In a stunning showcase of human achievement and military history, Guinness World Records has unveiled the top 11 military records that will leave you in awe. From the shortest war to the fastest aircraft, these extraordinary feats span over a century, highlighting the relentless pursuit of innovation in warfare.

At the forefront is the infamous Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896, recognized as the shortest war in history, lasting a mere 38 to 45 minutes. The conflict saw the British forces emerge victorious with minimal casualties, while the Sultanate faced devastating losses. Fast forward to 1911, where the Italian Air Force made history by deploying the first powered aircraft in combat against Turkish forces, marking the dawn of aerial warfare.

Commander Edward Harris Dunning made headlines again in 1917, becoming the first to land an airplane on a moving ship, a feat that ultimately cost him his life just days later. The tragedy continued with the USS Akron disaster in 1933, claiming 73 lives in the deadliest airship crash ever recorded.

The Second Sino-Japanese War, spanning from 1937 to 1945, stands as the deadliest conflict, resulting in the loss of nearly 25 million civilians and millions more military personnel. Meanwhile, the Triton submarine achieved an unprecedented milestone in 1960, completing the first circumnavigation underwater, showcasing the power of nuclear technology.

The race for speed and altitude reached new heights with the North American X-15, which soared to 4,520 mph in 1967, and the SR-71 Blackbird, which reached Mach 3.3 in 1976. The depths of military exploration were also tested with the discovery of the SS Rio Grande shipwreck, resting nearly 19,000 feet below the ocean’s surface.

As unmanned technology advanced, the RQ-4 Global Hawk set records for distance flown, while the NASA X-43 pushed boundaries with a hypersonic flight approaching Mach 9.8. These records not only reflect military prowess but also the spirit of human ingenuity. Stay tuned as we continue to follow these incredible advancements in military history.