Analysis & Reports

Sweden's Air Force ordered three Saab GlobalEye radar planes to complement NATO's acquisition of ten similar aircraft. The order, announced by Maj. Gen. Jonas Wikman in London, is part of Sweden's commitment to enhance its military capabilities and support NATO operations. The new aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2027, while Sweden has already donated older radar planes to Ukraine.

The U.S. is evolving its plans for Air Force One, which was donated by Qatar. Ottawa is expected to join the Global Combat Air Programme as an observer, highlighting international cooperation in defense technology. Additionally, there is a growing competition across the Atlantic to develop drone wingmen for human pilots.

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran, including a nuclear power plant, in July 2023. In retaliation, Iran launched drone attacks against U.S. military bases in Kuwait. The conflict has escalated, with both sides increasingly targeting civilian facilities, raising concerns about potential war crimes. The U.S. is repositioning military assets in the region, indicating a possible further escalation of hostilities.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a three-phase attack on U.S. military targets on July 20. The first phase struck drone maintenance facilities at Sakhir Air Base in Bahrain, followed by an attack on Salman Port. The final phase targeted facilities at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, utilizing missiles and drones as part of a retaliation effort against U.S. military actions.

Israel Aerospace Industries unveiled the Hypnosis air defense system in Jerusalem, designed to jam and spoof satellite navigation signals of aerial threats. This new system consists of mobile stations that work together to disrupt command-and-control signals, targeting drone swarms and other aerial threats. The announcement comes amid rising military tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving the U.S. and Iran.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) introduced the ELLYON multi-mission aircraft, which integrates electronic attack capabilities with advanced intelligence-gathering sensors. The aircraft is designed to operate from hundreds of kilometers away, allowing it to disrupt enemy systems while collecting detailed intelligence. ELLYON features an AI-driven mission management system that processes data in real time, enhancing operational efficiency in contested environments.

Saudi Arabia requested 20,000 APKWS II missiles worth $1.96 billion to enhance its air defense capabilities against drones and low-cost aerial threats. The deal, announced on July 16, 2026, includes both air-to-air and air-to-ground variants, with BAE Systems as the primary contractor. This procurement indicates a strategic shift in Saudi defense policy towards more economical solutions for air defense.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Jul 20 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force is seeking an air defense missile system to protect its installations in the Middle East against cruise missiles and drones. The Request for Information, due by August 6, outlines requirements for a system capable of intercepting various threats, including small drones and larger UAVs. This initiative follows recent attacks on U.S. bases by Iranian drones and missiles, highlighting the need for enhanced air defense capabilities.

The Qatari Air Force One, a modified Boeing 747, will be taken offline for upgrades in about a month, as announced by President Trump. The aircraft, which lacks standard anti-missile countermeasures, was accepted by the U.S. government last year and is undergoing modifications costing less than $400 million. Trump previously opted to use an older Air Force One model during a NATO summit amid rising tensions with Iran.

IMCO Industries Ltd. is advancing the development of a Software-Defined Armored Vehicle in Israel to enhance adaptability against emerging threats. This initiative aims to integrate new systems and sensors quickly, addressing challenges posed by modern warfare, including drone threats. The company is a key supplier to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, focusing on improving operational efficiency and reducing cognitive load for crews.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard conducted airstrikes against U.S. military targets in Kuwait on July 20, destroying an early warning radar system and damaging an airbase, including several MQ-9 drones. The Guard emphasized that Kuwait should not be a safe haven for U.S. forces.

Kuwait's air defense system intercepted enemy drone attacks on July 20. Bahrain activated its air defense alert system, advising citizens to remain calm and seek safety. The situation indicates heightened military readiness in response to potential threats.

Jordan's air defense system intercepted and shot down three missiles from Iran on July 19. One missile landed in a remote area of southern Jordan, but there were no casualties or damage reported. The Jordanian Armed Forces are maintaining a high state of alert and closely monitoring the airspace for any further threats.

The Israeli Defense Forces reported that Iran launched missiles towards Aqaba, Jordan, on the afternoon of the 19th. This action poses a potential threat to southern Israel, prompting the possibility of air defense alarms in the region. Currently, there are no changes to public safety guidelines from Israel's home front command.

Iran launched a missile strike on Al-Mawafaq Air Base in Jordan on July 19, 2026, killing two U.S. soldiers and injuring four others. This attack highlights vulnerabilities in U.S. air defense systems in the region. In retaliation, the U.S. conducted airstrikes against Iranian military sites, while Iran threatened additional targets in Kuwait.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Jul 19 2026Loading...

The Iranian military launched drone strikes against U.S. military bases in Kuwait on the 19th, targeting ammunition depots and personnel storage. This action is part of the 17th phase of Operation Lightning, which Iran claims is a response to U.S. violations of international treaties. The Iranian Armed Forces emphasized their commitment to defending national identity and resisting oppression.

Germany's arms exports surged to €13.87 billion in the first half of 2023, a threefold increase from the previous year. The majority of these exports, approximately €9 billion, were directed towards EU or NATO countries, with Ukraine being the largest recipient at €2.5 billion. The German government continues to evaluate arms export approvals based on diplomatic and security policy considerations.

Iranian military conducted drone strikes against U.S. military bases in Kuwait on July 19. The strikes targeted the ammunition depot and the radar of the Patriot missile system at Ali Al-Salem Air Base. Specific details regarding the Bilal Camp were not disclosed.

Saudi Arabia is purchasing 20,000 APKWS II missiles for $1.96 billion to improve its defense against drones, with the deal officially notified to Congress on July 15, 2026. The package includes both air-to-air and air-to-ground systems, along with training and logistical support from the U.S. government. This move reflects a strategic shift in Saudi military procurement towards more cost-effective solutions for modern threats.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Jul 18 2026Loading...

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted drone and missile strikes on multiple U.S. military targets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan on July 18. The strikes targeted a fuel supply dock at Ahmadi Port, an aircraft assembly area in Bahrain, and a data center, resulting in the destruction of at least two fighter jets and three other aircraft.