Analysis & Reports

The M551 Sheridan light tank, retired in 1997, was notable for its ability to be deployed by parachute alongside airborne forces and its potent 152mm gun. Despite its retirement, it remains the U.S. Army's best post-World War II light tank due to its unique capabilities. The recent failure of the M10 Booker light tank highlights the lack of a suitable replacement for the Sheridan's operational role.

Israeli airstrikes in March 2023 destroyed at least two F-14A Tomcats at Isfahan, Iran, part of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force. Originally ordered under the Shah, 79 F-14s were delivered before the 1979 revolution, but by 1986 only 25 remained operational. The current status of Iran's F-14 fleet is uncertain, with no independent verification of how many are still flying.

Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe rescued six soldiers and an Iraqi interpreter from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle near Samarra, Iraq, on October 17, 2005. Despite suffering severe burns, he continued to save his men until he was unable to do so. Cashe died three weeks later from his injuries and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on December 16, 2021, after a lengthy campaign for recognition.

Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced that the SPICE 1000 bomb technology will soon be integrated for use with the F-35 fighter aircraft. This integration is a collaborative effort with Lockheed Martin, taking place in the United States, and is expected to be completed within a few months. The SPICE 1000 allows precision strikes from a distance of 75 miles and has been a primary munition for the Israeli Air Force.

Houthi forces shot down a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jet over Marib governorate on September 16, 2026, using a locally manufactured missile. The aircraft was conducting a support mission for Saudi-backed forces when it was targeted. Following the incident, Houthi air defenses engaged additional Saudi jets, compelling them to retreat. This event occurred amid heightened conflict in the region, with ongoing airstrikes and military operations from both sides.

Houthi forces launched a drone attack on Mecca on the evening of the 15th, which was intercepted by Saudi air defense. Saudi Arabia condemned the attack, emphasizing its threat to the sanctity of the holy site. This incident marks the second attempt to target Mecca since July 2017, with Houthi officials labeling the accusations as false.

Houthi forces launched two military operations against Saudi Arabia on September 16, targeting the Aramco oil company in Yanbu and the Khamis Mushait airbase. This action was in retaliation for over 450 Saudi airstrikes in Yemen during the week. The Houthi statement claimed their strikes were precise, causing significant damage, and vowed to continue operations until Saudi Arabia halts its military actions in Yemen.

Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks on a Saudi Aramco facility in Yanbu and an airbase in southwestern Saudi Arabia on September 16. The attacks targeted critical infrastructure, indicating ongoing military operations in the region.

A senior commander of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Nair Al-Atyeh Muhammad Abu Obeid, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Rafah on the evening of October 15. The group confirmed his death, describing it as a cowardly assassination. Abu Obeid had been a member of the brigades since 1993 and participated in many significant operations.

Saudi Arabian forces intercepted a Houthi drone south of Mecca on September 16, 2026. The Houthi group denied the accusations and claimed to have downed a Saudi F-15 fighter jet, a claim that has not been independently verified. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and military operations in the region, particularly regarding air defense capabilities.

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General James Mattis reflected on his military leadership experiences, emphasizing the challenges faced during his service in Iraq and his tenure as Secretary of Defense. He commanded 24,000 troops during the Iraq War, leading operations from Kuwait to Baghdad. Mattis resigned in 2019 in protest of U.S. military withdrawal from Syria, advocating for the importance of alliances in military strategy.

Saudi Air Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed a drone targeting Mecca on September 15. This action is part of ongoing efforts to protect the city from Houthi attacks, which have been condemned by the Saudi-led coalition. Houthi officials have denied the allegations of an attack on Mecca.

The first KAPLAN APC (HARIMAU APC) was successfully manufactured and underwent pre-delivery acceptance tests in Türkiye, involving PT Pindad. Following these tests, the vehicle will be shipped to Indonesia for final acceptance tests. Concurrently, production of a second KAPLAN APC is ongoing at PT Pindad's facilities, showcasing advancements in military vehicle technology tailored for the Indonesian army.

Yemeni government forces conducted airstrikes against Houthi positions near Mocha and Dhubab, with support from Saudi aircraft. The strikes were in response to Houthi advances along the Red Sea coast, where control is strategically significant due to its proximity to the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The exact timing of the Houthi advance and the air response was not specified.

Iran launched missile and drone attacks on U.S. military bases in the Middle East, resulting in extensive damage. Photographs reveal destruction at Prince Sultan Air Base and other sites in Kuwait. U.S. military personnel expressed concerns over insufficient defensive measures, highlighting a lack of awareness among the American public regarding the severity of the situation.

Saudi forces intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone near Mecca on September 16, 2026, following Houthi attacks on three Saudi cities that injured 13 civilians. The attacks raised concerns over the security of pilgrims and highlighted vulnerabilities in Saudi oil supply routes, particularly after the halting of the Petroline pipeline due to drone strikes.

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Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone over Geshm Island in southern Iran. The incident was reported by multiple sources, including Al Jazeera and Iran's Mehr News Agency. As of now, there has been no official response from the United States regarding this event.

Houthi forces claimed to have shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib Province, Yemen, on September 16. This incident highlights ongoing military engagements in the region.

Iranian missile and drone strikes inflicted severe damage on U.S. military bases in the Middle East, including Prince Sultan Air Base and facilities in Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The Pentagon reported significant losses, with hundreds of buildings and over 50 aircraft affected between February 28 and June 30, 2023. U.S. military personnel highlighted the serious impact of these attacks, noting a lack of public awareness about the situation.

Iranian missile and drone strikes inflicted severe damage on U.S. military bases in the Middle East, including Prince Sultan Air Base and facilities in Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The strikes resulted in damage to hundreds of buildings and over 50 aircraft from February 28 to June 30, 2023. Active-duty U.S. military personnel provided anonymous photos revealing the destruction, highlighting the significant impact of the attacks.