Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy is developing a new system that enables Virginia-class submarines to launch and recover autonomous Iver4 900 drones through torpedo tubes. This capability, awarded to L3Harris in March 2023, enhances the Navy's operational reach and efficiency in undersea warfare. The system has been validated for various missions, including reconnaissance and mine detection, and represents a significant advancement in submarine warfare technology.

The Pentagon's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 released a handbook in December 2023 detailing counter-drone strategies, asserting that drones are not a 'silver bullet' in warfare. The guide emphasizes the need for a foundational understanding of drone threats and outlines various countermeasures based on recent military experiences, including operations in Ukraine. It highlights the ongoing challenges posed by drones and the importance of adapting military tactics to address these threats effectively.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington installed new counter-drone systems from Anduril Industries in 2025. The systems, including Anvil, Pulsar, and SpyGlass, enhance the base's defense against small drones. This installation is part of a broader initiative by Joint Interagency Task Force 401 to improve drone defense capabilities across U.S. military installations, addressing the increasing threat posed by small drones.

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.

Tanaka TakashiMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

In Spring 2026, the U.S. Navy faced multiple fire incidents aboard its warships, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, which resulted in nearly 200 sailors being treated for smoke inhalation. The fires occurred during maintenance periods, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in fire safety protocols. A Government Accountability Office report indicated over $4 billion in fire damage from 2008 to 2022, emphasizing the Navy's failure to institutionalize lessons learned from past incidents.

Space Force acquired the Meadowlands weapon system last month, designed to jam enemy satellites using electromagnetic radiation. This system, operated by Mission Delta 3 at Peterson Space Force Base, enables reversible jamming of satellite communications without causing permanent damage. The Meadowlands represents a significant advancement in orbital warfare capabilities, allowing for non-kinetic operations to disrupt adversary capabilities.

The U.S. requested Iran to publicly commit to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open while 10 F-22 aircraft departed from Israel to the United Kingdom on July 11, 2026. This request aims to deter Iranian attacks on vessels in the strategic waterway, which is vital for global oil supplies. The situation reflects ongoing military and diplomatic tensions in the region, particularly following recent Iranian actions against shipping.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Jul 11 2026Loading...

NASA conducted research flights with the SR-71 Blackbird from 1997 to 1998 to test a linear aerospike engine for the X-33 spaceplane. In October 2024, a German aircraft successfully ignited a linear aerospike engine in flight, marking a significant milestone in aerospace technology. The SR-71's final mission involved carrying a rocket engine that ultimately never ignited due to technical issues.

NASA conducted research flights with the SR-71 Blackbird from 1997 to 1998 to test a linear aerospike engine, which was intended for the X-33 spaceplane. The program was ultimately canceled due to technical issues. On October 29, 2024, a German aircraft successfully ignited a linear aerospike engine in flight, marking a significant advancement in rocket technology.

On July 9, 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded $86 million to nLIGHT and Lockheed Martin to develop high-energy laser systems for cruise missile defense. The program aims to produce 300-500 kW laser systems, with operational demonstrations expected by 2028. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance air defense capabilities against threats from Iran, Russia, and China.

The U.S. Air Force developed and tested the Rusty Dagger cruise missile in record time, with 3,350 units approved for sale to Ukraine by August 2025. The missile, built by Zone 5 Technologies, was designed to meet urgent wartime needs and demonstrated unprecedented speed in its acquisition and integration into military operations. The program's rapid development allowed for combat readiness ahead of schedule, showcasing a significant shift in military procurement processes.

From June 20 to June 30, 2026, approximately 9700 personnel from the U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted a joint military exercise named Resolute Dragon 26 in the Southwest Islands and Kyushu. The exercise focused on enhancing defense capabilities and control of maritime terrain, involving live-fire training and logistical operations. This marks a significant step in U.S.-Japan military cooperation in the region.

Tanaka TakashiSat Jul 11 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted submarine-launched missile tests in the deep sea and held joint exercises at sea this week. Additionally, new artillery was fired for the first time in the desert, showcasing the military's capabilities and readiness.

Russian forces conducted intensive strikes on Ukrainian military and energy facilities on October 10, while also intercepting 144 Ukrainian drones over various regions, including the Black Sea. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces targeted multiple sites within Russia and Russian-controlled areas, including oil refineries and 18 ships. Russian troops continue to control 7 settlements and are engaged in demining operations.

U.S. President Trump announced that the U.S. has agreed to continue negotiations with Iran, but the ceasefire has ended. Qatari representatives have traveled to Iran to mediate discussions. The U.S. military has conducted strikes against Iran in response to recent attacks, while Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes on U.S. facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan.

The United States developed War Plan Red in the 1930s, outlining a strategy to invade Canada, starting with a gas attack on Halifax. The plan aimed to capture key cities like Montreal and Winnipeg, with no intention of returning any territory. Concurrently, Canada had its own Defense Scheme No. 1, which proposed offensive actions against the U.S. Both plans were never executed but highlight the military strategies of the era.

U.S. military planners developed War Plan Red in the 1930s, which outlined an invasion of Canada starting with a gas attack on Halifax. The plan aimed to capture key cities like Montreal and Winnipeg, ultimately intending to keep the territory. Canada had a similar plan, Defense Scheme No. 1, which proposed offensive actions against the U.S. Both plans were never executed and remained classified for many years.

Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract by the U.S. Department of War on July 9, 2026, to develop a 500-kilowatt laser weapon system designed to intercept aerial threats such as cruise missiles and drone swarms. This initiative is part of the Joint Laser Weapon System (JLWS) program, which aims to enhance military air defense capabilities.

Lockheed Martin and nLIGHT Defense were selected to develop high-energy laser systems for the U.S. military, with contracts starting at $86 million and potentially reaching $847 million. The initial prototypes will focus on counter-drone capabilities, while future models aim to enhance cruise missile defense. The Pentagon emphasizes the need for these systems to be deployable across various platforms.

The Trump administration has decided against allowing Israel to intervene in U.S. military actions against Iran, citing concerns over losing control of the situation. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is keen to participate but is currently restricted. Israel has indicated its readiness to engage in further military actions against Iran, while the U.S. has recently conducted strikes in response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping.