Analysis & Reports

Iran maintained a fleet of 225 F-4 Phantoms, including 65 operational aircraft as of 2026. The Iranian Air Force integrated new weapons into these aircraft and conducted operations despite significant losses. On March 1, 2026, Israeli forces destroyed one F-4 at Tabriz. The F-4s were utilized for various missions, showcasing their adaptability and historical significance in Iran's military operations.

Houthi forces attacked King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on October 11, marking another escalation in military actions against Saudi Arabia. The attacks involved missiles and drones targeting airports and energy facilities. The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority is currently evaluating the damage and ensuring facility security.

Houthi forces launched four military operations against Saudi airports and energy facilities on October 10-11, 2023, using ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones. Targets included King Khalid International Airport and Saudi Aramco facilities, leading to significant flight disruptions and casualties. In retaliation, Saudi airstrikes were reported in Yemen.

On 12 July 2026, HMCS Corner Brook, a Canadian submarine, fired a Mk 48 Mod 7AT torpedo that sank the decommissioned US Navy cruiser ex-USS Mobile Bay during the RIMPAC 2026 exercise in the Pacific Ocean near Kauai. This event marked a significant milestone in military history, showcasing the capabilities of the Canadian Navy.

Germany and France reaffirmed their commitment to the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) project during discussions near Bordeaux, despite earlier announcements of Germany's withdrawal. French and German defense ministers emphasized that the project remains crucial for European defense and has not been terminated. Ongoing disagreements over industrial roles and funding continue to challenge the project's progress, with both nations exploring alternative tank development options.

On October 8, 2023, South Korea successfully conducted its first test launch of a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) developed by the Defense Research Institute at a site 130 kilometers south of Seoul. This achievement marks South Korea's entry into the small group of nations possessing hypersonic technology, raising concerns about increased tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The government views this weapon as a core strategic asset, indicating a significant advancement in its military capabilities.

China is building a layered fighter force with J-20S and J-35A aircraft to enhance its air capabilities in the Western Pacific by 2026. The J-20S serves as a long-range stealth air-superiority platform, while the J-35A is a smaller, more deployable stealth fighter. This production strategy aims to complicate U.S. and allied air operations, forcing them to allocate resources defensively.

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NATO requested additional 20mm ammunition for Ukraine to counter Russian jet-powered drones in October 2026. This request indicates a shift in the air war dynamics, as Russia's new drones pose a faster threat, complicating defense efforts. The F-16's M61A1 Vulcan cannon is highlighted as a potential solution, but logistical challenges remain regarding ammunition availability and air defense readiness.

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The U.S. Navy canceled the Naval Advanced Tactical Fighter (NATF) program in 1992 due to budget constraints and technical challenges, opting for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as a replacement for the F-14 Tomcat. The NATF was estimated to cost $66.1 billion for 618 aircraft, but no prototype was ever built. The Super Hornet entered service in 1999, fulfilling the Navy's need for a carrier-based fighter.

Iranian F-14 Tomcats engaged in air defense operations, achieving 78 aerial victories using AIM-54 Phoenix missiles during the Iran-Iraq War. The first victory occurred on September 7, 1980, against an Iraqi helicopter. The U.S. Navy's use of the same missile system resulted in no confirmed kills, highlighting the effectiveness of the Iranian forces in their operational context.

The U.S. Army developed and tested two prototypes of the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter from 1996 to 2004, investing $6.9 billion. The program was ultimately canceled due to significant cost overruns and a shift in military priorities, leading to the redirection of funds towards acquiring 796 new aircraft. Both prototypes are currently preserved at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum in Fort Novosel, Alabama.

Israel Aerospace Industries showcased the POINT@AIR radar system at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual meeting in Washington this week. The system is designed to provide ground forces with enhanced detection capabilities for low-flying drones and other aerial targets. POINT@AIR utilizes a tethered balloon to elevate the radar, allowing for improved situational awareness without the need for fixed infrastructure.

USS Missouri and USS Wisconsin fired 1,083 shells and 52 Tomahawk cruise missiles at Iraqi forces from January 17 to February 28, 1991, during Operation Desert Storm. The battleships operated in the Gulf, with Wisconsin acting as the Tomahawk strike commander. The RQ-2 Pioneer drones assisted in targeting, leading to significant impacts on Iraqi military positions. Both ships were decommissioned shortly after the conflict.

Azerbaijan has established local rifle production in cooperation with Israeli arms manufacturer Ari Arms. The new factory is focused on manufacturing rifles, enhancing Azerbaijan's military capabilities.

Australia received a second batch of 90 HIMARS launchers in 2026, enhancing its long-range strike capabilities. The 10th Fires Brigade in Adelaide will operate these systems, which are complemented by plans for local production of GMLRS. However, the effectiveness of these systems hinges on logistical support and the ability to maintain a reliable supply of ammunition and targeting data.

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A Houthi missile strike hit Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport in October 2026, resulting in twelve deaths and over 300 injuries. This attack marks the deadliest incident in Saudi Arabia since May 2015, demonstrating the Houthis' ability to target civilian infrastructure. The incident has escalated tensions in the ongoing Yemen conflict, prompting concerns over Saudi Arabia's military response and the potential for further attacks.

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Cody Aerospace & Defence unveiled the Badger Mk1 ground-launched strike missile at the Apex Europe defense show in London this week. The missile is designed to fly 70 to 100 miles and carry a warhead of up to 100 kg. The company plans to build a factory, Ordnance One, to produce the missile and other weapons under license, aiming for a replenishment cycle of under a year for stockpiles once in production.

Saudi Arabia is facing a critical shortage of air defense interceptors and has requested support from France, the UK, Pakistan, and Egypt for air defense systems. Recent reports indicate that the U.S. is also experiencing a depletion of its weapon stockpiles amid ongoing conflicts with Iran. U.S. assistance includes intelligence sharing and operational planning against Houthi forces.

U.S. Army air defense crews conducted live-fire drills at Grafenwoehr Training Area in Bavaria on October 5, 2023, as part of Operation Skyfall II. The exercise involved the use of SGT STOUT air defense vehicles and Sentinel radars, alongside AH-64 Apache helicopters, to enhance drone defense capabilities. The training focused on real-time data sharing between ground and aerial units to counter unmanned aerial threats.

Australia received a second batch of HIMARS rocket launchers from the United States, two years earlier than planned. The new launchers will be assigned to the 10th Fires Brigade in Adelaide. The program is now expected to be fully operational four years ahead of schedule, with plans to field up to 90 launchers across two regiments. Australia is also producing its own GMLRS ammunition.