Analysis & Reports

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a projected cost of $37.5 billion for certain aspects of the Iran war through September 2026 during a Senate hearing in Washington. Nearly 100 US service members have been injured since July, with three fatalities reported recently in Jordan and Iraq. Lawmakers expressed concerns over the Pentagon's transparency regarding funding and military operations related to the Iran conflict.

Iran's Central Command declared that any U.S. attack on its nuclear facilities would be seen as an escalation of regional conflict. In response, Iran would target all U.S. and allied interests in the region. This statement was made in the early morning of the 22nd.

Ukrainian President Zelensky appointed Mikhail Dragomiretsky as the new commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on July 21, 2023, following discussions with military officials in Kyiv. The finalization of this decision is expected on July 22, 2023.

Israeli airstrikes on July 21, 2023, targeted multiple locations in Gaza, resulting in at least 12 Palestinian deaths and numerous injuries. The strikes included an attack on an apartment building in Gaza City and a vehicle in Nuseirat Refugee Camp. Hamas condemned the actions, labeling them as war crimes and calling for international accountability.

Four drones were shot down near the U.S. consulate in Erbil on July 21, with no casualties reported. This incident is part of a series of frequent drone attacks targeting the consulate.

U.S. President Trump stated that the U.S. may soon conduct a military strike on Iran's underground nuclear facility at 'Gao Mountain'. He expressed concerns about Iran possibly moving centrifuges to this location and emphasized the importance of tracking nuclear materials. Trump noted that Iran is eager to meet but the U.S. will not engage until meaningful discussions are possible.

U.S. President Trump stated that the U.S. will take action if Houthi forces block the Red Sea. The Houthis announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, prompting the Saudi-led coalition to enhance security measures for shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Trump also expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with Hezbollah regarding Lebanon's situation.

Russian armed forces conducted long-range strikes on July 21 against Ukrainian Black Sea ports in Odesa and Chornomorsk, targeting vessels supporting Ukrainian forces. Drones and precision-guided munitions were employed, hitting a bulk carrier and two cargo ships en route to Odesa. Additionally, a cargo ship in Mykolaiv was struck while unloading military supplies, and port infrastructure was also targeted.

Houthi forces warned international shipping companies on July 20 of potential military strikes against vessels trading with Saudi ports, expanding their maritime blockade. The warning applies to all ships involved in trade with Saudi Arabia, urging caution in navigation plans. Houthi leadership stated this decision is based on a principle of 'blockade against blockade.' Regional nations, including Kuwait and Qatar, have expressed opposition to this blockade, reaffirming support for freedom of navigation under international law.

Canada is showing increasing interest in joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which currently includes Japan, Italy, and the UK. This development comes amid Washington's concerns related to the upcoming 2026 airshow. Breaking Defense provides ongoing coverage of these events at Farnborough.

Boeing is expanding its defense business in Europe by partnering with local companies and focusing on job creation in the UK. The company is pitching its T-7A fighter jet training platform for the Royal Air Force and has increased its workforce in the UK to over 2,100 employees. Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat will utilize modular open systems architecture to meet the needs of international militaries. This strategy aligns with the growing defense spending in the UK and Europe.

Multiple military aircraft, including a US Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter and an Airbus A-400M Airlifter, were displayed at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom on July 21, 2026. General Atomics showcased its Collaborative Combat Aircraft, while MBDA announced integration of the SPEAR missile onto unmanned systems. Saab's JAS-39 Gripen was also featured prominently.

Two tankers, the Xin Long Yang and Rodos, reversed course in the Red Sea on Tuesday due to Houthi threats against vessels loading at Saudi ports. The Xin Long Yang was en route to China, while the Rodos was headed for India. The Houthi warnings effectively deterred the tankers from proceeding, highlighting the impact of perceived risks on shipping routes for Saudi oil exports.

The U.S. Army is conducting tests of its Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) architecture in the Mojave Desert from July 20-29, 2023, involving 9,700 soldiers. This exercise aims to evaluate the system's performance in extreme heat and challenging terrain, with the 4th Infantry Division leading the effort. The outcomes will guide future equipment procurement and operational strategies.

President Trump announced that the U.S. plans to strike the fortified Pickaxe Mountain facility in Iran very heavily, indicating an imminent military operation. The facility, linked to Iran's nuclear program, is located near Natanz, and reports suggest it may house nuclear centrifuges. This announcement reflects a potential escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions rather than efforts to establish a ceasefire.

Houthi forces announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on October 20, 2023, in retaliation for Saudi actions in Yemen. Saudi Arabia condemned the blockade and pledged to protect its shipping. This escalation could disrupt global oil supply, as the Mandeb Strait is a critical shipping route.

Houthi forces announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on October 20, 2023, in retaliation for Saudi's blockade of Yemen. Saudi Arabia condemned the blockade and pledged to take necessary measures to protect its vessels. This escalation could disrupt global oil supply, particularly if the Mandeb Strait is closed, as it is a critical shipping route for Saudi oil exports.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) unveiled the Ellyon multi-mission aircraft system in Jerusalem, designed for electronic attack and advanced intelligence gathering. The system features capabilities such as SIGINT, long-range radar, and AI-based management, and can be integrated on various aircraft platforms. This unveiling took place during the Farnborough Air Show, highlighting IAI's commitment to enhancing aerial defense and intelligence operations.

U.S. lawmakers at the Farnborough International Airshow raised alarms about the Pentagon budget gridlock, jeopardizing key defense priorities, including the Golden Dome missile defense program. They indicated that a continuing resolution may be necessary to maintain current funding levels. Concerns were voiced regarding the reliance on reconciliation for defense funding, with significant portions of the budget at stake.

Leonardo and PT ESystem Solutions signed a contract on 21 July 2026 to supply 12 M-346 F Block 20 multirole light fighter aircraft to the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia. This procurement aims to enhance the Indonesian Air Force's operational capabilities, with deliveries expected to begin in 2030. The M-346 F will provide advanced training and combat capabilities, marking Indonesia as the 23rd user of this aircraft model.