Analysis & Reports

Capt. Nathanial Welch of the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his valor during a mission in Yemen on April 29, 2025. He flew an F-16 into heavily defended airspace, evading missiles while protecting coalition aircraft. This operation was part of a joint U.S. and British effort against Houthi forces.

On July 9, 2023, Rostec announced the delivery of 2 to 4 new Su-34 and Su-30SM2 combat jets to the Russian military. This delivery comes amid significant losses, with over 60 documented losses of these aircraft types since 2022. The new jets are intended to replace those lost in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, and the delivery was notably accepted by naval aviation crews rather than the Aerospace Forces.

Ukrainian President Zelensky announced the formation of a new long-range strike command and a joint rapid response force on October 10. The new command will concentrate existing resources for deep strikes against Russian forces, while the rapid response force will integrate assault troops, drones, and artillery to enhance frontline capabilities.

Nazi Germany developed and deployed the Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, the world's first rocket-powered interceptor, from 1941 to 1944. The aircraft achieved speeds exceeding 620 mph and was armed with 30mm cannons, but its operational effectiveness was limited by a short powered flight duration and high pilot casualties. Ultimately, only nine Allied aircraft were downed, while many Komets were lost in accidents or combat.

U.S. President Trump announced that the U.S. has agreed to continue negotiations with Iran, but the ceasefire has ended. Qatari representatives have traveled to Iran to mediate discussions. The U.S. military has conducted strikes against Iran in response to recent attacks, while Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes on U.S. facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan.

U.S. military planners developed War Plan Red in the 1930s, which outlined an invasion of Canada starting with a gas attack on Halifax. The plan aimed to capture key cities like Montreal and Winnipeg, ultimately intending to keep the territory. Canada had a similar plan, Defense Scheme No. 1, which proposed offensive actions against the U.S. Both plans were never executed and remained classified for many years.

The United States developed War Plan Red in the 1930s, outlining a strategy to invade Canada, starting with a gas attack on Halifax. The plan aimed to capture key cities like Montreal and Winnipeg, with no intention of returning any territory. Concurrently, Canada had its own Defense Scheme No. 1, which proposed offensive actions against the U.S. Both plans were never executed but highlight the military strategies of the era.

Australia conducted a successful live missile test of a prototype ground-based air defense system at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia in June 2026. The system, which integrates an Australian radar with the U.S. Navy's Aegis Combat System, successfully intercepted a cruise missile target. This test marks a significant advancement in Australia's military capabilities, addressing gaps in air defense.

China's Ministry of National Defense reported that a Type 094 Jin-class submarine launched a ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean on July 6, 2026. This test, part of routine training, demonstrates China's advancing capabilities in maritime nuclear deterrence and highlights the operational complexities of submarine-launched missile systems. The launch is significant as it indicates a shift in China's strategic posture, emphasizing the importance of survivability and operational readiness in its nuclear forces.

Marcus ChenFri Jul 10 2026Loading...

Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract by the U.S. Department of War on July 9, 2026, to develop a 500-kilowatt laser weapon system designed to intercept aerial threats such as cruise missiles and drone swarms. This initiative is part of the Joint Laser Weapon System (JLWS) program, which aims to enhance military air defense capabilities.

Taiwan's Army conducted the 2026 Shen Gong live-fire exercise, focusing on the operational testing of U.S.-supplied FIM-92 Stinger missiles. The exercise involved multiple launch platforms and aimed to enhance Taiwan's air defense capabilities against potential threats from China. Soldiers engaged aerial targets using live missiles under simulated combat conditions, demonstrating Taiwan's commitment to strengthening its layered air defense system.

Lockheed Martin and nLIGHT Defense were selected to develop high-energy laser systems for the U.S. military, with contracts starting at $86 million and potentially reaching $847 million. The initial prototypes will focus on counter-drone capabilities, while future models aim to enhance cruise missile defense. The Pentagon emphasizes the need for these systems to be deployable across various platforms.

The Trump administration has decided against allowing Israel to intervene in U.S. military actions against Iran, citing concerns over losing control of the situation. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is keen to participate but is currently restricted. Israel has indicated its readiness to engage in further military actions against Iran, while the U.S. has recently conducted strikes in response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping.

The 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion of the United States Marine Corps completed its final field exercise with amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) in Romania last month. These vehicles, affectionately known as 'tracks,' are set to be permanently retired and transferred to foreign partners. Following this exercise, the Marine Corps will no longer utilize AAVs for deployments or training, having transitioned to a new amphibious combat vehicle.

The U.S. Air Force is developing around 100 Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) in California, aimed at enhancing military capabilities through unmanned systems. These aircraft are designed to perform diverse missions, including electronic warfare and reconnaissance, and represent a shift in military aviation towards more integrated manned-unmanned operations. The program involves multiple competitions for airframe, engine, and control software development.

Canada selected Germany's Type 212CD submarine to replace its aging Victoria-class boats, with the announcement made on July 6, 2026. This advanced submarine features a stealthy design, capable of firing missiles from underwater, and is optimized for operations in Arctic conditions. The deal, valued at tens of billions of dollars, marks a significant enhancement of the Royal Canadian Navy's capabilities.

ISSP launched attacks on military positions in In-Ates and Banibangou, Niger, on June 17, 2026, resulting in heavy losses for Nigerien forces. JNIM attempted an incursion at Niamey's airport the following day. On June 30, JNIM conducted further attacks in Makalondi, Torodi, and Diagourou, alongside operations in Burkina Faso, indicating a coordinated strategy between the two jihadist groups. The situation highlights the escalating conflict in the Tillabéri region.

Marie DuboisFri Jul 10 2026Loading...

Eight AH-64 Apache pilots from the 1-151st Attack Battalion were grounded after flying low over beaches during the July 4th 'Salute From The Shore' airshow in South Carolina. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth intervened, tweeting support for the pilots and lifting their suspension. Local politicians expressed concern over the suspensions, highlighting public interest in the incident.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth intervened to lift the suspensions of eight AH-64 Apache pilots from the 1-151st Attack Battalion in South Carolina on July 4, 2026, after they were grounded for flying low over crowded beaches during a holiday airshow. Local politicians had also advocated for their reinstatement, leading to the Pentagon's confirmation of their return to flight status.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth intervened to lift the suspensions of eight AH-64 Apache pilots from the 1-151st Attack Battalion in South Carolina on July 4, 2026. The pilots were grounded after flying low over crowded beaches during the 'Salute From The Shore' event. Local politicians and public support prompted the decision to reinstate the pilots, with no injuries reported from the incidents.