Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army is seeking companies to provide a 50mm cannon and ammunition for counter-drone defense, with a deadline of August 31, 2023. The Army plans to conduct live-fire demonstrations using the XM913 Bushmaster 50mm chain gun, targeting various classes of drones. This initiative is part of the Army's effort to enhance its capabilities against UAV threats.

The U.S. Air Force conducted integrated operations with two B-2 Spirit bombers and multiple F-22 Raptors over Hawaii during RIMPAC 2026. This exercise included hot pit refueling to enhance operational readiness and demonstrated U.S. air power in the Indo-Pacific region. The operation aimed to strengthen deterrence against potential adversaries and involved collaboration with the Hawaii Air National Guard.

The Marine Corps awarded an $11 million contract to Epirus for the High-power Microwave Autonomous Vehicle Operational Capability (HAVOC) system in Washington. This counter-unmanned aircraft system is designed to incapacitate electronic assets and will be integrated with various vehicles. The contract includes training and support, emphasizing the Marine Corps' commitment to addressing evolving drone threats.

China deployed the LY-1 Liaoyuan-1 laser weapon on its Type 071 amphibious landing ship Qilianshan during a joint drill at Scarborough Shoal on August 1, 2026. This advanced directed-energy weapon enhances the PLA's defense against drone threats, marking a significant evolution in their military capabilities. The LY-1 is operational and represents a shift in the PLA's approach to amphibious operations, prioritizing close-in defense against unmanned aerial systems.

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The U.S. is reinforcing its military presence in Asia, emphasizing partnerships and burden-sharing among allies for defense. In a speech in Manila, Pentagon official Elbridge Colby stated that the U.S. is committed to maintaining a favorable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific and is not disengaging from the region. Colby highlighted the importance of allies investing in their own security as part of this strategy.

On February 4, 2023, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors engaged and shot down a Chinese surveillance balloon over South Carolina, marking their first confirmed air-to-air kills. In the following days, F-22s also destroyed two unidentified airborne objects over Alaska and Canada. The F-22, designed for air superiority, has been primarily used for ground attack and surveillance since its operational debut.

The U.S. Navy tested the AI-powered sonar system SensorMAX during the Rim of the Pacific exercise in July near Hawaii. This system, developed by Lockheed Martin, enhances submarine detection capabilities by analyzing acoustic data from deployed sonobuoys. The Navy's MH-60R helicopters utilized this technology to improve target identification and operational efficiency.

On August 9 at 5:30 AM, the 23rd Infantry Regiment in San was attacked by a coalition of JNIM and FLA forces using heavy machine guns, kamikaze drones, and armored vehicles. The assault was described as complex, resulting in over fifty terrorists neutralized and at least ten soldiers killed, although the latter figure remains unconfirmed. This incident marks a significant escalation in JNIM's operational capabilities in central Mali.

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USS Thomas Hudner returned to Naval Station Mayport, Florida, after over eight months of deployment in the Caribbean and Middle East. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer participated in U.S. combat operations, including the blockade of Venezuela and strikes against Iranian targets during Operation Epic Fury. The ship's crew of 300 sailors completed their mission and returned home this weekend.

On July 11-17, 2026, US Army Apache helicopters and US Navy uncrewed boats participated in the sinking of two decommissioned warships, the USS Mobile Bay and USS Peleliu, during the RIMPAC 2026 exercise. The USS Mobile Bay sank on July 12, followed by the USS Peleliu on July 17, both resting in 15,000 feet of water north of Kauai. The exercise involved extensive coordination among 30 nations and various military assets.

On July 19, 2024, the U.S. Navy's USS Tarawa was sunk during a military exercise off Kauai, targeted by a Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile, a Naval Strike Missile, and a QUICKSINK bomb. The exercise involved American and allied forces and was part of the RIMPAC drills, testing tactics and weapon effectiveness against large naval vessels.

The U.S. Marine Corps awarded an $11 million contract to Epirus for the High-power Microwave Autonomous Vehicle Operational Capability (HAVOC) system, designed to autonomously disable drones using electromagnetic pulses. The system, expected to be delivered early next year, boasts three times the power of its predecessor and enhanced reliability for various environments. This development aligns with the Marine Corps' ongoing efforts to bolster its drone defense capabilities.

The U.S. Army is seeking to replace the Stinger missile system with the Next Generation Short Range Interceptor to address the threat posed by small and mid-sized drones. The Army has awarded contracts to Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies for prototype development and has requested $215 million for the replacement in its fiscal year 2027 budget. This initiative comes in response to increased drone attacks, particularly from Iran, highlighting the evolving nature of air defense requirements.

A West Point cadet is collaborating with the U.S. Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command at Picatinny Arsenal to develop new targeting algorithms for drone defense. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of air defense systems against swarms of inexpensive drones, optimizing engagement strategies to preserve costly interceptor missiles. The algorithms are currently being tested in simulations to improve defense capabilities against multi-axis drone attacks.

The Royal Navy is currently dismantling decommissioned nuclear submarines, with 23 retired boats in total and only HMS Swiftsure expected to be fully dismantled by the end of 2026. The disposal process has faced significant delays and cost increases, with 12 submarines still holding irradiated reactor fuel. The National Audit Office has highlighted ongoing logistical challenges and supplier issues, pushing the project's closure date to October 31, 2028.

China enforced new regulations and conducted joint naval-air drills at Scarborough Shoal on August 1, 2023, involving multiple military assets including a Type 071 amphibious transport dock. The China Coast Guard engaged Philippine vessels, while the U.S. issued a statement rejecting China's actions. The Philippines also asserted its territorial claims by depositing an official nautical chart with the UN.

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Iran's F-14 Tomcats achieved 78 aerial victories against Iraqi aircraft using AIM-54 Phoenix missiles during the Iran-Iraq War. The Iranian Air Force utilized these aircraft primarily for national air defense, with significant operations around Tehran and Kharg Island. The U.S. Navy, in contrast, did not record any victories with the same missile system. The operational effectiveness of the F-14s was notably impacted by the 1979 revolution, which disrupted support and maintenance.

Iran launched approximately 550 ballistic missiles and 1,000 drones toward Israel, resulting in 28 Israeli deaths and over 3,000 injuries. The U.S. faces critical shortages in missile interceptors, with fewer than 1,000 Patriots and around 250 THAAD interceptors available. Analysts warn that without increased production capacity, future conflicts may see insufficient missile inventories, undermining strategic deterrence.

The Hubei Ship of the Southern Theater Command Navy conducted full training assessments in the South China Sea, successfully engaging and shooting down target drones with naval artillery. The exercises included air defense and underwater self-defense drills, demonstrating effective coordination among the crew.

On August 9, 2023, the Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) launched an offensive against Malian Armed Forces in San, resulting in the deaths of 40 jihadist fighters. Concurrently, a separate attack led to the deaths of 10 Malian soldiers. The JNIM is actively testing the strategic depth of Mali, particularly along the Gao-Anefis route, while the Malian forces, supported by Russian instructors, are attempting to hold their positions.

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