Analysis & Reports

The U.S. approved $41 billion in arms sales to Gulf Cooperation Council countries in the first half of 2026, emphasizing air defense capabilities. Saudi Arabia ordered 730 Patriot missiles, while Kuwait sought support for its C-17 fleet. This shift in procurement reflects a strategic focus on missile defense systems amid regional threats, with political implications tied to upcoming U.S. elections.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

Iranian military conducted drone strikes against U.S. military targets in Kuwait on July 24, 2023. The strikes targeted military equipment warehouses and barracks at Udayri, Doha Camp, and Arifjan Camp, resulting in significant destruction and casualties. The operation utilized Arash drones and was described as a response to U.S. military actions.

The U.S. military conducted a missile strike on an Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval base in Gilan Province on July 24, damaging some equipment. No casualties have been reported so far.

Germany plans to withdraw two naval vessels, the mine sweeper Fulda and supply ship Mosel, from the Red Sea to the eastern Mediterranean due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The German Navy's ships were previously stationed in the Gulf of Aden and are on standby for mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision reflects concerns over regional instability and the uncertain security situation following military actions against Iran.

Greece's Security Council approved a €3.5 billion deal with Israel for air defense systems and UAVs, forming the 'Achilles Shield' network. The systems, provided by Israeli firms Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries, will become operational within 35 months, with Greek companies producing at least 25% of the systems. This procurement is part of Greece's broader military upgrade plan amid ongoing tensions with Turkey over territorial disputes.

An Israeli Navy Dolphin class submarine surfaced off the coast of Eilat in the Red Sea, conducting routine operational activities. This rare appearance was noted amid heightened security alerts in the region. The Dolphin submarines play a critical role in Israel's military strategy, enhancing its deterrent capabilities against threats from Iran and its proxies. They are equipped with advanced sonar and missile systems, contributing to intelligence gathering and maritime security.

The JNIM is transforming gold mining areas in the Sahel into conflict zones, exerting control through taxation and threats. Key locations include Inata, Boungou, and Gao, with significant incidents occurring within a 10 km radius of mining sites. Governments are responding by nationalizing sites and renegotiating contracts, while the JNIM continues to adapt its tactics to maintain influence over these economically vital areas.

Marie DuboisFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

Embraer is rapidly expanding its defense market presence with significant orders for the KC-390 military transport aircraft from NATO member countries, South Korea, and Middle Eastern nations. Orders have surged to approximately 40 aircraft as of July 2023, driven by increased defense spending in Europe due to the Ukraine conflict. The KC-390 now holds a 60% market share in the medium military transport aircraft sector, with ongoing efforts to penetrate markets in Uzbekistan and the UAE.

Houthi forces attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea on July 23, 2026, causing one tanker, Encelia, to send a distress signal after being hit near Jazan. This incident has raised Brent crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, indicating heightened concerns over maritime security in the region. The attack reflects the Houthi strategy of disrupting shipping routes without needing a traditional naval fleet.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

Iranian military conducted drone strikes on U.S. bases at Sheikh Isa in Bahrain and Azraq in Jordan on July 24. The strikes targeted fuel storage facilities, equipment warehouses, and troop camps. This follows a recent series of U.S. strikes against Iran, marking an escalation in military actions between the two nations.

The U.S. Department of Defense updated the number of military casualties in the Iran conflict from 18 to 14 on July 23, 2023, with 7 classified as combat deaths. This revision was attributed to a temporary data error, and it was revealed that some casualties occurred after a ceasefire was announced. Critics have raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding military operations and casualty information.

The Iranian military conducted drone strikes on U.S. bases in Bahrain and Jordan on the morning of the 24th. The Sheikh Isa Base in Bahrain and the Azraq Base in Jordan were targeted, affecting fuel storage and personnel quarters. This operation is part of the ongoing 'Lightning' campaign.

A U.S. B-1 bomber conducted airstrikes against Iranian targets from Fairford base in the UK on July 21, 2023. In response, Iran issued a warning that any foreign military base used for attacks would be considered a legitimate target. The UK subsequently raised its military readiness level due to these developments.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against Iranian targets on July 24, 2023, activating Tehran's air defense system. Explosions were reported in multiple locations, including Abbas Port and Geshm Island, resulting in injuries and power outages. This operation marks the 13th consecutive night of U.S. military action in the region.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets on July 23 at 18:45 EDT. This operation marks the 13th consecutive night of strikes, aimed at diminishing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's threat to commercial shipping.

The U.S. military launched a new round of airstrikes against Iranian military targets on July 23, 2023, at 18:45 EDT, marking the 13th consecutive night of such actions. These strikes aim to hold Iran accountable and mitigate threats posed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to commercial shipping. Earlier, U.S. forces had compelled 12 commercial vessels to alter their routes and incapacitated one vessel since reinstating maritime blockade operations.

On July 23, Iranian air defense intercepted a U.S. Tomahawk cruise missile over Kahnouj in Kerman Province. Explosions were reported near Geshm Island and in the Strait of Hormuz, with local residents confirming multiple blasts in the vicinity.

The U.S. Armed Forces are surging military resources, including 5,000 personnel and various equipment, to the Middle East to enhance operations against Iranian military targets. Special operations forces are being deployed from U.S. bases, and airstrikes have increased under the direction of U.S. Central Command. The ongoing military operations have incurred costs of $37 billion, prompting additional funding requests from Congress.

A Ukrainian F-16 shot down a Russian Su-35 fighter jet in air-to-air combat on the eastern front in July 2026. This marks the first air-to-air kill by a Ukrainian F-16 since their deployment in 2024. The engagement highlights the advancements in Ukraine's air defense capabilities, as confirmed by U.S. military officials.

A U.S. airstrike on Shalamcheh, Iran, on the 23rd resulted in the death of Iranian Army officer Amir Mohammad Salehimi. The attack also left 11 others injured, with a total of 2 fatalities reported. The strike involved missile usage and targeted the border area with Iraq.