Analysis & Reports

On July 14, 2023, the People's Liberation Army Navy conducted training exercises for J-15T aircraft on a land-based carrier simulation in Fujian Province. The focus was on operational processes and crew training, emphasizing the need for continuous operational readiness. The J-15T is being prepared for electromagnetic catapult launches on the Fujian aircraft carrier, indicating advancements in naval aviation capabilities. The exercises involved multiple aircraft types, highlighting the complexity of future naval operations.

Li MinghuiMon Jul 20 2026Loading...

The U.S. hypersonic missile program, led by Lockheed Martin, is experiencing significant production and cost challenges, with output reduced to 6-7 missiles annually. The program's costs have escalated from $31 billion to $41 billion for fewer missiles, and testing has been delayed to 2027. The modernization of the Zumwalt-class destroyer is also behind schedule, impacting the deployment of these missiles.

The Chinese 6th Peacekeeping Helicopter Unit conducted a joint emergency medical rescue drill with Ghanaian forces in Abyei. The exercise included aerial search, medical treatment, and patient transport, addressing challenges posed by the rainy season. This drill aimed to improve coordination between air and ground medical units for effective emergency response.

Boeing anticipates additional cost overruns on the VC-25B program to ensure the delivery of new Air Force One planes by 2028. The company has incurred approximately $2.8 billion in charges due to delays, and a recent contract modification for communications equipment has increased the total deal value to over $4.3 billion. The first aircraft is expected to arrive in mid-2028, following engineering completion and ongoing modifications.

Two U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command ships, USNS Guadalupe and USNS Washington Chambers, are conducting replenishment operations to sustain 36 surface combatants during RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii. The exercise, running from June 24 to July 31, 2026, highlights the importance of logistics in military readiness, revealing challenges in multinational procedures and supply chain management. The operations are essential for maintaining the operational capability of the coalition forces.

Marcus ChenSun Jul 19 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces conducted a series of strikes against 172 Russian naval and maritime-linked vessels in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov from July 5 to July 19. These operations targeted key logistics assets, including ferries and tankers, significantly disrupting Russian supply routes to Crimea. The attacks are part of a broader campaign to increase the operational costs for Russia in the region.

Alexandra ReevesSun Jul 19 2026Loading...

On April 25, 2026, JNIM and FLA launched coordinated attacks across Mali, targeting Bamako, Kati, Gao, Mopti, and Sévaré. This operation disrupted military logistics and demonstrated their control over key supply routes, contributing to the displacement of 6.8 million individuals. The groups utilized advanced technology, including drones and cryptocurrencies, to enhance their operational capabilities.

Marie DuboisSun Jul 19 2026Loading...

A Tu-95MS was reportedly destroyed at Engels airbase on July 19, 2026, indicating vulnerabilities in Russian strategic aviation. This incident reflects Ukraine's expanding operational capabilities to target Russian military infrastructure. The loss of the aircraft may lead to increased security measures at Russian airbases, impacting their operational effectiveness.

Dmitri VolkovSun Jul 19 2026Loading...

X-Bow Systems announced its participation in the Farnborough International Airshow from July 20-24, 2026, to showcase its innovative solid rocket motor manufacturing capabilities. The company aims to provide a scalable alternative to the existing duopoly in the U.S. solid rocket motor supply chain, having secured significant contracts with the U.S. military. Its 3D-printed propellant technology could dramatically increase production capacity, addressing supply shortages for military applications.

China and Russia conducted their 7th joint naval patrol in the Pacific Ocean on July 13, 2026, involving the 055 and 052D destroyers along with a new Russian frigate. The exercise emphasized air defense and information sharing, showcasing the integration of their naval capabilities. A supply ship was also involved to support sustained operations during the patrol.

Li MinghuiSun Jul 19 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces struck 172 Russian maritime vessels over 13 days, prompting the withdrawal of up to 200 drone units from the front lines to protect logistics. This operation targeted key maritime assets in the Black and Azov Seas, impacting Russian supply chains. Concurrently, Ukrainian strikes on energy infrastructure in occupied territories further strained Russian military logistics.

Dmitri VolkovSun Jul 19 2026Loading...

On July 19, the Russian Armed Forces conducted large-scale strikes on military industrial enterprises and logistics centers in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast, as well as infrastructure targets in Odesa Oblast. These strikes utilized air-based and ground-based precision weapons and attack drones, targeting facilities used for receiving and storing military supplies for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted drone strikes on Russian logistics hubs in Tambov and Moscow Oblasts from July 17 to 18, 2023, resulting in 9 deaths and dozens of injuries. The strikes targeted key facilities used for military logistics, including an oil facility. In response, Russian air defense claimed to have intercepted 379 drones during the attacks.

Canada announced a contract for 190 additional Armoured Combat Support Vehicles for its military and 35 for Ukraine at General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada's facility in London, Ontario. The contract, valued at approximately $1.4 billion, aims to enhance the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces while continuing support for Ukraine. The ACSV is designed for various support roles, replacing older vehicles in service.

Onyx Industries demonstrated its RAM-T air delivery system in Virginia, showcasing a GPS-guided parachute technology for precise supply drops. This system allows payloads to be delivered accurately from high altitudes, reducing risks to aircraft and crews. The demonstration highlighted the capabilities of the Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS), which has been in use since 2006, and included the use of an inflatable payload barrel to protect cargo during landing.

France's Air and Space Force will launch PEGASE 26 in September 2026, deploying four Rafale fighter jets and supporting 300 airmen across the Arctic, Indo-Pacific, and Middle East. The operation will last 38 days and involve A330 MRTT and A400M Atlas aircraft for logistics. This mission aims to demonstrate France's military capabilities and strengthen partnerships in these strategic regions.

The Russian Army has trained 8,000 UAV operators in the first half of 2026, reflecting a shift in military strategy towards small mobile groups and UAV operations in Ukraine. The deployment of UAVs has more than doubled compared to 2025, indicating a focus on logistics and positional warfare rather than traditional mechanized maneuvers. Economic challenges are also affecting military capabilities and operational effectiveness.

Dmitri VolkovSat Jul 18 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces conducted long-range strikes on October 18, 2023, targeting logistics facilities in Moscow and Tambov Oblasts, as well as an oil facility. These strikes were aimed at disrupting the transportation of sanctioned components for military production. Additional strikes were reported in the Sea of Azov, Black Sea, and Crimea.

The U.S. is deploying dozens of aerial refueling aircraft to Israeli air force bases on the 18th, as confirmed by Israeli military sources. This decision aims to reduce the impact on civilian air traffic, with the Israeli Transportation Ministry previously limiting the number of U.S. refueling aircraft at Ben Gurion International Airport to 20. The deployment was coordinated with the Israeli military to ensure readiness.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are exerting pressure on El-Obeid, Sudan, where over 100,000 displaced individuals are surviving in camps with reduced rations. The G7 has urged the RSF to halt actions that could lead to civilian atrocities. The situation is critical as supply routes are threatened, impacting humanitarian aid and increasing the risk of a humanitarian crisis.

Marie DuboisSat Jul 18 2026Loading...