Analysis & Reports

Israel conducted military operations using its F-35I Adir stealth fighters in Iran during 2025 and 2026, achieving air superiority without reported losses. The Israeli Air Force utilized these aircraft for airstrikes, surveillance, and missile detection, demonstrating their advanced capabilities. Plans are in place to expand the fleet from 48 to 100 aircraft, reflecting lessons learned from recent conflicts.

Iran's air defenses struggled against U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in 2025, failing to provide adequate protection during Operation Epic Fury. Despite significant losses, including the downing of advanced systems, Iran's mobile defense network continues to pose a threat, managing to shoot down several U.S. UAVs. The rugged geography of Iran complicates the effectiveness of its air defense systems, which include a mix of domestic and foreign technologies.

Lockheed Martin was awarded a $211.4 million contract modification to build new THAAD launchers for the United Arab Emirates, announced on August 12, 2026. This modification increases the total contract value to over $1.05 billion, with work scheduled from August 2026 through January 2031. The THAAD system is designed to intercept ballistic missiles and is part of the UAE's expanding missile defense architecture.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced a $58.6 billion contract with Lockheed Martin for the production of Patriot PAC-3 MSE missiles, as existing stockpiles have been significantly depleted. The Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, are heavily reliant on these systems for defense, with less than 1000 Patriot missiles remaining. Iran has issued warnings to Gulf nations regarding potential attacks if U.S. military actions persist, highlighting the vulnerabilities in Gulf air defense capabilities.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Aug 13 2026Loading...

Iran's F-14 Tomcats remain a point of contention, with reports indicating that at least five were destroyed in Israeli airstrikes in 2025. As of March 2026, the Israeli Air Force claimed to have obliterated the remaining fleet, but Iranian state media released footage of an F-14 returning from a mission, raising questions about its operational status. The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) continues to assert the presence of these aircraft despite conflicting evidence.

Iran has received 460 M60 tanks and 894 Chieftain tanks, maintaining a significant armored force. The Iranian Army and IRGC continue to modernize these tanks, including the recent Soleiman-402 variant. Despite sanctions, Iran has managed to sustain its fleet and develop domestic tank models.

Iran launched approximately 4,400 one-way attack drones during the U.S.-Israeli war by April 7, 2026. The Shahed-136, a key drone model, costs between $20,000 and $50,000. Despite significant damage to production sites from U.S. and Israeli strikes, Iran maintains a substantial drone production capacity, estimated at 10,000 drones per month. The attacks imposed a severe cost-exchange problem for regional air defenses.

U.S. Navy aircraft carriers conducted operations in the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific, responding to threats from Iranian missiles and drones during Operation Epic Fury. The carriers faced challenges that forced them to operate from greater distances, impacting their operational effectiveness and increasing reliance on logistical support. Despite these challenges, the carriers demonstrated their relevance in modern conflict.

A Russian Su-57 Felon stealth fighter landed at Iran's Bandar Abbas in February 2025, marking its first documented visit. The aircraft was a prototype returning to Russia, and no confirmed deal for its sale to Iran has been announced. Iran is interested in modernizing its air fleet, having already confirmed a purchase of Su-35 fighters from Russia.

F/A-18 Super Hornets were deployed by the U.S. Navy during Operation Epic Fury in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman for interception of drones and strikes on Iranian military infrastructure. The operation highlighted the aircraft's strengths and vulnerabilities, particularly the reliance on aircraft carriers, which are now pressured by modern missile threats. This situation imposes operational costs and affects mission effectiveness.

Iran sought to negotiate a deal for T-90 tanks from Russia between 2015 and 2016, but the contract was never finalized due to demands for technology transfer and UN sanctions. The Iranian Army aimed to upgrade its armored capabilities, particularly its T-72 and M60 tanks, but ultimately promoted the domestically produced Karrar tank as an alternative. The negotiations were part of a broader $10 billion military package that included various equipment.

Iran has deployed Kheibar Shekan ballistic missiles to target U.S. bases in the Middle East since 2022, utilizing advanced flight path alterations to evade defenses. The missile, with a range of 900 miles, is produced at a low cost of about $1 million, making it a significant threat to regional security. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) operates these missiles, which are increasingly used alongside drone strikes.

Iran developed the Zulfiqar main battle tank, integrating features from the M48 Patton, M60, and T-72 tanks, with production starting in 1996. As of 2016, approximately 150 Zulfiqar tanks were reported in service, although no confirmed combat records exist. The Zulfiqar's design reflects Iran's efforts to create a domestically assembled tank amid sanctions and restrictions on foreign military equipment.

Iran signed a $2.2 billion deal for military equipment, receiving 422 T-72S tanks and 413 BMP-2 armored vehicles from Russia between 1993 and 2000. The acquisition was only partially fulfilled due to U.S. pressure on Russian arms transfers. The T-72S tanks remain a key component of Iran's armored forces, especially following the Iran-Iraq War.

In June 2025, the Israeli Air Force executed a series of airstrikes and covert operations against Iranian air defenses, resulting in their collapse during the Twelve-Day War. Israel effectively dismantled Iran's air defense capabilities, utilizing advanced tactics and technology, which allowed U.S. forces to subsequently target Iranian nuclear sites. The operation revealed significant vulnerabilities in Iran's air defense network, which was poorly integrated and outdated.

Iran is pursuing the acquisition of Su-35 fighter jets from Russia to enhance its air capabilities against US military aircraft. While the exact number of aircraft remains unclear, reports suggest Iran may acquire between 24 and 50 jets. The acquisition could significantly improve Iran's air force, which currently relies on outdated models, but operational challenges persist due to a lack of combat experience and support infrastructure.

Iran is pursuing the acquisition of Su-35 fighter jets from Russia to enhance its air capabilities against U.S. military aircraft. Speculation suggests that Iranian pilots have trained on these jets, with potential delivery in 2023. The number of aircraft Iran may acquire is uncertain, ranging from 24 to 50. This acquisition could significantly alter the military balance in the region, although the Su-35's lack of stealth capabilities limits its effectiveness against advanced U.S. fighters.

Iran continues to operate a fleet of approximately 20 Ghadir-class midget submarines, with some unaccounted for, posing a potential threat to commercial and U.S. Navy shipping. The U.S. Navy recently confirmed the destruction of at least one Ghadir-class submarine during a strike on Bandar Abbas Naval Base in July 2026. The Iranian Navy's capabilities include Kilo-class submarines and Ghadir-class submarines, which are based on North Korean designs.

An Iranian F-5 Tiger bombed Camp Buehring in Kuwait during the opening phase of the 2026 U.S.-Iran war. This incident marks the operational use of the F-5E Tiger Fighters, which Iran acquired in the 1970s. The aircraft, capable of reaching Mach 1.6, played a significant role in Iran's air operations, demonstrating their continued relevance in modern conflicts.

China has supplied military technology and weapons to Iran since the 1980s, significantly enhancing Iran's coastal missile capabilities. This includes the provision of HY-2 Silkworm anti-ship missiles and technology for the Noor missile. Iran has developed a robust missile program, enabling it to create an anti-access environment in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, complicating U.S. military operations in the region.