Analysis & Reports

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missile and drone strikes against U.S. military targets in Bahrain and Kuwait on July 21. The attacks destroyed a radar system in Muharraq and a Patriot air defense system in Rifa, along with multiple radar and defense facilities in Kuwait, including those at Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base and Ali Al-Salem Air Base.

Germany is modernizing its ground-based air defense systems, focusing on the acquisition of the Arrow Weapon System and IRIS-T SLM systems to counter threats from Russia. Initial operational capability for the Arrow system is expected by December 2025, enhancing NATO's air defense capabilities. The modernization is part of the European Sky Shield Initiative, aimed at improving collective defense in response to evolving threats.

On July 20, U.S. Central Command completed airstrikes against Iranian military targets, including command centers and missile launch sites, aimed at reducing Iran's capacity to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. has assisted around 900 commercial vessels in this vital waterway since early May, and commercial traffic continues to flow.

Ukraine is urgently requesting additional anti-ballistic missile interceptors to bolster its defense capabilities. This request reflects a broader need among allies for enhanced missile defense systems amid ongoing military challenges. The situation highlights the critical nature of military support for Ukraine's defense efforts.

Chinese Coast Guard vessels are stationed approximately 54 nautical miles east of Taiwan, while a submarine-launched ballistic missile was tested on July 6, 2026, landing in the South Pacific. Taiwan condemned these actions as violations of international law, highlighting concerns over regional stability. The Chinese military's activities are perceived as a strategy to exert psychological pressure on Japan and its allies regarding maritime routes.

Tanaka TakashiTue Jul 21 2026Loading...

A technician from the 76th Group Army successfully developed and tested a small unmanned vehicle in the Gobi Desert for transporting supplies during military training exercises. The vehicle, nicknamed 'mountain wildcat', can navigate rough terrain and assists soldiers in logistics. The project took over two months and involved significant troubleshooting to ensure functionality.

Multiple explosions were reported in Iran's Hormozgan and Sistan-Baluchestan provinces from the evening of July 20 to the early hours of July 21, with at least 14 explosions heard in Chabahar and Konarak. The Iranian Armed Forces activated air defense systems in response, and additional explosions were noted in Shiraz and Isfahan. U.S. Central Command announced new strikes against Iran on July 20.

China developed the J-15 fighter jet, enhancing its naval aviation capabilities, based on the Su-33 prototype acquired from Ukraine in 2001. This acquisition allowed China to fill critical technical gaps in its military aviation. The J-15 transitioned from using Russian systems to domestically produced components, despite facing early technical challenges. The development of the J-15 represents a significant advancement in China's military capabilities.

Russia launched a massive combined strike against Ukraine over the weekend, firing over 40 missiles and 120 drones, primarily targeting Kyiv. Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept 126 targets, but 23 missiles and 10 drones hit various locations, resulting in 16 civilian deaths and 77 injuries. The strikes were part of a larger pattern of Russian missile attacks, with modifications allowing missiles to evade interception.

Portugal signed a bilateral agreement with Italy in Rome on July 20, 2026, for the acquisition of three new-generation frigates as part of the SAFE programme. This agreement aims to modernize the Portuguese Navy and is expected to deliver the ships between 2029 and 2030, involving significant investment and technology transfer.

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) hosted a media briefing on July 20, 2026, to discuss the Odyssey Autonomous Control System, which integrates with various unmanned systems. The system is currently operational in 30 countries, including the US Navy and NATO forces, enhancing capabilities for mine countermeasures and multi-domain operations. HII's Romulus USV family and Remus UUV variants are highlighted for their advanced features and military applications.

Sweden's Air Force ordered three Saab GlobalEye radar planes to complement NATO's acquisition of ten similar aircraft. The order, announced by Maj. Gen. Jonas Wikman in London, is part of Sweden's commitment to enhance its military capabilities and support NATO operations. The new aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2027, while Sweden has already donated older radar planes to Ukraine.

The U.S. is evolving its plans for Air Force One, which was donated by Qatar. Ottawa is expected to join the Global Combat Air Programme as an observer, highlighting international cooperation in defense technology. Additionally, there is a growing competition across the Atlantic to develop drone wingmen for human pilots.

Lockheed Martin unveiled the PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector (ACE) at the Farnborough Airshow, aiming to provide a low-cost air defense solution. Concurrently, MBDA launched the Counter Mass Interceptor, designed to target drones and cruise missiles. Both systems reflect a growing demand for affordable defense solutions in response to evolving threats. The PAC-3 ACE is expected to undergo its first test in early 2028, while MBDA plans a live fire test in 18 months.

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran, including a nuclear power plant, in July 2023. In retaliation, Iran launched drone attacks against U.S. military bases in Kuwait. The conflict has escalated, with both sides increasingly targeting civilian facilities, raising concerns about potential war crimes. The U.S. is repositioning military assets in the region, indicating a possible further escalation of hostilities.

The U.S. Air Force initiated piloted flights and autonomy tests for modified F-16s equipped with AI agents at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, starting in June 2023. The VENOM program aims to enhance AI capabilities in military aviation, with recent sorties confirming the functionality of the technology. The 40th Flight Test Squadron and 96th Test Wing are conducting these tests as part of a collaboration with DARPA.

ASELSAN showcases its integrated UAV payload ecosystem at the Farnborough International Airshow, highlighting advanced radar systems, electro-optical payloads, and electronic warfare capabilities. The exhibit reflects a trend towards operational effectiveness through the integration of various mission systems. ASELSAN's technologies are designed for both current and next-generation UAVs, enhancing capabilities for Türkiye's uncrewed platforms.

Portugal plans to purchase three FREMM EVO frigates from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, with the deal valued at nearly €3.9 billion. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the decision, highlighting its significance for European defense autonomy. The frigates, measuring 144 meters in length, will feature advanced technology, including anti-drone systems.

Russia launched a significant wave of ballistic missile attacks targeting Kyiv over the weekend, prompting Ukraine to stockpile home-built interceptors and successfully shoot down 18 of 41 missiles. In retaliation, Ukraine struck three Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea and logistics facilities, resulting in multiple casualties. Ukrainian President Zelensky called for further assistance from allies to enhance air defense capabilities.

The Marine Corps selected the Bullfrog M240 autonomous weapon system for integration into the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (L-MADIS) in Washington. This system includes two Polaris MRZR vehicles, with one serving as a command unit and the other equipped for electronic warfare. The initial contract value is approximately $6.2 million, as part of a broader request for $1.27 billion for Ground Based Air Defense capabilities in fiscal 2027.