Analysis & Reports

Houthi forces attacked two Saudi oil tankers off the coast of Shuqaiq on the 23rd, using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, resulting in fires on the vessels. The attack prompted warnings from the Houthis against Saudi military actions and threats from the U.S. to hold Iran accountable. This incident marks a significant escalation in maritime tensions in the region.

Iranian forces launched drone attacks on CIA facilities in the Gulf region, with indications of Russian assistance in targeting and operational support. Reports suggest that more than one but fewer than twelve facilities were attacked using modified Shahed drones. U.S. intelligence analysts are investigating the extent of Russian involvement in these operations.

The U.S. government is considering military action against the extremist group JNIM in Mali, as reported on October 23, 2023. This potential action could make Mali the eighth country targeted for military strikes during President Trump's term. Internal divisions exist within the U.S. regarding this decision, and the U.S. has increased intelligence sharing with Mali to bolster counter-terrorism efforts.

Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted drone strikes on logistics warehouses belonging to the Russian online retailer Wildberries in Krasnodar Krai and Stavropol Krai, resulting in dozens of casualties. These attacks, confirmed by Ukrainian President Zelensky, aim to disrupt Russian military supply chains. Over the past week, four warehouses have been targeted, causing significant damage and operational losses for the company.

China Coast Guard vessel 3302 fired a water cannon at Philippine vessel BRP Datu Dumangsil near Scarborough Shoal on July 23, 2026. The incident involved multiple Chinese and Philippine vessels, with no injuries reported. The Philippine fisheries mission continued despite the encounter, highlighting the ongoing maritime tensions in the region. The US reaffirmed its defense commitments to the Philippines in response to the incident.

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The US Navy is actively enforcing a blockade on Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, conducting escort missions and mine countermeasures. Despite ongoing threats from Iranian forces, no US ships have been lost in combat. The blockade is exerting economic pressure on Iran, while US naval capabilities continue to perform effectively in the region.

The U.S. military is conducting a conventional campaign against Iran, focusing on the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran employs asymmetric tactics, including drone attacks and threats to commercial shipping. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps continues to control fast boats and missiles, posing challenges to U.S. operations. Iran's strategy aims to impose economic costs and outlast U.S. efforts in the region.

A Russian Su-57 Felon stealth fighter crashed in Odintsovo, Moscow Oblast during a training flight. The pilot ejected safely before the aircraft went down in a field, reportedly avoiding residential areas. Eyewitnesses indicated that the aircraft exploded after the pilot's ejection, and initial assessments suggest the aircraft has been destroyed.

The U.S. administration is considering military airstrikes against Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) in Mali following an ambush that killed at least 50 Malian soldiers. This discussion emerged publicly on July 22, 2026, amid concerns over the effectiveness of Russian security partnerships in the region. The attack highlights operational coordination between JNIM and the Front de libération de l'Azawad (FLA), complicating the military landscape in northern Mali.

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BETA Technologies unveiled the MV250, a militarized unmanned aircraft, at the Farnborough Airshow. The aircraft, equipped with a hybrid-electric powertrain, is designed for military missions and has a range of 1,300 nautical miles. Production is expected to start by 2028, with military exercises planned for next year. BETA aims to sell the aircraft to the Pentagon and international buyers.

A Su-57 aircraft of the Russian Air Force crashed in Moscow Oblast during a training flight on July 23, 2026. The pilot ejected safely, and the crash occurred during takeoff in a remote area, with no reported damage on the ground. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the operational reliability of the Su-57 program, which has faced challenges in production and deployment.

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On the 23rd, the Kuwaiti military reported a drone attack on the Abdali border crossing with Iraq, resulting in damage to facilities. No casualties were reported from the incident.

Houthi forces attacked two Saudi oil tankers, Encelia and Layla, in the Red Sea on July 22, 2023, using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. The attack highlights the strategic significance of Bab al-Mandeb as a chokepoint for Saudi oil exports. Saudi Arabia confirmed damage to the Encelia but reported no casualties among the crew. This incident escalates tensions in the region and poses a threat to maritime security.

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Arsenal Machine-Building Plant patented a new coastal self-propelled artillery mount in Saint Petersburg. This design adapts the A-192M naval gun for ground use, featuring a rotating gun mount on a semi-trailer. The patent reflects a long-term development effort and is linked to the stalled Koalitsiya-SV program, indicating a shift in military strategy rather than immediate battlefield necessity.

On July 23, two Philippine government vessels intruded into the territorial waters of Scarborough Shoal and were driven away by the Chinese Coast Guard. Media personnel were observed on the Philippine vessels, indicating an intention to provoke and escalate the situation.

Australia's MQ-28 Ghost Bat participated in Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 in the Northern Mariana Islands, operating alongside U.S. and allied forces. The drone, developed by Boeing Defence Australia, is designed to enhance airpower capabilities with a range of over 2,000 nautical miles. The U.S. Air Force is progressing towards producing combat-capable CCAs, with expectations of 150 units by 2029, highlighting the importance of allied systems like the MQ-28 in addressing potential operational gaps before then.

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The European Union has authorized its naval mission, Operation Atalanta, to intercept Russian shadow fleet tankers in the Indian Ocean. This decision allows EU forces to stop and board vessels suspected of operating under false flags, expanding their operational reach against illicit maritime activities. The announcement was made by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, emphasizing the EU's commitment to enforcing sanctions against Russia's oil trade.

On July 23, the Chinese Coast Guard used water cannons to drive away two Philippine government vessels, 3012 and 3018, that intruded into Chinese territorial waters near Scarborough Shoal. This incident occurred just three days after a similar conflict involving the Philippines at the Second Thomas Shoal. The Chinese authorities stated that their actions were necessary and lawful in response to the Philippine vessels' provocations.

Iranian armed forces announced they will continue to strike U.S. military targets in Jordan and Kuwait as long as U.S. military actions against Iran persist. This statement was made by an Iranian military spokesperson on July 23, following U.S. attacks on Iranian infrastructure and coastal areas. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed the strikes on U.S. facilities in response to these actions.

The Russian Navy's nuclear-powered battlecruiser Admiral Nakhimov has entered the final stage of sea trials after extensive modernization, marking its return to service after nearly 30 years. The cruiser, equipped with advanced missile systems, is expected to enhance Russia's naval capabilities in the Arctic region. This modernization effort, costing around $5 billion, underscores Russia's challenges in producing new surface combatants.