Analysis & Reports

Saudi Arabia is preparing a naval and possible land offensive against the Houthis to break their blockade on oil exports. The Houthis declared a maritime embargo on Saudi shipping, leading to escalated fighting across Yemen. Saudi Arabia has also formed the Multinational Maritime Defence Alliance to protect commercial shipping routes. Recent clashes have resulted in multiple casualties, indicating a significant increase in hostilities.

Alexandra ReevesTue Aug 11 2026Loading...

Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division and 1st Cavalry Division evaluated various drones at Clarke Range in Alabama, selecting systems for their units. This event aimed to expedite drone acquisition by involving operational units in the decision-making process. The Army's UAS Marketplace facilitated the evaluation, allowing troops to compare options based on performance and cost. Feedback collected will inform future evaluations as the Army seeks to enhance its drone capabilities.

Iran has developed a military playbook that China is likely to emulate to counter the US Air Force and Navy. The ongoing US-Iran conflict of 2026 has highlighted the limitations of US military power, particularly in air operations. This situation raises concerns about US capabilities in a potential conflict with China, which could leverage similar strategies to those used by Iran.

U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthogs are actively hunting Iranian fast-attack watercraft in the Strait of Hormuz and providing air support in Iraq. The campaign has led to the destruction of over 100 Iranian naval vessels. One A-10 was damaged by an Iranian missile but the pilot was rescued. The A-10's high mission capability rate has been crucial in the ongoing operations against Iranian forces.

U.S. and Moroccan forces tested a new low-cost, long-range cruise missile at the Africa Multidomain Training and Experimentation Center in Tan-Tan, Morocco, from August 3 to 7. This event marked the first live-fire demonstration at the site, which aims to facilitate faster military procurement and testing of new weapons systems. The collaboration reflects a deepening defense relationship between the U.S. and Morocco.

Algeria provided four military helicopters to Niger on August 10 to assist in anti-terrorism efforts. This delivery signifies a shift in Algeria's diplomatic stance, as it normalizes relations with Niger's junta and responds to security threats in the Sahel region. The helicopters are part of a broader strategy to enhance military cooperation and stability in the area.

Marie DuboisTue Aug 11 2026Loading...

The Russian Navy has installed anti-drone nets over multiple submarines at the Rybachiy base in Kamchatka and Novorossiysk in Krasnodar Krai as a defensive measure against Ukrainian drone attacks. This installation has expanded from two submarines in May to over half a dozen by June 2026, reflecting Moscow's concerns about vulnerabilities in its naval fleet. The UK MOD Intelligence reports confirm these protective measures are in response to Ukraine's increasing long-range strike capabilities.

The U.S. military fired at a Panamanian-flagged vessel attempting to breach a blockade against Iran in the Gulf of Oman during the early hours of the 11th. The vessel's crew ignored warnings from U.S. personnel, prompting a helicopter to target the ship's rudder. No casualties have been reported, but crew members appeared to try to transfer to another civilian vessel after the incident.

On August 11, 2023, Yemeni government forces engaged in clashes with Houthi fighters near Marib City, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, including 8 Houthi fighters and 3 government soldiers. The government forces successfully destroyed a Houthi communication station and missile launch platform during the confrontation. Marib Province remains a critical area for both the Yemeni government and the Houthi movement.

Senior Airman Dalton Clark rescued a man from a burning car along a highway in Florida in July 2026. Despite heavy traffic, Clark acted quickly to save the man, who was conscious but confused. The fire had engulfed the front of the vehicle, and Clark suffered a blister on his leg from the heat. Emergency responders arrived shortly after the rescue, and the man was reported to be doing well afterward.

On August 11, the U.S. military fired at a Panama-flagged ship associated with Iran in the Gulf of Oman. The ship was reportedly trying to breach a blockade of Iranian ports when a U.S. military helicopter targeted its rudder. Following the attack, the crew attempted to transfer to another civilian vessel. No casualties have been reported.

Russia is restructuring its military production for the winter campaign of 2026/2027, significantly increasing the production of ballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as drones. In July, the Russian Armed Forces launched 198 missiles, the highest number in a year, while also producing 1400 reactive strike drones. Most new missiles are being deployed directly into combat rather than stored, indicating a shift in military strategy. The production of Iskanders and RM-48U missiles has also surged, with plans to increase the share of reactive drones in the strike fleet.

Dmitri VolkovTue Aug 11 2026Loading...

Chinese and Indonesian navies conducted joint navigation exercises east of Taiwan in August 2023, marking the first such operation in this area. The drills focused on communication operations and maritime resupply, aimed at enhancing joint operational capabilities. This exercise underscores China's assertion of sovereignty over its exclusive economic zone east of Taiwan and reflects ongoing military cooperation between the two nations.

Rafael’s Litening targeting pod significantly enhanced U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran by enabling all-weather detection and engagement of targets. The upgraded system, equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar, allows aircraft to identify targets through adverse conditions and at long ranges. It is widely deployed across 28 air forces, including the U.S. and Israeli military.

Around 6,000 civilian sailors remain trapped in the Persian Gulf due to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been in effect since February 28, 2023. The situation has led to missile and drone threats against vessels attempting to transit the area. Despite some temporary ceasefires allowing limited movement, many crews are still unable to leave, facing shortages of food and water. Efforts to evacuate these seafarers have largely failed due to renewed hostilities.

Around 6,000 civilian sailors remain trapped in the Persian Gulf due to Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and military actions against commercial vessels. Since the conflict began on February 28, 2023, many crews have faced shortages and psychological distress. Despite some evacuation attempts, the situation for these sailors remains dire and unresolved.

U.S. and Israeli air operations continued over Iran as of August 11, 2026, with no successful Iranian interception of advanced aircraft. The U.S. Air Force deployed 125 aircraft, including B-1B Lancers and B-2 Spirits, targeting missile facilities and command posts. Israel established aerial superiority, and significant portions of Iran's air-defense systems were destroyed, although Iran managed to shoot down an F-15E during the campaign.

The Navy Hospital Ship 'Silk Road Ark' conducted practical medical training exercises in the South China Sea, focusing on emergency response and mass casualty treatment. Personnel efficiently executed various medical operations, enhancing maritime medical support capabilities. The exercises aimed to establish a seamless process for medical treatment and evacuation, with plans for ongoing complex maritime training in the future.

Iran attempted to develop the Qaher-313 stealth fighter, unveiled on February 2, 2013, but it was later revealed to be a mock-up with no confirmed flight tests. The design has since been adapted into the JAS-313 drone, which is currently undergoing flight tests. No operational squadrons for the Qaher-313 have been confirmed, and its features were criticized for lacking essential stealth capabilities.

The Navy Northern Theater Command conducted cross-day and night combat training in the Yellow Sea with the Dongying Ship and Xinjiji Ship. The exercises focused on main gun anti-aircraft fire and joint anti-submarine operations to improve combat readiness and coordination among personnel.