Analysis & Reports

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Chokai successfully launched a Tomahawk cruise missile in the Pacific on July 29, 2023. This marks Japan's entry into long-range strike capabilities, with plans to acquire 400 Tomahawk missiles by March 2028. The development poses new challenges for Chinese military planning, as Japan's missile capabilities are now politically tied to its defense strategy.

Marcus ChenFri Jul 31 2026Loading...

The U.S. Marine Corps is acquiring a new anti-drone round for M4 and M27 rifles, with 400,000 rounds already purchased and an additional 1 million planned for Fiscal Year 2027. Deliveries are expected to be completed by September 2026 at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California. This new ammunition is specifically designed to enhance the Marines' capability to counter small drones.

Thales was awarded a contract by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency to supply a Deployable Tactical Air Navigation (D-TACAN) system for the Spanish Air & Space Force. This system is designed for continuous operations in challenging conditions and includes a logistics support package. It enhances air navigation capabilities across NATO airspace, particularly in GNSS-denied environments.

Rheinmetall secured a contract to supply weapon systems for the British Army’s RCH 155 wheeled howitzers on 31 July 2026. The contract includes the provision of 72 howitzers and associated equipment, with production taking place at Rheinmetall’s facility in Telford, UK. This development enhances the British Army's artillery capabilities with advanced automated systems.

The YF-12 interceptor aircraft was developed by Lockheed Martin during the Cold War as a Mach 3 air defense platform. Although three prototypes were built, it never entered service due to shifting military priorities and high costs associated with the Vietnam War. The YF-12 set several aviation records and its technological advancements influenced future aircraft, notably the SR-71 Blackbird. The sole surviving prototype is preserved at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

Leonardo's CEO announced that the entry into service of the Global Combat Air Programme's sixth-generation fighter jet could be accelerated to as early as 2033, ahead of the original 2035 target. This push is motivated by the urgency for a multi-domain system to operate quickly. Japan is keen on having the aircraft ready by 2035, coinciding with the retirement of its F-2 jets. The program has also expanded to include Canada as an observer, with interest from Singapore and ongoing interest from Saudi Arabia.

Hamas announced on July 31, 2023, that it agrees to include the transfer of heavy weapons in ceasefire negotiations, contingent upon Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and an end to all forms of aggression. The group outlined specific conditions for the ceasefire, including the deployment of international stability forces and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. U.S. President Trump mentioned a phased disarmament agreement with Hamas, but Israel has not yet responded officially.

France's Dassault Aviation is developing the Rafale F5 fighter, which will integrate a stealth drone and advanced electronic warfare systems. The project follows the halt of the joint fighter initiative with Germany, with a projected entry into service between 2033 and 2035. Key components, including the RBE2 XG radar and M88 T-REX engine, are under development to enhance the aircraft's capabilities.

A Russian Kh-101 cruise missile crossed into Polish airspace early Thursday, landing near Tarnawa-Kolonia without causing injuries. In response, NATO and Polish forces activated air and ground defenses, scrambling two F-16s and a Mi-24 helicopter. The incident underscores the challenges NATO faces in air defense as Russia's conflict with Ukraine continues to impact neighboring countries.

Alexandra ReevesFri Jul 31 2026Loading...

The US Navy dismantles retired aircraft carriers in Brownsville, Texas, where they are recycled for steel. This process involves strict environmental regulations and reflects the end of service for many significant vessels, including the USS Kitty Hawk and USS John F. Kennedy. Brownsville has become the largest commercial ship recycling hub in the US, marking the transition from old naval power to the next generation of supercarriers.

Iran's Strait of Hormuz is now considered 'impossible' for navigation due to ongoing U.S. military actions in the Middle East, according to an announcement from the Iranian authorities on July 31, 2023. The Iranian authorities stated that they will resume reviewing navigation applications and issuing permits once the situation stabilizes.

Israeli airstrikes on July 30 in the Gaza Strip killed two members of Hamas, including a logistics officer and a commander. The Israeli Defense Forces stated that these individuals were involved in planning attacks against Israel. The IDF continues operations in the area to address security threats, and a disarmament agreement regarding Hamas was announced by President Trump.

Ukrainian officials confirmed the discovery of a second impact crater from a North Korean KN-23 ballistic missile, which was fired by Russia during an assault on July 30, 2026. The first missile struck a home in Radushne, killing six, while the second landed in a field 3.5 km away. This incident raises questions about the missile's targeting accuracy and the military relationship between North Korea and Russia.

The U.S. Air Force plans to extend the operational life of the A-10 Thunderbolt II fleet through 2030, with a phased retirement schedule that includes retiring 49 aircraft in fiscal 2027 and the final 36 by 2030. This decision follows recent combat use of the A-10, which demonstrated its ongoing battlefield value. Congress is also considering a bill to further extend the A-10's service until 2033, requiring the Air Force to maintain operational capabilities for the fleet.

President Trump's executive order establishes new rules for defense procurement of critical minerals, effective January 1, 2027. The order limits waivers for noncompliant materials and requires contractors to document efforts to find compliant sources. It mandates supply-chain visibility as a contractual obligation, aiming to enhance domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign sources.

The U.S. is set to maintain a troop presence of 76,000 soldiers in Europe as part of a review of military strategy for 2026. Germany is attempting to increase its military personnel to 260,000 active soldiers and 200,000 reservists, but faces recruitment challenges. NATO has pledged 70 billion euros in military support for Ukraine, highlighting the need for European nations to enhance their defense capabilities independently of U.S. support.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Jul 31 2026Loading...

The Eurofighter Typhoon is being upgraded with the ECRS Mk2 radar and other enhancements to improve its air defense and electronic warfare capabilities. Germany, Spain, Italy, and Türkiye have ordered new aircraft, ensuring continued production into the 2030s. The upgrades will allow the Typhoon to operate alongside the F-35, although it will not match the F-35's stealth capabilities. The integration of these upgrades will occur in phases rather than a single release.

The Africa Corps conducted an airstrike using a Sukhoi Su-24 in Kyrnia, Mali, on June 15, 2026, resulting in the deaths of eight civilians, including three children. The strike occurred during a livestock market day in a village controlled by JNIM, raising concerns about the targeting of civilians. Human Rights Watch reported on the incident, highlighting the implications of using heavy munitions in populated areas.

Marie DuboisFri Jul 31 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force's F-22 Raptor fleet's mission-capable rate has dropped to 40.19 percent in fiscal 2024, prompting concerns over readiness. The Air Force has 184 F-22s, including 32 older Block 20 models that Congress has blocked from retirement. Upgrading these Block 20s is projected to cost at least $3.3 billion and take about 15 years, complicating the Air Force's operational capabilities amid increasing global demands.

The People's Liberation Army held a reception in Macau on July 31, 2023, to celebrate its 99th anniversary. Senior officials, including the Chief Executive of Macau and military leaders, attended the event, which included speeches and a photo exhibition commemorating the Red Army's Long March victory. The reception emphasized the PLA's role in maintaining stability in Macau and its commitment to the 'One Country, Two Systems' policy.