Analysis & Reports

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missile and drone strikes against a U.S. military base in Azraq, Jordan, on the evening of the 17th. The attack resulted in the destruction of at least 2 fighter jets and 3 aircraft, with several others suffering significant damage.

UAV attacks on July 18, 2026, resulted in seven deaths and 25 injuries in Kotovsk, Tambov Oblast, as drones targeted sensitive infrastructure, including an oil depot in Noginsk. The attacks prompted evacuations and highlighted vulnerabilities in Moscow's air defense system, with 28 drones intercepted before reaching their targets. Ukrainian forces continue to focus on disrupting Russian military logistics.

Dmitri VolkovSat Jul 18 2026Loading...

China's Type 094 nuclear submarine successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on July 6, 2023, in the South China Sea. This test marks a significant advancement in China's naval nuclear deterrent capabilities, emphasizing the need for effective anti-submarine warfare to ensure operational success. The missile's trajectory towards the deep Pacific indicates a strategic shift in deterrence posture.

Li MinghuiSat Jul 18 2026Loading...

An Iranian military attack on a seawater desalination and power generation facility in Kuwait caused damage to generator units on the morning of the 18th. This incident prompted local authorities to implement response plans to maintain stable power supply. It marks the second facility in Kuwait to be affected by attacks within two days.

Germany's Foreign Minister proposed deploying a European force to southern Lebanon on July 17, 2026, to replace UNIFIL after its mandate ends. This move aims to test Israel's withdrawal from 10 kilometers inside Lebanon and prevent a security vacuum that could be exploited by Hezbollah. The proposal follows recent conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah and emphasizes the need for a robust military presence to maintain stability in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Jul 18 2026Loading...

During a training mission in 2017, U.S. Air Force Captain Brett DeVries's A-10 Thunderbolt II experienced a cannon malfunction, resulting in a canopy failure and compromised landing gear. DeVries executed a controlled belly landing at Grayling Air Gunnery Range in Michigan, successfully exiting the aircraft without injury. The incident highlighted the aircraft's design for survivability and effective emergency management.

On June 27, 2026, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine sank the decommissioned USS Juneau during a sinking exercise in the Philippine Sea, over 200 nautical miles off Guam. This event was part of Valiant Shield 2026, involving multiple military forces and showcasing the capabilities of JMSDF submarines in joint operations.

Tanaka TakashiSat Jul 18 2026Loading...

China and Russia conducted a joint naval exercise from July 6-13, 2026, in Qingdao, Shandong, involving multiple naval vessels and submarines. Following the exercise, both navies organized a joint maritime patrol in the Pacific Ocean. The exercise included various operational drills such as reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare.

The Marine Corps recently conducted coastal combat training, where troops trained under extreme heat and challenging sea conditions. They practiced water combat skills and emergency response, demonstrating resilience and teamwork. The training aimed to enhance their operational readiness and survival skills in maritime environments.

The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted training exercises with J-15T aircraft on July 14, 2023, focusing on carrier operations and ground personnel coordination. The exercises aimed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Fujian aircraft carrier, which is expected to be fully operational by 2026. The training included the use of YJ-83K anti-ship missiles, emphasizing the importance of standardizing complex carrier operations.

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Germany will send conventional troops to participate in French nuclear exercises for the first time this year. The Franco-German Defense and Security Council met in North Rhine-Westphalia on October 16-17, where leaders emphasized strengthening defense cooperation. Additionally, military exercises for the European volunteer coalition aiding Ukraine are planned for this fall, with Germany involved.

The Army 953 Hospital and Army Medical University conducted a 23-day medical mission in Shigatse, Tibet, covering over 6000 kilometers to provide health services to soldiers. The team addressed various health issues, including insomnia and pulmonary hypertension, while also offering health education and emergency training. Psychological support was provided, and electronic health records were established for the soldiers.

Russian forces conducted 19 cluster strikes targeting Ukrainian ports and military infrastructure on the 17th, while Ukrainian forces repelled attacks and shot down 1879 drones. Ukrainian forces also launched long-range strikes against Russian targets, including a successful attack on the Engels Air Base, damaging a Tu-95 strategic bomber. Both sides continue to engage in active military operations across multiple fronts.

On January 25, 1966, an SR-71 Blackbird disintegrated during a test flight at Mach 3.18 over New Mexico, resulting in the survival of pilot Bill Weaver and the death of reconnaissance systems specialist Jim Zwayer. The incident marked the only fatality in the aircraft's history, which had a combat record free of enemy action. The SR-71 was known for its speed and advanced technology, with 12 of the 32 built lost to accidents, not enemy engagement.

The Naval Aviation Force of the Southern Theater Command conducted live-fire attack training, successfully firing multiple artillery shells at targets. This exercise took place during the summer season.

On July 17, four drones were shot down near the US consulate in Erbil, Iraq. A drone attack on an ammunition depot in Sulaymaniyah caused explosions and a fire. Additionally, Iran launched missiles at Sulaymaniyah, killing at least nine members of a local armed group. The Kurdish counter-terrorism agency reported the drone interceptions, highlighting a series of recent drone attacks in Iraq.

Iranian military advisor Mohsen Rezaei stated that the U.S. has violated the terms of the U.S.-Iran memorandum, rendering it irrelevant. He warned that if U.S. attacks continue, Iran will escalate to a 'full offensive and destruction' phase, targeting U.S. bases and soldiers outside its borders. Rezaei also noted that U.S. military actions are being conducted through a hybrid warfare approach against Iranian infrastructure.

The U.S. conducted an airstrike on civilian infrastructure in Hormozgan Province on the 17th, resulting in the deaths of 8 Iranian civilians, including a disabled pair of brothers. Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack as a war crime, asserting that the Iranian people are more united than ever in response to U.S. aggression.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on six bridges in Hurmuzgan Province, Iran, resulting in the deaths of three civilians. Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian condemned the strikes, asserting that the victims were innocent and emphasizing Iran's commitment to defend its territory. The strikes occurred in the early morning of the 17th.

The U.S. plans to send dozens of refueling aircraft to Israel, aiming to restore operational levels as tensions with Iran escalate. President Trump is considering broader military actions, including potential airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. U.S. Central Command has already conducted multiple strikes against Iranian military targets in recent days.