Analysis & Reports

The first KAPLAN APC (HARIMAU APC) was successfully manufactured and underwent pre-delivery acceptance tests in Türkiye, involving PT Pindad. Following these tests, the vehicle will be shipped to Indonesia for final acceptance tests. Concurrently, production of a second KAPLAN APC is ongoing at PT Pindad's facilities, showcasing advancements in military vehicle technology tailored for the Indonesian army.

Two Italian Eurofighter F-2000 shot down an unidentified drone over Lithuania on September 16, 2026. The drone, which reportedly originated from Belarus, entered Lithuanian airspace, prompting the NATO response. This incident is noted as the first drone shootdown by NATO forces in Lithuania, highlighting the operational readiness of NATO air defense amid escalating tensions with Russia.

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DroneShield successfully installed and accepted its DroneSentry-X Mk2 counter-drone system on U.S. military Infantry Squad Vehicles in Warrenton, Virginia, on 16 September 2026. This achievement establishes initial operational capability for the technology, which provides mobile detection and electronic countermeasures against uncrewed aerial threats. The program includes operator training and further installations planned under a contract modification.

The Nigerian Army repelled an attack by ISWAP near Pulka on September 7, 2026, resulting in one soldier being injured. The operation involved ground troops and air support, leading to the recovery of weapons and ammunition from the attackers. A subsequent intelligence note warns of possible coordinated attacks targeting schools and churches in the region.

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Flensburg Technology Systems (FTS) and the German Special Forces Command (KSK) presented the new TAHR light airborne tactical vehicle in Altensteig-Wart, Germany, on September 15, 2026. The vehicle, designed for high mobility and combat readiness, can be transported by CH-47 Chinook and is air-droppable. A framework agreement for the delivery of up to 200 vehicles was signed in October 2025, and the first pre-series vehicle was unveiled ahead of schedule, showcasing effective collaboration between FTS and KSK.

IDV has been selected by the U.S. Army for the Engineer Autonomous Breaching Capability initiative, focusing on developing autonomous systems to breach obstacles and minefields. The initiative aims to enhance mission effectiveness while minimizing risks to soldiers. IDV's solution includes the VIKING Uncrewed Ground Vehicle, which integrates advanced autonomy technologies. The Army plans to evaluate these capabilities through demonstrations and operational assessments.

Yemeni government forces conducted airstrikes against Houthi positions near Mocha and Dhubab, with support from Saudi aircraft. The strikes were in response to Houthi advances along the Red Sea coast, where control is strategically significant due to its proximity to the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The exact timing of the Houthi advance and the air response was not specified.

Russian drones are utilizing Belarusian LTE networks for command and control during attacks on Ukraine, as reported by Ukrainian officials on September 14, 2026. This development allows for more complex operations and enhances the effectiveness of the Shahed drones. The attacks have targeted the Rivne, Volyn, and Lviv regions, indicating a strategic use of Belarusian infrastructure to support Russian military actions.

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The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted a joint naval exercise with the Singapore Navy from September 3 to 9, 2026, near Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China. The exercise included various activities such as communication drills, live-fire exercises, and joint search and rescue operations, focusing on operational interoperability. The Dali frigate represented China, highlighting a shift towards lower-cost naval assets for regional cooperation.

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The Marine Corps tested a new unmanned surface vessel (USV) at Camp Pendleton in late August 2023 as part of the Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization (LEON) system. The USV, equipped with sonar and communication gear, can operate autonomously for up to 14 hours, aiding in mine detection and serving as a communications relay. Marines from the 7th Engineer Support Battalion participated in the testing, which was deemed successful, with plans to field the USV by fiscal year 2027.

On September 16, the Polish Armed Forces initiated air defense measures and deployed military aircraft in response to Russian drone attacks on Ukraine. Alerts were issued to residents in Lublin and Carpathian Mountains regions, and air traffic at local airports was temporarily suspended. The Polish government confirmed that the Russian attacks had concluded and that there were no threats to Polish territory.

Iran launched missile and drone attacks on U.S. military bases in the Middle East, resulting in extensive damage. Photographs reveal destruction at Prince Sultan Air Base and other sites in Kuwait. U.S. military personnel expressed concerns over insufficient defensive measures, highlighting a lack of awareness among the American public regarding the severity of the situation.

The British Army tested camouflage horses for covert movement in rugged terrain at Longmoor training area in Hampshire on September 11, 2023. This initiative aims to explore the use of horses in military operations, drawing inspiration from allied experiences. The U.S. maintains an expeditionary cavalry unit for similar purposes, highlighting a potential shift in operational tactics.

France has selected the 'Thunder' artillery system to enhance its long-range ground strike capabilities, set to replace the existing LRU multiple rocket launcher system. The new system aims for a range of 150 kilometers and is expected to be operational by 2030. Developed by European missile group and Safran, the system will ensure precision in high-intensity combat scenarios.

The Russian Ministry of Education announced an increase in military training hours for students in grades 8 to 11, effective September 2023. The training will now constitute 50% of the curriculum, up from 20%, and will cover first aid and evacuation procedures. This initiative is part of a course on 'National Security and Defense Basics' and is aimed at preparing students for potential military involvement.

Saudi forces intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone near Mecca on September 16, 2026, following Houthi attacks on three Saudi cities that injured 13 civilians. The attacks raised concerns over the security of pilgrims and highlighted vulnerabilities in Saudi oil supply routes, particularly after the halting of the Petroline pipeline due to drone strikes.

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Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is integrating the SPICE 1000 precision-guided munition onto the F-35 Adir fighter jet in collaboration with Lockheed Martin in the United States. This integration, announced on September 15, 2026, allows the F-35 to utilize a munition capable of striking targets from over 120 km away. The Israeli Air Force has previously employed SPICE 1000 on its F-15 and F-16 fleets.

Anduril Industries showcased new weapons fit checks for the FQ-44 Fury aircraft, indicating its capability to carry various munitions for the U.S. Air Force. The Fury is part of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, which aims to pair uncrewed fighters with crewed aircraft. The U.S. Air Force plans to order between 100 and 150 aircraft, enhancing operational capabilities alongside existing fighter jets.

Russian-linked vessels unloaded military equipment at Tobruk port, Libya, indicating its growing role as a logistics hub for Russian military operations in North Africa. This follows multiple arms shipments since April and a transition of Russian personnel to formations under the Defense Ministry. Discussions are ongoing between Russia and Libyan National Army commander Khalifa Haftar regarding a defense arrangement.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone over Geshm Island in southern Iran. The incident was reported by multiple sources, including Al Jazeera and Iran's Mehr News Agency. As of now, there has been no official response from the United States regarding this event.