Analysis & Reports

Iranian armed forces launched missiles from southern regions targeting specific locations on May 28. Following an attack on Abbas Port, they struck back at the bases responsible. Reports suggest potential skirmishes in the Persian Gulf, though not officially confirmed.

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is conducting training exercises in the Western Pacific with the Liaoning aircraft carrier and its accompanying fleet. The exercises include tactical flight, live-fire shooting, and comprehensive rescue operations. This naval formation consists of a 055-class destroyer, a 052D-class destroyer, a 054B-class frigate, and a 901-class supply ship, marking the first participation of the 054B-class frigate in such operations. These activities are part of the PLAN's annual training plan to enhance combat readiness.

Colombian military contractors are operating alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher, Sudan, participating in frontline combat and drone operations. U.S. sanctions have targeted networks recruiting these contractors, indicating a significant shift in the operational capabilities of the RSF. The presence of these contractors enhances the RSF's military effectiveness, particularly in drone warfare and coordination of military actions.

Marie DuboisThu May 28 2026Loading...

U.S. military shot down four Iranian drones targeting a merchant ship on May 27, 2023, and conducted airstrikes against a location posing threats to U.S. forces and commercial shipping. Explosions were reported near Abbas Port shortly after these actions, indicating ongoing military engagement in the region.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes in Iran on May 27, 2023, targeting Iranian vessels and air defense systems that posed threats to U.S. forces and commercial shipping. Explosions were reported near Abbas Port, and U.S. forces intercepted drones launched from Iran. Iran has accused the U.S. of violating a ceasefire agreement.

In June 2026, the Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Marine Corps will conduct joint military exercises involving the deployment of Typhoon missile systems and HIMARS to Kano Air Base. The exercises will take place across various locations, including Kagoshima and Okinawa, and represent a strategic shift towards integrated operations between Japan and the U.S. military.

Tanaka TakashiTue May 26 2026Loading...

Voltage Vessels is developing a 3D-printed military boat using Eclipse X9 material in Hawaii, which the U.S. Navy is currently evaluating. This new composite material offers superior mechanical properties and logistical advantages for rapid production in contested environments. The initiative aims to enhance the Navy's operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Sudanese Armed Forces shot down an enemy combat drone using a Bayraktar Akıncı drone equipped with an air-to-air missile. This incident occurred during the ongoing civil war that began in April 2023, marking a significant development in drone warfare tactics. The use of drones for such engagements highlights the evolving nature of the conflict, which has resulted in a humanitarian crisis and extensive military operations across Sudan.

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) conducted high-intensity training exercises with the Liaoning aircraft carrier group in the Western Pacific, focusing on tactical flight, live-fire shooting, support cover, and comprehensive rescue operations. The exercises aimed to enhance operational capabilities and evaluate the J-35 stealth fighter's compatibility with ski-jump takeoff. Military experts noted that the integration of new aircraft marks a significant advancement in China's naval aviation capabilities.

Terra Industries is constructing a drone manufacturing facility in Accra, Ghana, with a goal of producing 50,000 drones annually by 2028. This initiative aims to enhance local security capabilities against armed groups in the Sahel region. The facility will focus on producing surveillance and tactical drones, addressing the operational needs of security forces in West Africa.

Marie DuboisFri May 22 2026Loading...

The Malian Army conducted airstrikes last week in Oubder and Tadjmart, utilizing RBK-500 cluster munitions. These strikes are part of anti-terror operations aimed at denying territory to armed groups. The use of such munitions raises concerns about long-term civilian safety due to unexploded ordnance. The involvement of Africa Corps, a paramilitary force linked to Russia, highlights the complex military dynamics in the region.

Marie DuboisFri May 22 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy is enhancing its anti-submarine warfare capabilities with next-generation sonobuoys, developed by Sparton, to counter the increasing stealth of adversary submarines. These sonobuoys feature advanced sensing technology and modular designs for rapid integration of new capabilities. The focus is on maintaining maritime dominance in contested environments, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Survice Engineering is developing hybrid-powered drones for military applications, aiming to demonstrate them to defense customers by late summer or early fall. The U.S. Navy has requested 40 amphibious ships, with plans to increase production of mobile data centers by Armada, which secured $230 million in funding. The Pentagon is focusing on drone acquisition to enhance military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) conducted training exercises with the Liaoning aircraft carrier in the Western Pacific on September 19. The exercises included long-range tactical flights, live-fire drills, and support operations, aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the carrier group. The J-15T carrier-based fighter jets participated in these drills, which were part of a routine annual training plan.

Togo will receive four Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft in 2026 to enhance its coastal air defense against the Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). The aircraft will be based in Niamtougou, strategically located near the Burkina Faso border, where JNIM operates. This procurement aims to address the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region, despite previous incidents resulting in civilian and military casualties.

Marie DuboisWed May 20 2026Loading...

Redwire Corporation secured a multi-year contract on May 19, 2026, to provide the next-generation Penguin Mk3 uncrewed aerial system for NATO's tactical drone modernization program. The contract, valued in the high eight-figures, underscores NATO's focus on enhancing its drone capabilities. Redwire has previously supplied over 250 Penguin drones to Ukraine, demonstrating the system's operational value.

The U.S. military plans to procure over 10,000 Low-Cost Containerized Missiles (LCCM) to enhance anti-ship capabilities in the Western Pacific from 2027 to 2029. Each 20-foot ISO container will hold 16 missiles, with the Barracuda-500M missile having a range exceeding 500 nautical miles. This procurement aims to shift the deployment strategy of anti-ship firepower, allowing for a more distributed and cost-effective approach to maritime operations.

Tanaka TakashiWed May 20 2026Loading...

Russia's Africa Corps deployed Garpiya-A1 drones against rebel forces near Sevare in June 2025. This marks the first confirmed use of this upgraded drone outside Ukraine, enhancing the precision strike capabilities of Russian and Malian forces. The Garpiya-A1, equipped with advanced navigation to counter jamming, signifies Russia's ongoing military engagement in Mali following the rebranding of Wagner Group.

Ukraine launched over 130 drones in a major strike on Moscow overnight into May 17, targeting industrial facilities and causing significant disruptions, including the suspension of operations at all four major airports. The attack resulted in injuries to 12 individuals and fires at key industrial sites, reflecting Ukraine's strategic focus on degrading Russian military and industrial capabilities. This operation follows a week of intense Russian aerial bombardment against Ukraine.

A large explosion occurred at a test site in Beit Shemesh, Israel, on the evening of the 16th. The explosion was attributed to a pre-planned test conducted by Tomer Company, a state-owned defense firm, involving rockets and missile engines.