Analysis & Reports

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against Iranian rocket launchers in Larak, Strait of Hormuz, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes on U.S. facilities in Jordan and attempted drone strikes in UAE airspace. This escalation follows a period of relative calm and indicates a potential shift towards a more aggressive U.S. military posture in the region. Donald Trump has indicated a strong response to Iranian actions, suggesting ongoing military operations.

Mykhailo Fedorov announced the launch of a new defense company in Kyiv, partnering with Palantir CEO Alex Karp. The venture aims to develop defense technologies to enhance global safety. Fedorov, who was ousted as Ukraine's defense minister in July, emphasized the importance of using his experience in defense technology to strengthen Ukraine and support allies. Karp's investment could significantly impact Ukraine's defense industry.

President Trump nominated Kaohsiung to be the next Secretary of the Navy on September 1. Kaohsiung, a Vietnamese-American retired Navy officer, currently serves as the acting Secretary of the Navy. Trump has urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process.

Iranian F-14 Tomcats engaged in aerial combat against Iraqi forces during the Iran-Iraq War, achieving 78 confirmed aerial victories. The F-14s, equipped with AIM-54 Phoenix missiles, played a crucial role in Iran's air defense strategy. The conflict lasted throughout the 1980s, with significant implications for both nations' military capabilities.

On September 2, explosions occurred at multiple U.S. military bases in Kuwait following an Iranian attack. The Kuwaiti military reported that their air defense systems were intercepting hostile aerial targets during the incident.

The U.S. Navy salvaged six of the eight battleships sunk at Pearl Harbor, modernizing them for future naval engagements. These ships, including the West Virginia and California, were refloated and underwent significant repairs and upgrades. They later participated in key battles, demonstrating their resilience and strategic importance in the Pacific theater.

On September 1, U.S. Central Command successfully conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets, including air defense positions, radar systems, naval assets, mining capabilities, and communication sites. This operation was a response to recent attempts by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

In February 2023, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors engaged in air-to-air combat, achieving three confirmed kills against balloons, including a Chinese surveillance balloon off South Carolina. The F-22, originally designed for Cold War air superiority, had not seen significant combat since its introduction, with its first missile fired in anger occurring decades after its development began. The aircraft's operational history reflects its limited engagement opportunities due to the end of the Cold War.

The U.S. military launched airstrikes against Iranian Revolutionary Guard targets on September 1 at 12:00 PM EDT, with explosions reported near Geshm Island and the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes targeted rocket launchers on Larak Island, which were allegedly being prepared for use against shipping in the Strait. In retaliation, Iranian forces attacked U.S. positions in Jordan and the UAE, and downed a U.S. MQ-9 drone.

Russian forces attacked two Ukrainian cargo ships in the Black Sea on September 1, 2023. One ship was reported to be carrying military equipment, while the other was transporting weapons and ammunition. Additionally, a logistics center in Odesa Oblast was struck during the operation.

Jordan's air defense system intercepted 10 ballistic missiles launched from Iran on September 2. Three additional missiles landed in remote areas, causing no casualties. The Jordanian Armed Forces remain on high alert to protect national security and airspace sovereignty. This incident follows recent U.S. strikes against Iranian targets and previous missile attacks on Jordanian military installations.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone on September 1 in response to U.S. airstrikes that targeted multiple locations in southern Iran, including civilian facilities. This incident marks the 50th U.S. drone downed by Iran, which has vowed to intensify its efforts against foreign military presence in the Strait of Hormuz.

On September 1, 2023, the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the planned deployment of the U.S. Aegis missile system in Japan, labeling it as 'absolutely unacceptable.' Russia expressed concerns over joint military exercises involving Japan, the U.S., and Australia scheduled for September 8-24, warning that such actions threaten its security. The ministry indicated that Russia would take countermeasures to protect its defense interests.

On September 2, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a missile attack on the U.S. Marine Corps base at Titin Camp in Jordan. This action was in retaliation for a prior U.S. strike that resulted in casualties among Iranian civilians during a wedding. The attack involved heavy ballistic missiles and destroyed several key facilities at the base.

The U.S. Navy faces significant maintenance delays for its attack submarines, with 15 submarines projected to enter inactive status from FY 2026 to FY 2030, incurring over $3 billion in costs. The USS Pasadena will remain inactive for 1,414 days due to shipyard capacity issues. The Navy has not fully explored alternative decommissioning options, leading to increased operational costs.

House lawmakers advanced a continuing resolution to extend government funding for the Defense Department until Dec. 11. This resolution ensures that current weapons programs are funded at fiscal 2026 levels, preventing civilian furloughs and ensuring troops receive pay. Additionally, there are implications for potential automatic cuts to reconciliation funds if certain funds are not utilized by October.

U.S. Navy personnel are advised to prepare for longer deployments due to a shortage of ships, as stated by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle during a Q&A session at Fort Meade. The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for nine months, with a return expected in late September or early October. Families of sailors are being informed to plan for deployments of at least eight months, reflecting ongoing challenges in fleet size and operational readiness.

Adm. Daryl Caudle announced that U.S. Navy sailors should prepare for longer deployments due to a shortage of ships and personnel. During a Q&A session at Fort Meade, Maryland, he highlighted the uncertainty that extended deployments create for sailors and their families. The USS Abraham Lincoln, currently deployed for nine months, is expected to return to San Diego in late September or early October. The Navy is working to improve shipbuilding to meet future deployment goals.

HMS Daring underwent extensive repairs in Portsmouth from 2017 to 2023 due to propulsion issues and a lack of trained personnel. The Royal Navy faced significant logistical challenges, resulting in the destroyer being out of service for eight years. Despite the completion of repairs, Daring could not return to active duty until a new crew was trained. The Royal Navy's operational readiness has been severely impacted by mechanical issues and manpower shortages.

HMS Daring underwent extensive repairs in Portsmouth from 2017 to 2023 due to propulsion issues and a lack of trained crew. The Royal Navy faced significant manpower shortages, leading to the deactivation of smaller vessels to prioritize larger ships. Despite the completion of repairs, Daring remained inactive until recently when a new crew was trained, allowing her to prepare for rejoining the fleet.