Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military launched a series of artillery strikes against Iranian locations in Hormozgan, Sistan and Baluchestan, and Khuzestan provinces on July 15, 2023. The attacks targeted areas including Sirik, Abadan, and Qeshm Island, lasting several hours. U.S. Central Command confirmed the strikes via social media.

Russian forces conducted strikes on Ukrainian military facilities, including drone storage and logistics centers, on the 15th. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces reported targeting a Russian Mi-28 helicopter in Belgorod and intercepting numerous Russian drones. The conflict saw 73 battles reported on the front lines that day.

The 72nd Group Army Aviation Brigade conducted live-fire training exercises in an unknown sea area, involving various aircraft and helicopters. The exercises included tactical maneuvers, missile launches, and countermeasures against simulated enemy threats. The training aimed to enhance the brigade's combat readiness and operational capabilities during both day and night operations.

Russian forces launched four ballistic missiles at Kyiv, resulting in intense explosions heard in the city. The Ukrainian Air Force reported the missile strikes, which occurred between 00:46 and 01:00 on July 16, 2023. Debris from the missiles impacted a non-residential building and a warehouse in the Darnytskyi and Sviatoshynskyi districts, respectively.

U.S. military artillery struck locations near Sirik and Geshm Island in Hormozgan Province on the morning of the 16th. The Iranian government reported these attacks, indicating ongoing military operations in the region.

On the evening of the 15th, the Kurdistan Region Air Defense Forces intercepted three drones during a drone attack near the U.S. consulate in Erbil, Iraq. Later reports confirmed that a total of eight drones were intercepted that night.

On July 15, U.S. Central Command launched a Hellfire missile at the oil tanker 'M/T Belma' near Hark Island, Iran, disabling its navigation capabilities as it attempted to breach a maritime blockade. This action followed the re-establishment of the blockade on July 14, which has already redirected two other vessels.

The U.S. military launched a second wave of strikes against Iran on July 15, 2023, at 15:00 EDT, targeting Iranian military capabilities. This follows a morning strike earlier that day and is part of a five-day campaign aimed at weakening threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Trump indicated that military actions will persist until Iran engages in negotiations.

Ukrainian armed forces conducted a drone attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on July 15, resulting in the deaths of chief engineer Alexander Yakovlev and his driver. The Russian state atomic energy corporation's CEO confirmed the incident and called for a timely response from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

U.S. military strikes on Iran resulted in 35 deaths and over 300 injuries as of July 15, 2023. The strikes primarily affected Hormozgan, Sistan and Baluchestan, and Khuzestan provinces. U.S. officials stated these actions were in response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions for a broader military operation were held at the White House.

Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson declared that the deployment of military forces from any 'Volunteer Alliance' country in Ukraine is unacceptable and will be treated as legitimate targets. This statement was made during a press conference in Moscow on July 15, 2023. The 'Volunteer Alliance', led by France and the UK, plans to conduct military exercises in European countries bordering Ukraine, which Russia views as a significant security threat.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This leadership change is a notable development within the Ukrainian government.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Mykhailo Fedorov as Minister of Defense in a significant government shake-up. This decision followed the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and has raised concerns about the potential impact on ongoing military efforts. Fedorov, who served for six months, highlighted his accomplishments in military reforms and drone procurement in his farewell message. Ihor Klymenko has been suggested as a possible successor.

Gen. Chance Saltzman of the U.S. Space Force announced his retirement next month during the Global Air and Space Chiefs’ Conference in London. He urged support for the Space Force's budget amid congressional resistance to fully fund requested programs. The White House has requested $1.15 trillion for defense, with only $60 billion likely to be approved for Space Force initiatives, which include critical missile defense and space capabilities.

Jay Clayton, President Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence, faced intense questioning from the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee regarding his views on the 2020 election and election security. He emphasized that the ODNI should focus on foreign threats, while senators expressed concerns about the politicization of intelligence. Clayton's office also issued subpoenas to journalists, raising issues of press freedom and security.

The Pentagon is moving to buy thousands of affordable cruise missiles, reaching agreements with Anduril, CoAspire, and Zone 5 Technologies. The U.S. Air Force plans to purchase up to 8,000 missiles annually, with costs around $218,000 each. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027 as part of the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles program, which aims to enhance the U.S. arsenal with cost-effective options.

The Pentagon is moving to buy thousands of affordable cruise missiles, reaching agreements with Anduril, CoAspire, and Zone 5 Technologies. The U.S. Air Force plans to purchase up to 8,000 missiles annually, with costs around $218,000 each, significantly lower than previous models. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027 as part of the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles program.

Gen. Chance Saltzman emphasized the military's role as a stabilizing force for democracy during his farewell address in London. He highlighted the importance of alliances amid political divisions and discussed the integration of space power into military operations. Saltzman confirmed expectations for initial capabilities in airborne moving target indication by 2028 and announced Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess as his successor.

The report critiques U.S. air strategy, asserting that while high-altitude operations succeeded, low-altitude efforts around the Strait of Hormuz were inadequate. It challenges the concept of 'air littoral' as a misleading framework and emphasizes the necessity for integrated military campaigns across all domains. The analysis highlights the importance of addressing both advanced airpower and low-cost threats in future operations.

The U.S. military is experiencing a critical shortage of artillery shells, with only 600,000 remaining for the Army and Marine Corps. This shortage follows the provision of over 3 million rounds to Ukraine and is exacerbated by production issues at the Mesquite, Texas facility, which has not produced a key component for two years. The Army's goal of 100,000 rounds per month by October 2025 is currently unattainable due to systemic failures in the defense industrial base.