Analysis & Reports

Houthi forces launched missiles and drones at Abha International Airport on July 13 in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes on Sana'a International Airport. Saudi air defense successfully intercepted some of the incoming missiles targeting southern regions of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabian air defense intercepted missiles launched by Houthi forces targeting southern Saudi Arabia on July 13. The Houthi forces claimed that Saudi airstrikes had targeted the runway of Sanaa International Airport, which they control. This incident highlights ongoing military tensions in the region.

President Trump notified Congress of renewed military action against Iran, stating that U.S. forces conducted defensive strikes on July 7. This action has intensified the dispute between Congress and the White House, as Congress had previously voted to limit the president's war powers regarding Iran. The White House maintains that Trump is acting within his constitutional authority as Commander-in-Chief.

On July 12, U.S. Central Command employed unmanned surface vessels to strike an Iranian submarine and ship repair facility at Abbas Port. This marked the first use of such vessels in combat by the U.S. military. The operation involved multiple 'one-way attack surface drones' and was accompanied by a video showing the vessels approaching the target and resulting in a significant explosion.

The U.S. Department of Defense suspended Phase 2 of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, originally set to begin on November 10, 2023. The Pentagon will maintain Phase 1 requirements and has initiated a 60-day review to align the program with acquisition initiatives. This decision aims to reduce compliance costs and bureaucratic burdens for small and medium-sized businesses in the defense industrial base.

Democratic senators called for the Pentagon to disclose findings from a military investigation into a February 28 strike that killed over 175 children and teachers at a school in Minab, Iran. The U.S. military is under scrutiny for potentially using outdated intelligence, and the incident is noted as the largest civilian casualty event for U.S. forces since 1991. Lawmakers demand a plan to prevent future occurrences and accountability for the strike.

Reditus Space announced the completion of its ENOS spacecraft in Washington, designed for microgravity research and hypersonic testing. The vehicle can operate in low Earth orbit and re-enter at Mach 29. It will be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, carrying research payloads for commercial customers. The company is currently engaged with various Department of Defense entities regarding its military applications.

The U.S. military will reimpose a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz starting July 14, 2020, following renewed fighting with Iran. The blockade will charge a toll on all cargo traffic, aimed at ensuring safety and security in the waterway. U.S. forces have conducted over 300 strikes on Iranian targets in response to attacks on commercial shipping, while maintaining a strong naval presence in the region.

The Pentagon suspended the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Phase II requirements, citing burdens on smaller defense firms. This decision aims to streamline compliance processes while maintaining cybersecurity standards. A task force will review the CMMC program and provide recommendations within 60 days, ensuring that the defense industrial base can expand effectively.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced the immediate suspension of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Phase II requirements in Washington. This decision aims to alleviate burdens on smaller defense firms while maintaining cybersecurity standards. A task force will review the CMMC program and provide recommendations within 60 days, ensuring compliance with baseline cybersecurity standards during this period.

On October 13, 2023, U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against multiple Iranian targets, including missile and drone facilities, in response to Iranian threats. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps retaliated by attacking U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, destroying key military infrastructure. The conflict has intensified, undermining a fragile ceasefire and raising tensions over control of the Hormuz Strait.

The U.S. military will begin enforcing a maritime blockade on Iran starting at 4 p.m. EST on July 14. This blockade will cover all of Iran's ports, oil terminals, and coastal areas, allowing for interception of unauthorized vessels. However, neutral transit through the Strait of Hormuz will remain unaffected.

Russia's Black Sea Fleet has been forced to adapt by fitting counter-drone cages on its Kilo-class submarines in Novorossiysk due to significant losses inflicted by Ukrainian naval drones. Approximately one-third of the fleet has been destroyed or rendered inactive, leading to a retreat from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk. Ukraine's innovative use of low-cost naval drones has changed naval warfare dynamics, prompting global naval powers to reassess their strategies.

U.S. forces employed three Corsair unmanned surface vessels to strike a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base in Iran on Sunday. This marked the first combat use of sea drones by American forces, aimed at degrading Iran's capability to attack commercial shipping. The operation followed President Trump's declaration that a ceasefire with Iran was over, and it is part of a broader offensive by U.S. Central Command against Iranian targets.

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against Iranian military assets near the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran retaliated against U.S. facilities in the region. Commercial traffic through the strait has significantly decreased, indicating a tense maritime environment. Both nations assert control over the strait, leading to an ongoing armed stalemate.

The U.S. Air Force developed the Rusty Dagger cruise missile for Ukraine, completing the program in under 16 months. A live-fire demonstration occurred at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, on January 21, 2026. The missile is designed to be affordable and mass-producible, with a range exceeding 930 kilometers, aimed at enhancing Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities against Russia. Ukraine is authorized to purchase thousands of these missiles.

U.S. Central Command employed three Corsair unmanned surface vessels to strike a submarine and ship maintenance facility at the Bandar Abbas naval base in Iran. This operation marks the first combat use of sea drones by U.S. forces, aimed at degrading Iran's military capabilities and protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes occurred following the revocation of a license allowing Iran to sell oil.

Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz in February 2023, leading to increased oil prices. The U.S. maintains that the Strait is open and has reinstated a blockade against Iran. Recent attacks on ships have heightened tensions, causing gas prices in the U.S. to rise again after a period of decline. Negotiations continue in Oman amid this escalating situation.

Taiwan is adapting its defense posture by making targeted investments in digital infrastructure to enhance its military capabilities. This strategy reflects a proactive approach to securing its defense in the current geopolitical climate.

NATO announced plans to purchase up to five MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles during its summit in Turkey last week. This acquisition aims to enhance NATO's ISR capabilities, particularly in maritime surveillance. Denmark, Finland, Germany, and Norway will lead the procurement, which is seen as a strategic move to reduce reliance on U.S. surveillance. However, concerns about personnel shortages and the need for additional drone types were also raised.