Analysis & Reports

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.

The U.S. Navy is developing a new system that enables Virginia-class submarines to launch and recover autonomous Iver4 900 drones through torpedo tubes. This capability, awarded to L3Harris in March 2023, enhances the Navy's operational reach and efficiency in undersea warfare. The system has been validated for various missions, including reconnaissance and mine detection, and represents a significant advancement in submarine warfare technology.

The Pentagon's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 released a handbook in December 2023 detailing counter-drone strategies, asserting that drones are not a 'silver bullet' in warfare. The guide emphasizes the need for a foundational understanding of drone threats and outlines various countermeasures based on recent military experiences, including operations in Ukraine. It highlights the ongoing challenges posed by drones and the importance of adapting military tactics to address these threats effectively.

Taiwan's Marine Corps mobilized dozens of vehicles from southern Taiwan to Taipei as part of a five-day joint defense exercise from July 13 to 17. The exercise focused on rapid reinforcement of key political and economic centers, testing decentralized command and operational readiness. Concurrently, China's Fujian aircraft carrier transited the Taiwan Strait, influencing Taiwan's defense strategy.

Marcus ChenMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

Explosion sounds were reported near Abbas Port and Qeshm Island on July 13. The explosions occurred at noon and were located away from the urban area of Abbas Port, suggesting potential military activity in the region. There is a possibility of conflict in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.

Ukraine's military conducted a mass simultaneous strike using at least ten modified light aircraft to target an underground logistics hub in Armyansk, Crimea. The aircraft, converted from ultralight models, were equipped with Soviet-designed high-explosive bombs. This operation represents a significant evolution in Ukraine's military capabilities, showcasing their ability to utilize civilian technology for military purposes.

Ukrainian forces conducted the world's first combat mission using a naval drone to deliver an armed ground robot to Russian-occupied Kinburn Spit on July 13. The operation involved the 123rd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade, which utilized an unmanned surface vessel to transport the Rys ground robot, equipped with a PKT machine gun, to carry out combat tasks behind enemy lines. This innovative tactic aims to minimize risks associated with conventional landings in heavily surveilled areas.

U.S. Central Command employed one-way attack sea drones against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, marking a significant shift in military operations. The strikes targeted Iranian air-defense systems and coastal radar sites to reduce threats to civilian shipping. This operation is part of a broader campaign following increased Iranian attacks on commercial vessels since July 7.

Alexandra ReevesMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington installed new counter-drone systems from Anduril Industries in 2025. The systems, including Anvil, Pulsar, and SpyGlass, enhance the base's defense against small drones. This installation is part of a broader initiative by Joint Interagency Task Force 401 to improve drone defense capabilities across U.S. military installations, addressing the increasing threat posed by small drones.

China and Russia conducted joint naval exercises near Qingdao, concluding on July 11, 2026. This marked the first instance of both nations' submarines operating together at sea, enhancing their collaborative military capabilities. The exercises focused on addressing maritime security threats and included real-time data sharing and joint command structures.

The U.S. military attacked local military facilities in Isfahan, Iran, in the early morning of the 13th, resulting in 1 death and 7 injuries.

On March 2, a Kuwaiti F/A-18 mistakenly shot down three U.S. F-15E aircraft. In March, over 100 Iranian naval vessels were destroyed while docked, and five U.S. tactical aircraft were lost in operations against Iran. Additionally, Israeli armored vehicles faced significant losses from drone attacks in Lebanon. The U.S. aircraft carrier also experienced a fire lasting over 30 hours.

U.S. Marines with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion conducted training on the Multi-Mission Reconnaissance Craft Bravo (Whiskey Bravo) at Naha Military Port, Okinawa, on June 5, 2024. The training focused on familiarization with the vessel's operations, including launching and recovery, and involved both classroom instruction and practical drills. This new capability is intended to enhance reconnaissance operations across the Western Pacific.

On July 9, 2026, Russia announced plans to strengthen military cooperation with the Sahel Alliance (AES) amid ongoing jihadist attacks in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. This cooperation aims to enhance military capabilities, including the provision of drones and electronic warfare systems. The AES faces challenges in maintaining security and effective military operations against insurgent threats in the region.

Marie DuboisMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

U.S. Central Command struck dozens of Iranian military targets using one-way attack sea drones for the first time on Sunday. The operation aimed to degrade Iran's military capabilities threatening commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched strikes against U.S. military installations across the Gulf. Financial markets reacted to the escalation, with oil prices rising sharply.

The Hydis project has finalized a concept for a hypersonic interceptor based on a solid-propellant rocket motor in Paris. The European Defence Fund is set to allocate €100 million for this interceptor as part of its 2026 work program. The project aims to counter hypersonic threats, including glide vehicles and cruise missiles, with the final concept review recently validated by the steering committee.

Dassault Aviation and Harmattan AI successfully executed a collaborative flight on July 13, 2026, demonstrating the NAMIB electronic warfare payload aboard a Rafale F4. The payload detected and geolocated a radar target several dozen kilometers away, allowing the Rafale to simulate a strike. This achievement highlights advancements in electronic warfare capabilities and the integration of autonomous systems in modern air combat.

Ukrainian forces targeted 14 vessels in the Kerch Strait overnight, including 10 tankers and 4 ferries, disrupting Russian military logistics. This operation reflects a strategic effort to undermine the supply routes critical for Russian operations in the region. The attacks are part of a broader campaign against the Russian shadow fleet, which is essential for transporting oil and fuel.

Dmitri VolkovMon Jul 13 2026Loading...