Analysis & Reports

In June 2025, seven B-2 Spirit bombers from the U.S. Air Force executed Operation Midnight Hammer, conducting a precision strike on Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordow and Natanz. This mission marked the first combat use of the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator, showcasing the B-2's advanced capabilities after decades of modernization. The operation involved non-stop flights from Missouri and required sophisticated planning and aerial refueling support.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against Islamic State members in Syria between January 27 and Monday, destroying a communication site and weapons storage facilities. These operations resulted in the death or capture of over 50 Islamic State members, including a leader connected to a December ambush that killed two U.S. soldiers and one civilian interpreter. U.S. Central Command emphasized the importance of these strikes in preventing an ISIS resurgence in the region.

Iran and the U.S. are set to negotiate in Oman on February 6, focusing on nuclear issues and sanctions. Iranian officials emphasize their non-negotiable stance on uranium enrichment and missile capabilities. Concurrently, military tensions have escalated in the Arabian Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran's military leadership warning of potential retaliation against Israel in the event of U.S. aggression.

Hamas denied firing at Israeli forces and condemned the Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip that began at dawn on the 4th, resulting in at least 21 deaths and 38 injuries. The Israeli Defense Forces accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire by firing at their troops, leading to retaliatory strikes across Gaza.

ARES Shipyard is establishing ARES Naval in Saudi Arabia, with shipyards planned in Dammam and Jeddah. The initiative aims to manufacture naval platforms and support the Saudi Navy, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 for defense production localization. ARES will hold the majority of shares and is also exploring co-production opportunities in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.

Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. are conducting negotiations in Abu Dhabi on April 4-5, 2023, focusing on the Ukraine conflict. Ukrainian President Zelensky affirmed that Ukraine will not surrender and is open to dialogue. NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg highlighted NATO's commitment to Ukraine, while Russia launched significant strikes against Ukrainian military targets on April 3, 2023, undermining de-escalation efforts.

The Israeli military conducted artillery shelling and airstrikes in multiple locations across Gaza early on October 4, resulting in at least 9 Palestinian deaths, including a child. The strikes targeted residential areas, including tents and homes in Gaza City and Khan Younis, with additional attacks reported in the Bureij refugee camp and southern coastal regions.

Countries like Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia continue to upgrade and maintain M60 Patton tanks, which have been modernized with 120mm smoothbore guns and advanced fire control systems. Spain announced plans to sell 260-300 M60s in 2024, while Iran has significantly modified its M60s for enhanced combat capabilities. The M60 remains a viable military asset due to its affordability and reliability.

A vessel illegally entered Iranian territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz on February 3 and was warned by the Iranian regulatory team before leaving. Iranian officials stated that the vessel did not possess the necessary navigation permits. They also refuted claims of a security incident involving a U.S. tanker, which was reportedly escorted by a U.S. warship.

The U.S. military shot down an Iranian drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea on February 3, 2023. Following this, U.S. Navy forces escorted a U.S. oil tanker threatened by two Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The situation was de-escalated, and the oil tanker is now safely navigating the waters.

President Trump criticized the Canadian aerospace industry for delaying the certification of US-made Gulfstream jets. He highlighted the potential impact on military procurement and discussed upcoming defense conferences in Saudi Arabia and California, where significant developments regarding the F-35 and naval technology are expected.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi held a readiness assessment meeting with senior commanders on February 2. The meeting focused on enhancing military readiness amid ongoing regional tensions, particularly lessons learned from the October 7 conflict. The IDF is preparing for potential large-scale raids or sudden warfare, emphasizing the need for high alertness and the capability to conduct operations across multiple fronts.

Iran's submarine fleet, including three Tareq-class and two Fateh-class submarines, is poised for potential deployment in response to U.S. military actions in the Persian Gulf and surrounding areas. Following President Trump's warnings regarding Iran's nuclear program, U.S. naval forces have increased their presence in the region. The Kilo-class submarines, known for their stealth capabilities, could complicate U.S. maritime security efforts.

Israeli Defense Forces are currently in a heightened state of war readiness as stated by Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi. The military is preparing for offensive actions across all conflict theaters while enhancing its defensive posture, particularly in light of lessons learned from the October 7 Hamas attack. The IDF is maintaining high vigilance for potential multi-front warfare.

The Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on February 2 in Southern Lebanon, targeting multiple Hezbollah weapon storage facilities. One of the destroyed facilities was located in a civilian area, prompting accusations that Hezbollah is using civilian infrastructure for military purposes. The IDF stated that these actions are necessary to prevent Hezbollah's military rebuilding efforts, which pose a direct threat to Israel.

On February 1, 2023, the Israeli Defense Forces conducted an airstrike in Southern Lebanon, killing Ali Khakani, a key commander of Hezbollah's air defense unit. Khakani was involved in planning the reconstruction of Hezbollah's military infrastructure. Additionally, another airstrike on February 2 resulted in the death of another armed individual attempting to rebuild military facilities for Hezbollah.

The USS Delbert D. Black, an Aegis-class destroyer of the U.S. Navy, departed from Eilat, Israel on February 1 after a scheduled visit. This visit underscores the strong maritime partnership between the U.S. and Israel. The destroyer is equipped for various military operations, including air defense and anti-submarine warfare.

Iranian officials denied plans for live-fire exercises by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Strait of Hormuz on February 1, 2023. They stated that previous reports about such exercises were incorrect. The U.S. Central Command has expressed concerns about Iran's activities in the region, emphasizing the need for safe and professional conduct during any military operations.

On February 1, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey jointly condemned Israel for repeatedly violating the Gaza ceasefire agreement, resulting in over 1,000 Palestinian casualties. They warned that such actions could escalate tensions and threaten the political process, urging all parties to maintain restraint and support the ceasefire efforts.

The Israeli Defense Forces conducted an airstrike on February 1 in Duweir, southern Lebanon, killing Hezbollah commander Ali Dawoud Amees. Amees was responsible for a division within Hezbollah's engineering department and was accused of rebuilding military infrastructure and planning attacks against Israeli forces.