Analysis & Reports

Ukraine signed a ten-year defense cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE on March 27, 2026, focusing on drone technology and defense capabilities. The agreements include joint industrial projects and defense investments, with interest from eleven additional countries in the region. This collaboration aims to enhance the Gulf states' defense against drone threats, integrating Ukrainian expertise into their military systems.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Jun 12 2026Loading...

On June 11, 2026, the Jordanian Air Force intercepted 20 Iranian missiles over Azraq, while U.S. forces reported intercepting 7 missiles aimed at Kuwait and Bahrain. Concurrently, U.S. airstrikes targeted Iranian military capabilities in response to these threats. Kuwait temporarily closed its airspace during the attacks, and a child in Bahrain was injured by shrapnel from intercepted drones.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Jun 11 2026Loading...

Iran launched attacks on 18 U.S. military-related sites in Kuwait and Bahrain on June 11, 2026, following U.S. strikes against Iranian military capabilities. The incidents exposed vulnerabilities in the Patriot and THAAD air defense systems. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps executed these operations, prompting concerns among Gulf states regarding their air defense readiness and reliance on U.S. support.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Jun 11 2026Loading...

Iran launched seven ballistic missiles towards Kuwait and Bahrain on June 5, 2026, with six intercepted and one failing to reach its target. The U.S. retaliated by striking Iranian radar sites. This incident underscores the ongoing military tensions in the Gulf and the challenges faced by Gulf defense systems.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Jun 06 2026Loading...

On June 5, 2026, Iran launched seven ballistic missiles towards Kuwait and Bahrain, targeting U.S. military installations. U.S. forces intercepted six of the missiles, while one failed to reach its target. In response, Kuwait activated its defenses, and Bahrain issued safety alerts for its citizens. The U.S. retaliated by striking Iranian radar sites to disrupt further attacks.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Jun 06 2026Loading...

Lebanon and Israel reached a conditional ceasefire agreement on June 4, 2026, which requires Hezbollah to take specific actions for full implementation. Israel maintains the right to respond to threats, while the Lebanese Army is tasked with preventing fire from the south. Tensions remain high as Hezbollah launched limited rocket fire following the agreement, highlighting the ongoing military challenges in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Jun 04 2026Loading...

Iranian drones attacked Kuwait International Airport on June 3, 2026, killing one and injuring dozens. The incident has prompted Kuwait to reconsider its air defense strategy, particularly the acquisition of the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). This attack highlights the broader implications for Gulf security and the need for a unified response among Gulf states against Iranian threats.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Jun 04 2026Loading...

On June 3, 2026, U.S. and Iranian forces engaged in strikes in the Gulf, particularly around Qeshm and the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Central Command reported intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, while Iran's military capabilities pose a significant threat to maritime navigation. This exchange highlights the ongoing military tensions and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global oil and gas supplies.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Jun 03 2026Loading...

Iranian drones attacked Kuwait International Airport on June 3, 2026, causing significant damage and injuries. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense reported that the attack targeted a vital civilian facility, marking a shift in the nature of conflict with Iran. U.S. Central Command confirmed the interception of Iranian missiles aimed at regional targets, emphasizing ongoing tensions in the Gulf.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Jun 03 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army is sending 23,000 air defense pieces to CENTCOM as part of Operation Jailbreak, initiated on May 29, 2026, to enhance air defense capabilities in the Gulf. This operation addresses the urgent need for improved integration of military systems in response to threats from Iranian drones and missiles. The updates focus on connecting command and control systems with counter-UAS and radar technologies to ensure faster and more effective responses.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Jun 02 2026Loading...

Israel captured Beaufort Castle in Southern Lebanon on May 31, 2026, after intense fighting, resulting in the death of one Israeli soldier. The operation aimed to control the area and eliminate Hezbollah launch sites. This strategic gain is expected to influence upcoming negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Washington.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Jun 02 2026Loading...

Iran launched missiles targeting U.S. forces in Kuwait on June 1, 2026, prompting U.S. Central Command to conduct airstrikes on Iranian military sites. Kuwait's air defense successfully intercepted the missiles, reflecting escalating tensions in the region. This incident underscores the risks Gulf states face amid ongoing U.S.-Iran hostilities, with oil prices rising as a result of the exchanges.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Jun 01 2026Loading...

Israeli Defense Forces expanded their operations in southern Lebanon on May 31, 2026, occupying Château de Cheikh and launching efforts to dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure. This military action aims to establish a new security zone and has resulted in significant territorial gains. The U.S. is mediating a ceasefire as the conflict continues to escalate, with over 1.2 million Lebanese displaced.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Jun 01 2026Loading...

On May 29, 2026, a U.S. aircraft launched a Hellfire missile at the engine room of the M/V Lian Star in the Gulf of Oman. This action followed over twenty warnings as the vessel approached an Iranian port. The U.S. Central Command reported that the ship was redirected and no longer heading towards Iran, highlighting the complexities of maritime control amid ongoing tensions in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun May 31 2026Loading...

The Iranian Majid AD-08 air defense system was displayed in Yerevan, Armenia, on May 28, 2026, marking a significant development in Armenia's military procurement strategy. This event highlights Armenia's efforts to diversify its defense suppliers amid regional tensions, as it seeks to enhance its capabilities against aerial threats. The introduction of this system reflects Iran's ambitions to enter the official arms market and establish itself as a credible defense partner.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat May 30 2026Loading...

The European Aspides mission is expanding to include four ships to enhance protection for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz as of May 28, 2026. This expansion aims to address the challenges posed by Iranian military threats and ensure freedom of navigation in a critical global energy corridor. The mission currently operates with limited naval assets, highlighting the logistical difficulties faced by European forces in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat May 30 2026Loading...

The Israeli Air Force conducted an airstrike on a residential building in Shweifat, near Beirut, on May 28, 2026, resulting in at least 14 casualties. This strike occurred just before military talks between Lebanon and Israel scheduled for May 29, indicating Israel's intent to apply military pressure in negotiations regarding Hezbollah's disarmament. The U.S. is facilitating these discussions, emphasizing the need for security arrangements.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri May 29 2026Loading...

The Gulf states are facing a significant missile defense gap due to the depletion of U.S. stocks of Patriot and THAAD missiles after the Iran war, with replenishment not expected until 2029. Saudi Arabia has a pending order for 360 THAAD missiles, while the UAE has purchased 96 Patriot missiles, both of which have been heavily utilized. This situation raises concerns about the Gulf's defense capabilities and reliance on U.S. military support.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri May 29 2026Loading...

Iran launched missile attacks targeting Kuwait on May 27, 2026, which were intercepted by Kuwaiti air defense systems. The U.S. Central Command labeled the attack a violation of the ceasefire. This incident highlights the challenges faced by Gulf states in maintaining effective air defense amid regional tensions and raises concerns about the adequacy of missile stockpiles.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu May 28 2026Loading...

On May 25, 2026, Iranian military jamming of GNSS systems affected approximately 1100 ships in the Strait of Hormuz, revealing vulnerabilities in maritime defense. This electronic warfare tactic complicates navigation and raises operational risks for vessels in the region. Concurrently, U.S. forces conducted defensive strikes against Iranian missile launch sites, indicating ongoing military tensions.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu May 28 2026Loading...