Analysis & Reports

U.S. Central Command concluded a large-scale strike against Iranian targets on July 29, 2023. The operation targeted multiple facilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including military command centers and missile sites. All Iranian missiles launched on July 28 were successfully intercepted. Over 50,000 U.S. military personnel remain deployed in the Middle East, prepared to respond to various threats.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against Iran on July 29, 2023, in response to an attempted missile attack on U.S. forces in the Middle East. President Trump stated that the U.S. would retaliate against Iran, emphasizing a shift to offensive actions. U.S. Central Command confirmed the interception of all incoming missiles from Iran and reported ongoing maritime operations against Iranian shipping.

The Chinese Navy successfully conducted a test flight of the KJ-600 carrier-based early warning aircraft using an electromagnetic catapult from the Fujian aircraft carrier. Test pilot Yang Yong overcame significant challenges during previous flights and has been instrumental in refining the launch and control processes. This advancement marks a significant upgrade in China's naval combat capabilities.

China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is actively deploying J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighters in the Taiwan Strait, increasing military pressure on Taiwan. The PLAAF currently operates around 500 J-20s, with plans to potentially double this number by 2030. This deployment is part of a broader strategy to assert dominance in the Indo-Pacific region, complicating U.S. military responses.

U.S. Air Force officials are prioritizing upgrades to the KC-135 tanker fleet in response to the ongoing war in Iran. This includes enhancing connectivity through Link 16 and real-time information in the cockpit, following a deadly crash that killed six airmen. The upgrades aim to improve battlespace awareness and operational capabilities for aircrews in contested environments.

The U.S. Navy faces significant challenges to the effectiveness of its aircraft carriers due to advancements in missile technology and the capabilities of adversaries like China. The future USS Doris Miller, valued at $15.2 billion, exemplifies the high stakes involved, as it carries 60 aircraft and requires extensive support. The Navy is adapting by exploring unmanned systems to enhance operational range and reduce vulnerability.

The U.S. Navy awarded contracts totaling $76.6 billion for the construction of 9 Block VI Virginia-class submarines and 5 Build II Columbia-class submarines. This investment aims to enhance undersea superiority and support the shipbuilding industrial base. Challenges in the Virginia-class program have been noted, including delays in construction and material shortages. The contracts are expected to provide stability for shipyards and suppliers through the late 2030s.

The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a contract modification worth $53.86 billion for PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors, raising the total contract value to $58.62 billion. This contract enables rapid scaling of production to meet the needs of U.S. and allied forces. The announcement aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance munitions production amid global conflicts, including the Ukraine-Russia war.

The UK Government awarded a £5.9bn contract to BAE Systems for the development of the Dreadnought Class nuclear deterrent submarines, with the first delivery expected in the early 2030s. This programme supports approximately 30,000 jobs and aims to replace the existing Vanguard fleet, ensuring the UK's Continuous at Sea Deterrent capability. BAE Systems is collaborating with over 1,500 UK suppliers to deliver this critical military capability.

SpaceX was awarded a $1.6 billion contract for two satellite launches for the Space Force, scheduled for 2027. This is part of the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 program, which aims to enhance military satellite capabilities. The total contract value for this program has increased to $17 billion, reflecting a significant expansion in planned launches.

The Pentagon is seeking to develop robot boats capable of launching small attack drones to counter unmanned threats in the Persian Gulf. This initiative, part of the SWAP-USV project, aims for deployment within 120 days of selection and is backed by a $100 million prize challenge. The project addresses the need for cost-effective solutions against asymmetric maritime threats.

As of July 2026, only Admiral Nakhimov, one of the four Kirov-class battlecruisers, is undergoing modernization after years of inactivity. The other three ships have been decommissioned or dismantled due to age and condition. The modernization project for Admiral Nakhimov began in 2014 and is expected to complete in 2026, with costs exceeding $5 billion. The Russian Navy is increasingly focusing on submarines and smaller vessels, indicating a shift away from large surface combatants like the Kirov-class.

The U.S. Navy faces significant challenges in shipbuilding, with programs like the Littoral Combat Ship and Zumwalt-class destroyer suffering from budget overruns and cancellations. Workforce shortages and changing requirements have led to delays and uncertainty in production. The future of the new Trump-class battleship remains uncertain as the Navy grapples with these ongoing issues.

The U.S. Air Force is advancing its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, with up to six designs expected to enter the prototyping phase by mid-2027. This follows the awarding of contracts to nine companies for concept refinement. Recently, Anduril unveiled the first Fury CCA prototype in Ohio, and the Air Force has been testing these systems in combat exercises.

The U.S. Air Force plans to downselect from nine vendors to six for its drone wingman program next year in Dayton, Ohio. This follows a concept refinement stage lasting approximately 10 months. Additionally, the Air Force is seeking a cost-effective replacement for the MQ-9A Reaper drone, with the Defense Innovation Unit launching the Mass Modular Aircraft competition. Contract awards for this program's concept refinement phase are anticipated in early fiscal 2027.

U.S. President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky held a meeting in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 2023, to discuss the production license for Patriot missile interceptors. This meeting follows their earlier discussions in Ankara earlier in the month. Zelensky's visit aimed to secure additional U.S. support as tensions with Russia escalate, coinciding with a Senate vote on sanctions against Russia.

Iran launched a missile attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan on the 29th, which was intercepted by U.S. forces. In retaliation, U.S. and Saudi forces conducted airstrikes against Iranian-supported targets in Iraq. This escalation marks a significant shift in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, breaking a temporary ceasefire and increasing tensions in the region.

U.S. and Saudi fighters conducted airstrikes against Iranian-backed groups in Iraq on Tuesday, targeting those responsible for recent drone attacks on U.S. forces. U.S. Central Command reported over 600 attempted attacks on U.S. citizens and facilities by Iran-aligned militias from February to April 2026. The strikes come amid ongoing tensions and a recent collapse of a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran.

The U.S. Navy conducted its first live-fire training exercise with the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) on July 17, 2023, off the coast of Hawaii. This exercise involved the sinking of two former warships, USS Peleliu and USS Mobile Bay, as part of the Rim of the Pacific exercise. The GARC, designed for various naval operations, demonstrated its capabilities during this event, marking a significant advancement in unmanned naval warfare.

The U.S. Marine Corps accepted delivery of the final MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, concluding the program. This milestone emphasizes the aircraft's role in enhancing combat operations and connectivity for Marine commanders. The Marine Corps intends to sustain and modernize the Osprey fleet through 2055, addressing safety and operational improvements.