Analysis & Reports

Explosions and air raid alerts occurred in Riyadh on March 19, 2023, marking the first such incidents amid escalating conflict with Houthi forces. The Saudi Civil Defense issued two alerts, and smoke was reported near King Khalid International Airport. Houthi forces claimed to have thwarted Saudi operations in Yemen and threatened further retaliation.

Saudi Arabia is moving towards acquiring 48 F-35 aircraft as part of a military package valued at $24.3 billion, with the U.S. notifying Congress of the potential sale on September 17, 2026. This deal aims to enhance Saudi military capabilities amid rising regional tensions, particularly from Houthi attacks. However, it raises concerns about Israel's military edge and the risk of technology transfer to China.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Sep 19 2026Loading...

Germany plans to enhance its long-range precision strike capabilities by acquiring Tomahawk cruise missiles and associated Triton launch systems from the United States. The German Defense Ministry has allocated nearly 3.4 billion euros for this procurement, with initial operational capability expected by 2030. This move aims to fill significant capability gaps and enable the German Armed Forces to independently deter threats, particularly from Russia. The agreement was solidified during a meeting in Ankara.

U.S. President Trump announced that the war with Iran will soon conclude and reiterated that Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons. He indicated that gasoline prices will decrease following the end of the conflict and confirmed U.S. engagement with Houthi forces in Yemen on September 18.

The U.S. State Department approved a potential sale of 48 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia on September 17, 2023. In response, Israel is seeking compensation to maintain its military advantage, including access to advanced weapons and possibly the F-47 NGAD fighter. The sale is significant as it marks a shift in U.S. policy in the Middle East, with Israel emphasizing its need to preserve its qualitative military edge.

The U.S. Department of State approved a potential sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and 49 Pratt & Whitney engines to Saudi Arabia, valued at $24.3 billion. This decision represents a significant shift in U.S. defense policy and aims to enhance Saudi Arabia's military capabilities amid regional tensions, particularly with Iran. The sale is pending congressional approval and reflects ongoing defense cooperation between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

Iran and Russia have engaged in prolonged conflicts against Ukraine, demonstrating their ability to sustain military efforts without achieving significant strategic benefits. The U.S. military is focusing on enhancing global operational capacity and deterrence strategies in response to these developments. The report highlights the lessons learned from these conflicts regarding military strategy and future defense priorities.

The U.S. announced a $24 billion sale of 30 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to Saudi Arabia on September 17, 2026, amid rising tensions with Houthi forces in Yemen. Critics argue that the sale may violate U.S. commitments to Israel and question its effectiveness in addressing the Houthi threat. The deal is reminiscent of a past AWACS sale, raising concerns about regional security dynamics and Saudi Arabia's trustworthiness as a partner.

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.

EDGE Group and Hanwha strengthened their strategic cooperation on developing an integrated air defense system in Abu Dhabi on 16 September 2026. The Term Sheet signed outlines collaboration on the L-SAM, M-SAM, and Chunmoo MRLS systems, aiming to enhance the UAE's defense capabilities. Both companies will explore establishing a joint venture and local production to support the UAE's defense industrial base.

Italy announced it will send warships to protect its commercial vessels through Bab el-Mandeb on September 18, 2026, while South Korea reiterated it will not send combat troops to the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi control of Bab el-Mandeb are testing the Gulf's ability to protect its exports. Saudi Arabia is resorting to ship-to-ship transfers to move oil due to threats from Houthi attacks.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung announced that South Korea will not deploy military forces to the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that the country will take minimal actions to protect its commercial vessels and citizens. The Cheonghae Unit is already present in the region to address security threats, and South Korea is considering enhancing its military presence in response to these threats.

The U.S. State Department approved the sale of 48 F-35A fighter jets to Saudi Arabia on September 17, 2026, valued at $24.3 billion. This deal includes engines, secure communications, and maintenance support, marking Saudi Arabia as the second Middle Eastern country authorized to operate F-35s. The approval follows extensive discussions and concerns regarding regional military balance and technology security.

Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz since February 2026, significantly reducing oil traffic and impacting global oil prices. The closure follows a U.S.-Israel military action against Iran, which has led to economic struggles within Iran. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are rerouting oil exports to mitigate the impact of the closure.

General James Mattis highlighted the significance of mental preparation in warfare, famously stating that the most important six inches on the battlefield is between one's ears. He was known for his extensive reading lists for Marines and his leadership during military operations in Iraq. His quotes have influenced military philosophy and leadership practices.

The Royal Navy is enhancing its naval readiness to secure the Atlantic against Russian probing activities. Two British warships are deployed weekly to monitor Russian vessels, reflecting a significant military focus on the North Atlantic. A 'Northern Navies' agreement is being finalized among ten countries to create a persistent maritime force in response to security threats. The Royal Navy is also transitioning to a 'hybrid Navy' that integrates crewed and uncrewed systems.

The UAE, Hanwha Systems, and EDGE announced a partnership to develop an integrated air defense system aimed at reducing reliance on foreign technology. This initiative follows recent Iranian attacks on US facilities in the Middle East and includes the development of L-SAM and M-SAM systems. The agreement highlights the UAE's intent to enhance its military capabilities while maintaining existing US defense systems.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Sep 17 2026Loading...

China significantly reduced its troop deployment along the Northern Borders in 2025, with 10 Combined Arms Brigade size forces noted. This reduction follows increased political, diplomatic, and military engagement between India and China, aimed at easing tensions. Despite the reduction, India maintains a robust military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and continues to develop infrastructure in the region.

Houthi forces launched a drone attack on Mecca on the evening of the 15th, which was intercepted by Saudi air defense. Saudi Arabia condemned the attack, emphasizing its threat to the sanctity of the holy site. This incident marks the second attempt to target Mecca since July 2017, with Houthi officials labeling the accusations as false.

General James Mattis reflected on his military leadership experiences, emphasizing the challenges faced during his service in Iraq and his tenure as Secretary of Defense. He commanded 24,000 troops during the Iraq War, leading operations from Kuwait to Baghdad. Mattis resigned in 2019 in protest of U.S. military withdrawal from Syria, advocating for the importance of alliances in military strategy.