rise and Fall of the
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Check out what FPRI has been up to this week! #WeeklyInsights buff.ly/3WIqaRs
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FPRI Weekly Insights | July 17, 2026
Reflections on Ankara, South Africa's China dilemma, US relations, and more
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Register to attend here: buff.ly/FqrOzJD
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The Steel Triangle: The Future of a Shipbuilding Alliance - FPRI Events
Shipbuilding has emerged as one of the most consequential frontiers of economic security and military deterrence. Both Japan and South Korea have emerged as
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Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
🗓️ Virtual Event Reminder | Tuesday, July 28 | 11:00 AM EDT FPRI Asia Program Director Shihoko Goto will be joined by Jonathan D. Caverley, Luke Collin, and Peter Dombrowski for a discussion on forging new industrial partnerships and prospects for maritime technology cooperation.
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The Steel Triangle: The Future of a Shipbuilding Alliance - FPRI Events
Shipbuilding has emerged as one of the most consequential frontiers of economic security and military deterrence. Both Japan and South Korea have emerged as
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
If you missed today's virtual event, catch up on an engaging and reflective discussion on Top Gun's immense impact on public perceptions of US naval aviation, how it relates to US naval aviation today, and what the speakers think is to come for both the US Navy and the third movie.
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Top Gun at 40
For four decades, Top Gun has lived in the imaginations of audiences around the world as the vision of US naval aviation. In the year of the 40th anniversary of its release, FPRI Senior Fellow Dr.…
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Turkey recap @turkeyrecap.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Issue #313 with @aaronstein1.bsky.social and more: 1. US, Turkey explore F-35/S-400 solutions 2. New CHP purges, ‘New Party’ in the works 3. CHP Çankaya mayor arrested, removed 4. Domestic and diplomatic wraps 5. Omar Souleyman denied entry without ‘Warning, Warning’
turkeyrecap.com
A Grand Jet Stir
Issue #313
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Reposted by Aaron Stein
Foreign Policy Research Institute @fpri.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
This Thursday, July 16, at 12:00 PM, FPRI Senior Fellow Emma Salisbury @salisbot.bsky.social will host a virtual conversation focusing on Top Gun's legacy with naval aviation experts Sebastian Bruns, Ryan Wadle, and Ned Breen.
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Top Gun at 40 - FPRI Events
For four decades, Top Gun has lived in the imaginations of audiences around the world as the vision of US naval aviation. In the year of the 40th anniversary
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Aaron Stein @aaronstein1.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Everyone should attend this @fpri.bsky.social event 👇
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Aaron Stein @aaronstein1.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
If there is agreement on the S-400, the six Turkish F-35s will need a maintenance overhaul and, I believe, a software upgrade. I assume they're in Type 2000 storages and in hangars. They would then be sent to Ebbing in Arkansas, which is where FMS F-35 operators are trained.
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Aaron Stein @aaronstein1.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
My @fpri.bsky.social colleagues and I broke down the NATO summit. www.fpri.org/article/2026...
fpri.org
FPRI Experts React | NATO Summit in Ankara - Foreign Policy Research Institute
This year’s NATO Summit in Ankara was less about substance than Trump centered theatrical spectacle, but the central message on Russia and Ukraine is
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Aaron Stein @aaronstein1.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
It’s just a reminder: no Turkish pilot finished the F-35 B course so even if there is a breakthrough on the orphaned six jets, no one is around to fly them home. They’ll be staying put. When this began TuRAF had begun the B course at Luke and maintainers were at Eglin. They got sent home.
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