Analysis & Reports

A Chinese research team conducted a simulation demonstrating the detection and potential destruction of the B-21 Raider bomber using advanced technology. The study highlights the challenges China faces in actually killing the bomber, despite improvements in detection capabilities. The B-21 is crucial to U.S. military strategy, designed to penetrate sophisticated air defenses, while China's own H-20 bomber is still under development.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet in Bahrain on July 14, using missiles and drones. The strike successfully targeted fuel depots and destroyed radar and Patriot air defense systems, along with the control center for U.S. unmanned vessels. Iran's retaliation continues.

Ukrainian President Zelensky announced that Ukraine and the United States have reached an agreement on the production license for the Patriot air defense system on October 13. This agreement was confirmed during the 'Alliance of Will' summit, although specific details regarding the license remain unclear. Experts suggest that the establishment of production facilities will take time, thus having limited immediate impact on the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.

On July 13, U.S. Central Command confirmed the deployment of 3 'Pirate' unmanned surface vessels to strike a submarine and ship repair facility at Abbas Port, Iran. This operation marks the first combat use of these vessels, aimed at diminishing Iran's capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military has been testing these vessels for the past two years.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted missile and drone strikes against U.S. military facilities in Bahrain on July 14. The attacks targeted multiple weapon support warehouses and a satellite communication center, indicating a significant escalation in hostilities.

Russian Federal Security Service foiled a Ukrainian attempt to attack military airports in Bryansk Oblast and Amur Region using drones on July 13, 2023. The operation involved 24 FPV drones and mobile ground control stations, which were intercepted before they could be deployed. This incident is reminiscent of a previous operation known as 'Web', where Ukrainian forces successfully attacked Russian strategic airports.

Nine nations formed an anti-ballistic coalition with Ukraine to expedite the production of the Freyja interceptor system, aiming for operational capability within a year. This initiative, announced by President Zelenskyy during a meeting in France, addresses a global shortage of anti-ballistic interceptors amid ongoing conflicts. The coalition includes Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the UK, with Ukraine leading the project and providing the interceptor.

The Kilo-class submarines, integral to the Russian Navy, have faced significant vulnerabilities from modern drone technology, with incidents in 2023 and 2025 resulting in severe damage and sinking. Despite their historical success and ongoing production, these submarines are now at risk from inexpensive drone strikes while still being utilized by various navies worldwide. Russia continues to enhance their capabilities, but the design's limitations are becoming apparent as more advanced alternatives emerge.

The Admiral Nakhimov, a Kirov-Class Battlecruiser, returned to the White Sea for final trials on June 1, 2026, after a 27-year modernization costing around $5 billion. It is equipped with advanced weaponry, including Zircon hypersonic missiles, and will serve as the flagship of the Russian Northern Fleet. However, its operational effectiveness is challenged by difficulties in target acquisition and vulnerabilities highlighted by recent naval conflicts.

Iranian military conducted strikes against U.S. forces in Kuwait using suicide drones and cruise missiles in the early morning of the 14th. The attacks targeted U.S. communication systems, fuel storage, and air defense systems as a response to recent U.S. missile strikes on Iranian military facilities. Iran stated that its defensive actions would be adjusted based on the level of enemy aggression.

Houthi forces launched missiles and drones at Abha International Airport on July 13 in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes on Sana'a International Airport. Saudi air defense successfully intercepted some of the incoming missiles targeting southern regions of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabian air defense intercepted missiles launched by Houthi forces targeting southern Saudi Arabia on July 13. The Houthi forces claimed that Saudi airstrikes had targeted the runway of Sanaa International Airport, which they control. This incident highlights ongoing military tensions in the region.

Reditus Space announced the completion of its ENOS spacecraft in Washington, designed for microgravity research and hypersonic testing. The vehicle can operate in low Earth orbit and re-enter at Mach 29. It will be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, carrying research payloads for commercial customers. The company is currently engaged with various Department of Defense entities regarding its military applications.

On October 13, 2023, U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against multiple Iranian targets, including missile and drone facilities, in response to Iranian threats. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps retaliated by attacking U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, destroying key military infrastructure. The conflict has intensified, undermining a fragile ceasefire and raising tensions over control of the Hormuz Strait.

Russia's Black Sea Fleet has been forced to adapt by fitting counter-drone cages on its Kilo-class submarines in Novorossiysk due to significant losses inflicted by Ukrainian naval drones. Approximately one-third of the fleet has been destroyed or rendered inactive, leading to a retreat from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk. Ukraine's innovative use of low-cost naval drones has changed naval warfare dynamics, prompting global naval powers to reassess their strategies.

U.S. forces employed three Corsair unmanned surface vessels to strike a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base in Iran on Sunday. This marked the first combat use of sea drones by American forces, aimed at degrading Iran's capability to attack commercial shipping. The operation followed President Trump's declaration that a ceasefire with Iran was over, and it is part of a broader offensive by U.S. Central Command against Iranian targets.

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.

NATO announced plans to purchase up to five MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles during its summit in Turkey last week. This acquisition aims to enhance NATO's ISR capabilities, particularly in maritime surveillance. Denmark, Finland, Germany, and Norway will lead the procurement, which is seen as a strategic move to reduce reliance on U.S. surveillance. However, concerns about personnel shortages and the need for additional drone types were also raised.

T3 Defense has acquired a 60% stake in Project35, an Israeli company specializing in the development and manufacturing of drones, aerial interceptors, and counter-uncrewed aerial vehicle systems. This acquisition enhances T3 Defense's capabilities in the defense sector, particularly in drone technology.