Analysis & Reports

China successfully launched the Long March 10B rocket on July 10, 2026, and recovered its booster using a novel net system at sea, marking a historic first. The booster was caught by four hooks on a ship named Linghangzhe, demonstrating a significant advancement in rocket recovery technology. This achievement allows China to potentially reuse the booster before the end of 2026, enhancing its capabilities in space and military applications.

China and Russia concluded joint naval exercises in the Yellow Sea on July 11, 2026, focusing on rescue operations, anti-surface attacks, and air defense. The drills aimed to enhance operational capabilities and mutual trust, featuring a mix of surface ships, submarines, and aircraft. This exercise is part of a series that has been ongoing since 2012, showcasing the growing military collaboration between the two nations.

Russian forces conducted strikes on Ukrainian military enterprises in Kyiv and port infrastructure in Odesa on November 11. The Ukrainian Air Force targeted two Russian troop gathering areas, while Russian air defense intercepted 41 Ukrainian UAVs. Over the past day, 261 battles occurred on the front lines, with Ukrainian forces repelling multiple Russian attacks in various directions.

A U.S. military delegation arrived in Lebanon to discuss the withdrawal of Israeli forces from designated security zones in southern Lebanon. The talks aim to establish mechanisms for the withdrawal, with the first pilot area set to be initiated shortly. Lebanon has stated it will not engage in further negotiations until the Israeli withdrawal is completed, following a recent tripartite agreement involving the U.S. and Israel.

On July 6, the California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing parachuted four pararescuemen into the Pacific Ocean to assist a fisherman with traumatic injuries aboard the Azteca 5. The injured man was stabilized on the sister ship, Franz, as it headed towards Socorro Island for medical care. The operation involved the deployment of an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft to deliver medical supplies and personnel.

The U.S. Navy's Sea Hunter unmanned surface vessel departed Pearl Harbor on July 7, 2026, to participate in RIMPAC 2026, which involves 30 nations and extensive naval operations. The exercise aims to test the integration of unmanned vessels in maritime operations while Chinese and Russian naval forces conduct their own exercises nearby. The Sea Hunter is designed to enhance surveillance and tracking capabilities without adding more manned ships to the fleet.

Marcus ChenSat Jul 11 2026Loading...

Space Force acquired the Meadowlands weapon system last month, designed to jam enemy satellites using electromagnetic radiation. This system, operated by Mission Delta 3 at Peterson Space Force Base, enables reversible jamming of satellite communications without causing permanent damage. The Meadowlands represents a significant advancement in orbital warfare capabilities, allowing for non-kinetic operations to disrupt adversary capabilities.

The UK Ministry of Defence announced a £2 billion contract for a new Combat Laboratory aimed at training up to 60,000 soldiers annually. This initiative is part of a broader £298 billion Defence Investment Plan and seeks to enhance military readiness by integrating AI and advanced analytics into training. The system is designed to help the British Army learn from battlefield experiences in Ukraine and improve operational effectiveness.

Alexandra ReevesSat Jul 11 2026Loading...

The Horten Ho 229, developed by Nazi Germany, was a revolutionary flying-wing jet aircraft that aimed to meet Luftwaffe requirements during World War II. Researchers at the Smithsonian found no evidence of radar-absorbing materials in the aircraft, which suggests it was not a stealth plane. However, its design principles influenced modern stealth technology, and Northrop Grumman's tests indicated it reduced radar reflections compared to conventional aircraft.

Germany plans to increase military aid to Ukraine to €11.5 billion in 2026, including artillery, drones, and air defense systems. NATO has committed to at least €70 billion in military support for Ukraine over the next two years. The report emphasizes the need for effective supply chains and production capabilities to meet Ukraine's urgent military needs.

Dr. Klaus WeberSat Jul 11 2026Loading...

The Boeing F-47 sixth-generation fighter aircraft is under development, showcasing a unique design with canards and a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles. Recent images from Area 51 reveal its capabilities, which include high-speed performance and integration with Collaborative Combat Aircraft. This development indicates a strategic shift in U.S. military aviation priorities, focusing on operational flexibility and advanced combat systems.

On July 10, 2026, the Malian army conducted 15 airstrikes, destroying 12 combat vehicles and reportedly killing around 100 insurgents. The Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) began withdrawing from Anéfis following these strikes and the arrival of a convoy from Gao. This operation temporarily reopened the Gao-Anéfis route, marking a tactical victory for the Malian forces amid ongoing conflict in the region.

Marie DuboisSat Jul 11 2026Loading...

Russian forces launched a combined attack on Kyiv on July 11, firing 12 ballistic missiles and 121 drones. Ukrainian air defense managed to intercept 111 drones and 2 guided missiles but could not stop the ballistic missiles. The assault resulted in 12 injuries in Kyiv and at least 10 fatalities across Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing intensity of the conflict and the challenges faced by Ukrainian defenses.

Dmitri VolkovSat Jul 11 2026Loading...

The U.S. requested Iran to publicly commit to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open while 10 F-22 aircraft departed from Israel to the United Kingdom on July 11, 2026. This request aims to deter Iranian attacks on vessels in the strategic waterway, which is vital for global oil supplies. The situation reflects ongoing military and diplomatic tensions in the region, particularly following recent Iranian actions against shipping.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Jul 11 2026Loading...

NASA conducted research flights with the SR-71 Blackbird from 1997 to 1998 to test a linear aerospike engine for the X-33 spaceplane. In October 2024, a German aircraft successfully ignited a linear aerospike engine in flight, marking a significant milestone in aerospace technology. The SR-71's final mission involved carrying a rocket engine that ultimately never ignited due to technical issues.

NASA conducted research flights with the SR-71 Blackbird from 1997 to 1998 to test a linear aerospike engine, which was intended for the X-33 spaceplane. The program was ultimately canceled due to technical issues. On October 29, 2024, a German aircraft successfully ignited a linear aerospike engine in flight, marking a significant advancement in rocket technology.

On July 9, 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded $86 million to nLIGHT and Lockheed Martin to develop high-energy laser systems for cruise missile defense. The program aims to produce 300-500 kW laser systems, with operational demonstrations expected by 2028. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance air defense capabilities against threats from Iran, Russia, and China.

The Czech Army held a handover ceremony on July 10, 2023, in Přáslavice, receiving the final Leopard 2A4 tanks, totaling 42 units. This transition from Soviet-designed T-72 tanks to NATO-compatible Leopard 2A4 enhances interoperability with NATO allies. Germany donated 28 tanks, while the Czech Ministry of Defense purchased 14 tanks for about $187 million. Future plans include acquiring 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks by 2030 to further modernize the Czech armored forces.

The Chinese Navy's 055-class destroyer Anshan participated in a joint naval exercise with the Russian Navy's Slava-class cruiser Varyag as part of the 'Maritime Joint-2026' drills. The event highlighted the collaboration between the two nations' naval forces.

OpenWorks Engineering demonstrated its Vision Pace targeting system for counter-drone capabilities at Larkhill Garrison in England. The system offers microradian-precision targeting and is designed to integrate with various military platforms. This event reflects the growing importance of counter-drone technology in modern military operations, particularly in response to evolving aerial threats.