Analysis & Reports

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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The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps intercepted and destroyed an MQ-1 drone in the Strait of Hormuz on September 15. This operation was conducted by the IRGC Aerospace Force, as confirmed by their official statement.

Houthi forces launched an attack on civilian targets in Saudi Arabia on September 14, using ballistic missiles and drones. The strikes resulted in 13 civilian injuries and targeted cities including Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif. The Saudi-led coalition condemned the attacks and stated they would respond decisively.

On the evening of the 14th, two Iranian fishing boats were attacked by enemy drones near Korgun Port in the Persian Gulf, resulting in several missing fishermen. Search and rescue operations have commenced following the incident, as reported by the Deputy Governor of Hormozgan Province.

In early March 2026, U.S. Air Force B-52H bombers conducted airstrikes on ballistic missile production sites and command nodes in Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury. This marked the first time B-52s directly struck targets inside Iran during the current conflict. The operation aims to degrade Iran's missile capabilities.

Iran's Foreign Ministry announced the postponement of a meeting on maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz at Saudi Arabia's request. This comes amid rising tensions and attacks on shipping routes in the region, impacting global energy supply. Oman is working to facilitate dialogue for regional stability, while Saudi Arabia has intensified military operations in Yemen, conducting over 300 airstrikes in recent days.

The U.S. Air Force will establish a new career field for point defense airmen and develop a point defense weapons system to enhance security at air bases worldwide within two years. This initiative follows recent Iranian attacks on U.S. bases, highlighting the need for improved defenses against evolving threats. Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Lewis and Senior Master Sgt. Brandon Spears have been appointed as the first field managers for this new career track.

On April 3, 2023, a U.S. Air Force F-15E was shot down over Iran, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving almost 100 troops. The weapons system officer, known as 'Bravo', was seriously injured during his descent and spent over a day evading capture before being rescued by U.S. special operations forces. The operation included the use of multiple aircraft and resulted in the destruction of several U.S. assets left behind.

The Russian Armed Forces displayed new air-launched weapons, including the Sukhoi Su-57E and various missiles, at EIAS 2026. The S-71K cruise missile, capable of delivering a 250 kg payload, and the S-71M kamikaze drone with a 500 km range were highlighted. The Export Banderol (Dan-T) was also presented as a new weapon for combat use. These developments reflect ongoing military advancements amid the conflict in Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia shut down the East-West Pipeline on September 14, 2026, following drone attacks that originated from Iraqi territory. The incident exposed vulnerabilities in Gulf energy defense, potentially threatening 4% of global oil supply. Iraq reported finding suspected launch platforms near its border with Iran, raising security concerns about the region's stability.

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