Analysis & Reports

U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets in Chabahar on July 17, 2023. This operation, lasting 7 hours and 40 minutes, aimed to weaken Iran's military capabilities and follows six consecutive nights of similar actions. The strikes destroyed a surveillance tower linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Germany will send conventional troops to participate in French nuclear exercises for the first time, as announced by Chancellor Merz on July 17, 2023. This decision follows a meeting of the Franco-German Defense and Security Council in North Rhine-Westphalia. Both nations aim to strengthen defense cooperation, particularly in nuclear deterrence and military exercises involving Ukraine planned for the fall.

The Blue Angels performed a low flyover over a crowded beach in Pensacola, Florida, on Wednesday, which was later deemed 'unsafe' by Navy Capt. Adam Bryan. The jet blast from the maneuver caused beachgoers' chairs and umbrellas to be blown over. This incident occurred during the annual Red, White and Blue Air Show, which features the Blue Angels as a centerpiece.

The Blue Angels conducted a flyover over a crowded beach in Pensacola, Florida, which was deemed 'unsafe' by Navy Capt. Adam Bryan. The jet blast from the maneuver caused beach chairs and umbrellas to be blown over. This incident occurred during an airshow event, and despite safety concerns, senior military leaders shared celebratory posts about the flyover.

Army pilots began conducting solo cross-country flights in civilian airspace for the first time in years at Fort Rucker, Alabama. This training involves 1,300 students annually and includes advanced maneuvers and aeronautical decision-making. Students must complete at least two solo flights to progress to advanced training, reflecting a significant shift in the Army's aviation training approach.

In 1976, the U.S. Air Force evaluated the cost to modify 275 A-10 Warthogs to carry nuclear weapons, estimating $15.9 million for the project. The proposal arose during a period of heightened concern over Soviet armored forces in Europe. Ultimately, the Air Force did not pursue the modification due to the A-10's design limitations for nuclear delivery. The aircraft continues to serve in conventional roles today.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on multiple bridges and military infrastructure in Iran on September 16, 2023, aimed at disrupting supply lines to the port city of Abadan. This operation lasted for 7 hours and involved fighter jets, drones, and warships. The strikes resulted in at least 8 fatalities and 19 injuries, prompting a retaliatory response from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. This marks the sixth consecutive night of U.S. strikes against Iranian targets.

The United States Air Force is overhauling its Basic Military Training by introducing hands-on training with retired aircraft at a mock-up airfield in San Antonio, Texas. This new program, called BMT Next, began in summer 2023 and focuses on operational readiness, allowing recruits to practice essential airfield skills. The full mock-up airfield is expected to be operational by October 2023, enhancing the training experience for new airmen.

China announced a military training closure in the South China Sea from July 21 to July 24, restricting entry to practice military control. This action coincides with the anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling against China's maritime claims, highlighting Beijing's intent to assert its influence. The closure aims to test the responses of regional actors, including the Philippines and its allies, regarding maritime operations in contested waters.

Marcus ChenFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

HTMS Chakri Naruebet, the world's smallest aircraft carrier, has been utilized by the Royal Thai Navy as a floating command center and hospital during disaster relief operations, including recent flooding in southern Thailand. Commissioned in 1997, it has not operated fixed-wing aircraft since 2006 and is primarily docked at Sattahip. Despite its limited military capabilities, it has provided significant humanitarian assistance during crises.

The U.S. Navy has failed to secure the Strait of Hormuz against Iranian opposition, despite moving 4,500 Marines into the region. This operational shortfall stems from historical gaps in mine warfare capabilities and logistical challenges. The ongoing situation poses significant risks to global navigation and economic stability, as both the U.S. and Iran have resumed strikes and blockades affecting maritime traffic.

The UK has officially launched its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, naming it 'Storm Fighter', which will operate alongside the Typhoon and F-35. This initiative is part of a broader plan to establish Europe's first sixth-generation air force, with a $6.6 billion investment in drones over the next four years. The Royal Air Force aims to achieve operational capability for the CCA by the end of the decade, enhancing its combat capabilities with new unmanned systems.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched large-scale strikes against U.S. military targets in Kuwait and Syria on July 17, responding to a prior U.S. attack. The strikes targeted radar systems, weapon depots, and HIMARS launch sites, resulting in injuries to Kuwaiti soldiers and damage to a power and desalination facility. Kuwait condemned the attacks, asserting its right to defend national security.

The U.S. Air Force is retiring the F-15C Eagles, with the last units departing from Kadena Air Base in Japan in late 2024. The F-15C, known for its unmatched air-to-air combat record, will be replaced by the multirole F-15EX. This transition marks the end of an era for a fighter designed exclusively for air superiority.

The U.S. Military has expended over 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles in operations against Iran as of July 17, 2026, with estimates indicating 2,000 to 3,000 missiles remain. Following the collapse of a ceasefire on July 8, strikes resumed, raising concerns about the sustainability of U.S. missile stockpiles for future conflicts, particularly against China or Russia. The current production rate of Tomahawk missiles is insufficient to replenish the inventory depleted in the ongoing conflict.

JNIM claims to have taken control of a Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) post in Daka, Burkina Faso, on July 15. This action highlights the group's strategy to undermine state authority in the region. The capture of Daka is significant as it affects local security dynamics and the state's ability to maintain control. The situation in Tougan remains precarious, with potential implications for surrounding villages and state presence.

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Pakistani security forces killed 24 terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on July 17, 2023, during operations aimed at countering increased attacks by the Pakistani Taliban. The military seized a significant amount of weapons and ammunition, and the operation is still ongoing.

Several personnel from the Kuwait Army were injured in a drone attack by Iran on the morning of the 17th. Kuwait's air defense systems successfully intercepted hostile missiles and drones. The attack caused a fire at a desalination and power facility in Kuwait. Iran has not yet responded to the incident.

The Russian army is intensifying drone strikes on fuel stations, buses, and trucks in Ukraine as part of a logistics campaign. This operation, led by the elite Rubicon drone unit, aims to disrupt Ukrainian supply lines by targeting civilian logistics. The drones involved include Lightning and Lancet models, which are capable of real-time targeting. This shift in tactics is a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian fuel infrastructure, increasing the operational costs for Ukrainian forces.

Dmitri VolkovFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

The Ukrainian Security Service conducted a drone strike on a Tu-95 strategic bomber at Engels military airport in Saratov Oblast, Russia, on July 17. The bomber was severely damaged, with its tail completely detached. This operation aimed to weaken Russian military and economic capabilities, indicating that even remote military installations are no longer safe for Russian forces.