Analysis & Reports

AEVEX Corp. secured $88.1 million in orders for long-range precision strike systems on July 28, 2026, aimed at U.S. government customers. The company, based in Solana Beach, California, is known for its Phoenix Ghost drones, which have been supplied to Ukraine. This order includes 4,800 additional drone units for the European Command area, reflecting ongoing military procurement efforts amid geopolitical tensions.

The UK transferred the intellectual property for the Stone Cloak electronic jammer to Ukraine on 27 July 2023, enabling mass production of the device designed to disrupt Russian air defenses. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance Ukraine's military capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign donations. The UK aims to support Ukraine while simultaneously advancing its own defense technology development.

Alexandra ReevesWed Jul 29 2026Loading...

The Russian United Shipbuilding Corporation's Sevmash shipyard moved the Ulyanovsk submarine out of its construction hall in June 2026, marking a significant milestone in its development. This submarine is the sixth in the Yasen-M class, designed for advanced strike capabilities. It will eventually join the Northern Fleet after undergoing extensive trials, reflecting Russia's ongoing efforts to modernize its naval forces.

BAE Systems is actively supplying 26 Archer self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine and 18 to Latvia, with Canada considering a purchase of 80-98 units. The company is ramping up production capacity to meet increasing demand for artillery systems, including the Tridon Mk2 air defense system. The Archer has been demonstrated to the US military and is combat proven, while the Tridon Mk2 is designed to counter drone threats and is now in full production.

The Chinese Navy has recently introduced the Z-20J and Z-20F helicopters, enhancing its assault and anti-submarine capabilities. The Z-20J serves as a carrier-based assault helicopter, while the Z-20F is designed for anti-submarine warfare. These advancements significantly improve the operational effectiveness of the Chinese Navy in both land and maritime operations.

Ukraine is accelerating drone strikes on Russian targets using the newly developed Stone Cloak radar jammer, which they can now mass-produce. This development was announced during a meeting between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and British Prime Minister Burnham in Portsmouth. The U.K. has previously supplied Storm Shadow missiles, and Ukraine has also introduced its own long-range missile, the Flamingo, to enhance its strike capabilities against Russia.

Ukraine is set to mass-produce the Stone Cloak radar jammer to enhance drone strikes on Russian targets. This development was announced during the Sea Breeze joint exercise in Portsmouth, where Ukrainian and British forces focused on countering Russian air defenses. The UK has previously supplied Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine, and both nations are collaborating on a new long-range strike drone called Breakstop.

U.S. and Saudi forces conducted airstrikes against Iranian-backed targets in Iraq on July 28, 2023, in response to over 30 drone attacks directed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The strikes targeted logistics and weapon facilities used by terrorists. Additionally, Iranian-backed militias had previously launched over 600 failed attacks against U.S. interests in Iraq earlier this year.

Japan and the U.S. are set to quadruple the production of SM-3 Block IIA missiles by 2026, enhancing their missile defense capabilities. The first unit of the upgraded 12-type anti-ship guided missile will be deployed by March 2026 in Kumamoto Prefecture. The report highlights the importance of integrated command and control for effective missile defense operations against diverse threats in the region.

Tanaka TakashiWed Jul 29 2026Loading...

U.S. and Saudi Arabian forces conducted precision airstrikes against Iranian-affiliated armed groups in Iraq on July 28. This operation targeted logistical and weapon facilities in response to over 30 drone attacks orchestrated by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in the preceding 72 hours.

Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles at U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East on July 28, 2023, at 17:45 EDT. All missiles were successfully intercepted by U.S. Central Command. The U.S. military is currently maintaining a heightened state of alert following the attack.

Sikorsky is promoting its S-97 Raider helicopter technology to NATO for the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability program following the U.S. Army's cancellation of its previous attack helicopter initiative. The Raider features coaxial rotors for high-speed flight and is designed for military operations requiring rapid deceleration. Sikorsky plans to manufacture the aircraft in Europe, competing with other defense contractors like Boeing and Bell Helicopter.

Japan planned the Super Yamato battleship, intended to carry six 20.1-inch guns, but never laid the keel due to resource constraints and a shift in military focus towards aircraft and carriers. By late 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy prioritized immediate war preparations over battleship construction, especially after the losses at the Battle of Midway. The project was ultimately abandoned, and the partially completed artillery was likely destroyed by 1945.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that the B-21 Raider will operate with a two-pilot crew, ending speculation about a single-pilot configuration. A new program will allow experienced Weapons System Officers and Combat Systems Officers to transition into pilot roles. The B-21 is expected to enter operational service in 2027 and will serve as the backbone of the U.S. bomber fleet, replacing older models.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched multiple ballistic missiles at U.S. forces in the Middle East at 5:45 PM Eastern Time on the 28th, attempting a surprise attack. All missiles were intercepted successfully, and U.S. forces remain on high alert. No response has been issued by Iran regarding the incident.

The U.S. Marine Corps accepted its final MV-22 Osprey in Washington today, completing the program of record. The Osprey fleet, which has logged over 686,500 flight hours since 2007, will undergo modernization initiatives to remain operational through 2055. Recent fatal crashes have led to safety inspections and restrictions on the fleet.

The Marine Corps took delivery of the final MV-22B Osprey in Amarillo, Texas, on Tuesday, completing a procurement of 359 aircraft over two decades. The MV-22B serves as the primary transport aircraft for Marines, significantly enhancing operational capabilities. It has logged over 686,500 flight hours and accounts for 75% of the Corps' rotary-wing assault support capability.

The UK government announced a £298 billion defense budget over the next four years, including £15 billion in additional funding. This investment aims to enhance military capabilities across air, land, and maritime forces, with over £11.8 billion in contracts agreed shortly after the announcement. Key projects include the Collaborative Combat Air programme and significant upgrades to the Royal Air Force and British Army assets.

The US Navy is retiring four Ohio-class guided-missile submarines and replacing them with Virginia-class Block V submarines, which will feature the Virginia Payload Module to enhance missile capacity. The Navy plans to procure 10 Block V boats, with construction shared between General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding. These submarines will significantly increase the Navy's strike capabilities and are designed for various missions, including land strikes and intelligence operations.

USS George Washington underwent a lengthy overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding, taking 2,120 days instead of the planned 48 months, due to various logistical challenges and hidden damages. The carrier returned to Navy control on May 25, 2023, after extensive modernization, including upgrades to its systems and equipment. It is set to resume operations in Yokosuka, Japan, as the only forward-deployed American aircraft carrier in the region.