Analysis & Reports

Gen. Chance Saltzman of the U.S. Space Force announced his retirement next month during the Global Air and Space Chiefs’ Conference in London. He urged support for the Space Force's budget amid congressional resistance to fully fund requested programs. The White House has requested $1.15 trillion for defense, with only $60 billion likely to be approved for Space Force initiatives, which include critical missile defense and space capabilities.

Gen. Chance Saltzman emphasized the military's role as a stabilizing force for democracy during his farewell address in London. He highlighted the importance of alliances amid political divisions and discussed the integration of space power into military operations. Saltzman confirmed expectations for initial capabilities in airborne moving target indication by 2028 and announced Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess as his successor.

Russia's Iskander-M missile system is actively being utilized in Ukraine, demonstrating advanced capabilities against air defenses. The missile can carry nuclear payloads and employs tactics to evade interception. Continuous improvements have been made based on battlefield experience, and it can coordinate with drone swarms to enhance its effectiveness. The system poses a significant threat to NATO countries due to its range and capabilities.

Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces damaged or disabled 116 Russian-linked vessels during a nine-day drone campaign in the Sea of Azov, with an additional wave targeting 20 more vessels. The operation focused on commercial and logistical vessels, aiming to disrupt Russia's military supply lines. This campaign reflects Ukraine's strategy of targeting infrastructure rather than direct military assets, utilizing inexpensive drones for sustained attacks.

On the 15th of the month, Ukraine and the EU signed a drone agreement in Kyiv, enhancing defense cooperation. This agreement aims to leverage Ukraine's drone production capabilities, with a goal of increasing annual output to 20 million drones. Concurrently, Russia is reportedly upgrading its drone technology to counter these developments.

MBDA appointed Jean-Brice Dumont as its new CEO effective Nov. 1, 2023, succeeding Eric Béranger. The transition process will begin in October to ensure continuity. Under Béranger, MBDA nearly doubled its sales and order book, and European governments are urging the company to ramp up missile production in response to security challenges. Dumont, who has a strong background in aerospace and defense, aims to continue MBDA's transformation.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is undergoing a planned incremental availability (PIA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia, which will last 18 months due to extensive fire damage and sewage system failures. Approximately 4000 workers will conduct necessary repairs, including inspections and maintenance of various systems. This downtime is significant for the U.S. Navy's operational readiness during a critical period.

The UK has established an artillery sustainment hub in Sheffield to support Ukrainian military systems. This hub is significantly dependent on contracts to maintain the artillery capabilities provided to Ukraine. The development indicates a strategic move to enhance Ukraine's artillery support.

A bill is set to be introduced to provide compensation to veterans involved in nuclear cleanup operations at Enewetak Atoll, Palomares, and Thule. The legislation aims to expand eligibility under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, addressing the health issues faced by these veterans. Less than 6,000 veterans are estimated to have participated in these operations, with many suffering from chronic diseases due to radiation exposure.

Five European defense firms signed a letter of intent in Paris to develop an exo-atmospheric interceptor system to counter the Oreshnik missile threat from Russia. The consortium aims to start engineering work in August 2026 and conduct a space test in 2027, addressing Europe's need for a sovereign upper-layer missile defense capability. This initiative reflects a shift in European defense strategy, acknowledging the limitations of current systems like Patriot batteries.

Alexandra ReevesWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

The Destinus consortium, comprising five European defense firms, is set to develop Europe's first exo-atmospheric interceptor, with a test planned for 2027. This initiative addresses Europe's current missile defense gap against medium- and intermediate-range ballistic threats. The project aims to enhance NATO's integrated air and missile defense capabilities, reflecting a shift in European defense procurement towards active war experience and sovereignty in defense systems.

Alexandra ReevesWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

ZeroUSV completed the construction of the Oceanus17, a 17-meter robotic ship designed for extended ocean patrols. The vessel, which can operate for over 50 days without returning to port, features advanced autonomous navigation and a significant payload capacity. It will undergo final preparations at ZeroUSV's headquarters in Plymouth before its public debut next month.

UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) announced a $536 million annual budget and five core themes for military technology development, effective July 1, 2025. The themes include Autonomy, Decision Advantage, Logistics and Support, Effects, and Protection, aimed at enhancing the UK's military capabilities. This initiative consolidates previous innovation bodies to streamline defense procurement and foster collaboration with the technology sector.

President Trump urged defense executives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to accelerate weapons production and expand manufacturing capacity amid strains on U.S. stockpiles from ongoing conflicts. The roundtable discussion highlighted the need for faster delivery of advanced weapons systems and the importance of strengthening the U.S. industrial base. The Pentagon is encouraging defense companies to invest in expanding factories to meet soaring demand for military equipment.

The U.S. Navy faces a significant operational challenge as 37-40% of its nuclear attack submarines are currently unavailable due to maintenance delays at aging shipyards. This situation has resulted in over 33,700 days of maintenance delays since 2014, costing the Navy approximately $4.2 billion in support for idle submarines. The Navy is attempting to address these issues through the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program, but improvements are expected to take two decades.

Ukraine produces around 10 million drones annually, a tenfold increase from previous targets, as stated by President Zelenskyy in Kyiv. This achievement reflects a dramatic scaling of Ukraine's drone industry, which now includes over 200 companies. Additionally, Ukraine is developing its own ballistic missile capabilities for the first time, aiming to enhance its defense against threats from Russia and contribute to a European missile shield.

The EU and Ukraine established a drone partnership in Kyiv, aiming to enhance drone production and procurement by integrating Ukrainian war experience into European defense strategies. This initiative, valued at 300 million euros, is part of a broader defense package of approximately 2 billion euros. The collaboration seeks to produce up to 20 million drones annually, marking a significant shift in European defense integration.

Dr. Klaus WeberWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

Boko Haram and ISWAP are employing artificial intelligence in 2026 to enhance their tactical capabilities in Maiduguri, Borno, Nigeria. They are using AI tools for training in operational tactics, including improving explosive devices and motorcycle maneuvers. This shift indicates a significant evolution in their military operations, with ISWAP demonstrating superior organizational discipline in integrating these technologies.

Marie DuboisWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

Russia's submarine force remains a significant threat to NATO in 2026, with 8 Borei-class submarines and ongoing modernization efforts. The fleet faces challenges, including slow production rates and operational losses, but continues to operate effectively in strategic regions like the Arctic and North Atlantic. The introduction of new capabilities, such as the Khabarovsk carrier for Poseidon torpedoes, underscores its importance in Russia's military strategy.

Ukrainian naval drones targeted 136 Russian vessels between July 6 and 15, 2026, disrupting logistics in the Azov and Black Seas. This operation included attacks on oil tankers and gas carriers, indicating a shift in Ukrainian tactics to undermine Russian supply lines. In response, Russia is contemplating changes to its cargo routes due to the increased frequency of these attacks.

Dmitri VolkovWed Jul 15 2026Loading...