Analysis & Reports

NATO allies convened in Ankara for the 2026 Summit, where they discussed military support for Ukraine, including a €70 billion commitment. A new Defense, Security and Resilience Bank was established to finance defense projects. Turkey's bid to rejoin the F-35 program was not formalized, while NATO announced significant procurements, including Swedish GlobalEye aircraft and a $50 billion funding pledge for deep precision strike capabilities.

Iranian officials warned that any attacks on the country's infrastructure would be met with equal retaliation. Mohammad Bagheri Zolghadr, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, stated that Israel, which supports such actions, would also face consequences.

Canada is reassessing its naval strategy regarding aircraft carriers, focusing on the Arctic and North Atlantic regions for defense. The Royal Canadian Navy previously operated carriers for anti-submarine warfare until 1970. Current discussions emphasize the need for submarines over carriers to enhance deterrence and operational capability in the Arctic. Negotiations for new submarines are underway, with a focus on Arctic patrol and NATO interoperability.

On July 10, 2026, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz significantly declined, with U.S. Central Command reporting assistance to over 800 vessels and 380 million barrels of oil. This decline highlights the Gulf states' dependence on U.S. escorts amid Iranian deterrence strategies. The situation reflects a complex interplay of military and political dynamics, as Iran asserts its role in maritime negotiations while Gulf states seek to balance security and sovereignty concerns.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Jul 10 2026Loading...

The U.S. and Iran are engaged in ongoing technical negotiations regarding nuclear issues, despite recent military actions. The U.S. military conducted strikes against Iranian targets in response to attacks on commercial shipping. Iranian forces have also targeted U.S. facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan. A memorandum of understanding was established for negotiations to reach a final agreement within 60 days.

A Hamas delegation discussed the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement with Egyptian officials in Cairo on July 9. They confirmed plans to transfer administrative control of Gaza to the Gaza National Administrative Committee and agreed to facilitate peacekeeping efforts. Additionally, a proposal for a pilot area in Rafah was received from a U.S.-initiated 'Peace Committee'.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced on July 9, 2023, that Israel will not permit Iran to acquire nuclear weapons and plans to increase its defense budget by 350 billion new shekels over the next decade. This budget will focus on enhancing the air force and developing the domestic military industry. The announcement comes amid escalating military tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with reports of Iranian missile strikes against U.S. positions.

The Komsomolsk-on-Amur plant in Russia completed 20 Su-35 jets for Iran, causing delays for the Russian Aerospace Forces as export orders take precedence. Deliveries to Russia's air force are expected to slow for the next two to three years, highlighting logistical challenges in military aircraft production amid multiple international commitments.

The Pentagon is enhancing its detection capabilities for deepfakes but is failing to address the more significant issue of adversaries poisoning AI training data. This vulnerability has been documented by civilian researchers, revealing that disinformation campaigns from countries like Iran and Russia are influencing AI outputs. The report emphasizes the need for data provenance standards and greater awareness of these threats among defense professionals.

The K9 Thunder howitzer, produced by South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace, has become the most exported tracked self-propelled howitzer globally, outselling competitors like the American M109 Paladin and German PzH 2000. Its success is attributed to rapid delivery, technology transfer, competitive pricing, and a self-sufficient production model. Eleven nations, including Poland and India, have adopted the K9, which is designed for quick firing and mobility, making it a preferred choice in the defense market.

A coalition of 12 European nations, led by the UK, pledged $50 billion over the next decade to develop deep precision strike capabilities during the NATO Summit in Ankara. This initiative aims to strengthen NATO's deterrence and includes significant investments in advanced weapon systems, such as the Stratus cruise missile and hypersonic weapons. The UK has committed £3 billion for its national long-range munitions projects, highlighting the urgency for enhanced military capabilities in response to shifting defense dynamics.

The U.S. military conducted strikes against Iranian maritime infrastructure, including Chabahar Port, on July 8-9, 2023. Iran condemned these actions as military aggression, claiming they threaten civilian lives and maritime safety. The strikes were reportedly in response to recent Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the region.

The Dassault Rafale has secured over 640 orders by the end of 2024, becoming a preferred choice for countries like Egypt, Qatar, and India. It is marketed as a sovereign purchase, free from American control, appealing to nations seeking operational independence. The aircraft's continuous upgrades further enhance its attractiveness, contrasting with the F-35's market dominance.

President Trump departed Turkey on an older Air Force One before switching to a new Qatari-donated jet at RAF Mildenhall in Britain. He acknowledged potential assassination threats from Iran during his trip. The new aircraft, a Boeing 747, was intended for U.S. service members to tour, but its security has drawn scrutiny due to rapid retrofitting.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reaffirmed her government's refusal to permit U.S. military operations against Iran during the NATO Summit in Ankara. She emphasized that Italy is not at war and will not participate in attacks against Iran, despite criticism from U.S. President Trump. This stance reflects Italy's longstanding policy of avoiding direct involvement in the Iran conflict.

Turkey signed a $10.7 billion deal for 20 Eurofighter Typhoons in October 2025, marking a significant shift in military procurement as nations prioritize sovereignty over reliance on U.S. defense systems. Countries like Portugal are also leaning towards the Typhoon, citing concerns about U.S. reliability. The Eurofighter consortium continues to enhance the aircraft's capabilities, making it an attractive option despite its higher purchase price compared to the F-35.

Germany will purchase Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States and station them on its soil, marking a shift towards its own long-range strike capability. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the deal was finalized during a NATO summit in Ankara. The exact number of missiles and launchers remains classified, but this move aims to enhance Germany's defense strategy amid changing U.S. military presence in Europe.

Belgium confirmed a defense acquisition valued at over €3 billion ($3.4 billion) during the NATO Summit held in Ankara, Türkiye.

Turkey announced a $24 billion investment in the Steel Dome air and missile defense project during the NATO Summit in Ankara. This initiative aims to enhance Turkey's defense capabilities and increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2030. The Steel Dome system integrates various air defense technologies to protect Turkish airspace and reduce reliance on allied systems.

Turkey's President Erdogan rebuts objections from Israel and Greece regarding the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets by the U.S. to Turkey. He stated that the concerns raised by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis are unfounded. The Turkish Foreign Ministry also rejected Israel's worries, labeling them as part of a disinformation campaign. Tensions between Turkey and Israel have increased, particularly following the resurgence of the Israel-Palestine conflict in 2023.