Analysis & Reports

Iran launched missile and drone strikes against US bases in the Persian Gulf in 2023, severely damaging US logistical capabilities. The attacks revealed vulnerabilities in US defenses, as air defense systems were overwhelmed by the volume of strikes. This situation raises concerns about the security of US bases in East Asia, which may face similar threats from China.

The U.S. Air Force conducted 10,000 sorties and struck over 13,000 military objectives during Operation Epic Fury in the Middle East. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach announced a shift in strategy, emphasizing the need for readiness and integration in future conflicts. The Air Force plans to introduce new autonomous aircraft and affordable munitions by 2032 and 2030, respectively. Additionally, the U.S. has expanded its economic sanctions against Iran to pressure the regime.

USS Abraham Lincoln is concluding a 305-day deployment, having engaged in combat operations against Iran and made a logistics stop in Guam. The carrier is expected to return to San Diego in early October after a lengthy absence. Concerns have been raised regarding the crew's conditions during the extended deployment, but Navy officials maintain that the crew remains focused and ready.

USS Abraham Lincoln conducted jet engine tests and launched weather balloons from its fantail in March 2026 while deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The ship's activities included handling mooring lines and deploying floating targets for training. These operations are part of ongoing efforts to maintain maritime security and stability in the Middle East.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) is refueling Saudi jets in the Red Sea to bolster their defensive operations against Houthi attacks as of September 21, 2026. This time-limited mission aims to enhance Saudi air defense capabilities amid a renewed Houthi campaign threatening military sites and energy infrastructure. The operation utilizes an Airbus A330 MRTT Voyager to extend the operational range of Saudi fighters.

Alexandra ReevesTue Sep 22 2026Loading...

Fering secured its first export orders for the Pioneer hybrid off-road vehicle from Canada and an undisclosed Middle Eastern country. The company unveiled the Pioneer X at a recent show, which maintains the same mobility as the original but with increased payload capacity. Fering is also competing for a contract with the British Army's Light Mobility Vehicle program and is planning a new production facility.

On September 22, 2026, Saudi Arabia faced renewed Houthi attacks while receiving British military support, including aerial refueling for its F-15SA fighters. Reports indicated Houthi attempts to strike the Saudi capital and a Saudi airstrike in Al-Mokha that killed six Houthi fighters. The situation reflects a shift from limited border threats to a broader aerial and missile conflict, highlighting the need for enhanced reconnaissance and operational independence for Saudi forces.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Sep 22 2026Loading...

Captain Luke Graves of the USAF's 8th Tactical Fighter Wing conducted a nighttime mission in 1969 to strike an anti-aircraft site near the Bird's Head, North Vietnam. During the operation, he maneuvered his F-4 Phantom fighter beneath a refueling tanker to avoid a collision in severe thunderstorms. The mission was completed successfully despite the adverse weather conditions and enemy fire.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps struck a Togo-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on September 18, 2023, amid claims of an illegal crossing. Traffic through the strait remains critically low, with only four vessels transiting on September 17. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are increasingly relying on alternative oil export routes due to the ongoing conflict, while Houthi forces threaten oil supply routes in the region.

An explosion at a Syrian military site on September 19, 2026, resulted in eleven deaths, with the cause still unconfirmed. The Syrian Ministry of Defense acknowledged the fatalities, but details regarding the nature of the explosion remain unclear, raising concerns about the military's operational control and safety protocols. The incident highlights significant weaknesses in the management of military resources and the potential for regional instability.

Alexandra ReevesSat Sep 19 2026Loading...

Houthi forces captured strategic locations along the Red Sea coast and engaged in intense battles with Yemeni government forces in Taiz and Hajjah. Saudi Arabia conducted 300 airstrikes in support of the government forces, with 26 airstrikes reported in a 24-hour period. The conflict has displaced over 112,000 people, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The U.S. approved a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, further intensifying military involvement in the region.

Italy announced it will send warships to protect its commercial vessels through Bab el-Mandeb on September 18, 2026, while South Korea reiterated it will not send combat troops to the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi control of Bab el-Mandeb are testing the Gulf's ability to protect its exports. Saudi Arabia is resorting to ship-to-ship transfers to move oil due to threats from Houthi attacks.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

Saudi air defenses intercepted a Houthi drone near Mecca on September 15, 2026, highlighting concerns over the depletion of Patriot missile stocks amid ongoing threats. Houthi forces claimed attacks on military and oil facilities, prompting Saudi Arabia to seek defensive assistance from multiple countries. The incident underscores the challenges faced by Saudi Arabia in maintaining air defense capabilities against Houthi aggression.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Sep 17 2026Loading...

FNSS completed pre-delivery acceptance tests for the first Kaplan APC in Turkey. The vehicle will be shipped to Indonesia for final acceptance tests with the Indonesian Army. A second Kaplan APC is concurrently being built in Indonesia as part of a technology transfer agreement. The Kaplan APC is designed to carry a crew of up to 13 and can be configured for various military roles.

Lockheed Martin and L3Harris are significantly increasing the production of Patriot PAC-3 missiles, aiming for 2,000 units annually by 2027. This surge responds to urgent demands from Ukraine and NATO allies facing missile threats. The production expansion highlights the need for a diversified air defense strategy, as current reliance on expensive interceptors is unsustainable against cheaper drone threats. NATO's air defense capabilities remain under strain, necessitating coordinated procurement and increased production efforts across Europe.

Alexandra ReevesWed Sep 16 2026Loading...

The U.S. Department of Defense has incurred approximately $38 billion in costs for combat operations in Iran as of August 1, 2023, with ongoing monthly expenses projected at $2-3 billion. Significant expenditures include $21.7 billion for replacing munitions, with a notable depletion of interceptor inventory. The report highlights the financial strain on military resources and the potential implications for future conflicts.

Iranian strikes damaged hundreds of U.S. military and diplomatic buildings across Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan. As of August 27, 2023, the strikes resulted in the destruction of dozens of U.S. aircraft and 18 military personnel fatalities. The total cost of Operation Epic Fury has reached approximately $33.4 billion, with significant impacts on U.S. military infrastructure and logistics.

U.S. Air Force officials praised the F-35 Lightning II for its combat readiness during recent operations in the Middle East. The aircraft demonstrated high mission-capable rates and effective maintenance, even in contested environments. Officials noted the F-35's versatility and the need for rapid certification of new weapons to meet emerging mission requirements. The demand for the F-35 is expected to increase as operational needs evolve.

The U.S. Air Force's F-35 Lightning II performed effectively in the Iran War due to prioritized logistics and spare parts support. Despite previous readiness issues, the aircraft's operational tempo increased significantly. However, concerns remain about the sustainability of this support given the fleet's size and logistical challenges.

The U.S. military has reported a significant shortage of advanced weaponry and damage to its facilities in the Middle East due to Iranian offensives. Key military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan have suffered extensive damage. The U.S. Navy's core hub in Bahrain was destroyed, complicating logistics and supply chains for military operations. The Pentagon has confirmed these issues, despite previous denials from the White House regarding ammunition shortages.