Analysis & Reports

Oil traders predict a decline in prices over the coming months despite ongoing conflict in the Persian Gulf and instability in the Strait of Hormuz. The expectation is that economic pressures will lead to de-escalation between the US and Iran, as high oil prices negatively impact major economies. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with intermediaries working to reduce tensions.

China Coast Guard vessel 3302 fired a water cannon at Philippine vessel BRP Datu Dumangsil near Scarborough Shoal on July 23, 2026. The incident involved multiple Chinese and Philippine vessels, with no injuries reported. The Philippine fisheries mission continued despite the encounter, highlighting the ongoing maritime tensions in the region. The US reaffirmed its defense commitments to the Philippines in response to the incident.

Marcus ChenThu Jul 23 2026Loading...

Lockheed Martin Ventures announced a $100 million investment in European defense firms, part of a broader strategy to enhance its presence in the European market. The firm plans to open its first office in London and focus on emerging technologies such as quantum computing and autonomy. Chris Moran, vice president of Lockheed Martin Ventures, indicated that the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands are key countries for investment opportunities.

Elbit Systems's U-TacS is proposing the Watchkeeper X variant for the UK's Project Corvus, aimed at fulfilling a requirement for a long-range reconnaissance drone.

Elbit Systems's U-TacS proposed the Watchkeeper X variant for the UK's Project Corvus, aimed at fulfilling a requirement for a long-range reconnaissance drone. This initiative highlights the ongoing development and procurement of advanced military drone technology in the UK.

Federal employee unions filed a lawsuit in Maryland seeking a preliminary injunction to restore collective bargaining agreements with the Defense Department, arguing that Secretary Hegseth failed to follow legal procedures in terminating these agreements. The unions claim that the abrupt termination has led to a decline in union membership and confusion among employees regarding their rights. The case has been assigned to Judge Stephanie Gallagher.

The US Navy is actively enforcing a blockade on Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, conducting escort missions and mine countermeasures. Despite ongoing threats from Iranian forces, no US ships have been lost in combat. The blockade is exerting economic pressure on Iran, while US naval capabilities continue to perform effectively in the region.

Babcock and Supacat signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the British Army's Land Rover fleet replacement programme. This partnership aims to enhance the capabilities of the British Army's mobility vehicles.

Greece approved a $4 billion procurement of the Achilles Shield air defense system to enhance its defense against missile and drone threats. The system, expected to be operational within 35 months, will incorporate Israeli technology and involve Greek production. This decision reflects Greece's strategic shift towards modernizing its military capabilities amid regional security challenges.

Alexandra ReevesThu Jul 23 2026Loading...

The UK’s National Armaments Director Group awarded a £20m contract to Lockheed Martin UK for the delivery of Project Bowline, which involves hypersonic target systems. This contract highlights the UK's ongoing investment in advanced military technology.

The U.S. military is conducting a conventional campaign against Iran, focusing on the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran employs asymmetric tactics, including drone attacks and threats to commercial shipping. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps continues to control fast boats and missiles, posing challenges to U.S. operations. Iran's strategy aims to impose economic costs and outlast U.S. efforts in the region.

A Russian Su-57 Felon stealth fighter crashed in Odintsovo, Moscow Oblast during a training flight. The pilot ejected safely before the aircraft went down in a field, reportedly avoiding residential areas. Eyewitnesses indicated that the aircraft exploded after the pilot's ejection, and initial assessments suggest the aircraft has been destroyed.

The U.S. administration is considering military airstrikes against Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) in Mali following an ambush that killed at least 50 Malian soldiers. This discussion emerged publicly on July 22, 2026, amid concerns over the effectiveness of Russian security partnerships in the region. The attack highlights operational coordination between JNIM and the Front de libération de l'Azawad (FLA), complicating the military landscape in northern Mali.

Marie DuboisThu Jul 23 2026Loading...

The development of secure 5G battlefield networks is critical due to the saturation of electronic warfare effectors in the digital domain. Nokia Defense and NestAI are actively working on this technology to enhance battlefield communications.

Greece approved the purchase of a multi-layer air defense system worth €3.5 billion from Israel, along with various military equipment including drones and C-390 transport aircraft. The system, named 'Achilles Shield', will be operational within 35 months and aims to enhance Greece's defense capabilities. This procurement is part of a broader modernization effort for the Greek Armed Forces, which includes significant investments in new fighter jets and naval assets.

BETA Technologies unveiled the MV250, a militarized unmanned aircraft, at the Farnborough Airshow. The aircraft, equipped with a hybrid-electric powertrain, is designed for military missions and has a range of 1,300 nautical miles. Production is expected to start by 2028, with military exercises planned for next year. BETA aims to sell the aircraft to the Pentagon and international buyers.

A Su-57 aircraft of the Russian Air Force crashed in Moscow Oblast during a training flight on July 23, 2026. The pilot ejected safely, and the crash occurred during takeoff in a remote area, with no reported damage on the ground. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the operational reliability of the Su-57 program, which has faced challenges in production and deployment.

Dmitri VolkovThu Jul 23 2026Loading...

On the 23rd, the Kuwaiti military reported a drone attack on the Abdali border crossing with Iraq, resulting in damage to facilities. No casualties were reported from the incident.

Rolls-Royce, IHI Corporation, and Avio Aero completed over 100 subscale component tests for the Global Combat Air Program's propulsion system as of July 20, 2023. The UK Ministry of Defence awarded BAE Systems a £708 million contract extension to support the program. The GCAP fighter jet is expected to enter service by 2035, integrating advanced capabilities for long-range operations.

Houthi forces attacked two Saudi oil tankers, Encelia and Layla, in the Red Sea on July 22, 2023, using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. The attack highlights the strategic significance of Bab al-Mandeb as a chokepoint for Saudi oil exports. Saudi Arabia confirmed damage to the Encelia but reported no casualties among the crew. This incident escalates tensions in the region and poses a threat to maritime security.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Jul 23 2026Loading...