Analysis & Reports

U.S. officials engaged in negotiations with Iranian leaders to resolve the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran demanding the lifting of sanctions and the naval blockade. The IRGC has been preparing militarily during the ceasefire, indicating a potential escalation if diplomatic efforts fail. U.S. Navy operations continue in the Caribbean Sea as part of broader military objectives.

Sweden announced plans to sell 20 Gripen E/F aircraft to Ukraine and donate 16 C/Ds. Saab signed a contract for 16 Gripen Es, with deliveries expected between 2029 and 2030. The Gripen is designed for operations from short, rough airstrips, enhancing its combat versatility. Current operators include Sweden, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, and Thailand, with ongoing interest from Canada.

Roshel Smart Armored Vehicles is showcasing its Senator armored personnel carrier at COP International 2026 in São Paulo from August 11-13. The Paraná state police forces received the first of seven Senator APCs for complex operations, including crisis management and bank robbery response. Each vehicle costs about 3.1 million reais, part of a broader public security investment.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited U.S. service members training at the Combined Jungle Training Center-South in Cristobal Colon, Panama, this week. He emphasized a shift in U.S. Southern Command's mission towards defending sovereignty in the Western Hemisphere and addressed the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition. Colombia joined the coalition as its 19th member, enhancing military cooperation in the region.

U.S. Southern Command established an organized-crime task force to coordinate operations against transnational organized crime in Latin America. On August 4, 2023, the Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere was created to facilitate military cooperation with regional partners. U.S. forces were dispatched to assist Ecuadorian security forces, and Colombia, Honduras, and Guatemala approved U.S. participation in combined operations against criminal entities.

Mojave Research identified critical vulnerabilities in Dominion voting systems used in Puerto Rico's 2024 elections but found no evidence of vote tampering. The Trump administration initially supported further analysis but abruptly halted the project due to political pressures. Mojave plans to establish the Machine Assurance Institute to enhance election security.

The U.S. has established a new joint task force under Southern Command to combat drug trafficking and organized crime across Latin America, focusing initially on Guatemala and Honduras. This restructuring aims to enhance military and intelligence cooperation with regional allies, reflecting a significant shift in U.S. military strategy. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address perceived threats to U.S. national security from transnational criminal organizations.

The Department of War is soliciting feedback from defense contractors in Brownsville, Texas, regarding paperwork that delays military equipment production. This initiative, part of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's Arsenal of Freedom Tour, aims to streamline the acquisition process and enhance the efficiency of the defense industrial base. The department is focused on reducing bureaucratic hurdles to ensure faster delivery of fighter jets and ammunition.

Colombia finalized a $366 million deal to purchase two KC-390 Millennium airlifters from Embraer, with the first expected to arrive in 2029 and the second in 2030. This acquisition aims to modernize the Colombian Aerospace Force's capabilities, integrating with future JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets. The KC-390 will significantly enhance Colombia's airlift and aerial refueling operations, replacing older C-130 models.

The U.S. Army approved the wear of the Jungle tab for soldiers who complete the jungle warfare school, effective late July 2023. This change allows soldiers across the Army to wear the tab, which signifies completion of jungle operations training. Retroactive eligibility is granted for those who completed training at Fort Sherman in Panama or the Hawaii-based jungle schools. The revised Jungle Operations Training Course is now reestablished in Panama, focusing on survival and combat skills in jungle environments.

In 2022, the U.S. Navy sold the retired aircraft carriers USS Kitty Hawk and USS John F. Kennedy for one cent each, reflecting the high costs associated with dismantling such vessels. The ships were towed to Brownsville, Texas, where they were methodically dismantled for scrap. This sale illustrates the transition from conventionally powered supercarriers to modern naval warfare, emphasizing the logistical challenges of military asset disposal.

Saab and Embraer signed a Heads of Agreement to potentially produce 20 additional Gripen aircraft at Embraer's facility in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, by 2026. This agreement aims to enhance production capacity to meet global demand for the Gripen fighter, reflecting a decade-long partnership between the two companies. The collaboration emphasizes increased industrial output and technological exchange.

Embraer and Saab signed a Heads of Agreement on July 21, 2026, to produce 20 additional Gripen aircraft at Embraer's facility in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo. This agreement strengthens their decade-long partnership and aims to enhance production capacity to meet global demand for the Gripen fighter. The collaboration reflects mutual trust and aims to support future business opportunities in the region.

Embraer signed an agreement with Anduril to integrate Barracuda-500M missiles onto the C-390 Millennium aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow. This marks the first offensive capability for the C-390, with interest from various countries in Europe and Asia. Embraer anticipates delivering the first two C-390s to the United Arab Emirates by 2028, while also expanding production of the Saab Gripen for international clients.

Saronic is constructing the $3 billion Port Alpha shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, expected to create 10,000 jobs and open in 2028. The facility will support the production of unmanned surface vessels, contributing to U.S. maritime capabilities amid a federal push for enhanced shipbuilding. Texas has provided financial incentives to facilitate the project, which is anticipated to have a significant economic impact.

EDGE Group announced the acquisition of a 100% stake in Brazilian aerospace engineering firm AKAER on 16 July 2026. This acquisition aims to enhance EDGE's engineering capabilities and support the development of unmanned systems and advanced aerospace technologies. AKAER, based in São José dos Campos, has a strong reputation in the aerospace sector, contributing to various military and commercial programs.

Former federal employees criticized the impact of layoffs at the State Department and USAID on U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa and negotiations with Iran. They argued that the loss of experienced personnel has weakened the U.S. capacity to respond effectively to international crises. Lawmakers expressed concern that these cuts have damaged the country's global standing and diplomatic efforts.

Russia's submarine force remains a significant threat to NATO in 2026, with 8 Borei-class submarines and ongoing modernization efforts. The fleet faces challenges, including slow production rates and operational losses, but continues to operate effectively in strategic regions like the Arctic and North Atlantic. The introduction of new capabilities, such as the Khabarovsk carrier for Poseidon torpedoes, underscores its importance in Russia's military strategy.

The U.S. Navy is conducting exercises in the Pacific Ocean to enhance strike group readiness. U.S. military operations have significantly degraded Iranian military capabilities, limiting its threat to regional neighbors. The U.S. is also initiating reconstruction efforts in the Greater Middle East and brokering diplomatic deals to stabilize the region. Trump's administration aims to form a coalition to ensure regional security and prevent the resurgence of Iranian influence.

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.