Analysis & Reports

Iranian missile and drone strikes inflicted severe damage on U.S. military bases in the Middle East, including Prince Sultan Air Base and facilities in Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The strikes resulted in damage to hundreds of buildings and over 50 aircraft from February 28 to June 30, 2023. Active-duty U.S. military personnel provided anonymous photos revealing the destruction, highlighting the significant impact of the attacks.

The Houthi armed group denied accusations of using drones to attack Mecca, calling the claims false. Earlier, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition stated that Saudi air defense forces intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone heading towards Mecca on September 15.

Saudi Arabian Air Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone heading towards Mecca on September 15. The operation was conducted by the Saudi-led coalition, ensuring the safety of the area.

Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities, injuring 13 civilians and damaging infrastructure. They captured the Hanish Islands and Mocha port, pushing their control line towards the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Concurrently, a Saudi oil pipeline was attacked, halting operations and raising concerns over energy security. The conflict has displaced over 100,000 people in Yemen, emphasizing the escalating military tensions in the region.

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The U.S. military has utilized a significant portion of its missile defense interceptors in ongoing operations against Iran, which may hinder its ability to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. The Congressional Budget Office warns that the depletion of these interceptors could take years to recover, with costs to replace them estimated at $21.7 billion. The report highlights the strategic implications of this depletion for U.S. defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. military incurred approximately $38 billion in costs from combat operations against Iran through August 1, 2025, depleting a significant portion of its missile-defense interceptors. The conflict has consumed between one-half and two-thirds of the inventory of systems like Patriot and THAAD, with rebuilding efforts expected to take at least five years. The campaign involved extensive use of munitions, particularly during the initial phases of Operation Epic Fury, which included around 250 tactical aircraft.

Iranian strikes damaged hundreds of U.S. military and diplomatic buildings across Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan. As of August 27, 2023, the strikes resulted in the destruction of dozens of U.S. aircraft and 18 military personnel fatalities. The total cost of Operation Epic Fury has reached approximately $33.4 billion, with significant impacts on U.S. military infrastructure and logistics.

U.S. Air Force officials praised the F-35 Lightning II for its combat readiness during recent operations in the Middle East. The aircraft demonstrated high mission-capable rates and effective maintenance, even in contested environments. Officials noted the F-35's versatility and the need for rapid certification of new weapons to meet emerging mission requirements. The demand for the F-35 is expected to increase as operational needs evolve.

Iranian forces shot down three U.S. MQ-1 drones over the Strait of Hormuz on September 15. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that these interceptions were part of coordinated operations under Iran's national air defense network. The U.S. has yet to respond to these incidents.

Saudi Arabia conducted 52 airstrikes in Yemen over the past 24 hours, targeting civilian infrastructure in Taiz, Al-Jawf, Baidha, Saada, and Amran. The airstrikes were executed by F-15 and Typhoon fighter jets from bases in Khamis Mushait and Taif. A Houthi spokesperson condemned the attacks and indicated that they would respond.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is integrating its SPICE 1000 air-to-surface munition onto Israeli F-35 fighter aircraft in Jerusalem. This integration, a joint project with Lockheed Martin, is expected to enhance the strike capabilities of the Israeli Air Force and will allow other F-35 operators to utilize the munition in the future. The SPICE 1000 has been operational with the Israel Air Force since 2017 and provides a stand-off strike capability exceeding 75 miles.

ESC BAZ demonstrated new patrol and assault vehicles for the Israel Defense Forces' 96th Division in June 2025. These vehicles are designed for reconnaissance and security missions, featuring advanced counter-drone technology. The 96th Division, established to reinforce Israel's eastern border with Jordan, aims to enhance operational capabilities in the region.

The US Air Force is preparing its bomber fleet, including 76 B-52H Stratofortresses, 45 B-1B Lancers, and 19 B-2 Spirits, for potential deployment in Yemen to support Saudi Arabia against the Houthis. The Air Force faces modernization challenges, with many programs running late or over budget, while the North Star Readiness Campaign aims to enhance the readiness of its aircraft. Yemen's dispersed Houthi forces complicate potential airstrike operations.

The United States Armed Forces are engaged in ongoing military operations against Iran, with 18 service members killed and over 750 wounded since the conflict began on February 28, 2023. The mission statement for Operation Epic Fury remains classified, and the financial cost of the operation has reached $33.4 billion. U.S. bases across the region have sustained damage from Iranian strikes, complicating the operational landscape.

Houthi forces launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on the King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia, on the 14th of the month, targeting critical military infrastructure. In retaliation, Saudi Arabia conducted 58 airstrikes across six provinces in Yemen. The U.S. continues to provide intelligence support to Saudi Arabia but remains hesitant to intervene directly in the conflict.

Operation Epic Fury resulted in significant damage to U.S. military assets, with hundreds of buildings and dozens of aircraft destroyed or damaged across multiple locations including Kuwait and Bahrain. From February 28 to June 30, 2023, 417 servicemembers were wounded and 7 were killed, with the operation costing approximately $22 billion in munitions. The Pentagon's Inspector General report highlights strategic inventory shortfalls and concerns over munitions production capabilities.

Russia has begun supplying Iran with upgraded munitions and targeting data, enhancing Iran's military capabilities amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. This partnership includes the production of Shahed drones in Russia and the development of hypersonic missiles. The collaboration poses a significant threat to U.S. forces in the region, with increased sophistication in Iranian drone attacks expected.

Saudi Arabia conducted 54 airstrikes in Yemen on September 15, 2026, targeting the provinces of Taiz, Lahij, Al-Jawf, Marib, and Hajjah using F-15 and Typhoon aircraft. The strikes were part of a strategy to impose operational costs on Houthi forces, coinciding with reports of 13 civilian injuries from Houthi attacks. The operations were launched from Khamis Mushait and Taif airbases.

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The U.S. military shifted from using helicopters to ground-based medical evacuations in Kuwait and Iraq during Operation Epic Fury due to threats from Iranian drones. This change highlights ongoing logistical challenges, including reliance on host country hospitals for severe injuries. Medical officials have warned that future conflicts will pose greater risks to U.S. troops as adversaries develop advanced weaponry.

On September 15, 2026, Saudi Civil Defense announced the end of danger in six cities, including Yanbu, amid alerts related to the US-Iranian war. Concurrently, reports revealed that the US Department of Defense has spent around $33 billion on military operations but is experiencing a shortage of certain munitions. The situation underscores the logistical challenges faced by both the US and Saudi Arabia in maintaining effective air defense capabilities against potential Iranian threats.

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