Analysis & Reports

On June 30, 2026, Ukraine possibly tested its first heavy ballistic missile, the FP-9, targeting Moscow. The incident involved high-altitude intercepts by Russian S-300/400 air defense systems and resulted in a large crater near Yudanovka in Moscow Oblast. This event has raised serious analytical interest regarding Ukraine's missile capabilities and their potential reach into Russian territory.

Israel sold the SPYDER air defense system to Romania for approximately $2.3 billion on June 28, 2026. The deal includes interceptors, launchers, radar systems, and training, aimed at enhancing Romania's air defense capabilities amid security concerns related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Deliveries are set to begin within 36 months of the agreement.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Jul 01 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force publicly showcased the first footage of the Dongfeng-17 hypersonic missile launch during a live-fire exercise on July 1. This event coincided with the 60th anniversary of the strategic missile forces and highlighted the missile's operational capabilities, including its range of 1800 to 2500 kilometers. The exercise demonstrated mobile launch capabilities and training under complex conditions, emphasizing the missile's role in targeting critical military infrastructure.

Li MinghuiWed Jul 01 2026Loading...

The U.S. Marine Corps deployed NMESIS and MADIS systems to Okinawa in June 2026 to enhance island defense capabilities. MADIS arrived at Kadena Air Base on June 10, followed by NMESIS conducting operational training at Camp Hansen on June 16. This deployment is part of the Resolute Dragon 26 joint exercise, focusing on improving defense against aerial threats and enhancing operational readiness.

Tanaka TakashiWed Jul 01 2026Loading...

The Chinese Strategic Missile Forces conducted live-fire exercises featuring the DF-17 hypersonic missile on July 1, coinciding with their 60th anniversary celebrations. This event highlighted the capabilities of multiple strategic missiles in a public demonstration.

China's People’s Liberation Army Navy is the largest in the world by hull count, with over 730 ships, followed by Russia and the U.S. Navy. The U.S. Navy, while fourth in numbers, maintains superior combat capability. North Korea's navy ranks high in hull count but lacks blue-water operational capacity. South Korea's modern fleet includes advanced destroyers and submarines, reflecting a strategic deterrent against North Korea.

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force commissioned the last two Soryu-class submarines, Oryu and Toryu, equipped with lithium-ion batteries, enhancing their underwater endurance and speed. This transition marks a significant shift in Japan's submarine capabilities, moving from traditional AIP technology to advanced battery systems. The Soryu class plays a vital role in Japan's defense strategy, particularly in monitoring regional waters amid growing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea.

The U.S. Navy's F-4 Phantom II faced significant challenges in air combat during the Vietnam War, leading to the establishment of the TOPGUN training program to enhance fighter tactics. The Ault Report revealed performance deficiencies, prompting a reevaluation of training and tactics. Notably, Lt. Randall Cunningham and Lt. j.g. William Driscoll became the first aces of the Vietnam War while flying the F-4 Phantom II.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that a B-2 Spirit bomber launched an AGM-158C LRASM missile against the decommissioned USS Juneau during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 in Guam. This marks the first public acknowledgment of the B-2's capability to employ the LRASM, expanding its role into long-range maritime strike. The exercise involved U.S. and allied forces, including a Japanese submarine that delivered the finishing torpedo.

Taiwan received its final batch of 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks from the United States in late April 2023, delivered to the Army Armor Training Command in Hsinchu. Analysts have criticized these tanks as ineffective against modern warfare threats, particularly drones, and highlighted their mobility challenges on Taiwan's terrain. The Republic of China Army plans to integrate these tanks with counter-drone capabilities as part of a broader defense strategy.

Saab signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration for 16 Gripen E fighter aircraft for Ukraine. The contract, valued at approximately SEK 24.6 billion, includes spare parts and is set for delivery between 2029 and 2030. This acquisition aims to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities significantly.

The U.S. Army is scaling up drone component production at Tobyhanna Army Depot, launching a new brushless motor assembly line capable of producing 200,000 motors initially and up to 1,500 motors daily. A circuit card assembly line is also being established, aiming for one million cards per day by fiscal 2027. This initiative is part of the Army's advanced manufacturing strategy to enhance domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly from China.

NASA launched the Saturn V rocket multiple times to the moon between 1967 and 1973 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The rocket, known for its immense power, was pivotal in the U.S. Space Race against the Soviet Union. Its development was influenced by military objectives during the Cold War, with Dr. Wernher von Braun playing a crucial role in its design.

The UK published its Defence Investment Plan (DIP) in Belfast, committing £298 billion over the next four years to enhance military capabilities. This includes significant investments in autonomous systems, hybrid warships, and the Tempest sixth-generation fighter jet. The plan also allocates funds for new armored vehicles and upgrades to existing aircraft, reflecting a strategic shift in defense spending.

The Oregon Army National Guard tested the Mule 28 heavy-lift drone at the Orchard Combat Training Center in Idaho to breach enemy obstacles using a Bangalore torpedo. This innovative approach aims to reduce the high casualty rates associated with traditional breaching methods. The trial reflects the Army's ongoing efforts to integrate drone technology into military operations, inspired by tactics observed in the Ukraine conflict.

The P100 drone, developed by Mayman Aerospace, is designed to deliver critical supplies rapidly to forward operating forces in contested environments. It can carry a 100-pound payload and reach its destination within six minutes, operating without a runway and in GPS-denied conditions. The drone is currently being evaluated by USSOCOM, reflecting its potential to enhance military logistics capabilities.

The USS Juneau (LPD-10) was sunk by a torpedo from a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine during the Valiant Shield exercise, which took place from June 22 to July 1 in the Mariana Islands Range Complex. This event provided an opportunity for joint military training among the U.S., Japan, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, focusing on high-end maritime operations.

The UK Navy plans to abandon the construction of Type 83 destroyers in favor of at least 6 new general combat vessels designed for unmanned operations. This decision, reported on June 30, 2023, aims to modernize the fleet and integrate manned and unmanned systems. Critics warn that this shift may compromise the Navy's capabilities against advanced threats.

The U.S. Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bomber successfully fired an AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) during a live-fire sinking exercise in the Western Pacific as part of Exercise Valiant Shield 2026. This event demonstrated the B-2's enhanced anti-ship capabilities and showcased U.S. military strength to China. The exercise involved collaboration with the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has undergone significant restructuring of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) office, reducing its staff from 126 to 30 positions since May 2025. This has led to decreased oversight of weapon systems, with 90 programs removed from the oversight list, raising concerns about the delivery of weapons with undocumented operational shortfalls. The changes aim to save $300 million annually and enhance efficiency but have resulted in expertise gaps in critical areas.