Analysis & Reports

Rostec delivered new Su-30SM2 Flanker-C and Su-34 Fullback aircraft to the Russian Aerospace Forces as part of modernization efforts amid significant losses since the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. The Su-30SM2 features enhanced radar capabilities for standoff engagements, while the Su-34 serves as a primary strike aircraft. Open-source intelligence has documented substantial losses of these aircraft types, indicating a critical need for replacements.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking companies to modernize the T-7A Red Hawk trainer jet, which is facing significant delays in testing and production. The program is now projected to complete developmental testing by April 2028, with initial production decisions set for April 2026. The total acquisition cost has risen by 11% due to various challenges, including maintenance staffing shortages and software development delays. Additionally, the Ground Based Training System has encountered projector issues that may further impact the timeline.

Kraken Technology Group raised $175 million in funding on July 9, 2026, to enhance its production of uncrewed surface vessels for NATO navies. The funding will support the development of advanced maritime robotics and expand manufacturing capabilities across multiple NATO countries, including Germany, the U.S., and Canada. This follows Kraken's recent military contracts, including a significant agreement with U.S. Special Operations Command.

Belgium announced plans to acquire 10 NASAMS air defense batteries as part of a larger air defense package worth over €3.1 billion, signed during a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. This acquisition, in cooperation with the Netherlands, marks a significant upgrade to Belgium's air defense capabilities, which have not been modernized since the Cold War. The NASAMS system will enhance Belgium's ability to intercept various aerial threats, including aircraft and cruise missiles.

The Iranian military conducted drone strikes against U.S. military bases in Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain on the morning of the report. Targets included the Patriot missile defense system and fuel depots. This action was a response to U.S. attacks on Iranian military units, with Iran warning of broader retaliation if U.S. aggression persists.

Xining Ship and Nanchang Ship conducted high-intensity combat training exercises in the Yellow Sea, involving air defense, shore bombardment, and anti-submarine operations. The fleet utilized radar and countermeasures to engage multiple aerial threats and successfully completed live-fire drills. Helicopters were deployed for anti-submarine operations, demonstrating effective coordination and readiness under challenging conditions.

The Sichuan amphibious assault ship has completed its construction and is nearing delivery, featuring advanced electromagnetic catapults and arrestor wires. This ship, with a displacement of over 40,000 tons, is designed to support various aircraft, enhancing China's operational capabilities in maritime power projection. Military experts indicate that the Sichuan will significantly improve China's ability to conduct amphibious and air operations.

The UK will lead a European project to develop new long-range missiles, announced during a NATO summit in Ankara. This initiative aims to reduce NATO's reliance on US weapons and strengthen the European defense pillar. Participating countries include Germany, Ukraine, France, and the Netherlands, with a focus on creating precision strike capabilities.

Canada plans to order up to 12 submarines from Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to enhance security in the Atlantic and Arctic regions. This decision, announced by Prime Minister Carney on July 7, 2023, follows discussions with German Defense Minister Pistorius, who welcomed the collaboration. The submarines will be the 212CD model, marking TKMS's largest submarine order to date.

Venus Aerospace raised $91 million to enhance production of its rotating detonation rocket engines, aiming to meet defense demands. NATO leaders announced significant new weapons deals and increased defense spending, with European allies committing an additional $139 billion from 2024 to 2025. Anduril secured its first NATO contract for its AI platform, Lattice, as NATO prepares to boost artillery shell production to four million annually by next year.

The Iowa-class battleships, including USS Iowa, USS New Jersey, USS Missouri, and USS Wisconsin, served as fast carrier escorts and coastal bombardment platforms from 1943 to 1991. Designed for naval battles, they never engaged in the combat they were built for, instead firing their powerful 16-inch guns at land targets during various conflicts. Their last combat action occurred during Operation Desert Storm, where Missouri was nearly hit by an anti-ship missile. All four ships are now retired and serve as museum ships.

The U.S. Navy canceled the F-111B program in 1968 due to its failure to meet operational requirements, leading to the development of the F-14 Tomcat. The F-111B was intended as a long-range interceptor but was deemed too specialized for the Navy's needs. Its advanced technologies, including the AN/AWG-9 radar and AIM-54 Phoenix missile, were later integrated into the F-14, which provided greater versatility for carrier operations.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on July 8 against Iranian targets, hitting over 80 locations, including air defense systems and small boats. This action was a response to recent Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Explosions were reported near Iranian ports, coinciding with the strikes.

Ukraine is employing a combination of air and ground drones to recapture territory, significantly reducing human casualties while increasing losses for Russian forces. This strategy marks a pivotal shift in military technology and operations during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as described by various analysts and NATO military officials in the spring and summer of 2026.

The U.S. Air Force plans to procure 100 B-21 Raider bombers, but budget constraints and strategic assessments indicate this number is insufficient for current military needs. Historical comparisons to the B-2 Spirit reveal concerns about fleet size and combat readiness in potential conflicts with China and Russia. The report advocates for a shift towards investing in drones and hypersonic weapons to enhance combat capabilities.

President Trump praised NATO's unification during the summit in Ankara and proposed that Ukraine be allowed to produce its own Patriot air defense systems. NATO leaders announced $3 billion in new deals with US weapons producers, including plans for the UK to invest in Lockheed Martin's Precision Strike Missile program. Denmark also announced plans to acquire Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft.

The Space Force announced the addition of California-based startups Impulse Space and Relativity Federal to its pool of launch providers for national security payloads. This expansion increases the total number of qualified providers to seven, including established companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin. The NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 program, which focuses on less critical payloads, is funded through a $5.6 billion contract extending to 2030.

Japan's Imperial Navy designed the A-150 battleship between 1938 and 1941, intending it to be the largest and most powerful battleship with six 20-inch guns. However, the design was abandoned due to the realization that naval aviation would dominate future warfare, alongside Japan's industrial limitations. The A-150 was never built, reflecting a shift in naval strategy during World War II.

The Pentagon is exploring cheaper long-range drone options to replace the MQ-9 Reaper due to unsustainable loss rates in conflicts. The U.S. Air Force currently operates about 135 Reapers, which are costly to maintain. The new Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) aims to be produced in large numbers, with a payload capacity of at least 2,800 pounds and a combat range of 2,300 nautical miles, targeting initial operational capability by FY2031.

Russian satellites have been interfering with GPS signals across northern Europe, Greenland, and Canada since 2019, indicating the use of electronic warfare. This interference has also affected China's Bei Dou navigation system since 2020. The U.S. government has not established backup systems for GPS, despite the growing threat from Russia, which has a history of threatening to disrupt GPS services globally.