Analysis & Reports

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.

Bridgepoint Group announced its investment in UMag Solutions, a Danish defense technology firm, on 13 July 2026. This partnership aims to enhance UMag's capabilities in drone-based subsurface threat detection, supporting its growth and international expansion. UMag's technology is critical for identifying landmines and naval threats, positioning it as a leader in defense technology.

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.

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.

Kongsberg reported a 31% revenue increase to NOK 10,389 million and a nearly 50% rise in operating profit to NOK 1,669 million in the second quarter of 2023. The company secured multiple contracts for its Joint Strike Missile and NASAMS air defense system, with Canada selecting the missile for its F-35A fleet. Kongsberg also expanded its focus on subsea infrastructure protection, reflecting growing interest in defense procurement.

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.

China showcased the DF-17 hypersonic glide missile and conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test in July 2026, with the missile landing near Nauru and Tuvalu. This demonstration highlights the PLA's focus on advanced missile capabilities and strategic deterrence in the Pacific. Concurrently, the U.S. military is enhancing its mid-range interception systems in response to these developments.

Li MinghuiMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

Iranian military conducted a drone strike on the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain on March 11, 2023, at 3:40 AM local time. The strike targeted communication antennas and radar facilities of the Patriot missile defense system, following a U.S. attack on Iran's southern region. Satellite images released by Iran show damage to a warehouse at the headquarters.

Echodyne opened a new advanced radar manufacturing facility in Washington State on July 10, 2026, capable of producing over 30,000 radars annually. This $40 million investment aims to meet the growing demand for radar systems in defense applications, creating over 100 new jobs. The facility will support the production of MESA® radar technology, which is crucial for counter-UAS and other military operations.

MAURIC partnered with Couach to deliver 24 coastal surveillance patrol vessels for the Maritime Gendarmerie, with the contract awarded on 29 June 2026. The first unit is expected in 2029, and five vessels will be deployed overseas in French Guiana, Mayotte, and New Caledonia. These vessels will support maritime policing and environmental protection missions.

Rheinmetall is supplying the Kuwaiti Naval Forces with Multi Ammunition Softkill Systems (MASS) and Omnitrap ammunition for the first time. Eight vessels will be equipped with these systems, with delivery scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026 and conclude in the second quarter of 2029. This procurement is part of Kuwait's largest shipbuilding program in over 15 years, enhancing the capabilities of Al Dorra-class guided-missile boats.

Iranian forces intercepted a hostile drone at Abbas Port and attacked U.S. military bases in Kuwait, destroying multiple assets. Jordanian forces intercepted four Iranian missiles entering their airspace. In response to U.S. strikes, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted U.S. facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, while U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes on Iranian positions.

Jordanian air defense intercepted and shot down 4 Iranian missiles entering its airspace on July 13, 2026. The incident occurred without injuries or damage, emphasizing Jordan's defensive capabilities amid regional tensions. Iranian sources claimed the missiles were aimed at US facilities in Jordan, indicating the broader implications of the conflict in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

IDV presented its new third generation engines for armored vehicles at Eurosatory 2026 in Bolzano, Italy. The V12 engine is designed to deliver up to 1,800 hp, while the V8 engine offers 1,100 hp. IDV aims to equip the Italian Army's future heavy armor with these engines, which are primarily manufactured in Italy. The engines are currently in the Alpha development phase, with testing scheduled to commence shortly.

Iran launched a precision missile strike on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on the 13th, targeting equipment maintenance facilities. This action was a response to earlier U.S. military operations against Iran. The strike was confirmed by satellite imagery and statements from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Patria Group reported a 45% increase in net sales to EUR 610.4 million and a 142% rise in operating profit to EUR 71.2 million in the first half of 2026. The company secured EUR 553.4 million in new orders, primarily in the Defence and Weapon Systems sector, and signed several agreements for armoured vehicle cooperation with Finland, Sweden, and Lithuania. The FAMOUS 3 consortium also received additional EU funding to enhance future armoured vehicle capabilities.