Analysis & Reports

Turkey tested the Typhoon Block 3 missile on July 4, 2026, successfully hitting a small maritime target. The missile, with a range of 800 km, poses a potential threat to Israel, as it can target moving vessels in the Eastern Mediterranean. This development raises concerns for Israel regarding Turkey's growing military capabilities and its implications for regional security.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Jul 22 2026Loading...

Lockheed Martin announced the PAC-3 ACE missile system on July 20, 2026, designed to enhance Gulf defense against Iranian threats. The system is intended to counter low-cost aerial threats, significantly reducing interception costs. Recent incidents involving Iranian drones in Iraq and Jordan underscore the urgency for Gulf states to adapt their air defense strategies. The PAC-3 ACE's introduction may alleviate some economic pressures on military budgets in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Jul 22 2026Loading...

Saudi Arabia established a $100 million defense fund named Masna on July 20, 2026, to explore defense manufacturing partnerships with American companies. The fund aims to create 8 to 12 special purpose companies for producing defense technologies domestically. This initiative reflects a shift in Saudi defense policy, emphasizing local production capabilities in response to regional security challenges.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Jul 21 2026Loading...

The United Arab Emirates and Israel established a joint fund on July 21, 2026, to purchase and develop Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) and air defense systems. This collaboration marks a shift in their defense relationship, focusing on shared military technology and procurement. The UAE's defense budget for 2026 is estimated at 27 billion dollars, reflecting its commitment to enhancing its military capabilities against Iranian threats.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Jul 21 2026Loading...

Two U.S. soldiers were killed in Jordan and a third is missing following Iranian missile and drone attacks on July 19-20, 2023. In Iraq, another U.S. service member died during the disposal of a downed Iranian drone, raising the U.S. death toll in the Hormuz war to 17. In response, the U.S. military has conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian Revolutionary Guard positions.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Jul 20 2026Loading...

Saudi Arabia requested 20,000 APKWS II missiles worth $1.96 billion to enhance its air defense capabilities against drones and low-cost aerial threats. The deal, announced on July 16, 2026, includes both air-to-air and air-to-ground variants, with BAE Systems as the primary contractor. This procurement indicates a strategic shift in Saudi defense policy towards more economical solutions for air defense.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Jul 20 2026Loading...

Iran transported approximately 70 million barrels of oil to the Eastern Outer Port Limits near Malaysia between mid-June and mid-July 2026, just before the resumption of US sanctions. This operation involved around 20 Iranian tankers and is part of Iran's strategy to sustain its economy amid ongoing sanctions. The US announced the resumption of sanctions on July 14, 2026, which includes restrictions on Iranian ports and oil stations.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Jul 20 2026Loading...

Israel Aerospace Industries showcased the HYPNOSIS system at Farnborough on July 18, 2026, designed to disrupt GPS signals used by drones and guided munitions. This new electronic warfare network aims to reduce reliance on costly missile interceptions, addressing the challenges posed by inexpensive drone threats in the Gulf region. The system represents a significant shift in air defense strategies, emphasizing electronic warfare over traditional missile systems.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Jul 19 2026Loading...

Iran launched a missile strike on Al-Mawafaq Air Base in Jordan on July 19, 2026, killing two U.S. soldiers and injuring four others. This attack highlights vulnerabilities in U.S. air defense systems in the region. In retaliation, the U.S. conducted airstrikes against Iranian military sites, while Iran threatened additional targets in Kuwait.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Jul 19 2026Loading...

Saudi Arabia is purchasing 20,000 APKWS II missiles for $1.96 billion to improve its defense against drones, with the deal officially notified to Congress on July 15, 2026. The package includes both air-to-air and air-to-ground systems, along with training and logistical support from the U.S. government. This move reflects a strategic shift in Saudi military procurement towards more cost-effective solutions for modern threats.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Jul 18 2026Loading...

Germany's Foreign Minister proposed deploying a European force to southern Lebanon on July 17, 2026, to replace UNIFIL after its mandate ends. This move aims to test Israel's withdrawal from 10 kilometers inside Lebanon and prevent a security vacuum that could be exploited by Hezbollah. The proposal follows recent conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah and emphasizes the need for a robust military presence to maintain stability in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Jul 18 2026Loading...

Saudi Arabia requested the purchase of 20,000 APKWS-II guidance sections from the U.S. for $1.96 billion, aimed at enhancing its air defense capabilities. The deal includes various support equipment and training, with BAE Systems as the primary contractor. This request comes amid increasing threats from Houthi forces, indicating a strategic shift towards more cost-effective munitions for defense operations.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

Israel is deploying modified commercial vessels as floating bases for 9 to 12 Hermes 650 Spark drones in the Eastern Mediterranean as of July 15, 2026. This initiative by Elbit Systems aims to enhance maritime surveillance and early warning capabilities while providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional aircraft carriers. The concept is positioned against competitors in the drone maritime market, particularly targeting regional threats to Israeli gas platforms.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

Houthi forces resumed missile attacks on Saudi Arabia in July 2026, prompting a reassessment of the country's air defense systems, including Patriot and THAAD. The geopolitical landscape has shifted, with Iranian influence complicating the situation. Saudi Arabia faces simultaneous threats from multiple fronts, raising concerns about the effectiveness and cost of its defense network.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Jul 16 2026Loading...

U.S. Central Command launched airstrikes against Iranian coastal defense systems and missile storage sites on Greater Tunb Island at 6:00 AM EST on July 15, 2026. This operation followed the re-imposition of a maritime blockade on Iranian ports. In retaliation, Iran's Revolutionary Guard targeted U.S. military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, indicating an escalation in the conflict.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Jul 16 2026Loading...

Elbit Systems revealed plans to convert commercial ships into floating drone bases capable of operating 9 to 12 Hermes 650 Spark drones, aimed at enhancing surveillance over gas fields in the Eastern Mediterranean. This concept, announced on July 15, 2026, is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to traditional aircraft carriers, reflecting a shift in military strategy towards utilizing existing commercial vessels for defense purposes.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

On July 14, 2026, three unmanned Corsair boats from the U.S. Navy attacked a maintenance facility for submarines and ships in Bandar Abbas, marking a significant escalation in military operations in the region. This attack coincided with the initiation of a U.S. maritime blockade on Iranian ports, highlighting the evolving nature of naval engagements and the use of unmanned systems in combat.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

Houthi forces launched missiles and drones at Abha Airport in Saudi Arabia on July 13, 2026, prompting Saudi defenses to engage with ballistic missiles and conduct airstrikes on Sana'a Airport. This attack marks a significant escalation in the conflict, revealing vulnerabilities in Saudi air defense systems. The operation underscores the ongoing military capabilities of the Houthis and the complex geopolitical landscape in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Jul 14 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy initiated a maritime blockade on Iranian ports and oil facilities on July 14, 2026, utilizing three Corsair unmanned surface vessels in military operations. The blockade permits neutral passage through the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. seeks to enforce maritime control without completely closing the strait. Iran is expected to respond with asymmetric tactics to counter the blockade.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Jul 14 2026Loading...

Turkey is negotiating its return to the F-35 program by 2026, which raises concerns for Israel regarding military balance in the region. The U.S. is considering lifting sanctions imposed after Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 system. Israel fears that Turkey's access to F-35s could enhance its military capabilities, impacting regional security dynamics. Discussions include the potential transfer of the S-400 to a Gulf state to facilitate Turkey's reintegration into the F-35 program.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Jul 13 2026Loading...