Analysis & Reports

U.S. forces intercepted five Iranian one-way attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz and prevented a sixth launch from Bandar Abbas. Iran subsequently launched a ballistic missile toward Kuwait, which was intercepted by Kuwaiti forces. The U.S. military conducted strikes against Iranian missile launch sites, indicating continued hostilities despite a ceasefire agreement. As of May 23, the U.S. has redirected 100 ships and disabled four vessels to enforce a blockade against Iran.

Ukraine's forces are intensifying their military operations by targeting Russian logistics at the rear to enhance their frontline progress. This ongoing effort aims to disrupt supply lines and operational capabilities of Russian forces.

Israeli forces crossed the Litani River during operations in southern Lebanon on October 28, conducting airstrikes in Beirut and Tyre. Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed these actions in a meeting, highlighting the military's engagement in the region.

Kenneth Maurice Quick, Jr. was convicted on May 16, 2023, for the drug-related murders of Master Sgt. William Lavigne and Army veteran Timothy Dumas at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in December 2020. Quick shot Lavigne during a cocaine deal and later killed Dumas to conceal the crime. Quick faces a potential life sentence in federal prison.

Colombian military contractors are operating alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher, Sudan, participating in frontline combat and drone operations. U.S. sanctions have targeted networks recruiting these contractors, indicating a significant shift in the operational capabilities of the RSF. The presence of these contractors enhances the RSF's military effectiveness, particularly in drone warfare and coordination of military actions.

Marie DuboisThu May 28 2026Loading...

On May 24, 2023, Russian forces launched a mixed package of 90 missiles and 600 drones against Ukraine, targeting areas including Kyiv and Belaya Tserkov. Ukrainian air defense intercepted 55 missiles and 549 drones, resulting in at least two deaths and multiple injuries. The Oreshnik missile, identified as containing outdated Russian and Belarusian components, raised concerns about its effectiveness as a strategic weapon.

Dmitri VolkovThu May 28 2026Loading...

The Defense Innovation Unit awarded Hermeus an additional $159 million for the development of the Quarterhorse drone in Washington. This funding will support flight tests scheduled for this year and in 2027, with the drone designed to carry payloads at speeds up to Mach 3. Hermeus aims to produce 12 to 15 drones annually, with military applications supported by the Air Force and Navy.

U.S. Central Command reported that U.S. forces in the Gulf are being targeted using commercially available location data by adversaries for surveillance and potential attacks. This targeting was confirmed in a letter shared by Senator Ron Wyden, highlighting the risks posed by the adtech industry. Lawmakers have urged military officials to take immediate action to protect personnel from these threats.

Iran launched missile attacks targeting Kuwait on May 27, 2026, which were intercepted by Kuwaiti air defense systems. The U.S. Central Command labeled the attack a violation of the ceasefire. This incident highlights the challenges faced by Gulf states in maintaining effective air defense amid regional tensions and raises concerns about the adequacy of missile stockpiles.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu May 28 2026Loading...

Russia launched an RS-26 Rubezh missile at Bila Tserkva on May 24, 2026, as part of a larger strike package that included 690 aerial weapons. The missile carried inert warheads, and Ukrainian investigators confirmed the presence of components from Russian and Belarusian manufacturers. The strike marks the third confirmed use of the Oreshnik system, following previous strikes in Dnipro and Lviv.

INKAS® Defense and Aerospace unveiled the INKAS® MLTV and ANURI UAV at CANSEC 2026 in Ottawa on May 28, 2026. The MLTV is a modular light tactical vehicle designed for various military missions, while the ANURI UAV is an AI-powered interceptor for drone threats, capable of rapid deployment and high-speed operation.

China used electronic warfare against HNLMS De Ruyter near the Paracel Islands on May 27, 2023. The Chinese Southern Theater Command accused the Dutch frigate of entering Chinese-claimed waters, employing naval and air forces along with electronic interference. This incident underscores China's efforts to assert control in the South China Sea and test the operational resilience of European naval forces.

Marcus ChenThu May 28 2026Loading...

Armenia displayed Iranian-made Majid AD-08 air defense systems during its Republic Day parade in Yerevan on May 28, 2023. This marks the first known export of the Majid system to a foreign military. The systems, mounted on Iveco Daily vehicles, enhance Armenia's air defense capabilities amid ongoing security concerns following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The Indonesian Navy training ship 'Bima Suci' completed its friendly visit to Shanghai and departed from a military port on May 28. Over 100 personnel from the Eastern Theater Command Navy were present to farewell the ship. The visit included activities such as ship tours and receptions, with the captain expressing a desire for enhanced cooperation between the Indonesian and Chinese navies.

The Liaoning aircraft carrier group conducted training exercises in the Western Pacific on May 19, which included live-fire drills. This training was confirmed by the Ministry of Defense as part of a routine annual plan and is viewed as a significant test of the carrier's new combat capabilities. The exercises aim to enhance the operational readiness of the People's Liberation Army Navy.

China's Ministry of National Defense criticized the U.S. for planning to deploy the THAAD missile system in Kagoshima, Japan, for joint exercises from June to September. The ministry stated that this deployment undermines regional security and stability, urging the U.S. and Japan to respect the security concerns of regional nations. China views the THAAD system as an offensive weapon that escalates military tensions in the area.

Joint airstrikes by Nigerian Armed Forces and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) killed 175 ISWAP fighters around Lake Chad from May 16 to 19, 2026. The operation targeted high-ranking jihadist Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, indicating a shift from advisory to active military involvement by U.S. forces. The strikes aimed to disrupt ISWAP's territorial and logistical capabilities, although the long-term impact on the group's operations remains uncertain.

Marie DuboisThu May 28 2026Loading...

The Pentagon plans to allocate $50 billion for drone development and production in 2023, enhancing procurement processes and fostering partnerships with new technology companies. At Camp Atterbury, defense officials discussed the expansion of drone capabilities and the establishment of an autonomous-warfare unit within U.S. Southern Command to improve data networks for effective drone use. The initiative includes collaborations with startups and aims to scale up existing drone production.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile strikes against a U.S. airbase on May 28 in response to a prior U.S. airstrike near Abbas Port. The Iranian government condemned the U.S. actions, asserting they violated Iran's sovereignty and international law.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and the U.S. Air Force demonstrated advanced Manned-Unmanned Teaming with the F-35 Lightning II and MQ-20 Avenger in San Diego on 27 May 2026. The exercise showcased the integration of tactical autonomy commands via the TacACE software, enabling seamless coordination between the aircraft. This milestone highlights the future of collaborative air combat missions and operational readiness for Collaborative Combat Aircraft.