Analysis & Reports

Three tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on September 29, 2026, as reported by UK Maritime Trade Operations. The attacks were described in delayed reports, which lacked specific details about the incidents, including the identity of the attackers and the extent of damage. The situation highlights ongoing risks in maritime navigation in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Sep 30 2026Loading...

Nearly all soldiers in the U.S. Army have completed the Neurocognitive Assessment Tool to track cognitive health and the effects of explosive blasts. The assessment, which establishes a cognitive baseline, is required every three years for active-duty soldiers and annually for those in high-risk fields. This initiative aims to monitor brain health and support recovery from traumatic brain injuries.

Six F-22 Raptor pilots received Distinguished Flying Crosses at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, on August 31, 2026, recognizing their valor in combat operations. Since April 2024, the U.S. Air Force has awarded 76 DFCs to pilots and aircrew for their roles in combat against Iranian missile and drone attacks. However, details regarding the specific missions and actions taken by the awarded pilots remain largely undisclosed due to operational security concerns.

Saudi Arabia increased oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz to 13.1 million barrels per day as of February 2026, despite challenges from Houthi control over key chokepoints. The Bab el-Mandeb saw a decline in oil exports to 2.53 million barrels per day. Saudi Arabia is redirecting tankers to the Indian Ocean to meet Chinese orders, indicating a shift in strategy amid ongoing regional tensions.

Saronic broke ground on its new shipyard, Port Alpha, in Brownsville, Texas, aiming to produce Landing Craft Utility vessels for the U.S. Navy. The facility will initially cover 800 acres, with plans to expand to 4,000 acres, and is expected to create 10,000 jobs. Saronic has invested $300 million in infrastructure to support the production of military vessels, including autonomous and manned ships.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.38 billion contract for the production of 22 F-15EX Eagle II aircraft, utilizing funds from the 2026 budget. This contract, part of Lot 7, addresses production disruptions and inflation in the defense sector. Boeing is now contracted for a total of 120 aircraft, aimed at modernizing the Air Force's fighter fleet.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.38 billion contract for the production of 22 F-15EX Eagle II aircraft. This contract is part of Lot 7, which addresses production disruptions and inflation, and is funded through the 2026 budget. Boeing is now contracted to produce a total of 120 aircraft, aimed at modernizing the Air Force's fighter fleet.

The U.S. Army selected five companies to develop prototypes for the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 4 program in Washington. The Increment 4 missile aims to strike targets at ranges of at least 1,000 km and will be launched from the M142 HIMARS system. A competitive fly-off is planned for fiscal 2027, with a final down select expected in fiscal 2030. Lockheed Martin also received a $1.2 billion contract for the earlier PrSM Increment 2 system.

Lt. Gen. David N. Miller Jr. was nominated to lead U.S. Space Command, succeeding Gen. Stephen Whiting, who will step down at the end of the year. Miller, currently the deputy chief of Space Operations, has held various leadership roles in the Space Force. The nomination reflects the increasing emphasis on space operations in U.S. defense strategy, particularly following recent developments in space control capabilities.

The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) released a new framework in Washington for analyzing a military's 'will to fight' during conflicts, updated in September 2024. This framework aims to quantify intangible factors affecting military readiness, contrasting the experiences of Afghan forces in 2021 and Ukrainian forces in 2022. It emphasizes the importance of assessing various dynamics, including leadership integrity and troop morale, to better understand military capabilities.

NASA is working to restore an SR-71 Blackbird at Edwards Air Force Base by assembling a team of former personnel to address maintenance issues. The project faces significant challenges due to the aircraft's age and the loss of expertise in maintaining such complex systems. This effort reflects a broader trend of restoring older military equipment, similar to past attempts with the Iowa-class battleships.

ASELSAN signed agreements with Azerbaijan on September 30, 2026, to establish a strategic production facility in Nakhchivan and procure ALP 100 Multifunction AESA Air Surveillance Radar systems for the Azerbaijani Air Force. This collaboration aims to enhance Azerbaijan's defense manufacturing capabilities and support the integration of advanced technologies into its military platforms. ASELSAN also showcased a range of defense technologies at the Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX 2026).

The Russian Army has modified the T-90M tank, incorporating a bustle magazine and blowout panels to enhance safety after combat experiences in Ukraine revealed vulnerabilities. As of September 1, 2026, Oryx has documented 159 losses of the T-90M, highlighting significant attrition. The tank remains the most advanced in Russian service, but its effectiveness has been challenged by modern warfare tactics and equipment.

The U.S. Navy evaluated the MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAS at Whidbey Island on 30 September 2026. This evaluation was part of a capability assessment for the 7th Fleet, showcasing the drone's potential as a force multiplier for various missions. The event included discussions on operational tactics and procedures for Anti-Submarine Warfare.

The White House nominated Lt. Gen. David Miller to lead US Space Command and Vice Adm. John Skillman as Vice Chief of Naval Operations. Miller is set to replace Gen. Stephen Whiting, who will retire at the end of the year, while Skillman will take over from Vice Adm. James Kilby. The relocation of SPACECOM's headquarters to Huntsville, Alabama, is underway, with 200 personnel expected by year-end and a full move of 1,800 staff planned by 2031.

U.S. Marines conducted Operation Atlantic City on Jan Mayen, Norway, from August 26 to September 4, 2025, in collaboration with Norwegian and British troops. The exercise tested their ability to operate in harsh Arctic conditions and defend key maritime terrain. It involved the rapid insertion of military assets and focused on developing advanced basing capabilities and integrated multinational operations.

The U.S. military officially completed the withdrawal of approximately 2,500 troops and equipment from Erbil Air Base in Iraq, marking the end of Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS. U.S. Central Command announced that the mission will now be headquartered in Jordan, with Iraqi security forces taking primary responsibility for counter-ISIS operations. Concerns have emerged regarding the security of the Kurdistan region following the removal of U.S. air defense equipment.

China has opened a new airbase and joint training center at Ban Keun Airport in Laos, marking its third overseas military base. The facility, which includes a 2,000 meter runway and five hangars, aims to train Laotian pilots and enhance military cooperation between China and Laos. The opening was attended by Laotian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Khamlieng Outhakayson.

The U.S. Army signed agreements with Anduril, Castelion, Lockheed Martin, Mach Industries, and RTX to develop advanced long-range missile prototypes at Redstone Arsenal. This initiative focuses on the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), capable of striking maritime and land targets over 621 miles away. Development will culminate in competitive fly-offs in Fiscal Years 2027 and 2028, following a recent $1.2 billion contract awarded to Lockheed Martin for short-range ballistic missiles.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.4 billion contract for 22 F-15EX fighter jets in Washington. This contract is part of a reconciliation funding process and aims to modernize the Air Force's fleet. Boeing plans to ramp up production to two jets per month, despite previous delays affecting the program's timeline.