Analysis & Reports

Operation Epic Fury resulted in significant damage to U.S. military assets, with hundreds of buildings and dozens of aircraft destroyed or damaged across multiple locations including Kuwait and Bahrain. From February 28 to June 30, 2023, 417 servicemembers were wounded and 7 were killed, with the operation costing approximately $22 billion in munitions. The Pentagon's Inspector General report highlights strategic inventory shortfalls and concerns over munitions production capabilities.

Russia has begun supplying Iran with upgraded munitions and targeting data, enhancing Iran's military capabilities amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. This partnership includes the production of Shahed drones in Russia and the development of hypersonic missiles. The collaboration poses a significant threat to U.S. forces in the region, with increased sophistication in Iranian drone attacks expected.

The U.S. military shifted from using helicopters to ground-based medical evacuations in Kuwait and Iraq during Operation Epic Fury due to threats from Iranian drones. This change highlights ongoing logistical challenges, including reliance on host country hospitals for severe injuries. Medical officials have warned that future conflicts will pose greater risks to U.S. troops as adversaries develop advanced weaponry.

On September 15, 2026, Saudi Civil Defense announced the end of danger in six cities, including Yanbu, amid alerts related to the US-Iranian war. Concurrently, reports revealed that the US Department of Defense has spent around $33 billion on military operations but is experiencing a shortage of certain munitions. The situation underscores the logistical challenges faced by both the US and Saudi Arabia in maintaining effective air defense capabilities against potential Iranian threats.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

The U.S. Department of Defense reported on September 14, 2023, that advanced weapon stockpiles are in short supply due to the conflict with Iran. Damage has occurred to military bases and aircraft across several Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. The conflict has resulted in significant financial costs and logistical challenges for the U.S. military.

Saudi Arabia shut down the East-West Pipeline on September 14, 2026, following drone attacks that originated from Iraqi territory. The incident exposed vulnerabilities in Gulf energy defense, potentially threatening 4% of global oil supply. Iraq reported finding suspected launch platforms near its border with Iran, raising security concerns about the region's stability.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Sep 14 2026Loading...

Iran launched severe drone and missile attacks on the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain, causing extensive damage and leading to the evacuation of over 1,000 military family members. The base, critical for the Navy's operations in the Middle East, has been rendered largely unusable, with supplies being redirected to Diego Garcia. The Navy's leadership has indicated that a return to the base is not imminent.

Saudi Arabia halted the operation of the East-West pipeline on September 12, 2026, after a drone attack damaged facilities along its route, reportedly launched from Iraq. The Houthi movement has taken control of the entire Yemeni coastline along the Red Sea, complicating Saudi Arabia's military response. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure and the challenges posed by low-cost drone attacks.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Sep 12 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army has modified a contract with Rolls-Royce Solutions America, adding $39.1 million for the production of engines for Israel's Eitan armored vehicle. This brings the total contract value to approximately $158.9 million, with production expected to be completed by September 11, 2027. The funding originates from Foreign Military Sales funds allocated to Israel since 2010, highlighting a long-term military procurement process.

The U.S. Air Force modified the Foreign Military Sales agreement for the KC-46A Pegasus tanker, increasing the ceiling from $5.7 billion to $19.1 billion. This change allows for expanded sales to allies like Japan and Israel without needing new contracts for each order. The contract will remain active until April 28, 2035, supporting ongoing foreign military sales and logistics for the KC-46A.

Saudi Arabia closed the East-West pipeline on September 10-11, 2026, following drone attacks launched from Iraq and Houthi advances in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Houthi movement captured key locations along the Red Sea coast, threatening Saudi oil exports and highlighting vulnerabilities in the kingdom's defense infrastructure. This situation raises concerns about regional security and the ability of Saudi forces to respond effectively to multi-front threats.

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U.S. air-and-missile-defense systems are adapting to new threats posed by Iran's drone and missile capabilities in the Middle East. The systems have performed well in recent conflicts but face challenges due to high costs and the need for rapid adaptation. Experts emphasize the importance of increasing industrial capacity to meet these evolving threats and ensure effective defense against low-cost drone swarms and high-speed missiles.

On February 28, 2026, Iran struck Naval Support Activity Bahrain with missiles and drones, prompting the U.S. Navy to relocate its logistics operations to Diego Garcia. USS Gerald R. Ford was deployed for a record 326 days, while USS Abraham Lincoln spent 264 days without a port visit. The Navy is preparing USS Theodore Roosevelt for deployment, implementing lessons learned from previous deployments to address logistical challenges and improve sailor conditions.

The U.S. Air Force's B-52 modernization effort, involving 13 programs, faces significant challenges, with 10 programs over budget or delayed. The Commercial Engine Replacement Program's costs surged from $3 billion to $15.4 billion, while the radar modernization program's costs increased from $2.3 billion to $2.9 billion. A recent crash of a test aircraft has added to the program's complications. The B-52 is set to remain operational into the mid-21st century.

On September 9, 2026, the U.S. military destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in response to Iranian attacks on U.S. ships and a base in Jordan. This escalation in the Hormuz Strait signifies a shift from limited confrontations to direct assaults on commercial shipping. The situation raises concerns for Gulf states, as the conflict threatens their maritime trade and security.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Sep 10 2026Loading...

Smack Technologies is developing AI software, Omega, to enhance military operations by optimizing munitions usage and planning. The software allows commanders to generate detailed workflows and plans quickly, improving decision-making in real-time. Smack has secured contracts with three U.S. military branches and plans to expand its offerings to all six branches by the end of the year, addressing both military and humanitarian needs.

SpearUAV announced it has nearly 1,000 Viper 300 loitering munition systems ready for delivery to customers worldwide. The Viper 300 is designed for infantry and armored units, allowing for close-in engagements. The company has reached a production rate of hundreds of systems per month and disclosed a $20 million contract for the system in December 2024, with expected deliveries starting in 2025.

Washington approved the sale of 60 AGT-1500 engines for Saudi M1 Abrams tanks and 188 million dollars for F-16 maintenance services for Oman on September 4, 2026. Additionally, Iraq will receive 150 million dollars for Bell 412EPX helicopters. These agreements highlight the ongoing military support and logistical needs of U.S. partners in the Middle East.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Sep 05 2026Loading...

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.

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.