Analysis & Reports

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) resumed missile and drone attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting U.S. airstrikes against Iranian coastal targets. The U.S. Navy reinstated a blockade to protect maritime traffic, while discussions of potential ground operations against Iran are ongoing. The situation reflects the complexities of U.S. military strategy in the region and the implications of possible withdrawal.

U.S. military artillery struck Hengam Island on July 15, according to Iranian media reports. The attack involved artillery fire targeting the island, indicating active military engagement in the region.

A bill is set to be introduced to provide compensation to veterans involved in nuclear cleanup operations at Enewetak Atoll, Palomares, and Thule. The legislation aims to expand eligibility under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, addressing the health issues faced by these veterans. Less than 6,000 veterans are estimated to have participated in these operations, with many suffering from chronic diseases due to radiation exposure.

China conducted coast guard patrols in the Pacific Ocean east of Taiwan in June 2023 and test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile from the South China Sea in July 2023. These actions are part of China's strategy to deter rivals and assert territorial claims, with the coast guard's presence indicating a long-term military posture. The missile test, which drew international protests, showcased China's nuclear capabilities and aimed to warn regional powers against military buildup.

The US Air Force's YFQ-44A drone successfully fired an AMRAAM missile during a recent test over the Mojave Desert. This marks the first time a wingman drone has fired a live munition, demonstrating advanced capabilities in autonomous operations. The test was conducted from Edwards Air Force Base, with plans for a similar test involving the YFQ-42A drone in the fall.

On April 7, 1945, the Imperial Japanese Navy's battleship Yamato was sunk by nearly 400 American aircraft during a one-way mission to Okinawa. The engagement resulted in the loss of approximately 3,055 crew members, with only about 270 survivors. Yamato, the largest battleship ever built, did not fire a single shot at enemy vessels before her sinking.

Twenty-five U.S. senators demanded the Pentagon release findings from an investigation into a deadly airstrike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, Iran, on February 28, 2026. The strike reportedly killed around 120 children and raised concerns about outdated intelligence. The senators set a deadline of July 20 for the Pentagon to provide a complete report and a plan to prevent future civilian casualties.

U.S. Central Command launched airstrikes against Iranian coastal defense systems and cruise missile sites on Greater Tunb Island on Wednesday. The strikes aimed to degrade Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have targeted U.S. military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, while threatening to cut off regional energy exports. The conflict has escalated significantly since Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. military resumed its maritime blockade against Iran on July 14, 2023, deploying over 20 naval vessels and hundreds of aircraft in the region. In response, Iran claimed to have struck U.S. military facilities in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. U.S. airstrikes targeted Iranian military assets, while Iran reported civilian casualties and retaliated with drone attacks on U.S. bases.

U.S. Central Command forced two merchant ships to change course while attempting to breach a maritime blockade at an Iranian port. This operation was initiated 17 hours prior to the statement released on July 15.

Al-Shabaab lost 46 militants in a series of operations across Somalia from July 11 to 13, 2023. Somali forces killed 26 militants in Middle Shabelle, 7 in Lower Shabelle, and 11 near Mandera. The operations indicate ongoing military pressure on Al-Shabaab, which continues to pose a regional threat despite these losses.

Marie DuboisWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

Boko Haram and ISWAP are employing artificial intelligence in 2026 to enhance their tactical capabilities in Maiduguri, Borno, Nigeria. They are using AI tools for training in operational tactics, including improving explosive devices and motorcycle maneuvers. This shift indicates a significant evolution in their military operations, with ISWAP demonstrating superior organizational discipline in integrating these technologies.

Marie DuboisWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

In the 1950s, the U.S. Navy modified three Iowa-class battleships to carry nuclear artillery shells, each with a yield comparable to the Hiroshima bomb. Historical accounts suggest these battleships may have gone to sea with the shells, although the Navy has never confirmed this. The nuclear shells were withdrawn from service in 1962, and the battleships were later reactivated in the 1980s with nuclear-capable Tomahawk missiles.

Ukrainian naval drones targeted 136 Russian vessels between July 6 and 15, 2026, disrupting logistics in the Azov and Black Seas. This operation included attacks on oil tankers and gas carriers, indicating a shift in Ukrainian tactics to undermine Russian supply lines. In response, Russia is contemplating changes to its cargo routes due to the increased frequency of these attacks.

Dmitri VolkovWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

Elbit Systems revealed plans to convert commercial ships into floating drone bases capable of operating 9 to 12 Hermes 650 Spark drones, aimed at enhancing surveillance over gas fields in the Eastern Mediterranean. This concept, announced on July 15, 2026, is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to traditional aircraft carriers, reflecting a shift in military strategy towards utilizing existing commercial vessels for defense purposes.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy requested the development of a carrier-based unmanned aircraft with a 1,000 nautical mile combat radius to enhance operational capabilities in the Western Pacific. This aircraft is intended for various missions, including surface strike and electronic warfare, and aims to address the limitations of current carrier air wing capabilities. Responses from industry are due by August 13, 2026.

Marcus ChenWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

Elbit Systems announced a new maritime concept involving the conversion of commercial vessels into platforms for Hermes 650 Spark unmanned aircraft. This system aims to enhance naval capabilities by providing extended reach and reducing manpower needs. The concept is particularly relevant for Israel's offshore gas platforms, which require monitoring against various threats. No timeline for operational deployment was provided.

Ukrainian FPV drone operators from the Rarog unit struck a Russian Mi-28 attack helicopter near Vyazovoye at around 10:00, hitting the tail boom and causing it to crash. This incident highlights the growing effectiveness of drones against traditional air assets, raising concerns for NATO about the vulnerability of helicopters in combat. The Mi-28, valued at millions, was taken down by a relatively inexpensive drone, indicating a significant shift in battlefield dynamics.

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China Coast Guard Ship 95110 conducted an emergency rescue operation for a fisherman who fell ill on the fishing vessel Qiongdangyu 13366 in the southeastern waters of Sanya on July 14, 2023. The ship arrived at the scene at 21:10, diagnosed the fisherman with suspected gastrointestinal perforation, and transported him to a hospital where he is now stable.

On July 13, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) reported the destruction of two CH-95 combat drones used by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. One drone was shot down in flight by a missile from a Bayraktar Akinci, while the other was destroyed on the ground. This incident highlights a significant evolution in drone warfare in the region, with implications for both tactical and operational strategies.

Marie DuboisWed Jul 15 2026Loading...