Analysis & Reports

The Unified Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is deploying 6,000 troops to seek a route out of the Sahel trap, focusing on military coordination among Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. In July 2026, the AES aims to establish a command chain for cross-border operations, responding to recent jihadist attacks on strategic locations. The operation Yereko 2 has shown minimal coordination capabilities, highlighting the challenges faced by the AES in the region.

Marie DuboisThu Jul 02 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force is deploying the EA-37B Compass Call, a new electronic warfare aircraft, from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, starting in August 2024. The aircraft is designed to enhance electronic attack capabilities and has already participated in Operation Epic Fury. The Air Force plans to increase its fleet from 12 to 22 by 2031 to address the challenges of modern warfare.

On July 2, 2023, Russian Armed Forces launched a massive attack on Kyiv, deploying 496 drones and 74 missiles, with 28 ballistic missiles hitting the city. The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting 476 drones and 48 missiles, but the assault resulted in at least 20 fatalities and significant damage to infrastructure. This operation reflects Russia's strategy of saturation to deplete Ukrainian air defenses and exert psychological pressure.

Dmitri VolkovThu Jul 02 2026Loading...

The F-15EX Eagle II returned to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa on June 29, 2026, for training, accompanied by two F-15E Strike Eagles. This visit is part of preparations for the eventual replacement of the aging F-15C/D fleet, with the first permanent F-15EXs expected in 2027. The aircraft enhances combat readiness in the Indo-Pacific region, featuring advanced capabilities over its predecessors.

The Washington Army National Guard purchased four FPV drones on July 1, 2026, to train police officers in counter-drone tactics against drug cartels. This initiative, based at Camp Murray, Washington, aims to equip law enforcement with skills to combat the increasing use of drones in narcotics operations. The training program draws from military experiences in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for realistic countermeasures.

Russian forces conducted missile strikes on Kyiv, resulting in 20 fatalities. The strikes occurred during the early hours of January 2, targeting military industrial facilities and fuel energy complexes. Intense explosions were reported throughout the city, confirming the scale of the attack.

Lebanon and Syria participated in a CENTCOM dialogue in Bahrain on July 1, 2026, marking their first involvement in such discussions. The meeting included 12 countries and focused on regional security following the Iran war, aiming to enhance air defense coordination and intelligence sharing. This dialogue reflects a significant shift in military and political dynamics in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Jul 02 2026Loading...

Singapore delivered the first of six Multi Role Combat Vessels (MRCVs) in 2026, designed to operate unmanned systems. The MRCV displaces 8,000 to 8,400 tonnes and has a range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles. This development marks a significant shift in naval capabilities, focusing on modular and unmanned operations.

Marcus ChenThu Jul 02 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army introduced the M1E3 Abrams Tank in 2023, featuring an unmanned turret and a reduced crew of three to enhance safety against drone threats. The tank is equipped with the M251 active protection system and a hybrid diesel-electric powerplant, improving energy efficiency. New sensor suites and battle management systems are integrated to adapt to modern warfare challenges, reflecting a shift in military strategy to counter drone-centric threats.

The UAE Air Force's aerobatic display team arrived at Long Island MacArthur Airport with 12 Hongdu L-15 jet trainers for the upcoming FourLeaf Air Show on July 5 and 6, 2026. This event marks the first appearance of these jets at a U.S. airshow, showcasing the UAE's transition to using Chinese-built aircraft. The L-15s are specifically configured for aerobatic displays and represent a shift in the UAE's military procurement strategy.

Russian forces conducted a large-scale airstrike on Kyiv from January 1 to January 2, resulting in 18 fatalities and damage to over 20 residential buildings. Rescue operations are underway, with more than 500 personnel deployed to assist at 15 sites. The attack utilized precision-guided air, land, and sea-based weapons, as well as attack drones.

A Ka-52 helicopter of the Russian Aerospace Forces was reportedly downed in Ukraine while allegedly supporting an operation against Ukrainian drones. Military bloggers claim that one crew member died in the incident, adding to the significant losses of this helicopter type since the war began in February 2022. The loss reflects the increasing reliance on the Ka-52 for missions it was not originally designed for, amid growing threats from Ukrainian drone capabilities.

Penguin Shipyard International delivered the largest composite structure ever built in Singapore for the Republic of Singapore Navy's Multi Role Combat Vessel (MRCV) on June 27, 2026. This vessel, designed to command fleets of unmanned surface vessels, features advanced carbon fiber materials that enhance its combat capabilities. The MRCV program aims to replace aging corvettes and represents a significant advancement in naval shipbuilding in the region.

ZeroUSV demonstrated its Oceanus12 uncrewed surface vessel to the Royal Danish Navy in Denmark. The event assessed the vessel's capabilities for various missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The Oceanus12, designed for crewless operation, features a modular payload architecture and a cruising range of over 4,630 km.

Ukraine's DG Industry company unveiled a modified Shpatel decoy drone that can now function as a strike drone with a warhead of up to 8 kg and a range of 250 km. This new version can fly at speeds of up to 130 km/h and serves dual purposes as a strike weapon and a communications relay. The drone is designed to be cost-effective, with a price tag of around $5,000, making it suitable for large-scale production and deployment by Ukrainian forces.

AFC/M23 has expanded its control in eastern DRC, gaining 35% more territory as of July 1, 2026, despite international pressure. The group, supported by over 10,000 Rwandan soldiers, aims to establish a federal republic in the region. Their activities include administration and recruitment in occupied areas, indicating a shift from rebellion to a more structured political-military organization.

Marie DuboisThu Jul 02 2026Loading...

JNIM and FLA are conducting coordinated attacks to encircle Bamako in 2026, targeting supply routes and civilian vehicles. This has created a siege-like situation, disrupting fuel supplies and military logistics. The attacks have affected multiple locations, including Gao, Kidal, and Mopti, and have led to significant civilian impacts.

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The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) task force, consisting of the guided missile destroyer Nanning and the guided missile frigate Hengyang, arrived in Hong Kong on July 2. This visit coincides with the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China and includes a series of open visits and cultural exchange activities over five days. A welcome ceremony was held at the Anguilla military camp, attended by local officials and citizens.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russian forces conducted large-scale missile and drone strikes on July 1-2, 2023, targeting 51 locations across Ukraine. The attacks resulted in 13 fatalities and over 90 injuries, with Kyiv being the primary target. A total of 74 missiles, including 4 Zircon hypersonic missiles, and 496 drones were used in the assault. President Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for Western air defense support.

On June 30, Russian air defenses intercepted a long-range operational-tactical missile near Yudanovka in Moscow Oblast. Fire Point's chief designer denied that the missile was their FP-9, raising questions about its origin. The missile's range exceeds that of known Ukrainian systems, leading to speculation about new capabilities or misclassification by Russia.