Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on multiple bridges and military infrastructure in Iran on September 16, 2023, aimed at disrupting supply lines to the port city of Abadan. This operation lasted for 7 hours and involved fighter jets, drones, and warships. The strikes resulted in at least 8 fatalities and 19 injuries, prompting a retaliatory response from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. This marks the sixth consecutive night of U.S. strikes against Iranian targets.

The United States Air Force is overhauling its Basic Military Training by introducing hands-on training with retired aircraft at a mock-up airfield in San Antonio, Texas. This new program, called BMT Next, began in summer 2023 and focuses on operational readiness, allowing recruits to practice essential airfield skills. The full mock-up airfield is expected to be operational by October 2023, enhancing the training experience for new airmen.

Canada announced a $1.4 billion contract to acquire 190 armored combat support vehicles from General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, increasing its fleet from 360 to 550 vehicles. Additionally, 35 vehicles will be built for Ukraine. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance domestic defense capabilities and reduce reliance on U.S. military equipment, as stated by Prime Minister Mark Carney during the announcement in Victoria, British Columbia.

Hanwha Philly Shipyard is constructing a new missile range instrumentation vessel named Golden Defender in Philadelphia. This vessel will support the Pentagon's Golden Dome missile defense system and is part of a contract awarded by the Office of Management and Budget. The shipyard aims to enhance its production capacity significantly in the coming years.

HTMS Chakri Naruebet, the world's smallest aircraft carrier, has been utilized by the Royal Thai Navy as a floating command center and hospital during disaster relief operations, including recent flooding in southern Thailand. Commissioned in 1997, it has not operated fixed-wing aircraft since 2006 and is primarily docked at Sattahip. Despite its limited military capabilities, it has provided significant humanitarian assistance during crises.

The U.S. Navy has failed to secure the Strait of Hormuz against Iranian opposition, despite moving 4,500 Marines into the region. This operational shortfall stems from historical gaps in mine warfare capabilities and logistical challenges. The ongoing situation poses significant risks to global navigation and economic stability, as both the U.S. and Iran have resumed strikes and blockades affecting maritime traffic.

The U.S. Navy commissioned the USS Massachusetts and USS Idaho in March and April 2026, respectively, each taking about 12 years from contract to commissioning. The delays are attributed to workforce challenges, material supply issues, and the complexity of the new Block V design. The Navy's current production rate is insufficient to meet its needs, resulting in a growing backlog of submarines.

The U.S. Military has expended over 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles in operations against Iran as of July 17, 2026, with estimates indicating 2,000 to 3,000 missiles remain. Following the collapse of a ceasefire on July 8, strikes resumed, raising concerns about the sustainability of U.S. missile stockpiles for future conflicts, particularly against China or Russia. The current production rate of Tomahawk missiles is insufficient to replenish the inventory depleted in the ongoing conflict.

Farnborough 2026 showcased 1,600 exhibitors, with half from the defense sector, reflecting a shift towards military capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions. The European defense industry faces challenges in meeting demand for munitions and advanced systems, as highlighted by the contrasting speeds of startups like Helsing and established firms like MBDA. The report underscores the importance of effective procurement and military readiness in the context of increased defense budgets.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is set for delivery to the U.S. Navy in March 2027, marking a significant delay since its first steel was cut in February 2011. The construction challenges stem from limited shipyard capacity in Newport News, Virginia, and a shortage of skilled labor. As a result, the U.S. Navy operates only ten aircraft carriers, below the required eleven, impacting operational readiness.

The Russian army is intensifying drone strikes on fuel stations, buses, and trucks in Ukraine as part of a logistics campaign. This operation, led by the elite Rubicon drone unit, aims to disrupt Ukrainian supply lines by targeting civilian logistics. The drones involved include Lightning and Lancet models, which are capable of real-time targeting. This shift in tactics is a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian fuel infrastructure, increasing the operational costs for Ukrainian forces.

Dmitri VolkovFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force doubled its planned F-15EX Eagle II fleet from 129 to 267 aircraft in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget due to capacity shortfalls and delays in the F-35 program. This decision reflects a shift in strategy to address immediate fighter capacity needs, with plans to increase production at Boeing's St. Louis plant. The F-15EX will be stationed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, enhancing the Air Force's operational capabilities in the Pacific region.

RIMPAC 2026 involved 38 countries and over 30,000 personnel testing logistics and advanced manufacturing capabilities in Hawaii. The U.S. Navy demonstrated the use of autonomous boats and 3D printers to address supply chain challenges. The exercise highlighted the importance of maintaining operational readiness despite long supply lines and equipment failures. Key technologies included deployable manufacturing cells and unmanned surface vessels for resupply operations.

Marcus ChenFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

Ovzon received a supplementary order for 36 mobile satellite terminals from a European customer, valued at 36 MSEK (3.7 MUSD). Deliveries are scheduled for 2026, building on a partnership that began in March 2024 with an initial order that included SATCOM-as-a-Service. CEO Per Norén emphasized the expanded use cases of the terminals.

Embraer delivered the first C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft to the Czech Air Force at Prague Kbely Air Base on July 16, 2026. This delivery, occurring 20 months after the contract signing, significantly enhances the Czech Air Force's airlift capabilities for various missions, including support for NATO operations. The C-390 is recognized as a modern military transport aircraft with advanced operational features.

EDGE Group announced the acquisition of a 100% stake in Brazilian aerospace engineering firm AKAER on 16 July 2026. This acquisition aims to enhance EDGE's engineering capabilities and support the development of unmanned systems and advanced aerospace technologies. AKAER, based in São José dos Campos, has a strong reputation in the aerospace sector, contributing to various military and commercial programs.

Henry Kaiser’s shipyard in Vancouver, Washington, launched 50 escort aircraft carriers from 1943 to 1944, significantly enhancing U.S. naval capabilities during World War II. The USS Casablanca was commissioned in July 1943, marking the beginning of a rapid production cycle. These carriers played vital roles in various naval operations, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and were instrumental in the U.S. Navy's efforts against German U-boats.

The 12th Marine Littoral Regiment (12th MLR) of the U.S. Marine Corps participated in joint training exercises with the Japan Self-Defense Forces in southwestern Japan, receiving NMESIS and MADIS systems. The training, conducted in July 2026 across multiple islands, aims to enhance deterrence capabilities against potential threats from China. New transport ships were also introduced to support logistics in the region, emphasizing the importance of sustained supply lines.

Tanaka TakashiFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

Russia has unveiled advanced military prototypes, including the T-14 tank and Su-57 fighter, but has produced only a handful due to production challenges. In contrast, it has successfully manufactured tens of thousands of cheap drones, highlighting a significant shift in its military capabilities. The T-14 and Su-57 remain largely unutilized in combat, while the Su-75 Checkmate has yet to fly.

Blue Water Autonomy and Saildrone filed lawsuits against the U.S. Navy after being excluded from the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel program. The companies allege that the Navy's evaluation process was flawed and request to be reinstated in the competition. The Navy has selected seven companies for at-sea testing of the MUSV prototypes, which are part of a broader procurement effort for unmanned vessels.