Analysis & Reports

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against Iranian military assets near the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran retaliated against U.S. facilities in the region. Commercial traffic through the strait has significantly decreased, indicating a tense maritime environment. Both nations assert control over the strait, leading to an ongoing armed stalemate.

The U.S. Air Force developed the Rusty Dagger cruise missile for Ukraine, completing the program in under 16 months. A live-fire demonstration occurred at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, on January 21, 2026. The missile is designed to be affordable and mass-producible, with a range exceeding 930 kilometers, aimed at enhancing Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities against Russia. Ukraine is authorized to purchase thousands of these missiles.

U.S. Central Command employed three Corsair unmanned surface vessels to strike a submarine and ship maintenance facility at the Bandar Abbas naval base in Iran. This operation marks the first combat use of sea drones by U.S. forces, aimed at degrading Iran's military capabilities and protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes occurred following the revocation of a license allowing Iran to sell oil.

Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz in February 2023, leading to increased oil prices. The U.S. maintains that the Strait is open and has reinstated a blockade against Iran. Recent attacks on ships have heightened tensions, causing gas prices in the U.S. to rise again after a period of decline. Negotiations continue in Oman amid this escalating situation.

Ukrainian drone strikes targeted Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov, resulting in the closure of the maritime corridor by Russia. Over a recent eight-day period, Ukraine reportedly struck 105 vessels, including 10 tankers and 4 ferries. The attacks have raised concerns in Russia regarding their naval defense capabilities and have impacted logistics in occupied Crimea.

U.S. Central Command launched one-way attack sea drones in combat for the first time, successfully striking Iranian targets, including a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base. This operation involved three Corsair unmanned surface vessels and marked a significant escalation in U.S. military engagement in the region, following hundreds of attacks against Iranian targets over the past week. The strikes aimed to degrade Iran's capability to threaten commercial shipping.

U.S. Central Command launched three Corsair unmanned surface vessels in a strike against Iranian targets, marking the first combat use of one-way attack sea drones. The operation targeted a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base and involved over 300 strikes across southern Iran, including Qeshm Island. This action was a response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Arabia conducted multiple airstrikes on Sana'a International Airport on July 13, targeting the facility controlled by Houthi forces. An Iranian passenger plane carrying Houthi representatives was en route to the airport during the strikes. Houthi forces also seized a Red Cross aircraft at the airport, preventing its departure and taking the crew hostage.

Rocket Lab and True Anomaly are conducting rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) with their Jackal and Puma spacecraft in Washington over the next six months. This initiative, part of the Space Force's Victus Haze demonstration, aims to enhance space domain awareness and operational tactics against on-orbit threats. The missions involve both companies taking turns as chaser and chased, with a focus on surveillance and potential combat scenarios.

U.S. Central Command conducted a combat strike using three Corsair unmanned surface vessels against a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base over the recent weekend. This operation marks the first combat use of American sea drones, aimed at degrading Iran's capability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking to develop a next-generation infrared search and track system for its F-15 fleet, as indicated by a sources-sought notice published on June 26, 2023, in Dayton. This initiative comes as the planned F-15EX fleet expands to 267 aircraft, highlighting the need for advanced detection capabilities to counter stealth fighters. The current IRST systems have limitations that the new system aims to overcome, reflecting a significant shift in military technology strategy.

American Rheinmetall Munitions has developed the HAMMR, a new rifle designed to engage hidden enemies and small drones. This weapon is part of the U.S. Army's Precision Grenadier System program and features a new 40mm medium-velocity cartridge. The HAMMR allows soldiers to effectively target enemies behind cover and is compatible with existing ammunition. Competing designs from other manufacturers are also in development.

Ukrainian drone strikes recently killed three and wounded five in Pionersky, Moscow region. The strikes also caused a fire in Stavropol and temporarily disrupted operations at Moscow airports. Ukrainian drones flew 1,500 miles to hit an oil refinery in Omsk, marking the longest-range strike of the war. These actions are testing Russian air defenses and have led to significant operational disruptions.

On July 5-7, 2026, JNIM and FLA insurgents launched coordinated attacks on multiple Malian military installations from Gao to Sévaré, with significant fighting reported near Anefis. Malian forces, supported by Russian paramilitaries from Africa Corps, faced ambushes and logistical challenges, leading to losses in reinforcements. The alliance between JNIM and FLA poses a new threat to the Malian military, complicating their operational capabilities in the region.

Marie DuboisMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

The Tangshan Maritime Safety Administration announced live ammunition shooting activities in the Bohai Sea from July 14 at 00:00 to July 17 at 24:00. Vessels are prohibited from entering the designated areas during this period.

The U.S. launched airstrikes against Iranian military targets in response to Iranian attacks on U.S. allies and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM reported hitting dozens of targets, including air-defense systems and missile capabilities. Iran claimed responsibility for attacks on U.S. military targets in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, while CENTCOM denied any U.S. casualties. The situation reflects a significant escalation in hostilities following a recent ceasefire agreement.

Ukraine launched a large-scale drone strike against over ten Russian military targets on July 13, including an airbase in Crimea and oil storage facilities. In retaliation, Russian forces struck Ukrainian infrastructure in Chernomorsk, destroying facilities used for military supplies. Both sides utilized drones and precision weapons in their operations.

Ukrainian forces conducted strikes on 22 Russian oil refineries and related infrastructure from January to June 2026, impacting fuel logistics. The strikes targeted facilities in Tver, Stavropol Krai, Ufa, Rostov Oblast, Yaroslavl, Ust-Luga, and Omsk. As a result, fuel shortages have emerged in 78 of 83 Russian regions, complicating military supply chains and operations.

Dmitri VolkovMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

Auterion has partnered with Skyfall to supply 50,000 FPV drones to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with deliveries starting this week. The drones, equipped with autonomy software, are designed to strike moving targets and are part of a contract valued at $100 million. The order, more than double previous deployments, was awarded by an undisclosed European NATO nation, believed to be Germany. The Shrike drones have already proven effective in combat against Russian military assets.

Auterion has partnered with Skyfall to supply 50,000 FPV drones to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with deliveries starting this week. The drones, equipped with autonomy software, are designed to strike moving targets and have been used effectively in combat. The contract is believed to be funded by Germany, and the total order exceeds previous deployments to Ukraine.