Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Space Force plans to double its ranks by adding 10,000 guardians over the next five years, with significant growth expected in the first year. This expansion includes increasing training capacity at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and Peterson Space Force Base. The initiative aims to enhance military education and training in response to the growing importance of space as a critical domain.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. is integrating its SPICE 1000 air-to-surface munition onto the F-35 fighter aircraft in the United States. This integration, a joint project with Lockheed Martin, is expected to be completed within a few months, allowing Israeli F-35s to employ the munition. SPICE 1000 is capable of striking high-value targets at ranges exceeding 120 km and has been operational with various air forces globally.

Taiwanese Armed Forces conducted a three-day live-fire exercise at Jiupeng, Pingtung, starting September 16, 2026, testing its missile network. The exercise involved various missile systems, including HIMARS and Hsiung Feng missiles, to assess integration under combat conditions. This drill aims to enhance Taiwan's capabilities against potential threats.

Marcus ChenTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces launched an offensive operation in the Donetsk region, clearing 75 square kilometers of Russian infiltration and recapturing 10 square kilometers. The 3rd Army Corps, under Brigadier-General Andrii Biletskyi, disrupted Russian military logistics and took control of the village of Serednie. This operation, named 'Vivaldi', is part of ongoing efforts to secure key strongholds in the area.

The Admiral Nakhimov battlecruiser of the Russian Navy, equipped with 176 vertical launch cells and advanced weaponry, is undergoing a significant refurbishment after 25 years and $5 billion in investment. In contrast, the proposed Trump-Class battleship of the U.S. Navy, which would feature 128 Mk 41 cells and advanced systems, has not yet been funded or constructed. This comparison underscores the ongoing naval arms race between the U.S. and Russia, reminiscent of Cold War dynamics.

The U.S. Space Force faces significant budget constraints, with 10% of its programs unable to proceed without a new spending bill. General Douglas Schiess highlighted the urgency for Congress to approve the budget, as the Space Force aims to expand to 20,000 personnel by the end of the decade. He confirmed the existence of operational space control weapons in orbit, emphasizing the need for resources to maintain military readiness against emerging threats.

An Italian NATO fighter jet shot down a drone in Lithuanian airspace on Tuesday after midnight, which likely came from Russia via Belarus. The incident occurred near Pratkunai, close to Kaunas, and the drone was reported to have carried explosives. Lithuanian officials are investigating the debris to confirm the drone's origin and potential provocations.

A Russian frigate fired two flares at a Danish military helicopter in the Baltic Sea on Monday, narrowly missing the aircraft. The Danish military reported the incident, which Russia is investigating, claiming Denmark was conducting dangerous maneuvers. This event highlights escalating tensions in the region amid ongoing concerns over Russian military aggression.

Diehl Defence and Elbit Systems demonstrated the operational capabilities of the SkyStriker loitering munition system in Germany.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is opening a new facility in Dayton, Ohio, which is supported by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and JobsOhio. This facility will enhance GA-ASI's capabilities in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Patria has secured a contract to deliver its multistatic coherent location (MUSCL) passive radar system to an unnamed European NATO member.

The analysis concludes that the Iowa-class battleship would defeat the Yamato-class battleship in a hypothetical naval engagement in 1945. Iowa's superior speed and radar-directed fire control would allow it to engage effectively at optimal ranges, while Yamato's optical targeting system would struggle in degraded visibility conditions. Historical data supports the conclusion that Iowa's gunnery would dominate the engagement.

Operation Epic Fury resulted in significant damage to U.S. military assets, with hundreds of buildings and dozens of aircraft destroyed or damaged across multiple locations including Kuwait and Bahrain. From February 28 to June 30, 2023, 417 servicemembers were wounded and 7 were killed, with the operation costing approximately $22 billion in munitions. The Pentagon's Inspector General report highlights strategic inventory shortfalls and concerns over munitions production capabilities.

Ukraine proposed to pause attacks on Russian critical infrastructure if Russia ceases its strikes on Ukrainian energy systems. This offer aims to mitigate civilian suffering as winter approaches, while maintaining military options. The proposal raises questions about Russia's strategic objectives and the complexities of verifying any potential agreement.

Alexandra ReevesTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

The U.S. Space Force has deployed space control weapons in orbit, as confirmed by Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink during a conference in National Harbor, Maryland. These weapons are designed to defend against hostile actions and represent a shift in focus for the Space Force, which has previously prioritized communications and tracking satellites. The deployment aligns with the Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits weapons of mass destruction in orbit.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force suspects that a lost Global Hawk drone has crashed over the sea near Tottori Prefecture on September 15, 2023. The drone lost contact around 13:00 local time, and debris believed to be from the drone was discovered during the search. This drone is one of three stationed at Misawa Air Base and was not engaged in a training mission at the time of the incident.

Donald Trump is contemplating a new summit with Kim Jong Un to negotiate concessions. The U.S. must consider significant offers, such as reducing military presence, to entice North Korea into a serious agreement. Previous negotiations failed due to inadequate concessions from the U.S., and North Korea's alignment with Russia complicates the situation. Without meaningful offers, further talks may lead to continued nuclear stalemate.

The European Parliament is set to vote on the Defence Readiness Omnibus on September 16, 2026, which aims to accelerate defense procurement processes and mobilize up to 800 billion euros for defense investments. The Omnibus includes changes to six EU legal acts to streamline approvals for defense infrastructure and procurement. However, the report emphasizes that procedural changes do not equate to immediate military capabilities or readiness.

Dr. Klaus WeberTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.2 billion contract for the Precision Strike Missile Increment 2 system, designed to target maritime threats. This missile can travel up to 500 km and features a multimode seeker. The contract's work locations will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of September 13, 2031. This follows the successful launch of the first PrSM Increment 2 missile earlier this year.

Algeria and Mali resumed diplomatic dialogue on September 15, 2026, signaling a thaw in relations after months of tension. The two nations aim to enhance cooperation on security issues in the Sahel, recognizing the need for joint efforts to address instability. Algeria's strategic position and local connections may facilitate this cooperation, although the effectiveness will depend on involving local actors in the process.

Marie DuboisTue Sep 15 2026Loading...