Analysis & Reports

HMS Prince of Wales carried 24 F-35Bs into the Mediterranean for the Falcon Strike exercise on November 6, 2025. The Royal Navy is testing the Vanquish drone, which aims to operate from Queen Elizabeth-class carriers without catapults. The UK Ministry of Defence has committed to a demonstration of the Vanquish by the end of 2027, as part of a broader investment in autonomous systems.

On September 18, 2026, Ukraine launched a significant drone barrage toward Moscow, involving 350 drones, while Russia continued its military operations against Ukraine. The Shahed-136 drones are being used to test NATO's air defenses, creating ambiguity and challenging the alliance's response protocols. This situation highlights the evolving nature of drone warfare and its implications for regional security.

Alexandra ReevesFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

Canada operates four Victoria-class submarines, which are currently conducting covert surveillance and sea denial operations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. These diesel-electric submarines, originally built for the Royal Navy, have faced significant maintenance issues, impacting their operational availability. Given the rising strategic competition, Canada is in urgent need of replacing these submarines to maintain its maritime capabilities.

U.S. Air Force officials reported a $14 billion supply shortfall for aircraft parts, affecting acquisition and sustainment funding. The service is managing supply chain issues and advocating for increased funding in the fiscal year 2027 budget. The North Star Readiness Campaign has improved B-52 readiness by 40% as part of efforts to enhance operational capabilities.

Russia is training over 8,000 specialists for its Unmanned Systems Forces as of July 2026, focusing on building institutional systems to capture and generalize battlefield experiences. NATO is advised to shift its focus from mere adaptation of Russian military capabilities to their reproducibility, which is essential for understanding the evolving threat. The report emphasizes the importance of assessing how quickly Russia can regenerate military capabilities after losses.

JNIM and the Islamic State have escalated violence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with 2,845 incidents reported in 2025 and 2,145 in 2026. The Sahel has become a permanent operational theater for jihadist groups, undermining state control and security. Despite international interventions, stability remains elusive, with over 9,000 fatalities reported in 2025.

S.WFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

Military chaplains are addressing the moral implications of AI in warfare, particularly regarding moral injury from AI-assisted decisions and drone operations. The U.S. Army is testing AI in targeting processes, and chaplains are preparing to support service members facing ethical dilemmas. Congress is examining the mental health impacts of drone operations, highlighting the need for understanding AI technology in military contexts.

On October 24, 1944, the Imperial Japanese Navy's battleship Musashi was attacked and sunk by American aircraft in the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The ship sustained severe damage from approximately 19 torpedoes and 17 bombs, leading to the loss of around 1,000 crew members. Musashi was part of a naval operation aimed at countering U.S. forces landing in the Philippines.

Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow on September 18, 2026, coinciding with the start of parliamentary elections, with over 350 drones involved. The attack included strikes on a refinery in Yaroslavl and a military airfield in Rostov. Ukrainian forces aim to increase the political cost of the ongoing war for Russia, while the Russian military adapts its defenses and missile capabilities in response to these drone threats.

Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

Pakistan's military announced its unconditional support for Saudi Arabia, pledging to defend religious sites in Mecca and Medina amid increasing Houthi attacks. The statement was made by a military spokesperson on the 17th, emphasizing the commitment to Saudi security. This follows a recent wave of assaults by Houthi forces, which Saudi Arabia claims included an attempted drone strike on Mecca.

An Israeli airstrike destroyed an Iranian F-4 Phantom at Tabriz airport on March 1, 2026. Iran's fleet of F-4s, originally numbering 225, has significantly diminished due to age and ongoing attacks. The operational status of the remaining aircraft is uncertain, with many likely non-flyable due to lack of parts and maintenance challenges.

The UAE and Hanwha Systems signed a memorandum of understanding on September 17, 2026, to develop an integrated air defense network. This partnership focuses on local manufacturing and enhancing air defense capabilities, including systems like L-SAM and M-SAM. The initiative aims to improve the UAE's defense management and operational readiness against mixed threats, while also diversifying its defense procurement sources.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

Otokar and Leonardo successfully completed integration and live-fire testing of a 120mm turret on the Tulpar medium tank at the Nettuno test range in Italy. This new turret system is being proposed as a potential replacement for Brazil's aging Leopard 1A5 tanks. The testing demonstrated the turret's capabilities and integration with the Tulpar platform, which is designed for modern military requirements.

Houthi forces launched an attack on King Fahd Air Base in Ta’if, Saudi Arabia, damaging an Italian Eurofighter Typhoon. The aircraft was parked in a remote area of the base during the overnight strike, but no injuries were reported among Italian personnel. This incident is part of ongoing hostilities in the region, with the base hosting approximately 300 Italian military personnel as part of Task Force Air-Arabia.

The Chinese Navy's 48th Escort Task Force arrived in Chittagong, Bangladesh, on September 17 for a five-day friendly visit. The visit includes ship tours, sports events, and a reception, aimed at deepening the traditional friendship and strategic trust between China and Bangladesh.

China and Russia completed the Joint Sea-2026 naval exercise in Qingdao in July 2026, involving 10 vessels. Following the exercise, they conducted joint patrols in the Pacific Ocean to enhance interoperability and maintain a combined presence. This operation signifies a shift from ceremonial exercises to practical maritime cooperation, despite the absence of a formal military alliance between the two nations.

S.WFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

On September 18, the Philippine vessel 3015 intentionally collided with a Chinese Coast Guard vessel during a rights enforcement operation near Xianbin Reef in the Spratly Islands. The incident involved the Philippine vessel attempting to cut across the bow of the Chinese vessel, resulting in a collision. The Chinese Coast Guard maintained a stable course throughout the encounter, which was characterized as a provocation by the Chinese authorities.

Otokar and Leonardo successfully completed integration and live firing tests of the TULPAR Medium Tank platform with the HITFACT MkII turret in Turkey. This milestone demonstrates the advanced capabilities of the TULPAR, combining high mobility and firepower. The tests validated the performance and interoperability of the new weapon system, which is designed for various military roles.

Germany deployed four Eurofighter Typhoons to Latvia to protect the airspace during the parliamentary election on October 3, 2026. This action responds to increased drone incidents on NATO's eastern flank, highlighting the challenges of defending against small, inexpensive drones. The mission serves to demonstrate NATO solidarity and provide a visible military presence.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

Paramount Group presented the Mbada, a light armored vehicle, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2026 exhibition in Centurion, South Africa. The vehicle is intended for patrolling and escorting under the threat of IEDs, addressing the needs of forces operating in irregular warfare. However, details on its protection level and operational deployment remain unclear.

S.WFri Sep 18 2026Loading...