Analysis & Reports

On July 6, Lockheed Martin, Thales, and Fincantieri announced significant investments in maritime defense capabilities, reflecting a strategic response to increasing threats from China and Russia. Lockheed Martin acquired Ultra Maritime for $3.5 billion, while Thales plans to purchase a stake in Exail Technologies. Fincantieri is investing $700 million in four firms specializing in unmanned maritime systems. These moves highlight the growing importance of undersea warfare capabilities in response to geopolitical challenges.

The U.S. Army is seeking to replace the Stinger missile system with the Next Generation Short Range Interceptor to address the threat posed by small and mid-sized drones. The Army has awarded contracts to Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies for prototype development and has requested $215 million for the replacement in its fiscal year 2027 budget. This initiative comes in response to increased drone attacks, particularly from Iran, highlighting the evolving nature of air defense requirements.

Iran's F-14 Tomcats achieved 78 aerial victories against Iraqi aircraft using AIM-54 Phoenix missiles during the Iran-Iraq War. The Iranian Air Force utilized these aircraft primarily for national air defense, with significant operations around Tehran and Kharg Island. The U.S. Navy, in contrast, did not record any victories with the same missile system. The operational effectiveness of the F-14s was notably impacted by the 1979 revolution, which disrupted support and maintenance.

Iran launched approximately 550 ballistic missiles and 1,000 drones toward Israel, resulting in 28 Israeli deaths and over 3,000 injuries. The U.S. faces critical shortages in missile interceptors, with fewer than 1,000 Patriots and around 250 THAAD interceptors available. Analysts warn that without increased production capacity, future conflicts may see insufficient missile inventories, undermining strategic deterrence.

Cameras on Royal Navy surveillance drones transmitted data to an IP address in China, discovered during a cyber vulnerability assessment. The drones, part of a $16.2 million fleet, were intended for missions in the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of Defence confirmed no sensitive information was compromised, but the incident highlights vulnerabilities in military technology supply chains.

U.S. defense contractors raised concerns about Ukraine's potential production of Patriot missiles amid ongoing discussions with U.S. officials. Ukraine is seeking to enhance its air defense capabilities, while the U.S. has faced significant consumption of these missiles in recent conflicts. The situation remains fluid as discussions about technology transfer and production authorization continue.

USS Missouri and USS Wisconsin conducted naval operations in the Persian Gulf during 1991, firing 1,083 16-inch shells and launching 52 Tomahawk missiles against Iraqi targets. The battleships provided significant firepower and support for coalition forces, with Missouri completing its campaign by firing 759 rounds and Wisconsin firing 324 rounds. Their operations were crucial in the naval engagement during Desert Storm, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Iowa-class battleships.

The Houthi Movement launched a second attack on Aramco's Jazan refinery on August 9, 2023, causing a fire but no injuries. This incident follows a previous attack on July 27 that halted production at the facility. The refinery, crucial for Saudi oil output, is increasingly targeted due to its proximity to Yemen and the ongoing regional conflict.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Aug 09 2026Loading...

Alexander the Great led military campaigns against the Persian Empire from 334 BCE to 323 BCE, achieving victories at Granicus, Issus, and Gaugamela. His Macedonian Army, consisting of 43,000 infantry and 5,500 cavalry, utilized various tactics and equipment, including siege engines and war elephants. He founded over 70 cities, extending Greek influence, and died in Babylon without a clear succession plan.

In 2007, the Pentagon shredded 23 retired F-14 Tomcats at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base to prevent Iran from acquiring usable parts. This action was part of a broader strategy to limit Iran's military capabilities following the 1979 revolution, which ended American support for the aircraft. Despite the destruction, Iran has continued to maintain its F-14 fleet through cannibalization and domestic manufacturing efforts.

On February 18, 1991, the USS Princeton (CG-59) was severely damaged by two Italian-made MN103 Manta mines in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. The first mine detonated under the ship, injuring three crew members and causing significant structural damage, while the USS Tripoli (LPH-10) was also struck by a mine, sustaining a large hole in its hull. Both incidents resulted in over $134 million in damages.

The United States has expended nearly all of its long-range precision strike missiles in military operations against Iran since February 2023, significantly impacting its military capabilities in other regions, particularly Ukraine. This depletion includes 65% of Patriot interceptors and 38% of THAAD interceptors. The situation has raised concerns among European defense planners regarding the sustainability of U.S. military support in multiple theaters. Iran is exploiting this vulnerability to strengthen its diplomatic position.

Alexandra ReevesSat Aug 08 2026Loading...

The U.S. military is investigating leaks regarding missile stockpiles amid concerns about dwindling supplies of precision-guided weapons in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Reports indicate that the number of Patriot interceptors has decreased from approximately 2,330 at the start of the war to between 759 and 827. Additionally, THAAD inventories have also significantly declined, raising alarms about U.S. military readiness.

On April 14, 1988, the USS Samuel B. Roberts was severely damaged by an Iranian M-08 contact naval mine in the Persian Gulf, causing approximately $90 million in damage and nearly sinking the frigate. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of modern warships to older, inexpensive weapons. Despite the extensive damage, the crew managed to maintain combat capability and extinguish fires, allowing the ship to be towed for repairs.

The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier faced significant technical failures, including an inability to launch and recover F-35C Lightning II aircraft due to excessive exhaust heat. This issue arose from design incompatibilities, as the carrier was deployed before resolving critical systems. The carrier's flight deck cannot withstand the F-35C's exhaust heat of 3,600°F, leading to operational challenges during its deployment in the Iran War. The Navy is currently addressing these deficiencies with upgrades and maintenance at Norfolk.

ASELSAN announced the TOLUN-P munition is mission-ready for combat in 2025, capable of penetrating hardened targets like bunkers and armored vehicles. The munition combines GNSS and INS guidance and can breach up to 1 meter of reinforced concrete. It can be deployed from various aircraft, including F-16s and drones, and has begun reaching international customers.

The United Arab Emirates and Israel established a joint arms fund on August 6, 2026, to acquire and develop new weapon systems, focusing on air defense and counter-drone capabilities. This partnership marks a significant shift from political normalization to military integration, with substantial funding allocated for these initiatives. The UAE's defense spending is projected to reach $27 billion in 2026, reflecting its commitment to enhancing military capabilities in response to regional threats.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Aug 07 2026Loading...

The F-111 Aardvark, known as 'the Pig', served in multiple military operations from 1964 to 1998, including the Vietnam War, Operation El Dorado Canyon, and Operation Desert Storm. It was recognized for its combat effectiveness, achieving a notable safety record and destroying over 1,500 enemy armored vehicles during the Gulf War. The aircraft was retired from service by the U.S. Air Force in 1998 and by the Royal Australian Air Force in 2010.

The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), involving Italy, the UK, and Japan, is progressing with secured funding of £4.6 billion. Germany and Saudi Arabia have shown interest in joining the initiative, which aims to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet expected to enter service around 2034. Mitsubishi Electric will contribute by building facilities for electronics and components.

Israel successfully tested an upgraded version of the Arrow missile defense system on Wednesday at a test site in central Israel. The test, conducted by the Israeli Missile Defense Organization in collaboration with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, incorporates lessons learned from the recent war with Iran. This upgrade aims to enhance Israel's air defense capabilities against current and future missile threats.