Analysis & Reports

The United States Air Force introduced the F-15EX Eagle II, a new fighter aircraft featuring advanced digital fly-by-wire controls, capable of carrying up to twelve air-to-air missiles. This aircraft includes a new radar system, mission computer, and touchscreen cockpit, significantly enhancing its operational capabilities. The redesigned airframe is rated for 20,000 flight hours, and the integrated EPAWSS electronic-warfare suite improves its survivability in modern combat scenarios.

The U.S. Navy evaluated the F-15N Sea Eagle as a potential carrier-based aircraft in the 1970s but rejected it due to its inability to carry the AIM-54 Phoenix missile, critical for fleet defense. The Navy ultimately chose the F-14 Tomcat, which offered unmatched capabilities for protecting carrier battle groups against Soviet threats. McDonnell Douglas attempted to modify the F-15N to meet naval specifications, but the project was ultimately terminated.

Israeli airstrikes and drone attacks on July 7 resulted in 7 deaths in Gaza, including a public relations officer for the Egyptian Relief Committee. The strikes hit multiple locations, including a civilian vehicle in Gaza City and areas in Khan Younis. Local health authorities reported significant casualties since the ceasefire began on October 10, 2025.

The J-16 fighter jet is actively engaged in air defense operations in China, utilizing precision-guided munitions to secure national airspace. It supports rapid response missions and maintains constant vigilance against external threats, ensuring comprehensive air security.

The U.S. military has initiated a series of strong strikes against Iran in response to previous Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. As of the 8th, Iranian officials in Hormozgan Province reported no civilian casualties from these strikes. The U.S. Central Command made the announcement on the 7th.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu opposed the U.S. sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey during an interview in Washington on July 7. He argued that such a sale would not make Turkey a friendly nation and would disrupt the power balance in the Middle East. Meanwhile, President Trump indicated that U.S.-Turkey relations are improving and that a decision regarding Turkey's return to the F-35 program is forthcoming.

The U.S. Air Force successfully executed Operation Epic Fury in Iran, achieving strategic objectives to disrupt Iran's military capabilities without ground invasion. The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of airpower in modern warfare, challenging the belief that land combat is essential for victory. The analysis emphasizes that military success should be measured against political objectives rather than territorial control.

U.S. Central Command forces began a series of strikes against Iran on July 7 in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. condemned Iran's actions as unjustified and a violation of ceasefire agreements.

The U.S. military has commenced a series of strong strikes against Iran in response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes target Iranian air defense systems, coastal surveillance systems, and missile launch sites. This follows multiple incidents of drone attacks on vessels in the region, raising concerns over maritime security.

The Pentagon is pursuing a new hunter-killer drone to replace the MQ-9A Reaper following significant combat losses in Iran. The new Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) is expected to be operational by fiscal 2031, with a focus on high production at low costs. The project aims to produce 20 mission-ready drones, capable of carrying various payloads and self-deploying over long distances.

A Ukrainian drone struck the Omsk oil refinery in Siberia on 6 July 2023, causing it to cease operations. This attack, one of Ukraine's longest-range strikes, has exacerbated the fuel crisis in Russia, leading to fuel shortages and long queues at petrol stations. Central Asian countries reliant on Russian fuel are also facing supply disruptions and increased prices.

The Trump administration proposed new regulations to replace the Douglas factors used in federal employee discipline with a vaguer standard considering the 'totality of circumstances.' Critics argue this change could lead to unfair treatment of employees and undermine the Civil Service Reform Act. The proposal aims to streamline performance management and facilitate the dismissal of poor performers.

The U.S. Army tested the Autonomous Volcano mine dispenser at Camp Grayling, Michigan, in May 2023. The system can autonomously lay two minefields, covering 32 acres with up to 960 mines, without human assistance. This testing represents a modernization effort to enhance combat engineering capabilities, developed in collaboration with the U.K. The Army plans further testing in realistic battlefield scenarios later this month.

The U.S. Army tested the Autonomous Volcano mine dispenser at Camp Grayling, Michigan, in May 2023. The system can autonomously lay two minefields, covering 32 acres with up to 960 mines, without human assistance. This testing represents a modernization effort of legacy equipment, integrating unmanned systems to enhance combat engineering capabilities. The project was developed in collaboration with the United Kingdom and aims to improve battlefield operations.

Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards, commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5, was lost in an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter crash in the Arabian Sea on July 1, 2025. The crash involved four crewmembers, with three being recovered. A search operation lasting over 102 hours was conducted, and an investigation into the incident is currently underway.

Thirteen Democratic senators pressed the U.S. Air Force and L3Harris for answers regarding the rapid conversion of a Qatari-gifted Boeing 747 into Air Force One, citing concerns over national security and resource diversion. The senators highlighted that the conversion was expedited to meet a July 4 deadline, involving significant personnel and resources. They requested detailed information on costs and potential impacts on other defense priorities.

The U.S. Navy is developing new protective technologies for its ballistic missile submarines against threats like drones and anti-tank rockets. This includes advanced systems for detection and defense during transit to and from ports, as well as active protection for ICBM transport. The Navy aims to enhance maritime situational awareness and counter AI-driven threats.

The U.S. Air Force successfully integrated the AGM-15AC Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) with B-1B Lancer bombers during a validation test at Dyess Air Force Base on June 2, 2022. This new capability enhances the bombers' maritime combat effectiveness, potentially allowing for strikes against Chinese naval forces. The Air Force plans to acquire 114 LRASMs to bolster its operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.

Lockheed Martin proposed an upgraded F-35 fighter jet, the 'Ferrari' F-35, which integrates sixth-generation technology. This proposal comes as the U.S. Air Force is already funding a new sixth-generation fighter and modernizing the F-22. The F-35's current Block 4 upgrade is significantly over budget and delayed, raising concerns about the feasibility of additional upgrades. The overall F-35 program is projected to exceed $2 trillion in costs.

A tailless, cranked-kite aircraft, likely a demonstrator for the F-47 fighter, was photographed flying over Area 51 at night. Experts suggest this indicates that the U.S. Air Force's sixth-generation program is advancing into flight testing, amid competition with China. The aircraft's design is reminiscent of the X-36 experimental program, optimized for supersonic cruise using advanced engines.