Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy issued a Sources Sought notice on July 14, 2023, seeking proposals for unmanned fighters capable of operating from aircraft carriers and striking targets 1,000 nautical miles away. This initiative is part of the Navy's modernization efforts, including the MQ-25A Stingray and the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. Companies have until August 13, 2023, to submit their designs and manufacturing plans.

U.S. airstrikes in Iran from July 7 to 15 resulted in over 300 casualties, including more than 30 civilian deaths and 260 injuries. The Iranian Army reported 7 military personnel killed in a missile strike on a camp in Sistan and Baluchestan Province. These actions were part of a U.S. response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. military conducted airstrikes on July 15 in three locations within the port city of Bushehr, Iran. The strikes were confirmed by the mayor of Bushehr, although details regarding damage and casualties remain undisclosed. This area is significant as it houses Iran's only operational nuclear power plant.

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15 fighter jet made an emergency landing at Komatsu on July 14, 2023, due to an oil pressure system failure. On the same day, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 also made an emergency landing in Okinawa. Both incidents involved the use of arrestor wires during landing to assist with braking. No injuries were reported in either case.

Ukrainian drone operators from the Rarog unit struck a Russian Mi-28 helicopter with a FPV drone near Vyazovoye in Belgorod region around 10:00, causing it to crash. The strike targeted the helicopter's tail boom, demonstrating the effectiveness of drone warfare against heavily armored aircraft. This incident reflects a continuing trend of successful drone strikes on Russian Mi-28s by Ukrainian forces.

The Russian Army has recruited about 195,000 contract soldiers by July 2026, falling short of its target of 409,000. Recruitment rates have decreased, leading to concerns over personnel quality and increasing combat losses, particularly in Donetsk Oblast, where Russian forces face significant casualties. The military's reliance on less qualified recruits and foreign labor indicates a shift towards coercive recruitment methods.

Dmitri VolkovWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

The Chinese Navy is expanding its recruitment and training for carrier-based pilots and support personnel as of July 13. This initiative is part of a strategic shift to enhance the operational capabilities of its aircraft carriers, particularly the Fujian, which will utilize advanced technologies. The focus is on creating a stable pipeline of trained personnel to support long-term naval operations.

Li MinghuiWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

Rheinmetall delivered an autonomous logistics training program to British Army personnel in Aldershot, England, culminating in the first UK HX autonomous convoy operated by British soldiers. The training, conducted over two weeks, prepared personnel from 8 Squadron, 27 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps for Project Convergence Capstone 6. The program utilized the HX2 development vehicle White Pony and the PATH Autonomous Kit, enhancing operational effectiveness and soldier skills in managing autonomous logistics convoys.

Ukrainian forces struck 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea on July 15, 2023, using drone systems. The operation targeted 17 tankers, 2 liquefied gas transport ships, and 1 tugboat, marking a shift in operations from the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea. This action was confirmed by the Ukrainian military's social media announcement.

Six F-39E Gripen aircraft from the Brazilian Air Force participated in the SALITRE 2026 exercise at Cerro Moreno Air Base in Antofagasta, Chile. The exercise involved over 1,500 military personnel and aircraft from five other countries, focusing on air defence, escort, and patrol missions. The Gripen fighters executed various air operations, employing advanced electronic warfare systems and tactical capabilities.

Germany's Luftwaffe conducted the first flight of its new Eurofighter Typhoon in Bavaria this week, marking a significant milestone in Project Quadriga. This program aims to modernize the air force with 38 new Tranche 4 jets, which will replace older models and enhance Germany's defense capabilities. The aircraft features advanced radar technology and will eventually be equipped with long-range missiles, contributing to European defense sovereignty efforts.

GABLER and FLANQ successfully completed the Sea Acceptance Test for the Ranger, an autonomous torpedo-tube-launched vessel, in Lübeck and Rostock, Germany, on July 14th, 2026. The Ranger is designed for covert intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions and can be launched from a standard submarine torpedo tube. This milestone marks significant progress in the development of new operational capabilities for naval defense.

On July 14, 2026, three unmanned Corsair boats from the U.S. Navy attacked a maintenance facility for submarines and ships in Bandar Abbas, marking a significant escalation in military operations in the region. This attack coincided with the initiation of a U.S. maritime blockade on Iranian ports, highlighting the evolving nature of naval engagements and the use of unmanned systems in combat.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

Over 30 civilians were killed in recent U.S. attacks in Southern Iran, according to reports from Iranian media. The incident highlights the ongoing military actions in the region and their impact on civilian populations.

President Trump convened a meeting at the White House on October 14, 2023, to discuss a large-scale military strike plan against Iran. The proposed operation aims to be more extensive than current actions in the Strait of Hormuz. Key officials, including Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Rubio, participated in the discussions, which included the potential deployment of ground troops if Iran does not return to negotiations.

The 82nd Group Army of the Central Theater Command conducted live-fire tactical shooting exercises at an unfamiliar training ground. The exercises focused on the integration of firepower and squad coordination, testing the capabilities of armored infantry squads. Various weapons were employed to enhance combat readiness and response capabilities during the drills.

Rheinmetall delivered an autonomous logistics training program to British Army personnel in Aldershot, UK, culminating in the operation of the first UK HX autonomous convoy. The training, conducted over two weeks, prepared soldiers from 8 Squadron, 27 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps for Project Convergence Capstone 6, focusing on enhancing operational effectiveness through autonomous systems. The program utilized the HX2 development vehicle White Pony equipped with Rheinmetall’s PATH Autonomous Kit.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is set to participate in RIMPAC 2026 and Sea Breeze 2026 exercises in July 2026, focusing on operations in both the Pacific and Black Sea. These exercises highlight Japan's adaptation to complex maritime threats, including the integration of unmanned systems and mine warfare. However, the increased training commitments may strain domestic readiness and personnel resources.

Tanaka TakashiWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

Iranian military conducted drone strikes on U.S. military facilities in Azraq, Jordan, on July 15, damaging F-18 fighter jets and equipment. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed retaliation against U.S. airstrikes on Iranian coastal areas, targeting military readiness and support centers in Kuwait.

A Marine Corps unit conducted formation flight training in collaboration with the Eastern Theater Command in China, focusing on low-altitude penetration and tactical maneuvers. The training involved multiple aircraft and support vehicles, with operations extending into the night to improve all-weather combat capabilities. Pilots practiced emergency response drills during the exercises.