Analysis & Reports

Sweden is set to order 12 Gripen E fighter jets to replace older Gripen C/D models being gifted to Ukraine. This new procurement will increase Sweden's Gripen fleet to 72 aircraft. Ukraine is expected to receive its first Gripen C/D jets next year and aims to acquire up to 150 Gripen jets in total. The Swedish Air Force emphasizes the importance of this program for both nations' defense capabilities.

The Bundeswehr placed a call-off order worth €100 million for additional hardware and support services to digitize its vehicle fleet. This includes 5,000 adapter plate sets and 11,000 rugged pin pads, with ten integration teams scheduled for deployment from Q4 2027 to Q4 2028. The project is part of the Digitisation of Land-based Operations initiative, aimed at modernizing the German land forces' command and communication capabilities.

MBDA introduced the Counter Mass Interceptor at the Farnborough Airshow, aimed at addressing Europe's drone defense gap by 2028. The system will initially focus on smaller drones, with plans for future versions to engage missiles and glide bombs. The development is led by British teams, with French involvement anticipated later. This initiative highlights Europe's current inability to counter saturation attacks effectively.

Dr. Klaus WeberMon Jul 20 2026Loading...

A Malian convoy was ambushed near Tabankort while departing Anefis, resulting in 30 soldiers killed and 60 wounded. The Front for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA) and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) coordinated the attack, highlighting the ongoing military operations in the region. The ambush underscores the challenges faced by Malian forces in maintaining control over critical supply routes between Gao and Kidal.

Marie DuboisMon Jul 20 2026Loading...

Russian engineers modified a Mi-8 helicopter into a flying drone jammer to disrupt Ukrainian long-range strike drones' navigation signals. The system features multiple antennas and is designed for electronic warfare. This development aligns with Russia's plans to expand its Mi-8 fleet, enhancing their capabilities in electronic warfare operations.

The 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) is set to take place in Kielce from 8–11 September 2026, featuring nearly 1,000 exhibitors, including a significant showcase by Canada as the Lead Nation. The event will highlight advancements in military technology and foster international cooperation, with participation from high-ranking officials and industry leaders. Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) will serve as the Strategic Partner, emphasizing Poland's growing role in the global defense sector.

Ben Wallace urged the Israeli government to assist Ukraine early in the war, but Israel declined to avoid upsetting Russia. This decision has led to increased Russian-Iranian cooperation in drone attacks against Israel. Wallace criticized Israel's broader economic relationship with Russia, emphasizing the consequences of their refusal to support Ukraine. The situation reflects ongoing tensions and the complex geopolitical dynamics involving Israel, Ukraine, and Russia.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have shot down a Polish-made Tiguar-M drone in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province. The drone is said to have been operated by the U.S. Army during a recent exercise in the Philippines. This claim has not been independently verified by U.S. military sources, and Iran has a history of using such incidents for propaganda.

The Islamic Resistance Organization announced it will directly combat U.S. forces if the U.S. escalates its aggression towards Iran. This statement follows the death of a U.S. service member during a mission in northern Iraq related to Iran. The organization clarified that it has not attacked U.S. bases in Iraq recently, despite ongoing tensions and previous strikes against U.S. interests in the region.

The U.S. Army deployed the Dark Eagle Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon to Guam for training during Exercise Valiant Shield in June 2026. This exercise involved multinational forces across Guam, Japan, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The Dark Eagle system, capable of reaching targets in mainland China, was observed in training exercises by the 7th Infantry Division (Multi-Domain Command – Pacific).

The Qatari Air Force One, a modified Boeing 747, will be taken offline for upgrades in about a month, as announced by President Trump. The aircraft, which lacks standard anti-missile countermeasures, was accepted by the U.S. government last year and is undergoing modifications costing less than $400 million. Trump previously opted to use an older Air Force One model during a NATO summit amid rising tensions with Iran.

IMCO Industries Ltd. is advancing the development of a Software-Defined Armored Vehicle in Israel to enhance adaptability against emerging threats. This initiative aims to integrate new systems and sensors quickly, addressing challenges posed by modern warfare, including drone threats. The company is a key supplier to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, focusing on improving operational efficiency and reducing cognitive load for crews.

Yunnan is recognized as a vital resource hub for China's defense mobilization, particularly for gallium and rare earth elements essential for advanced weaponry. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is shifting its supply chain focus towards land routes to Southeast Asia, enhancing logistical capabilities. This strategic move aims to mitigate vulnerabilities associated with maritime transport, particularly in high-intensity conflicts. The report emphasizes the importance of resource security in maintaining military readiness and industrial continuity.

Li MinghuiMon Jul 20 2026Loading...

Russia launched 107 ballistic missiles and 20 3M22 Zircon missiles in July 2026, targeting Ukrainian air defense capabilities across Kharkiv, Odessa, and Mykolaiv Oblasts. This marks a significant increase in missile usage, indicating a strategic shift in military operations. Concurrently, Ukraine has targeted Russian oil infrastructure to disrupt missile supply lines and reduce operational costs for Russia's missile campaign.

Dmitri VolkovMon Jul 20 2026Loading...

U.S. military conducted airstrikes on Iranian military and civilian infrastructure in Hormozgan Province on October 18-19, 2023, targeting missile and drone storage facilities. Two U.S. soldiers were killed in Iranian attacks in Jordan, raising concerns about Iran's improved missile capabilities. The strikes also affected civilian desalination plants, disrupting water supply for approximately 10,000 residents.

Iran transported approximately 70 million barrels of oil to the Eastern Outer Port Limits near Malaysia between mid-June and mid-July 2026, just before the resumption of US sanctions. This operation involved around 20 Iranian tankers and is part of Iran's strategy to sustain its economy amid ongoing sanctions. The US announced the resumption of sanctions on July 14, 2026, which includes restrictions on Iranian ports and oil stations.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Jul 20 2026Loading...

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard conducted airstrikes against U.S. military targets in Kuwait on July 20, destroying an early warning radar system and damaging an airbase, including several MQ-9 drones. The Guard emphasized that Kuwait should not be a safe haven for U.S. forces.

U.S. military forces conducted missile strikes in Khoramshahr and East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, on July 20, 2023, around 2:35 AM. The strikes resulted in significant explosions but did not cause civilian casualties. Explosions were also reported in other southwestern Iranian locations, including Mahshahr and Sirik.

On October 20, 2026, the 'Blade Mission' national police special forces challenge commenced in Urumqi, Xinjiang, featuring 55 teams and 584 participants. The competition includes events such as rapid shooting, bomb disposal, hostage rescue, and extreme obstacle crossing, testing the physical and tactical skills of the participants.

Russian forces conducted airstrikes on July 19, targeting multiple Ukrainian port facilities in Yuzhne, Odesa Oblast, and striking two cargo ships in the Black Sea. They also destroyed an oil processing plant and a gas processing plant, while shooting down over 600 Ukrainian drones. The strikes included attacks on warehouses containing Western-supplied military equipment.