Analysis & Reports

The U.S. government is preparing to provide Israel with $2.8 billion in ammunition, including 40,000 high-destruction 2000-pound bombs, as reported on September 15, 2023. This military aid has drawn criticism due to concerns over civilian casualties in ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, where these bombs have been extensively used. The provision of such weaponry raises significant political and military implications.

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.

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.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Sep 16 2026Loading...

The U.S. military has utilized a significant portion of its missile defense interceptors in ongoing operations against Iran, which may hinder its ability to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. The Congressional Budget Office warns that the depletion of these interceptors could take years to recover, with costs to replace them estimated at $21.7 billion. The report highlights the strategic implications of this depletion for U.S. defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. Department of Defense has incurred approximately $38 billion in costs for combat operations in Iran as of August 1, 2023, with ongoing monthly expenses projected at $2-3 billion. Significant expenditures include $21.7 billion for replacing munitions, with a notable depletion of interceptor inventory. The report highlights the financial strain on military resources and the potential implications for future conflicts.

The U.S. military incurred approximately $38 billion in costs from combat operations against Iran through August 1, 2025, depleting a significant portion of its missile-defense interceptors. The conflict has consumed between one-half and two-thirds of the inventory of systems like Patriot and THAAD, with rebuilding efforts expected to take at least five years. The campaign involved extensive use of munitions, particularly during the initial phases of Operation Epic Fury, which included around 250 tactical aircraft.

Iranian forces shot down three U.S. MQ-1 drones over the Strait of Hormuz on September 15. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that these interceptions were part of coordinated operations under Iran's national air defense network. The U.S. has yet to respond to these incidents.

The U.S. government plans to sell $2.8 billion worth of military arms to Israel, including 20,000 MK-84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs. This arms sale has been informally communicated to relevant congressional committees. Israel has been using these powerful bombs in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, leading to serious casualties and drawing attention from human rights experts.

The U.S. Air Force's F-35 Lightning II performed effectively in the Iran War due to prioritized logistics and spare parts support. Despite previous readiness issues, the aircraft's operational tempo increased significantly. However, concerns remain about the sustainability of this support given the fleet's size and logistical challenges.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is integrating its SPICE 1000 air-to-surface munition onto Israeli F-35 fighter aircraft in Jerusalem. This integration, a joint project with Lockheed Martin, is expected to enhance the strike capabilities of the Israeli Air Force and will allow other F-35 operators to utilize the munition in the future. The SPICE 1000 has been operational with the Israel Air Force since 2017 and provides a stand-off strike capability exceeding 75 miles.

ESC BAZ demonstrated new patrol and assault vehicles for the Israel Defense Forces' 96th Division in June 2025. These vehicles are designed for reconnaissance and security missions, featuring advanced counter-drone technology. The 96th Division, established to reinforce Israel's eastern border with Jordan, aims to enhance operational capabilities in the region.

The U.S. military has reported a significant shortage of advanced weaponry and damage to its facilities in the Middle East due to Iranian offensives. Key military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan have suffered extensive damage. The U.S. Navy's core hub in Bahrain was destroyed, complicating logistics and supply chains for military operations. The Pentagon has confirmed these issues, despite previous denials from the White House regarding ammunition shortages.

Houthi forces launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on the King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia, on the 14th of the month, targeting critical military infrastructure. In retaliation, Saudi Arabia conducted 58 airstrikes across six provinces in Yemen. The U.S. continues to provide intelligence support to Saudi Arabia but remains hesitant to intervene directly in the conflict.

Turkey has certified the Hürkus-II military training aircraft as safe and airworthy, marking the first time this process was conducted entirely by Turkish personnel. The certification involved verifying 1,790 requirements and conducting 153 tests. This achievement is seen as a strategic milestone for the Turkish aviation industry and enhances Turkey's capabilities in developing future air platforms.

Russia has begun supplying Iran with upgraded munitions and targeting data, enhancing Iran's military capabilities amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. This partnership includes the production of Shahed drones in Russia and the development of hypersonic missiles. The collaboration poses a significant threat to U.S. forces in the region, with increased sophistication in Iranian drone attacks expected.

On September 15, 2026, Saudi Civil Defense announced the end of danger in six cities, including Yanbu, amid alerts related to the US-Iranian war. Concurrently, reports revealed that the US Department of Defense has spent around $33 billion on military operations but is experiencing a shortage of certain munitions. The situation underscores the logistical challenges faced by both the US and Saudi Arabia in maintaining effective air defense capabilities against potential Iranian threats.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

Houthi forces launched an attack on civilian targets in Saudi Arabia on September 14, using ballistic missiles and drones. The strikes resulted in 13 civilian injuries and targeted cities including Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif. The Saudi-led coalition condemned the attacks and stated they would respond decisively.

The U.S. Department of Defense reported on September 14, 2023, that advanced weapon stockpiles are in short supply due to the conflict with Iran. Damage has occurred to military bases and aircraft across several Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. The conflict has resulted in significant financial costs and logistical challenges for the U.S. military.

In early March 2026, U.S. Air Force B-52H bombers conducted airstrikes on ballistic missile production sites and command nodes in Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury. This marked the first time B-52s directly struck targets inside Iran during the current conflict. The operation aims to degrade Iran's missile capabilities.