Analysis & Reports

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.

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...

Rheinmetall is delivering artillery ammunition to Ukraine from Unterlüß for the first time, comprising a low five-figure number of projectiles and propellant charges. More than half of the order has already been delivered, with the remainder expected by the end of 2026. The RH1412 projectiles, compatible with various 155 mm weapon systems, represent Rheinmetall's latest artillery product, underscoring their expertise in this field.

Neros Technologies secured a $500 million contract with the U.S. Army to supply first-person-view attack drones, scaling production to 2,000 units per day by December 2025. The company, based in El Segundo, California, has previously supplied 6,000 drones to Ukraine and is now a key player in the Army's drone procurement strategy. This contract reflects a broader shift in U.S. military strategy towards low-cost, expendable drone systems.

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.

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.

Bahrain activated its air defense alarms as Kuwait intercepted hostile drones on July 15. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, resulting in the destruction of multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones and weapon storage facilities.

The U.S. Navy is exploring the development of next-generation carrier-based drones to fulfill various missions, including strikes and ISR. A Request for Information was issued on July 14, with responses due by August 13. The Navy aims for these drones to have a range of at least 1,000 nautical miles and advanced autonomous capabilities, as part of its Air Wing of the Future initiative.

The battleship Richelieu engaged in naval operations from 1940 to 1945, including firing at Royal Navy battleships during Operation Menace in Dakar. After sustaining damage, she was rebuilt in Brooklyn and later joined the British Home Fleet, participating in operations against Japanese forces. Richelieu ultimately finished the war escorting the same fleet that had previously attacked her.

The U.S. Navy converted three Zumwalt-class destroyers to carry hypersonic missiles, following the failure of their original Advanced Gun Systems. This decision was made after significant investment, totaling approximately $27 billion, and reflects ongoing challenges in naval warfare capabilities. The Zumwalt-class, now equipped with a limited number of hypersonic missiles, faces operational limitations compared to older vessels with greater missile capacity.

The U.S. Navy abandoned the Constellation-class frigate program after significant redesigns and cost overruns. Initially planned for 20 ships, only 2 were completed due to complications arising from ongoing design changes and increased weight. The program's failure is attributed to the Pentagon's procurement bureaucracy, which led to inflated costs and a loss of tactical utility.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched coordinated missile and drone attacks on U.S. military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait hours ago. The strikes destroyed multiple ammunition depots and components warehouses at the Sheikh Isa base in Bahrain and targeted the launch platform for MQ-9 drones at the Ali Salem base in Kuwait.

The U.S. Army's Mesquite ammunition factory in Texas has failed to produce any 155 mm artillery shells since its commissioning in 2024, despite a $469 million investment. The facility was expected to manufacture 30,000 shells monthly by October 2025, but production has been halted due to issues with adapting older machinery. Army officials expressed dissatisfaction with the factory's performance, leading to a complete work stoppage ordered in August 2025.

The Space Development Agency awarded contracts totaling $1.75 billion to L3Harris Technologies and Sierra Space for the development of 36 missile defense satellites. These satellites are intended to enhance the Pentagon's Golden Dome missile shield and are scheduled for launch in 2028. L3Harris will develop 18 missile defense variant satellites, while Sierra Space will provide 18 missile warning and tracking satellites, contributing to the overall missile defense capabilities of the U.S. military.

The U.S. Army has fallen short of its goal to produce 100,000 155mm ammunition rounds per month, achieving only 36,000 by March 2024. A facility in Mesquite, Texas, has not produced any usable components since its opening, contributing to the shortfall. The Army plans to reduce production lines and shift some production to other sources, while reviewing the contract with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems for the facility.

China's aerial refueling capabilities are inadequate to support the operational range of the H-20 stealth bomber, which requires a robust tanker fleet for intercontinental missions. Currently, China has about 35 tankers, while the US maintains over 500. The YY-20A tanker, although modern, is scarce, and the absence of flying-boom tankers limits the H-20's operational effectiveness. Without significant improvements in its refueling capabilities, the H-20 will remain a regional strike aircraft rather than an intercontinental bomber.

China's aerial refueling capabilities, with approximately 35 aircraft, are inadequate to support the operational range of the H-20 stealth bomber. The U.S. maintains a fleet of over 500 tankers, highlighting a significant logistical gap. The YY-20A tanker, while modern, is scarce, and the absence of flying-boom tankers limits the H-20's intercontinental mission capabilities. Without a robust refueling system, the H-20 remains a regional strike aircraft rather than an intercontinental bomber.

The Russian Navy decommissioned the Lada-class submarine Sankt Petersburg in 2023 due to persistent failures and high costs associated with its development. The Lada-class was intended to enhance Russia's undersea warfare capabilities but has been plagued by issues since its inception. Efforts to export the submarines have also failed, with no interest from potential buyers.