Analysis & Reports

Iran is purchasing 400 QW-12 and FN-16 missiles from China, with the first shipment expected in the coming weeks. This acquisition, valued at $60 to $70 million, aims to bolster Iran's air defense capabilities following recent military engagements. The deal highlights a strategic shift in Iran's defense procurement, seeking alternative supply routes amid geopolitical tensions.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Jul 31 2026Loading...

The Iranian military conducted drone strikes against U.S. forces at Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain on July 30, targeting generators, navigation systems, and logistical buildings. The strikes reportedly caused significant damage to U.S. military assets, despite the presence of numerous defense systems.

Ukraine claimed to have sunk a Russian Kilo-class submarine in Sevastopol on August 2, 2024, during a missile strike. The Kilo-class submarines, used by various navies including Russia, China, and Vietnam, are known for their stealth capabilities and are armed with Kalibr cruise missiles. The report highlights the ongoing relevance of these submarines in modern naval operations.

Ukraine is developing new anti-ballistic missile systems, including the Freyja, in collaboration with nine European countries. Lockheed Martin has secured a $53.86 billion contract to enhance PAC-3 production. The urgency for these systems is driven by the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, which have depleted existing missile inventories.

The U.S. military has significantly depleted its inventory of Patriot and THAAD missiles in response to Iranian attacks in the Middle East, with estimates indicating a reduction of up to 67% for Patriot missiles and 48% for THAAD interceptors. It may take over three years to restock these missile systems to pre-war levels. Ongoing airstrikes against Iran have further strained U.S. air defense capabilities, prompting contracts for increased production of these critical interceptors.

U.S. air-and-missile defense systems are currently facing significant challenges in replenishing munitions stockpiles due to damage to AN/TPY-2 radars in Iran. The U.S. is relocating these critical assets from the Indo-Pacific and Europe, which may weaken defense capabilities in those regions. Manufacturing solid rocket motors for interceptors is complex, with issues related to demand signals and regulatory hurdles. New technologies, including liquid rocket motors, are being explored to enhance future capabilities.

The U.S. conducted airstrikes against Iranian targets on September 29-30, 2023, following missile attacks from Iran. Iran retaliated with drone strikes on U.S. bases in Jordan, claiming significant damage to F-35 jets. Egypt confirmed drone attacks on its port, indicating a potential escalation of the conflict. Saudi Arabia also engaged in strikes against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, further complicating the regional situation.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. successfully completed a trial of the SPYDER air defense system in Israel, demonstrating its capability to intercept multiple threats, including UAVs. The trial involved various scenarios simulating current and future threats, showcasing the system's advanced features and adaptability. SPYDER has been selected by Romania and the Czech Republic to enhance their air defense capabilities.

Iran is expected to receive a shipment of 300-400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defense missile systems within weeks. The deal, valued at $60-$70 million, includes QW-12 and FN-16 missiles and is part of Iran's efforts to strengthen its air defenses amid ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel. The agreement was signed with a Hong Kong-based intermediary, highlighting deepening military ties between Iran and China.

Iran's military continues to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz using drones and missiles, despite suffering significant losses. US air superiority has not restored freedom of navigation, highlighting the challenges posed by low-altitude threats. The ongoing situation raises questions about the effectiveness of traditional airpower concepts in modern warfare.

Elbit Systems is developing a maritime concept to convert civilian cargo ships into UAV-launching platforms, capable of carrying 9-12 Hermes 650 Spark UAVs. This system aims to enhance ISTAR capabilities and reduce manpower needs. The concept is still in the proposal stage, with no confirmed customers or timelines for implementation.

Axon Vision and ParaZero collaborated to develop a new integrated counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solution in Israel. This system combines ForceField with DefendAir, providing a non-destructive interception capability for critical infrastructure. The collaboration was validated during a recent trial campaign, demonstrating interoperability between the two systems.

Jordanian air defenses intercepted and shot down 5 Iranian missiles on July 30, 2026, without any reported casualties. This incident underscores the military readiness of Jordan amid escalating tensions in the region, particularly with recent U.S. strikes on Iranian targets. The interception reflects Jordan's role in a broader defense network against potential threats.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Jul 30 2026Loading...

The Jordanian Armed Forces intercepted and shot down 5 missiles launched from Iran on July 30. The operation was conducted effectively with no reported casualties. Jordan continues to maintain a high level of readiness to protect its airspace and national security.

U.S. Central Command concluded a large-scale strike against Iranian targets on July 29, 2023. The operation targeted multiple facilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including military command centers and missile sites. All Iranian missiles launched on July 28 were successfully intercepted. Over 50,000 U.S. military personnel remain deployed in the Middle East, prepared to respond to various threats.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against Iran on July 29, 2023, in response to an attempted missile attack on U.S. forces in the Middle East. President Trump stated that the U.S. would retaliate against Iran, emphasizing a shift to offensive actions. U.S. Central Command confirmed the interception of all incoming missiles from Iran and reported ongoing maritime operations against Iranian shipping.

The Pentagon is seeking to develop robot boats capable of launching small attack drones to counter unmanned threats in the Persian Gulf. This initiative, part of the SWAP-USV project, aims for deployment within 120 days of selection and is backed by a $100 million prize challenge. The project addresses the need for cost-effective solutions against asymmetric maritime threats.

Iran launched a missile attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan on the 29th, which was intercepted by U.S. forces. In retaliation, U.S. and Saudi forces conducted airstrikes against Iranian-supported targets in Iraq. This escalation marks a significant shift in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, breaking a temporary ceasefire and increasing tensions in the region.

U.S. and Saudi fighters conducted airstrikes against Iranian-backed groups in Iraq on Tuesday, targeting those responsible for recent drone attacks on U.S. forces. U.S. Central Command reported over 600 attempted attacks on U.S. citizens and facilities by Iran-aligned militias from February to April 2026. The strikes come amid ongoing tensions and a recent collapse of a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran.

The Pentagon is evaluating options to license the production of Patriot interceptors to Ukraine, with discussions ongoing among U.S. defense officials and industry stakeholders. President Trump announced this initiative during the NATO summit in Ankara, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine's ability to produce its own missiles. The process involves assessing domestic and international sourcing and addressing challenges related to the supply chain certification.