Analysis & Reports

The German Navy successfully conducted a dual firing trial of the LORA ballistic missile in the North Atlantic, achieving precision strikes in both scenarios. This trial was part of the Navy's Operational Experimentation program, and Germany is now preparing to procure the missile, which has a range exceeding 500 kilometers. The LORA missile, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, has previously seen combat use.

Russia's missile and drone forces are preparing to strike Ukrainian energy facilities in response to ongoing attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure. This warning was issued by the Russian Ministry of Defense on August 30, 2023, coinciding with intensified drone strikes in Kyiv and surrounding areas. The situation has led to significant damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure, raising concerns as winter approaches.

General Dynamics Land Systems released a photo of the Wolf XM30 prototype in transit to the U.S. Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, on August 21. The vehicle is wrapped in a tarp to conceal its design details. Additional prototypes are expected to be delivered to Fort Hood, Texas, for evaluation as part of the Army's program to replace the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

The U.S. Air Force increased funding by $11.2 million for BlueHalo LLC's Aiman Improved Readiness program, raising the total contract value to $41.2 million. The work will be conducted in Beavercreek, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by February 13, 2028. BlueHalo specializes in defense technology, including AI frameworks and laser communication systems.

The U.S. Navy awarded GE Aerospace a five-year contract worth up to $2.87 billion for support of the F414 engines powering its F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleet. The contract, which covers 17 components of the engine, will be primarily executed in Lynn, Massachusetts, and Jacksonville, Florida, and runs through August 2031.

Iraq requested Bell 412EPX and Bell 407M helicopters from the U.S. for $800 million to rebuild its military aviation capabilities by 2026. The U.S. approved this potential sale on September 1, indicating a strengthening of defense ties. This procurement aims to enhance Iraq's air mobility and reconnaissance capabilities, reflecting a strategic shift in its military operations.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Sep 02 2026Loading...

International Coalition Forces intercepted and destroyed 10 drones over Erbil on September 2. The drones were reportedly launched by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard targeting a U.S. military base in the area.

Japan's Ministry of Defense submitted a budget request of 8.9 trillion yen on August 31, 2023, to enhance its maritime surveillance and strike capabilities in the Pacific. The request includes 17 MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones and 12 modified Type 12 shipborne anti-ship missiles, reflecting a shift towards long-range and underwater strike capabilities. This initiative aims to address increased military activities from China and Russia in the region.

Tanaka TakashiWed Sep 02 2026Loading...

The U.S. military attacked two Iranian oil tankers near the Iranian coast on September 1 using drones. This marks the first instance of the U.S. retaliating against Iranian oil tankers following previous attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command confirmed the operation, which is part of a broader campaign against Iranian military targets.

EU Defense Ministers held an informal meeting on September 1 to discuss military support for Ukraine, focusing on air defense needs. Ukraine's Defense Minister reiterated the urgency of these requirements, but no significant progress was made in discussions. The EU is exploring additional sources for air defense equipment and is urging member states to evaluate their stockpiles for potential contributions to Ukraine.

The Iranian military conducted a large-scale drone attack on US military radar facilities in Bahrain early on September 2, in retaliation for US aggression against Iran. This attack follows multiple explosions reported near Geshm Island and the Strait of Hormuz, and comes after US Central Command confirmed strikes against Iranian targets. Iran has pledged to respond decisively to these actions.

On September 1, U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets, including air defense and radar systems. The strikes were a response to Iran's attempts to deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz and launch missiles at U.S. bases in Jordan. In retaliation, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone, while Jordanian forces intercepted multiple ballistic missiles from Iran. U.S. embassies in the region issued security alerts due to rising tensions.

The B-52 Stratofortress, first flown in 1952, continues to serve in the U.S. Air Force, adapting from its original nuclear role to conventional bombing and missile delivery. It is expected to remain operational until at least 2050, with ongoing modernization efforts to enhance its capabilities. Recent operations include missions over the Philippine Sea and air refueling in the southeastern United States.

Mykhailo Fedorov announced the launch of a new defense company in Kyiv, partnering with Palantir CEO Alex Karp. The venture aims to develop defense technologies to enhance global safety. Fedorov, who was ousted as Ukraine's defense minister in July, emphasized the importance of using his experience in defense technology to strengthen Ukraine and support allies. Karp's investment could significantly impact Ukraine's defense industry.

Iranian F-14 Tomcats engaged in aerial combat against Iraqi forces during the Iran-Iraq War, achieving 78 confirmed aerial victories. The F-14s, equipped with AIM-54 Phoenix missiles, played a crucial role in Iran's air defense strategy. The conflict lasted throughout the 1980s, with significant implications for both nations' military capabilities.

The U.S. Navy salvaged six of the eight battleships sunk at Pearl Harbor, modernizing them for future naval engagements. These ships, including the West Virginia and California, were refloated and underwent significant repairs and upgrades. They later participated in key battles, demonstrating their resilience and strategic importance in the Pacific theater.

In February 2023, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors engaged in air-to-air combat, achieving three confirmed kills against balloons, including a Chinese surveillance balloon off South Carolina. The F-22, originally designed for Cold War air superiority, had not seen significant combat since its introduction, with its first missile fired in anger occurring decades after its development began. The aircraft's operational history reflects its limited engagement opportunities due to the end of the Cold War.

The U.S. military launched airstrikes against Iranian Revolutionary Guard targets on September 1 at 12:00 PM EDT, with explosions reported near Geshm Island and the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes targeted rocket launchers on Larak Island, which were allegedly being prepared for use against shipping in the Strait. In retaliation, Iranian forces attacked U.S. positions in Jordan and the UAE, and downed a U.S. MQ-9 drone.

Jordan's air defense system intercepted 10 ballistic missiles launched from Iran on September 2. Three additional missiles landed in remote areas, causing no casualties. The Jordanian Armed Forces remain on high alert to protect national security and airspace sovereignty. This incident follows recent U.S. strikes against Iranian targets and previous missile attacks on Jordanian military installations.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone on September 1 in response to U.S. airstrikes that targeted multiple locations in southern Iran, including civilian facilities. This incident marks the 50th U.S. drone downed by Iran, which has vowed to intensify its efforts against foreign military presence in the Strait of Hormuz.