Analysis & Reports

A military aircraft, reportedly a Su-57, crashed near Zvenigorod in the Moscow region. The pilot ejected before impact, but his condition remains unclear, with conflicting reports about his fate. The crash may involve friendly fire, marking a significant loss for Russia's limited fleet of Su-57s. The incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by the Russian Aerospace Forces during training and operations.

Houthi forces attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea on July 23, 2023, using ballistic missiles and drones, which resulted in the vessels catching fire. The attack was part of a declared maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, with Houthi officials warning of further military actions against Saudi targets.

The Houthi militia announced a maritime embargo against Saudi oil in the Red Sea, threatening to attack ships that challenge their blockade. Four tankers altered their routes, and EUNAVFOR ASPIDES advised vessels linked to U.S., Israel, or Saudi interests to avoid the area. The Houthis have deployed missiles and drones near Bab el-Mandeb to enforce the embargo, leading to a significant decline in maritime traffic through the strait.

The Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat debuted at the Farnborough International Airshow and participated in Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 in June 2026, operating alongside crewed aircraft. The uncrewed aircraft demonstrated its combat capabilities by successfully firing an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile. Designed for missions such as surveillance and electronic warfare, the Ghost Bat has a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles and is part of a broader trend of integrating uncrewed systems into military operations.

Turkey tested the Typhoon Block 3 missile on July 4, 2026, successfully hitting a small maritime target. The missile, with a range of 800 km, poses a potential threat to Israel, as it can target moving vessels in the Eastern Mediterranean. This development raises concerns for Israel regarding Turkey's growing military capabilities and its implications for regional security.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Jul 22 2026Loading...

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran, including a nuclear power plant, in July 2023. In retaliation, Iran launched drone attacks against U.S. military bases in Kuwait. The conflict has escalated, with both sides increasingly targeting civilian facilities, raising concerns about potential war crimes. The U.S. is repositioning military assets in the region, indicating a possible further escalation of hostilities.

The U.S. conducted 74 airstrikes against Al-Shabaab in Somalia in 2026, primarily around Baidoa, where federal troops are engaged in conflict with local forces. Al-Shabaab retains control over key areas and continues to exploit the political instability in the region. The shift in U.S. focus back to Al-Shabaab indicates a response to the group's persistent threat despite ongoing military operations.

Marie DuboisSat Jul 18 2026Loading...

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles and drones on July 17, destroying multiple U.S. military aircraft in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on non-military targets in Southern Iran the previous night. The U.S. strikes targeted infrastructure in Abbas Port, including bridges and residential areas, resulting in casualties.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard attacked U.S. military aircraft deployed in Jordan on the night of the 16th, claiming to have destroyed multiple fighter jets and refueling aircraft. This action was a response to U.S. airstrikes on non-military targets in southern Iran, including bridges and residential areas. The operation involved the use of ballistic missiles and drones.

Paramount Aerospace Industries unveiled a new counter-drone configuration for its Mwari aircraft in South Africa. This aircraft is designed to detect and neutralize one-way attack drones, addressing vulnerabilities in current air defense systems. The Mwari features an interchangeable mission system bay and can operate without fixed radar installations, enhancing its adaptability in various defense scenarios.

Paramount Aerospace Industries unveiled the Mwari Counter-UAS configuration in Pretoria on 16 July 2026. This new aircraft is designed to counter the threat of one-way attack drones, featuring a modular architecture that allows for customizable mission capabilities. The Mwari can operate independently or as part of an air defense network, equipped with various effector options for engaging low-altitude aerial threats.

Israel is deploying modified commercial vessels as floating bases for 9 to 12 Hermes 650 Spark drones in the Eastern Mediterranean as of July 15, 2026. This initiative by Elbit Systems aims to enhance maritime surveillance and early warning capabilities while providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional aircraft carriers. The concept is positioned against competitors in the drone maritime market, particularly targeting regional threats to Israeli gas platforms.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

China is developing and deploying naval drones that pose a significant threat to U.S. aircraft carriers, particularly in a potential conflict over Taiwan. The First Island Chain is identified as a critical area for military engagement, with China's drone capabilities integrated into a reconnaissance and strike network. The Zhu Hai Yun vessel, officially a research ship, is capable of deploying drone swarms, enhancing China's naval warfare capabilities.

Elbit Systems revealed plans to convert commercial ships into floating drone bases capable of operating 9 to 12 Hermes 650 Spark drones, aimed at enhancing surveillance over gas fields in the Eastern Mediterranean. This concept, announced on July 15, 2026, is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to traditional aircraft carriers, reflecting a shift in military strategy towards utilizing existing commercial vessels for defense purposes.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy requested the development of a carrier-based unmanned aircraft with a 1,000 nautical mile combat radius to enhance operational capabilities in the Western Pacific. This aircraft is intended for various missions, including surface strike and electronic warfare, and aims to address the limitations of current carrier air wing capabilities. Responses from industry are due by August 13, 2026.

Marcus ChenWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

On July 13, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) reported the destruction of two CH-95 combat drones used by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. One drone was shot down in flight by a missile from a Bayraktar Akinci, while the other was destroyed on the ground. This incident highlights a significant evolution in drone warfare in the region, with implications for both tactical and operational strategies.

Marie DuboisWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

The battleship Richelieu engaged in naval operations from 1940 to 1945, including firing at Royal Navy battleships during Operation Menace in Dakar. After sustaining damage, she was rebuilt in Brooklyn and later joined the British Home Fleet, participating in operations against Japanese forces. Richelieu ultimately finished the war escorting the same fleet that had previously attacked her.

The U.S. Marine Corps is integrating the Bullseye cruise missile into its operations, enhancing its capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. This missile, with a range of 186 miles, can be launched from air, ground, and sea platforms. Congress has allocated $40 million for its integration, which aims to improve the Marines' effectiveness against enemy defenses. The Bullseye is expected to play a crucial role in future amphibious operations and military engagements.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets in Bushehr, Chabahar, and Abbas Port on July 13-14, 2023, marking the third consecutive night of strikes. Following this, the U.S. announced a maritime blockade against Iran, effective July 14. In retaliation, Iranian forces attacked U.S. bases in the Middle East, including the Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, and Jordan intercepted missiles launched from Iran.

The Sudanese Armed Forces destroyed two Chinese-made CH-95 drones operated by the Rapid Support Forces on July 13, 2023. One drone was shot down with an air-to-air missile, while the other was wrecked on the ground. This incident highlights the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where both sides increasingly rely on drones for military operations.