Analysis & Reports

U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure on July 22, 2023, as tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea. The Houthis announced a blockade against Saudi shipping, leading to significant disruptions in commercial vessel traffic. Vessel tracking data indicated a sharp decline in crossings through both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with multiple tankers altering their routes due to security concerns.

The U.S. Army is addressing supply chain bottlenecks affecting the production of the M1 Abrams tank engine, the AGT1500, through collaboration with industry. An event called the 'TIGER hackathon' was held on July 14, 2023, to identify solutions and second sources for critical components. The Army has identified 166 components impacting readiness and aims to have vendors contracted by October 1, 2023.

The U.S. Navy is advancing plans to construct a new Multi-Mission Dry Dock at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, to service aircraft carriers. This initiative, part of a $30 billion contract, aims to enhance the Navy's capacity for depot-level maintenance on Ford-class carriers in the Pacific Northwest. The project includes multiple task orders for dredging, demolition, and infrastructure improvements.

Ukrainian President Zelensky announced the replacement of General Zaluzhny with General Dragomiretsky as the Commander of the Armed Forces late on the 21st, following a week of nationwide protests. This leadership change comes after the dismissal of Defense Minister Reznikov, who has been accused of corruption and has rejected other government roles. The political turmoil is viewed as a significant crisis for Zelensky amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Boeing is planning to establish multiple production facilities for the MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone in various countries to meet local demands. This initiative is driven by the need for sovereign military capabilities, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Germany is expected to be the first European operator of the drone by 2029, with Hensoldt joining the supplier base to support this effort.

The Houthi militia announced a maritime embargo against Saudi oil in the Red Sea, threatening to attack ships that challenge their blockade. Four tankers altered their routes, and EUNAVFOR ASPIDES advised vessels linked to U.S., Israel, or Saudi interests to avoid the area. The Houthis have deployed missiles and drones near Bab el-Mandeb to enforce the embargo, leading to a significant decline in maritime traffic through the strait.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved a significant overhaul of its satellite spectrum licensing process in Washington today. This reform aims to streamline licensing for military, civil, and commercial operators, reducing regulatory burdens and enhancing efficiency. The changes include a new 'licensing assembly line' and a requirement for satellite operators to share space situational awareness data to promote safety.

Ukrainian company Skyfall unveiled the P1-SUN Jetkiller drone interceptor at the Farnborough Airshow, designed to target Russian Shahed drones. The interceptor can reach speeds of 370 km/h and is set for mass production in August, with a target of 50,000 units per month. The Ukrainian Air Force recently reported destroying 46 out of 58 Russian drones in an attack, highlighting the need for such advanced systems.

The Space Force increased its contract ceiling by $11.4 billion to fund an additional 110 launches, raising the total expected missions to 170 over the next decade. This adjustment reflects the growing demand for critical capabilities in space. The indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, originally set at $5.6 billion, now totals $17 billion and includes a five-year base period with an option for an additional five years. SpaceX has secured most of the launch orders under this program.

Ukrainian drone strikes targeted logistics hubs owned by Wildberries in Krasnodar and Stavropol, injuring ten people. This follows earlier attacks on Tambov and Elektrostal, resulting in eight deaths and 62 injuries. President Zelensky described the strikes as 'long-range sanctions' aimed at disrupting supplies to the Russian military. Additionally, Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi was appointed as the new commander in chief of Ukraine's armed forces.

Lockheed Martin has partnered with Venus Aerospace to develop Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) technology aimed at enhancing long-range precision fires systems. This joint technology development agreement signifies a step forward in advanced rocket technology.

Multinational crews are conducting anti-submarine warfare operations aboard U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft during RIMPAC 2026 in the Pacific Ocean. The exercise involves 31 nations, 40 surface ships, 5 submarines, and 140 aircraft, focusing on improving coordination and operational procedures among allied forces. Meanwhile, China is testing submarine-launched ballistic missiles and increasing its naval presence near Taiwan, complicating the operational environment for U.S. and allied forces.

Marcus ChenWed Jul 22 2026Loading...

The Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat debuted at the Farnborough International Airshow and participated in Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 in June 2026, operating alongside crewed aircraft. The uncrewed aircraft demonstrated its combat capabilities by successfully firing an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile. Designed for missions such as surveillance and electronic warfare, the Ghost Bat has a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles and is part of a broader trend of integrating uncrewed systems into military operations.

Iranian military officials warned of retaliation against U.S. strikes on Iranian infrastructure, specifically bridges and power plants, following President Trump's threats. They emphasized their control over the Hormuz Strait and stated that vessels must coordinate with Iran for safe passage. The warning was issued on July 22, highlighting Iran's military readiness and resolve.

CAE and Leonardo announced a collaboration on July 22, 2026, to enhance the M-346 Integrated Training System for advanced fighter pilot training. This partnership aims to develop integrated training capabilities that prepare pilots for evolving operational concepts, including AI-enabled systems and autonomous mission environments. The International Flight Training School in Sardinia serves as a model for their integrated training approach, promoting interoperability among allied air forces.

Team Tempest partners announced significant advancements in the UK's Future Combat Air System, including the assembly of the Combat Air Demonstrator and modifications to the Excalibur Flight Test Aircraft. These developments aim to enhance the UK's sovereign combat air capabilities and support the Global Combat Air Programme. The partnership involves the UK Ministry of Defence and key industry players, focusing on innovation and technological expertise.

CAE and Leonardo announced a collaboration on July 22, 2026, to enhance M-346 training and develop integrated training capabilities for advanced fighter pilots. This partnership aims to address evolving operational concepts and improve interoperability among allied air forces, exemplified by the International Flight Training School in Sardinia. The agreement will leverage advanced simulation technologies and live flight training to prepare pilots for future challenges in the battlespace.

BAE Systems unveiled the Brontanax, the UK's first uncrewed autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft, at the Farnborough International Airshow. The aircraft, designed to enhance combat capabilities alongside crewed aircraft, is expected to enter service before the end of the decade. The UK Government is investing £300 million in the StormFighter programme to support the development of this new technology, which aims to provide advanced electronic warfare and precision strike capabilities.

Lockheed Martin and Leonardo signed an agreement on July 22, 2026, to enhance maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for the C-130J Super Hercules airlifters across Europe, the Middle East, and Northern Africa. This partnership aims to improve MRO capabilities and efficiency for over 570 C-130Js delivered to 27 countries, strengthening NATO's operational readiness. The agreement builds on a 20-year relationship between the two companies.

The UK Ministry of Defence awarded a £708 million contract extension to BAE Systems for the development of sixth-generation combat air technologies. This investment supports the Global Combat Air Programme and involves collaboration with industry partners to enhance the UK's defense capabilities. Approximately 4,500 personnel are engaged in researching and developing future combat air systems.