Analysis & Reports

On July 13, U.S. Central Command confirmed the deployment of 3 'Pirate' unmanned surface vessels to strike a submarine and ship repair facility at Abbas Port, Iran. This operation marks the first combat use of these vessels, aimed at diminishing Iran's capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military has been testing these vessels for the past two years.

On October 13, 2023, U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against multiple Iranian targets, including missile and drone facilities, in response to Iranian threats. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps retaliated by attacking U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, destroying key military infrastructure. The conflict has intensified, undermining a fragile ceasefire and raising tensions over control of the Hormuz Strait.

U.S. Marines with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion conducted training on the Multi-Mission Reconnaissance Craft Bravo (Whiskey Bravo) at Naha Military Port, Okinawa, on June 5, 2024. The training focused on familiarization with the vessel's operations, including launching and recovery, and involved both classroom instruction and practical drills. This new capability is intended to enhance reconnaissance operations across the Western Pacific.

MAURIC partnered with Couach to deliver 24 coastal surveillance patrol vessels for the Maritime Gendarmerie, with the contract awarded on 29 June 2026. The first unit is expected in 2029, and five vessels will be deployed overseas in French Guiana, Mayotte, and New Caledonia. These vessels will support maritime policing and environmental protection missions.

Iranian forces intercepted a hostile drone at Abbas Port and attacked U.S. military bases in Kuwait, destroying multiple assets. Jordanian forces intercepted four Iranian missiles entering their airspace. In response to U.S. strikes, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted U.S. facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, while U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes on Iranian positions.

On July 12, 2023, U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz, marking the fourth strike within a week. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps reported multiple explosions in the region and claimed to have targeted U.S. military bases in response. Tensions escalated as both nations disputed the navigability of the Strait of Hormuz, with the U.S. asserting it remains open for legitimate passage.

The U.S. military launched a new round of airstrikes against Iran on July 12, 2023, targeting approximately 140 military sites, including missile and drone launch facilities. This marks the fourth strike within the week, following previous attacks in response to Iranian assaults on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Iran announced strikes against U.S. positions in the Middle East, with explosions reported in Abbas Port and Sirik.

MAURIC partnered with Couach to construct 24 coastal surveillance patrol vessels for the Maritime Gendarmerie, with the first unit expected by 2029. The contract was awarded on 29 June 2026, and five vessels will be deployed overseas in French Guiana, Mayotte, and New Caledonia. The vessels will support maritime policing, counter-trafficking, and search and rescue missions.

The K9 Thunder howitzer, produced by South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace, has become the most exported tracked self-propelled howitzer globally, outselling competitors like the American M109 Paladin and German PzH 2000. Its success is attributed to rapid delivery, technology transfer, competitive pricing, and a self-sufficient production model. Eleven nations, including Poland and India, have adopted the K9, which is designed for quick firing and mobility, making it a preferred choice in the defense market.

The Dassault Rafale has secured over 640 orders by the end of 2024, becoming a preferred choice for countries like Egypt, Qatar, and India. It is marketed as a sovereign purchase, free from American control, appealing to nations seeking operational independence. The aircraft's continuous upgrades further enhance its attractiveness, contrasting with the F-35's market dominance.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on July 8 against Iranian targets, hitting over 80 locations, including air defense systems and small boats. This action was a response to recent Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Explosions were reported near Iranian ports, coinciding with the strikes.

Turkey is enhancing its ties with NATO, contributing over 2000 troops and the TCG Anadolu carrier to defense initiatives. Analysts note that Turkey's military capabilities are increasingly recognized, particularly in the Black Sea and surrounding regions. However, tensions remain due to Turkey's geopolitical interests and its past conflicts with NATO members, particularly regarding defense initiatives and equipment procurement.

MKE demonstrated its TOLGA Short-Range Air Defence System during a live-fire event on July 3, 2026, attended by 64 military attachés from 24 countries, including NATO and Gulf states. The system successfully neutralized all aerial threats in seven operational scenarios, achieving a 100% success rate. TOLGA integrates advanced technologies for layered air defense against various aerial threats.

The U.S. Navy is investing billions to enhance the operational range of its aircraft carriers in response to the threat posed by China's long-range missiles. Recent conflicts in the Red Sea and Black Sea have highlighted the vulnerabilities of naval forces, prompting the development of new technologies like the MQ-25 tanker and F/A-XX fighter. While no U.S. aircraft carrier has been sunk, the evolving threat landscape necessitates a reevaluation of naval strategies and capabilities.

On June 27, the Chinese and Russian air forces conducted a joint aerial strategic cruise in the Sea of Japan, East China Sea, and Western Pacific. The operation featured H-6K bombers, advanced fighter jets, and electronic warfare support, demonstrating their commitment to regional stability and military cooperation. This exercise highlighted the capabilities of both air forces in a potential future conflict scenario.

Rheinmetall Mobile Systeme GmbH signed a contract in June 2026 to supply seven mobile field hospitals to Morocco, with one designated for the Ministry of Defence and six for the Ministry of the Interior. The delivery is scheduled between 2027 and 2028, and the hospitals are designed for high mobility and self-sufficiency in medical care. This project is viewed as a significant contribution to humanitarian efforts in the region.

Rheinmetall Mobile Systeme GmbH signed a contract in June 2026 to supply seven mobile field hospitals to Morocco, with one designated for the Ministry of Defence and six for the Ministry of the Interior. The delivery is scheduled between 2027 and 2028, emphasizing the hospitals' mobility and self-sufficiency in medical care. This project is seen as a significant contribution to both military and humanitarian efforts in the region.

Africa Corps deployed FPV kamikaze drones in northern Mali in 2026 to target rebel and jihadist positions. This adaptation follows the loss of Kidal and aims to disrupt enemy movements. The use of these drones highlights both a tactical shift and challenges in local intelligence and logistics for Russian forces.

Marie DuboisWed Jul 01 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bomber successfully fired an AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) during a live-fire sinking exercise in the Western Pacific as part of Exercise Valiant Shield 2026. This event demonstrated the B-2's enhanced anti-ship capabilities and showcased U.S. military strength to China. The exercise involved collaboration with the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

ISIS-Sahel exhibited captured weapons in a video, claiming responsibility for three attacks against the Nigerien army on June 28, 2023, in Inates, Tillabéri region. The group aims to demonstrate its ongoing threat in border areas, despite the lack of confirmed details regarding the weapons' origins. The situation highlights the challenges faced by Niger in maintaining security and sovereignty in the region.

Marie DuboisTue Jun 30 2026Loading...