Analysis & Reports

The British Army tested camouflage horses for covert movement in rugged terrain at Longmoor training area in Hampshire on September 11, 2023. This initiative aims to explore the use of horses in military operations, drawing inspiration from allied experiences. The U.S. maintains an expeditionary cavalry unit for similar purposes, highlighting a potential shift in operational tactics.

France has selected the 'Thunder' artillery system to enhance its long-range ground strike capabilities, set to replace the existing LRU multiple rocket launcher system. The new system aims for a range of 150 kilometers and is expected to be operational by 2030. Developed by European missile group and Safran, the system will ensure precision in high-intensity combat scenarios.

The Russian Ministry of Education announced an increase in military training hours for students in grades 8 to 11, effective September 2023. The training will now constitute 50% of the curriculum, up from 20%, and will cover first aid and evacuation procedures. This initiative is part of a course on 'National Security and Defense Basics' and is aimed at preparing students for potential military involvement.

Saudi forces intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone near Mecca on September 16, 2026, following Houthi attacks on three Saudi cities that injured 13 civilians. The attacks raised concerns over the security of pilgrims and highlighted vulnerabilities in Saudi oil supply routes, particularly after the halting of the Petroline pipeline due to drone strikes.

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Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is integrating the SPICE 1000 precision-guided munition onto the F-35 Adir fighter jet in collaboration with Lockheed Martin in the United States. This integration, announced on September 15, 2026, allows the F-35 to utilize a munition capable of striking targets from over 120 km away. The Israeli Air Force has previously employed SPICE 1000 on its F-15 and F-16 fleets.

Anduril Industries showcased new weapons fit checks for the FQ-44 Fury aircraft, indicating its capability to carry various munitions for the U.S. Air Force. The Fury is part of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, which aims to pair uncrewed fighters with crewed aircraft. The U.S. Air Force plans to order between 100 and 150 aircraft, enhancing operational capabilities alongside existing fighter jets.

Russian-linked vessels unloaded military equipment at Tobruk port, Libya, indicating its growing role as a logistics hub for Russian military operations in North Africa. This follows multiple arms shipments since April and a transition of Russian personnel to formations under the Defense Ministry. Discussions are ongoing between Russia and Libyan National Army commander Khalifa Haftar regarding a defense arrangement.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone over Geshm Island in southern Iran. The incident was reported by multiple sources, including Al Jazeera and Iran's Mehr News Agency. As of now, there has been no official response from the United States regarding this event.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force announced the first submarine training in the United States for FY2026, focusing on anti-submarine warfare collaboration with the U.S. Navy. The training will involve Soryu-class submarines and aims to enhance data exchange between detecting and hiding parties. Differences in acoustic data formats and communication protocols could impact operational efficiency.

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Houthi forces claimed to have shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib Province, Yemen, on September 16. This incident highlights ongoing military engagements in the region.

The 71st Group Army of the PLA received a batch of 155mm PLZ-05 self-propelled howitzers and conducted their first live-fire exercise in September 2026. This transition from 122mm to 155mm artillery systems enhances their firepower capabilities in the Taiwan Strait and East China Sea. The PLZ-05's advanced features allow for greater range and effectiveness in various military operations.

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Iranian missile and drone strikes inflicted severe damage on U.S. military bases in the Middle East, including Prince Sultan Air Base and facilities in Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The Pentagon reported significant losses, with hundreds of buildings and over 50 aircraft affected between February 28 and June 30, 2023. U.S. military personnel highlighted the serious impact of these attacks, noting a lack of public awareness about the situation.

Iranian missile and drone strikes inflicted severe damage on U.S. military bases in the Middle East, including Prince Sultan Air Base and facilities in Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The strikes resulted in damage to hundreds of buildings and over 50 aircraft from February 28 to June 30, 2023. Active-duty U.S. military personnel provided anonymous photos revealing the destruction, highlighting the significant impact of the attacks.

The Houthi armed group denied accusations of using drones to attack Mecca, calling the claims false. Earlier, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition stated that Saudi air defense forces intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone heading towards Mecca on September 15.

Saudi Arabian Air Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone heading towards Mecca on September 15. The operation was conducted by the Saudi-led coalition, ensuring the safety of the area.

Japan and South Korea are restructuring their naval forces to address the challenges posed by the expanding Chinese Navy. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is focusing on Mogami-class destroyers, while the Republic of Korea Navy is enhancing its capabilities with KSS-III submarines and large surface combatants. Both nations aim to improve their operational readiness and strategic coordination in the face of shared threats from China.

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Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities, injuring 13 civilians and damaging infrastructure. They captured the Hanish Islands and Mocha port, pushing their control line towards the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Concurrently, a Saudi oil pipeline was attacked, halting operations and raising concerns over energy security. The conflict has displaced over 100,000 people in Yemen, emphasizing the escalating military tensions in the region.

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The Chengdu J-20 is designed for long-range BVR combat, primarily targeting AWACS and aerial refuelers while also capable of limited air-to-ground missions against U.S. bases in the Pacific. It is not a direct competitor to the F-22 Raptor but serves a different strategic role. The J-20 has a longer combat range than the F-22, although its stealth capabilities are considered inferior.

The U.S. military has utilized a significant portion of its missile defense interceptors in ongoing operations against Iran, which may hinder its ability to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. The Congressional Budget Office warns that the depletion of these interceptors could take years to recover, with costs to replace them estimated at $21.7 billion. The report highlights the strategic implications of this depletion for U.S. defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

USS Georgia retired at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay on July 27, 2024, marking the beginning of the retirement process for the U.S. Navy's Ohio-class submarines. These submarines, capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk missiles each, represent a significant loss of missile launch positions, totaling 616 across four vessels. The Navy plans to redesignate 19 Virginia-class submarines to partially compensate for this loss, but no direct replacements for the Ohio-class SSGNs are planned.