Analysis & Reports

The U.S. State Department approved arms deals totaling about $6.1 billion for Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Iraq. This includes a $5 billion sale of over 10,000 JDAM kits to Saudi Arabia, which is stockpiling munitions amid ongoing conflict with Iran. Additionally, Oman will receive $188 million in sustainment services for F-16s, and Iraq is set to purchase Bell 412EPX helicopters for $150 million.

On September 3, the Iranian military launched missile and drone strikes against U.S. military bases located in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The strikes targeted Ahmad Jaber Air Base and Minhad Air Base, causing damage to communication systems and aircraft hangars. The Iranian military has stated it will continue to respond to U.S. attacks until achieving final victory and punishing the aggressors.

President Trump stated that the U.S. possesses virtually unlimited amounts of ammunition and will soon resume munitions sales to allies. He criticized reports of depleted stockpiles amid ongoing military operations in Iran. Trump also highlighted the substantial military aid provided to Ukraine and NATO, asserting that Europe would repay the U.S. for this support. The statements were made in a Truth Social post on September 3, 2025.

The British Army ordered 386 Challenger 2 main battle tanks, which have been deployed in various conflicts including Kosovo, Iraq, and Ukraine. Notably, only one Challenger 2 was destroyed in combat, and that incident was due to friendly fire on March 25, 2003. The tanks have demonstrated significant effectiveness against enemy forces, particularly during engagements with Iraqi T-55s.

The Browning Hi-Power handgun, adopted by over 50 countries, has a significant military history, being used by both Allied and Axis forces during World War II. Its design, completed in 1935, has influenced modern firearms, and despite the end of original production in 2018, demand remains high with new versions being introduced. The Hi-Power is recognized for its reliability and performance in military contexts.

The Iranian military launched missile and drone strikes on U.S. military bases at Ahmed Jaber in Kuwait and Minhad in the United Arab Emirates on the morning of the 3rd. The attacks targeted communication systems and facilities, resulting in reported casualties. Iran has stated it will respond decisively to any U.S. aggression.

Greece and Israel signed a contract on August 31, 2023, to develop a multi-layer air defense system named 'Achilles Shield'. This project, costing around 3 billion euros, aims to integrate Greece's existing Patriot systems with Israeli air defense technologies. The system is designed to defend against aircraft, drones, rockets, and ballistic missiles, and is expected to be completed within 35 months.

Iran launched missile and drone strikes against a U.S. military base in Kuwait on September 3. The Kuwaiti military confirmed that they were responding to the attacks, which resulted in thick smoke at the site.

U.S. Marines with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines fired Mossberg 590A1 shotguns during training exercises at the Baghdad Embassy Compound in Iraq on May 8, 2020, and in Kuwait on June 26, 2020. The Mossberg 590A1 is noted for its reliability and has been adopted by various military branches for combat and operational use.

On September 1, U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets in the Strait of Hormuz, destroying radar systems and missile capabilities. President Trump stated that the strikes would be brief, emphasizing U.S. control over the region. Iran's Revolutionary Guard responded by claiming to have downed a U.S. drone, while Jordan intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles.

Iran launched 13 ballistic missiles targeting U.S. military facilities in Jordan on September 2, 2023, with 10 intercepted. In retaliation for U.S. airstrikes that killed civilians, Iran also attacked U.S. positions in Iraq with drones. Bahrain and Kuwait activated their air defense systems to counter incoming threats, while U.S. forces reported no casualties from the attacks.

ASELSAN's TOLUN munition family demonstrated its precision strike capabilities during a live firing test at the Konya Karapınar Firing Test Range on 1 September 2026. The demonstration involved military officials from over 15 countries and showcased the successful engagement of various targets using TOLUN I, TOLUN F, and TOLUN P munitions. These munitions exhibited advanced warhead and fuze technologies, enhancing their operational flexibility and effectiveness against diverse battlefield targets.

The German Navy successfully completed a dual operational firing trial of IAI’s LORA ballistic missile in Germany on September 2, 2026. The missile was launched from a naval vessel and hit its target with precision, demonstrating the capabilities of the new weapon system. This trial is part of the German Navy's Operational Experimentation initiative, aimed at enhancing its defense capabilities and innovation.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) attacked Hezbollah targets in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, after Hezbollah launched two suicide drones at Israeli positions. The IDF successfully shot down one drone and conducted airstrikes, damaging several buildings. No casualties have been reported, and the IDF intends to maintain operations in the region.

The U.S. Air Force's 509th Bomb Wing conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and missile facilities using 19 B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers on June 21-22, 2025, and February 28, 2026. The strikes targeted the Fordow and Natanz sites, successfully delivering heavy munitions without losses. This operation highlighted the limitations of the current B-2 fleet and underscored the necessity for a larger B-21 Raider bomber force.

Iraq requested Bell 412EPX and Bell 407M helicopters from the U.S. for $800 million to rebuild its military aviation capabilities by 2026. The U.S. approved this potential sale on September 1, indicating a strengthening of defense ties. This procurement aims to enhance Iraq's air mobility and reconnaissance capabilities, reflecting a strategic shift in its military operations.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Sep 02 2026Loading...

International Coalition Forces intercepted and destroyed 10 drones over Erbil on September 2. The drones were reportedly launched by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard targeting a U.S. military base in the area.

The U.S. military attacked two Iranian oil tankers near the Iranian coast on September 1 using drones. This marks the first instance of the U.S. retaliating against Iranian oil tankers following previous attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command confirmed the operation, which is part of a broader campaign against Iranian military targets.

The Iranian military conducted a large-scale drone attack on US military radar facilities in Bahrain early on September 2, in retaliation for US aggression against Iran. This attack follows multiple explosions reported near Geshm Island and the Strait of Hormuz, and comes after US Central Command confirmed strikes against Iranian targets. Iran has pledged to respond decisively to these actions.

On September 1, U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets, including air defense and radar systems. The strikes were a response to Iran's attempts to deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz and launch missiles at U.S. bases in Jordan. In retaliation, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone, while Jordanian forces intercepted multiple ballistic missiles from Iran. U.S. embassies in the region issued security alerts due to rising tensions.