Analysis & Reports

The F-14D Tomcat, a U.S. Navy aircraft, was retired on September 14, 2006, after participating in key military operations including strikes in Afghanistan and Iraq. A total of 56 F-14Ds were produced, with the last combat mission occurring on February 8, 2006, from the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The aircraft featured advanced systems such as the AN/APG-71 radar and JDAM capabilities, marking a significant evolution in naval aviation before transitioning to the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

U.S. Army units, including the Rangers and Marine Special Operations Command, have been utilizing the Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle for various combat roles, including anti-tank operations, since its adoption in the late 1980s. The M4 version, introduced in 2017, is lighter and more versatile, allowing for rapid reloading and a variety of ammunition types. The weapon has proven effective in combat situations, particularly in Afghanistan, where it offers a cost-effective alternative to more expensive missile systems.

SEAL Team 6 utilized the HK416 rifle during the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, on May 2, 2011. The HK416, developed to improve upon the M4's gas system, has a service life of at least 15,000 rounds and has been adopted by various military forces worldwide. Delta Force first adopted the rifle in 2004, highlighting its effectiveness in challenging operational environments.

The U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) evaluated the FN SCAR rifles, particularly the Mk 17, which was favored for its performance in combat in Afghanistan. The Mk 16 was discontinued due to insufficient advantages over existing rifles. The SCAR rifles underwent extensive testing, with over 2 million rounds fired, and were designed for versatility with interchangeable parts and calibers.

U.S. Army soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division tested the Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS) in India's Rajasthan desert during exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, which involved 600 soldiers from both U.S. and Indian armies. The exercise, running from September 15 to 28, 2026, included joint training on the M777 lightweight howitzer and counter-drone tactics. U.S. forces demonstrated the M-LIDS system's capabilities to Indian Army personnel at the Mahajan Field Firing Range.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes on 10 drone launch and storage sites in Afghanistan on September 24, 2023, in response to drone incursions. The strikes targeted military objectives directly related to attacks against Pakistan. No casualties or damage have been reported by Afghan officials, and the operation was characterized as a self-defense action by Pakistan.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes on September 24 targeting 10 drone launch and storage sites in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Eyewitnesses reported hearing aircraft followed by large explosions and seeing fires in the city center. The operation was confirmed by the Pakistani Minister of Information.

China has developed and deployed the Shenyang J-16 multirole warplane, which entered service in 2015. This aircraft, designed for various combat missions, boasts a combat radius of approximately 1,860 miles and is equipped with advanced weaponry, including multiple air-to-air missiles. The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has over 225 units of the J-16, enhancing its military capabilities in potential conflict scenarios.

Naval Group and Nibe Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding on September 18, 2026, to collaborate on advanced naval technologies and defense solutions in India. This partnership aims to strengthen India's self-reliance in naval programs, focusing on areas such as underwater drones and modular launching systems. The agreement underscores the commitment to enhancing India's naval capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative.

Saudi Arabia shut down the East-West pipeline (Petroline) on September 12 following a drone attack attributed to Iraq. The incident underscores vulnerabilities in Saudi energy infrastructure and raises concerns about regional security. Multiple sources reported the attack, although Iraqi factions disputed responsibility, complicating the situation further.

Alexandra ReevesSat Sep 12 2026Loading...

Nuclear-armed states expanded their arsenals in 2025, with the global count of nuclear warheads reaching approximately 12,187. The United States and Russia continue to lead in warhead numbers, while China and India also increased their stockpiles. The expiration of the New START treaty in February 2026 has reduced transparency regarding nuclear deployments. Tensions in South Asia escalated with significant conflict between India and Pakistan.

On September 9, 2026, a tank explosion during a live-fire exercise at Hathazari Field Firing Range in Chattogram resulted in the deaths of two Bangladesh Army soldiers and serious injuries to an officer. The incident involved a Chinese-origin Type 59 main battle tank, and an inquiry has been initiated to investigate the cause of the explosion.

Thales and Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited are collaborating to develop and produce 70mm rockets in India. This partnership aims to enhance India's defense capabilities through local production of this weapon system.

India and the UK are set to sign agreements to enhance defense cooperation, including the installation of electric propulsion systems on four Indian Navy landing ships and joint production of lightweight multi-role missiles. The UK is also working on designing jet engines for India's advanced medium combat aircraft. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to deepen bilateral defense ties and support India's naval expansion goals by 2035.

Four Soviet-built aircraft carriers have had varied fates: one is a luxury hotel in Tianjin, another serves as a theme park in Shenzhen, one is operational in the Indian Navy as INS Vikramaditya, and the last is being scrapped. The Admiral Kuznetsov remains with Russia but is plagued by mechanical issues and is likely to be scrapped. The collapse of the USSR has left the Russian Navy struggling to maintain its naval capabilities.

The 81st Group Army conducted live-fire exercises involving air defense units, simulating enemy aircraft attacks. Troops rapidly mobilized and coordinated tactics under night conditions, successfully launching missiles to intercept aerial targets. The exercises aimed to enhance the combat effectiveness of the air defense units.

The Remington 870 shotgun has been a staple in U.S. military and law enforcement since its introduction in the 1950s, with significant use during the Vietnam War and ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Known for its reliability and versatility, it is employed in roles such as close-quarters combat and breaching operations. Over 11 million units have been sold, reflecting its enduring appeal in both military and civilian markets.

During the 2019 Shaheen exercises in Pakistan, PLAAF J-16 fighters achieved 51 simulated air-to-air kills against various aircraft, including J-10C and J-11B. The J-16 demonstrated superior performance, leveraging advanced technology and heavy missile payloads. This exercise showcased China's investment in the J-16's capabilities, indicating its suitability for future combat scenarios.

Tata Advanced Systems Limited and the Javelin Joint Venture announced a partnership to co-produce the Javelin All Up Round missile in India. This initiative includes establishing a final assembly and integration facility in India, while maintaining production of sub-assembly kits in the U.S. The agreement aims to enhance operational readiness for the Indian Armed Forces and strengthen the global supply chain for the Javelin missile system.

Tata Advanced Systems and the Javelin Joint Venture have agreed to collaborate on the co-production of the Javelin All Up Round anti-tank missile system in India.