Analysis & Reports

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted missile and drone strikes on July 12 against multiple large missile and fuel depots at the U.S. Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan. This action was in retaliation for U.S. military operations targeting Iranian forces. The IRGC stated that their retaliatory actions are still ongoing.

On July 12, 2023, U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz, marking the fourth strike within a week. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps reported multiple explosions in the region and claimed to have targeted U.S. military bases in response. Tensions escalated as both nations disputed the navigability of the Strait of Hormuz, with the U.S. asserting it remains open for legitimate passage.

U.S. forces launched airstrikes against Iranian targets on Sunday night, July 12, 2026, following a week of renewed fighting. The strikes aimed to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Iran targeted U.S. bases in Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the UAE with drones and missiles. U.S. Central Command reported that over 300 targets have been hit in recent operations.

The U.S. Army published an assessment of China's Type 100 tank, highlighting its strengths and vulnerabilities, while concurrently developing the M1E3 Abrams, which shares similar features. The Type 100, operational in Beijing, is noted for its hybrid-electric drive and unmanned turret but faces challenges in battery endurance and repairability. The U.S. Army's findings serve as both an evaluation of the Chinese tank and a guide for its own tank development.

The U.S. military launched a new round of airstrikes against Iran on July 12, 2023, targeting approximately 140 military sites, including missile and drone launch facilities. This marks the fourth strike within the week, following previous attacks in response to Iranian assaults on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Iran announced strikes against U.S. positions in the Middle East, with explosions reported in Abbas Port and Sirik.

The U.S. Army and Navy conducted nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll on July 1 and July 25, 1946, as part of Operation Crossroads. The first test, 'Able', resulted in the sinking of five ships, while the second test, 'Baker', sank ten ships. Over 42,000 personnel were involved, and the tests caused significant contamination of the area, leading to the relocation of the local population.

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on over 100 targets in Iran, targeting missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, and communication networks. In retaliation, Iran launched drones and missiles at U.S. bases in Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the UAE. This escalation follows a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with tensions rising amid a ceasefire agreement.

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on more than 100 targets in Iran on Saturday evening, targeting missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, and communication networks. In retaliation, Iran launched drones and missiles at U.S. bases in Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. This escalation follows a series of attacks and is part of ongoing military operations between the two nations.

Germany is developing a high-energy laser weapon system for the Navy, aiming for operational capability by 2029. The system has been tested at sea, demonstrating effectiveness against various targets. This initiative is part of NATO's strategy to address the challenge posed by inexpensive drones and small attack craft, emphasizing domestic production and supply chains.

Alexandra ReevesSun Jul 12 2026Loading...

Japan is loosening its arms export restrictions, allowing the Type 10 main battle tank to potentially be sold abroad for the first time. The Type 10, designed for Japan's infrastructure, weighs approximately 44 tons and features advanced networking capabilities and a 120mm autoloaded gun. With a total inventory of around 130 tanks, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has kept this advanced design largely hidden from global awareness due to strict export laws.

Peru signed a $1.5 billion deal for 12 new F-16 Fighting Falcons, choosing the aircraft over competitors like the Rafale and Gripen. The F-16, with over 4,600 units built and 3,100 still operational, has a production backlog of 110 jets and potential sales of 300 more. This highlights the ongoing demand for the F-16, which remains a key player in global air power.

In 2026, the top five tanks not made in the USA were ranked, including the Leclerc XLR from France, Challenger 3 from the UK, Merkava Mk 4 Barak from Israel, K2 Black Panther from South Korea, and Leopard 2A8 from Germany. Each tank was evaluated based on firepower, protection, mobility, and other factors, showcasing their unique advantages over the American M1 Abrams. The report emphasizes the importance of survivability, availability, and integration in modern tank design.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile strikes against U.S. military targets in the Middle East on July 12, following earlier U.S. attacks. The U.S. Central Command confirmed this was the third round of strikes against Iran within the week. In response, multiple countries in the region activated their air defense systems.

The USS Iowa fired its 16-inch/50 Mark 7 guns during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, marking the last use of these weapons in combat. The Iowa-class battleships, equipped with nine of these guns, were renowned for their accuracy and armor penetration capabilities, rivaling even the larger Japanese 18.1-inch guns. The design and fire control systems contributed to their effectiveness over decades, demonstrating the superiority of American naval artillery.

Iran launched missiles and suicide drones at U.S. military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Qatar on July 12, 2026, following U.S. strikes in Iran. The attacks targeted Al Udeid Air Base and aimed to showcase Iran's military capabilities. This escalation highlights the challenges of integrating air defense systems among Gulf states and the potential for increased military tensions in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Jul 12 2026Loading...

China conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test from the South China Sea on July 6, 2026, reaching the South Pacific. The missile, likely a JL-2 or JL-3, demonstrated a range of 7,300 kilometers, signaling an advancement in China's sea-based nuclear capabilities. The launch coincided with significant military activities in the region, including a China-Russia naval exercise and U.S.-led RIMPAC operations, raising concerns about regional stability and deterrence.

Marcus ChenSun Jul 12 2026Loading...

Russia has armed four of its naval vessels with the Pereyed-M electronic warfare system to counter Ukrainian drone attacks. This system, which includes the Repeynik radar unit, enhances the vessels' capabilities against small unmanned aircraft. The deployment reflects a strategic shift in response to Ukraine's extended strike campaign against Russian naval assets, particularly in light of recent successful drone strikes on Russian ships.

Ukraine is set to manufacture Patriot missiles under a U.S. license, announced during the NATO summit in Ankara on July 8, 2023. However, the production timeline means immediate air defense needs will not be met, as Russian ballistic missiles continue to pose a threat. The Freya anti-ballistic system is also being developed as a more affordable alternative to the Patriot system. NATO has committed substantial military support to Ukraine through 2026, highlighting the urgency of enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

Alexandra ReevesSun Jul 12 2026Loading...

Ukrainian President Zelensky announced the initiation of the FREYA 2026 anti-ballistic system project in France, aiming to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities. The project involves collaboration with European defense contractors to integrate various components necessary for effective missile interception. This initiative marks a significant step towards European defense autonomy, addressing the urgent operational needs of Ukraine while reducing reliance on American systems. Production goals are ambitious, targeting three interceptors per day by August.

Dr. Klaus WeberSun Jul 12 2026Loading...

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force deployed the Type 25 anti-ship guided missile and introduced the Type 25 high-speed gliding missile into operational units, enhancing its strike capabilities to approximately 1000 km. This deployment, reported in July 2023, signifies a transition from policy to actual military capability, with implications for Japan's defense strategy in the East China Sea. The Kengun and Fuji Garrisons are key locations for these developments.

Tanaka TakashiSun Jul 12 2026Loading...