Analysis & Reports

Saudi Arabia requested over 10,000 JDAM-ER bombs from the U.S. on September 4, 2026, as part of a deal valued at over $5 billion. This request follows a series of Houthi attacks in southern Saudi Arabia, indicating an urgent need to rearm its strike aircraft. The JDAM-ER bombs will enhance the precision and range of Saudi airstrikes, although the deal also highlights the ongoing dependency on U.S. military support for operational capabilities.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Sep 09 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force is developing a mobile, medium-caliber air defense artillery system to counter drone and cruise missile threats following recent Iranian attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East. This new system aims to provide a cost-effective solution to enhance air defense capabilities, addressing the high costs and consumption rates of existing missile systems.

The Israel Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on August 8, destroying three weapon depots and a rocket launch site in the Gaza Strip. The facilities were associated with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, containing rockets and assault rifles. The strikes were prompted by intelligence indicating Hamas personnel had accessed these depots.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards captured a U.S. uncrewed submarine drone at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. The drone, identified as a Dive-LD, is designed for various military operations. The U.S. military confirmed that an underwater drone had malfunctioned over a day ago, stating it was an older model that did not collect sensitive data.

Thirty U.S. soldiers were injured in the conflict with Iran, bringing the total number of injured to 820 since military actions began on February 28. As of September 8, 18 U.S. soldiers have died in the conflict. The Pentagon has faced scrutiny over discrepancies in casualty reporting and delays in disclosing injury information, citing security needs as the reason.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missile strikes against two U.S. Navy destroyers, DDG-119 and DDG-53, on September 9 in Tehran, causing significant damage. This action was a response to U.S. attacks on Iranian oil tankers. The U.S. Central Command reported that five Iranian oil tankers were destroyed following the initial attacks, with no injuries to U.S. personnel.

The Jordanian Armed Forces successfully destroyed 18 ballistic missiles launched by Iran towards Jordan on September 9. This action was part of the country's air defense operations to protect its territory.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile strikes against two U.S. Navy destroyers in the Persian Gulf, causing significant damage. This action was described as retaliation for U.S. aggressive actions against Iranian tankers. As of now, there has been no public response from the U.S. regarding the incident.

On September 8, 2023, U.S. Central Command destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in the Oman Gulf and near Hark Island in response to missile attacks from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The U.S. Navy, which was targeted but unharmed, had previously warned the crew of the tankers to abandon ship before the strikes. This operation follows a series of missile attacks aimed at U.S. naval vessels by Iran.

Iran demonstrated its capability to target U.S. aircraft carriers with the Qassem Basir missile, forcing evasive actions from the USS George H.W. Bush in 2026. The U.S. Navy's ability to maintain operational effectiveness is challenged by the potential for damage to carriers, which could render them combat-ineffective without sinking. The strategic implications of this capability highlight vulnerabilities in U.S. naval power projection, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran captured a U.S. unmanned underwater vehicle in the Strait of Hormuz on September 8, 2023. The U.S. Central Command confirmed that the vehicle had malfunctioned and was not carrying any sensitive data. The vehicle was conducting reconnaissance to support U.S. operations in the area.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned tanker crews to evacuate from Kuwait and Bahrain ports due to potential attacks following a U.S. missile strike on an Iranian tanker. The warning was issued on the evening of the 8th, emphasizing that vessels in these ports could become targets. No casualties were reported in the missile attack, and investigations are ongoing.

On September 8, 2023, the U.S. military attacked multiple Iranian oil tankers near Hark Island in response to missile threats from Iran. This action followed previous missile launches by Iran targeting U.S. naval vessels. The U.S. Central Command reported that one Iranian oil tanker was sunk and two others were rendered incapable of navigation.

Congress passed the BRRRRT Act, mandating the US Air Force to retain 126 A-10 Warthogs in service until FY2033, despite the Air Force's plans to retire the fleet by FY2026. The A-10s have been actively deployed in the Middle East for counter-drone and anti-missile operations, highlighting their continued relevance. The legislation reflects ongoing debates about military resource allocation and the future of air support capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force is accelerating the development of a new drone, the Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA), to replace the MQ-9 Reaper following the loss of at least 45 Reapers to Iranian air defenses. The Air Force plans to procure at least 180 MMA units at a significantly lower cost, aiming for a price of around $10 million each. This initiative reflects lessons learned from recent combat operations and the need for more attritable military hardware.

The U.S. Air Force is accelerating the replacement of its MQ-9 Reapers after losing at least 45 to Iranian air defenses. The service plans to acquire at least 180 Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) at a target cost of $10 million each. This shift reflects lessons learned from ongoing conflicts and aims to provide more attritable military hardware for future operations.

The U.S. Air Force is pursuing the development of a portable air-defense gun system to protect its overseas bases from drone and missile threats, particularly in response to recent Iranian attacks. This initiative includes a focus on creating a medium-caliber weapon capable of engaging various aerial threats, with specifications outlined in a Request for Information. The Air Force aims for a system that is lightweight and modular, ensuring rapid deployment in challenging environments.

Loitering munitions are significantly influencing warfare dynamics in Ukraine and the Middle East in 2026. Their deployment is reshaping military strategies and operational effectiveness in these regions.

Axon Vision secured a contract worth approximately NIS15m ($5m) to supply its ForceField counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) to an undisclosed Israeli defense organization.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps captured a U.S. military unmanned underwater vehicle in the Strait of Hormuz on September 8. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region involving military assets.