Analysis & Reports

Iranian forces attacked a second 'violating vessel' in the Strait of Hormuz and launched a missile strike on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The strike targeted the base's fighter maintenance support center and command control center as retaliation for ongoing U.S. attacks on Iranian coastal bases. This operation was confirmed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the 12th of the month.

The Iranian military launched drone strikes against U.S. military targets in Kuwait and Bahrain on the morning of the 12th, responding to ongoing U.S. attacks. The strikes targeted Patriot air defense systems, ammunition depots, radar stations, and communication systems. Kuwait's armed forces announced they were intercepting hostile targets entering their airspace.

Iran launched strikes against U.S. targets in the Middle East on July 12, prompting the UAE to intercept missiles and drones. Qatar issued a security alert, and explosions were reported in Doha. Bahrain activated its air defense alarms, and Jordan has also reportedly activated its air defense systems.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted missile strikes on July 12 against U.S. military facilities, including the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and a logistics center at Dukum Port in Oman. The strikes destroyed key infrastructure, including command centers and maintenance facilities. Additionally, an airbase in Jordan was targeted, impacting its command control center and drone hangar.

The U.S. military successfully struck Iranian military targets on July 11 at 19:15 EDT. The operation targeted air surveillance radars, missile and drone storage facilities, launch sites, maritime surveillance radars, and surface-to-air missile systems. This marked the third strike by U.S. forces against Iran within the week.

Kuwait is purchasing eight missile boats equipped with the Multi Ammunition Softkill System (MASS) from Rheinmetall, with delivery scheduled from mid-2026 to mid-2029. This contract, valued in the low tens of millions of euros, aims to enhance the defensive capabilities of the Kuwait Naval Forces against modern threats. The procurement indicates a strategic shift towards improving maritime security in the Gulf region.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Jul 11 2026Loading...

President Trump announced that 1000 missiles are currently targeted at Iran, with additional thousands ready to launch if Iran attempts to assassinate him. The U.S. military is prepared to destroy Iran within a year if provoked, following the command issued on July 10, 2023.

Capt. Nathanial Welch of the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his valor during a combat mission against Houthi militants in Yemen on April 29, 2025. He successfully evaded enemy missiles while protecting coalition aircraft during a joint American and British operation. The squadron was deployed from Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia as part of a wider U.S. effort targeting Houthi command and attack sites.

Capt. Nathanial Welch of the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his valor during a mission in Yemen on April 29, 2025. He flew an F-16 into heavily defended airspace, evading missiles while protecting coalition aircraft. This operation was part of a joint U.S. and British effort against Houthi forces.

U.S. President Trump pledged to allow Ukraine to manufacture its own Patriot missile interceptors during discussions at a NATO summit in Turkey. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that this move is crucial for enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities against Russian missile attacks. However, the production of these interceptors is expected to take years and require significant investment. In parallel, Ukraine is developing its own missile defense system, FREYA, to bolster its defenses.

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.

Rheinmetall is supplying the Kuwaiti Naval Forces with Multi Ammunition Softkill Systems (MASS) and Omnitrap ammunition for eight vessels. The contract, valued in the low double-digit million-euro range, will begin delivery in the second quarter of 2026 and conclude in the second quarter of 2029. The MASS system enhances protection against threats such as anti-ship missiles and laser-guided weapons.

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 demand for HIMARS has surged due to its successful deployment in Ukraine, prompting Lockheed Martin to double production to 96 launchers in 2024. Countries like Poland, Estonia, and Canada have placed significant orders, while HIMARS has also been utilized in operations against Iran. Despite its effectiveness, challenges remain with ammunition supply, impacting operational capabilities.

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.

On September 9, 2023, the U.S. conducted airstrikes against approximately 90 Iranian military targets, including air defense systems and logistical infrastructure. In response, Iran targeted key U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, threatening to expand its retaliation if further provoked. This escalation follows a fragile ceasefire agreement that has now been jeopardized by renewed hostilities.

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 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.

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.