Analysis & Reports

USS Missouri and USS Wisconsin fired 1,083 shells and 52 cruise missiles at Iraqi targets from January 17 to February 28, 1991, during Operation Desert Storm. The battleships utilized advanced technology, including drones for targeting, and played a crucial role in deceiving Iraqi forces about coalition troop movements. This marked the last combat use of American battleships before their decommissioning.

The U.S. State Department approved a $5 billion sale of over 10,000 Joint Direct Attack Munition kits to Saudi Arabia on September 4. This package includes guidance kits and bombs, with Boeing as the sole contractor. The sale, which has drawn political controversy due to past civilian casualties in Yemen, aims to enhance Saudi Arabia's defense capabilities without altering the regional military balance.

The U.S. State Department approved a $750 million sale of 60 AGT-1500 tank engines to Saudi Arabia on September 4. This deal aims to sustain the existing fleet of M1 Abrams tanks rather than fund new purchases. Honeywell will be the sole contractor for this transaction, which does not necessitate additional U.S. personnel in Saudi Arabia.

On September 4, 2023, the U.S. approved a $5 billion sale of 10,000 JDAM-ER bombs and associated military equipment to Saudi Arabia. This decision comes amid ongoing conflicts in the region and follows recent Iranian attacks on Gulf states. The sale reflects Saudi Arabia's need to replenish its guided munitions stockpile after extensive military operations.

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USS Abraham Lincoln docked in Thailand on September 2, 2023, allowing approximately 5,000 crew members to rest after nearly 9 months at sea. The U.S. Navy faces significant logistical challenges in the Middle East, including the destruction of a key supply base and the need for extensive resupply operations over long distances. Currently, two aircraft carriers and twelve destroyers are involved in operations in the region.

On September 4, 2023, the U.S. State Department approved military sales to Saudi Arabia and Oman, totaling approximately $5.75 billion. The sales include 5004 bombs weighing 500 pounds each, 5000 bombs weighing 2000 pounds each, and 60 engines for Abrams tanks. Additionally, support services for F-16 aircraft were approved for Oman. These sales are pending approval from the U.S. Congress.

U.S. Navy attack submarines have spent over 41 ship-years idle at piers, costing approximately $3.3 billion for Los Angeles-class and $835 million for Virginia-class boats. The USS Pasadena is in inactive status and cannot operate, with 15 more submarines expected to follow suit by 2030. The Government Accountability Office warns of an additional 14,000 idle days and $3.1 billion in costs unless alternatives for decommissioning are explored.

The Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon on the evening of the 4th in response to a drone launched by Hezbollah at Israeli troops operating in a designated 'safe zone'. No Israeli personnel were reported injured during the incident.

The Pentagon reported that 794 U.S. troops have been wounded in the ongoing Iran conflict as of September 4. This update follows a recent escalation in hostilities, including Iranian attacks on American bases in Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The casualties reported this week are all from the U.S. Army, with injuries logged since early July being counted separately from earlier casualties.

The U.S. State Department approved arms deals totaling about $6.1 billion for Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Iraq. This includes a $5 billion sale of over 10,000 JDAM kits to Saudi Arabia, which is stockpiling munitions amid ongoing conflict with Iran. Additionally, Oman will receive $188 million in sustainment services for F-16s, and Iraq is set to purchase Bell 412EPX helicopters for $150 million.

The Iranian military struck the Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base in Kuwait and the Al-Minhad Air Base in the UAE on September 3, 2023, in retaliation for recent U.S. strikes. The attacks involved missiles and drones, with Kuwaiti air defenses intercepting some of the incoming threats. This incident marks a significant escalation, as it is the first direct Iranian attack on Gulf states hosting U.S. forces during the ongoing conflict.

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U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to seek reimbursement from European nations for military aid provided to Ukraine. He indicated a potential halt in sales to allied nations while ramping up U.S. munitions production. Concerns were raised about depleted U.S. munitions stockpiles due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has implications for military readiness.

Israel's Defense Minister Katz announced that the military's recent control of the Ali Taher ridge is a crucial step in solidifying Israel's presence in southern Lebanon. He stated that Israel will not withdraw from the security zone until Hezbollah is fully disarmed, ensuring no threat to northern Israel. This policy reflects a clear stance from both Katz and Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding military operations in the region.

The IAEA confirmed the presence of 73 tons of uranium in Syria, including 55 tons in the form of fuel rods, during inspections in Deir ez-Zor on September 1-2, 2023. This revelation indicates an undeclared nuclear program and highlights the failure of previous Syrian authorities to disclose nuclear materials. The new Syrian government is seeking to establish legitimacy by cooperating with the IAEA and distancing itself from its nuclear past.

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On September 3, the Iranian military launched missile and drone strikes against U.S. military bases located in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The strikes targeted Ahmad Jaber Air Base and Minhad Air Base, causing damage to communication systems and aircraft hangars. The Iranian military has stated it will continue to respond to U.S. attacks until achieving final victory and punishing the aggressors.

Intense fighting erupted on September 3, 2023, in Taiz Province between Yemeni government forces and Houthi militants, resulting in approximately 28 deaths and numerous injuries. The Houthi forces launched an attack, briefly seizing control of some areas before government forces counterattacked. The conflict also displaced over 900 families, highlighting the humanitarian impact of the violence.

President Trump stated that the U.S. possesses virtually unlimited amounts of ammunition and will soon resume munitions sales to allies. He criticized reports of depleted stockpiles amid ongoing military operations in Iran. Trump also highlighted the substantial military aid provided to Ukraine and NATO, asserting that Europe would repay the U.S. for this support. The statements were made in a Truth Social post on September 3, 2025.

Iran struck the U.S. Navy's logistics hub in Bahrain on February 28, 2023, forcing the Navy to resupply at sea every five to six days. Currently, about 20 ships and 20,000 personnel are deployed in the Middle East, with supply ships traveling 2,200 miles to Diego Garcia for essential supplies. This situation presents significant logistical challenges for the Navy's operations in the region.

The British Army ordered 386 Challenger 2 main battle tanks, which have been deployed in various conflicts including Kosovo, Iraq, and Ukraine. Notably, only one Challenger 2 was destroyed in combat, and that incident was due to friendly fire on March 25, 2003. The tanks have demonstrated significant effectiveness against enemy forces, particularly during engagements with Iraqi T-55s.

The Browning Hi-Power handgun, adopted by over 50 countries, has a significant military history, being used by both Allied and Axis forces during World War II. Its design, completed in 1935, has influenced modern firearms, and despite the end of original production in 2018, demand remains high with new versions being introduced. The Hi-Power is recognized for its reliability and performance in military contexts.