Analysis & Reports

Gen. Chance Saltzman of the U.S. Space Force announced his retirement next month during the Global Air and Space Chiefs’ Conference in London. He urged support for the Space Force's budget amid congressional resistance to fully fund requested programs. The White House has requested $1.15 trillion for defense, with only $60 billion likely to be approved for Space Force initiatives, which include critical missile defense and space capabilities.

Gen. Chance Saltzman emphasized the military's role as a stabilizing force for democracy during his farewell address in London. He highlighted the importance of alliances amid political divisions and discussed the integration of space power into military operations. Saltzman confirmed expectations for initial capabilities in airborne moving target indication by 2028 and announced Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess as his successor.

U.S. military forces conducted airstrikes against Iranian military facilities, while Iran retaliated by attacking U.S. installations in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. President Trump threatened further military action unless Iran returns to negotiations. The situation has escalated with significant U.S. naval and air deployments in the region.

MBDA appointed Jean-Brice Dumont as its new CEO effective Nov. 1, 2023, succeeding Eric Béranger. The transition process will begin in October to ensure continuity. Under Béranger, MBDA nearly doubled its sales and order book, and European governments are urging the company to ramp up missile production in response to security challenges. Dumont, who has a strong background in aerospace and defense, aims to continue MBDA's transformation.

MBDA announced the replacement of CEO Éric Béranger with Airbus executive Jean-Brice Dumont, effective November 1. Under Béranger's leadership, the company doubled missile production and achieved significant revenue growth. MBDA has also increased its support for Ukraine by ramping up deliveries of precision-guided missiles.

Six F-39E Gripen aircraft from the Brazilian Air Force participated in the SALITRE 2026 exercise at Cerro Moreno Air Base in Antofagasta, Chile. The exercise involved over 1,500 military personnel and aircraft from five other countries, focusing on air defence, escort, and patrol missions. The Gripen fighters executed various air operations, employing advanced electronic warfare systems and tactical capabilities.

On June 21, 2026, the U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force conducted joint exercises in Guam, focusing on the integration of missile defense systems including Aegis and THAAD. The exercise utilized AI to assess threat responses and improve decision-making speed. Additionally, commercial sensor data was incorporated into military workflows to enhance operational effectiveness.

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Bala Selvam is implementing new data workflows for the Special Operations Command Pacific to enhance the use of AI tools in military operations. He identified inefficiencies in existing data transfer methods, particularly in the Indo-Pacom Command, and is collaborating with AWS to create smaller cloud compute clusters for battalions. This initiative aims to improve command and control capabilities by ensuring timely access to critical data for troops in the field.

On October 13, 2023, U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against multiple Iranian targets, including missile and drone facilities, in response to Iranian threats. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps retaliated by attacking U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, destroying key military infrastructure. The conflict has intensified, undermining a fragile ceasefire and raising tensions over control of the Hormuz Strait.

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against Iranian military assets near the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran retaliated against U.S. facilities in the region. Commercial traffic through the strait has significantly decreased, indicating a tense maritime environment. Both nations assert control over the strait, leading to an ongoing armed stalemate.

The U.S. launched airstrikes against Iranian military targets in response to Iranian attacks on U.S. allies and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM reported hitting dozens of targets, including air-defense systems and missile capabilities. Iran claimed responsibility for attacks on U.S. military targets in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, while CENTCOM denied any U.S. casualties. The situation reflects a significant escalation in hostilities following a recent ceasefire agreement.

Taiwan's Marine Corps mobilized dozens of vehicles from southern Taiwan to Taipei as part of a five-day joint defense exercise from July 13 to 17. The exercise focused on rapid reinforcement of key political and economic centers, testing decentralized command and operational readiness. Concurrently, China's Fujian aircraft carrier transited the Taiwan Strait, influencing Taiwan's defense strategy.

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The Marine Corps is evaluating Ditto's technology to maintain local networks for AI tools during cloud outages. This initiative, part of Project Dynamis, aims to ensure communication in combat situations where cloud access is compromised. The focus is on creating a peer-to-peer data mesh using existing consumer devices like radios and cell phones, addressing vulnerabilities highlighted by recent conflicts.

China and Russia conducted joint naval exercises near Qingdao, concluding on July 11, 2026. This marked the first instance of both nations' submarines operating together at sea, enhancing their collaborative military capabilities. The exercises focused on addressing maritime security threats and included real-time data sharing and joint command structures.

The joint naval exercise 'Maritime Cooperation-2026' concluded in Qingdao on July 13, 2026, with participation from ten vessels of the Chinese and Russian navies. The exercise focused on joint responses to maritime security threats and included various military activities such as reconnaissance and air defense. This event marks the continuation of military cooperation between the two nations, enhancing their capabilities in addressing maritime crises.

China and Russia conducted the 'Maritime Joint 2026' naval exercise, involving multiple vessels and submarines. Following the exercise, some forces transitioned to joint patrols in the Pacific. The Japanese Self-Defense Forces are actively monitoring these developments, particularly regarding anti-submarine operations and the implications for regional security.

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The joint naval exercise 'Maritime Joint-2026' between China and Russia concluded today. Russian forces included the Varyag cruiser and Ufa submarine, while China deployed the Kai Feng destroyer and Wuhu frigate. The exercise focused on maritime security threats and involved joint drills in various military operations. Following the exercise, some forces will conduct joint patrols in the Pacific.

China and Russia concluded joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan on November 11, 2026, involving surface ships, submarines, and aircraft. The drills focused on enhancing operational capabilities against drone threats and included real combat scenarios. This exercise marked a significant step in military cooperation between the two nations, showcasing their strategic trust and coordination.

USS Tucson (SSN 770) relocated to Naval Base Guam from Pearl Harbor on July 10, 2023, as part of the U.S. Navy's Strategic Laydown Plan. This move positions the submarine closer to contested waters in the South China Sea, enhancing U.S. military readiness in the region. Tucson joins three other fast-attack submarines already stationed in Guam, contributing to the U.S. deterrence strategy against a growing Chinese fleet.

U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes on 140 Iranian military targets in the Strait of Hormuz on July 11, 2023, following an attack by Iranian forces on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy. The strikes aimed to degrade Iran's military capabilities in the region, amidst ongoing tensions and diplomatic efforts led by Oman. Iran's Revolutionary Guard retaliated with strikes on Jordan's Prince Hassan Air Base, further escalating the conflict.