Analysis & Reports

In 1998, Chong Lot Travel Agency acquired the unfinished Varyag aircraft carrier from Ukraine for $20 million, intending to convert it into a floating casino in Macau. However, the vessel was ultimately towed to China and reconstructed, becoming the Liaoning, the first aircraft carrier of the People's Liberation Army Navy. This acquisition marked a significant step in China's naval capabilities, transitioning from a tourism project to a military asset.

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.

Over 100 U.S. military advisors are providing intelligence and target location support to Saudi Arabia in its operations against Houthi forces. This support, which includes the use of real-time battlefield targeting tools, is limited and does not involve direct military engagement. The advisors are part of a newly formed joint command established in recent weeks.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested military assistance from U.S. President Donald Trump to combat the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen. The U.S. responded by offering intelligence sharing rather than direct military action. U.S. Central Command's Adm. Brad Cooper visited Saudi Arabia for discussions amid escalating Houthi threats in the Red Sea.

The US military shifted its strategy post-9/11, focusing on counter-terrorism rather than great power competition. This led to the cancellation of the F-22 Raptor procurement and the development of the Littoral Combat Ship. The invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan were pivotal military operations that shaped US defense policy for decades.

Mohammed Yazouri, a senior commander of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, was killed in an Israeli assassination operation in Khan Younis on September 10, 2023. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the operation, which targeted Yazouri due to his involvement in Hamas's recent military actions against Israel.

Type 45 destroyers of the Royal Navy lose all electrical power when operating in waters warmer than 28 degrees Celsius, particularly in the Persian Gulf. This failure has led to operational challenges, prompting the Royal Navy to initiate the Power Improvement Project to enhance reliability. The destroyers, each costing over £1 billion, are critical for national defense and have faced scrutiny due to their design flaws and operational limitations.

Iran claimed to have attacked and captured an American Saildrone USV near the Strait of Hormuz, releasing a video of the incident. U.S. officials refuted this, asserting that all Saildrone units are operational. The incident follows the capture of an Anduril Dive-LD vehicle by Iran on September 8, 2026, which U.S. Central Command described as a defective model.

Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff stated that the IDF will not withdraw from the 'Blue Line' in Lebanon after destroying Hezbollah tunnels. He emphasized that the 'Blue Line' remains under their full control, with no changes reported.

Northrop Grumman developed the F-5 and F-20 aircraft, with the F-5E Tiger II serving over 30 air forces since its introduction in 1975. The F-20 Tigershark, developed in the 1980s, was intended for export but failed to sell any units despite significant investment. The F-5 series remains operational in various countries, showcasing its long-term success in military aviation.

The UAE is reassessing its AI data center project due to military threats from Iran and recent regional instability. This project, one of the largest of its kind outside the U.S., is being modified to enhance security by potentially distributing computing power across multiple locations. The reassessment reflects broader concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the face of ongoing military tensions.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Sep 11 2026Loading...

Houthi fighters seized Perim Island on September 11, 2026, after Yemeni government forces withdrew. This takeover strengthens Houthi control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical shipping route. The Houthis have also captured other locations, including the town of Dhubab and Zuqar Island, amid escalating tensions and Iranian support for their operations.

Houthi forces captured the strategic port city of Mocha on September 10, 2023, potentially reshaping Red Sea shipping routes. The capture follows increased military operations by the Houthis against Yemeni government forces, including missile and drone attacks. Local residents reported evacuations as the conflict escalated in the region.

Houthi forces captured Zubab town and completed control over the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait on September 11, following the withdrawal of Yemeni government forces from Pihlin Island. This strategic control is significant for maritime navigation between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The U.S. has deployed hundreds of military advisors to Saudi Arabia to provide intelligence and target acquisition support against Houthi forces in Yemen. This deployment comes amid escalating conflict, with the U.S. using advanced tools to assist Saudi military operations. However, U.S. involvement is limited, and there are concerns regarding the potential for increased conflict due to Iranian support for the Houthis.

Baykar has equipped its Akıncı unmanned combat aircraft with Roketsan's new 300-ER air-launched ballistic missile, capable of striking targets over 500 km away. The missile, which features advanced guidance systems for precision targeting, is expected to undergo initial test firings soon. This development enhances the Akıncı's operational capabilities and extends its range significantly.

Houthi forces seized Mocha in January 2026, marking a significant setback for the Saudi-backed government in Yemen. This follows earlier territorial losses to the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council, which briefly controlled half of southern Yemen. The ongoing conflict highlights the challenges faced by Saudi Arabia in maintaining its influence in the region amid internal and external pressures.

Houthi forces launched attacks on southern Saudi cities and oil facilities from September 8 to 10, 2026, injuring 73 individuals. Pakistan stated that a military response under the Mecca Pact has not been discussed, highlighting the pact's limitations. Saudi Arabia is implementing measures to deter further Houthi aggression as the situation escalates.

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A documentary directed by Israeli filmmakers reveals that the Israeli military has conducted mass killings of civilians in Gaza using AI technology to identify targets for nighttime airstrikes. Since the offensive began in 2023, over 73,000 Palestinians have died, with most being civilians. Testimonies from military insiders indicate that the military knowingly targeted areas with civilian presence, leading to significant casualties.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is actively participating in various international military exercises across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, focusing on humanitarian operations and defense cooperation. The report emphasizes China's commitment to a defensive military policy and criticizes Western narratives that misinterpret these activities as military threats. It asserts that the PLA's engagements are aimed at enhancing mutual trust and regional stability.