Analysis & Reports

Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz in February 2023, leading to increased oil prices. The U.S. maintains that the Strait is open and has reinstated a blockade against Iran. Recent attacks on ships have heightened tensions, causing gas prices in the U.S. to rise again after a period of decline. Negotiations continue in Oman amid this escalating situation.

NATO announced plans to purchase up to five MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles during its summit in Turkey last week. This acquisition aims to enhance NATO's ISR capabilities, particularly in maritime surveillance. Denmark, Finland, Germany, and Norway will lead the procurement, which is seen as a strategic move to reduce reliance on U.S. surveillance. However, concerns about personnel shortages and the need for additional drone types were also raised.

T3 Defense has acquired a 60% stake in Project35, an Israeli company specializing in the development and manufacturing of drones, aerial interceptors, and counter-uncrewed aerial vehicle systems. This acquisition enhances T3 Defense's capabilities in the defense sector, particularly in drone technology.

U.S. Central Command launched one-way attack sea drones in combat for the first time, successfully striking Iranian targets, including a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base. This operation involved three Corsair unmanned surface vessels and marked a significant escalation in U.S. military engagement in the region, following hundreds of attacks against Iranian targets over the past week. The strikes aimed to degrade Iran's capability to threaten commercial shipping.

U.S. Central Command launched three Corsair unmanned surface vessels in a strike against Iranian targets, marking the first combat use of one-way attack sea drones. The operation targeted a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base and involved over 300 strikes across southern Iran, including Qeshm Island. This action was a response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Arabia conducted multiple airstrikes on Sana'a International Airport on July 13, targeting the facility controlled by Houthi forces. An Iranian passenger plane carrying Houthi representatives was en route to the airport during the strikes. Houthi forces also seized a Red Cross aircraft at the airport, preventing its departure and taking the crew hostage.

U.S. Central Command conducted a combat strike using three Corsair unmanned surface vessels against a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base over the recent weekend. This operation marks the first combat use of American sea drones, aimed at degrading Iran's capability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Turkey reportedly sold its Russian S-400 missile systems to a Gulf state, possibly the UAE or Qatar, to facilitate its return to the F-35 program. The Kremlin has acknowledged discussions about the systems, but no official confirmation of the sale has been made. This move aims to lift sanctions and improve Turkey's military relations with the U.S. while raising concerns about the implications for U.S. air defense in the region.

The U.S. launched airstrikes against Iranian military targets in response to Iranian attacks on U.S. allies and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM reported hitting dozens of targets, including air-defense systems and missile capabilities. Iran claimed responsibility for attacks on U.S. military targets in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, while CENTCOM denied any U.S. casualties. The situation reflects a significant escalation in hostilities following a recent ceasefire agreement.

Turkey is negotiating its return to the F-35 program by 2026, which raises concerns for Israel regarding military balance in the region. The U.S. is considering lifting sanctions imposed after Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 system. Israel fears that Turkey's access to F-35s could enhance its military capabilities, impacting regional security dynamics. Discussions include the potential transfer of the S-400 to a Gulf state to facilitate Turkey's reintegration into the F-35 program.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

Explosion sounds were reported near Abbas Port and Qeshm Island on July 13. The explosions occurred at noon and were located away from the urban area of Abbas Port, suggesting potential military activity in the region. There is a possibility of conflict in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.

SCD secured three multi-million-dollar orders for its HOT HD MWIR detectors on July 13, 2026, in Haifa, Israel. These detectors will be integrated into counter-unmanned aerial systems and long-range surveillance platforms, reflecting the growing demand for advanced infrared technology in defense applications. SCD's manufacturing capabilities enable the delivery of thousands of detectors monthly, supporting large-scale defense programs.

U.S. Central Command employed one-way attack sea drones against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, marking a significant shift in military operations. The strikes targeted Iranian air-defense systems and coastal radar sites to reduce threats to civilian shipping. This operation is part of a broader campaign following increased Iranian attacks on commercial vessels since July 7.

Alexandra ReevesMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

The U.S. military attacked local military facilities in Isfahan, Iran, in the early morning of the 13th, resulting in 1 death and 7 injuries.

On March 2, a Kuwaiti F/A-18 mistakenly shot down three U.S. F-15E aircraft. In March, over 100 Iranian naval vessels were destroyed while docked, and five U.S. tactical aircraft were lost in operations against Iran. Additionally, Israeli armored vehicles faced significant losses from drone attacks in Lebanon. The U.S. aircraft carrier also experienced a fire lasting over 30 hours.

U.S. Central Command struck dozens of Iranian military targets using one-way attack sea drones for the first time on Sunday. The operation aimed to degrade Iran's military capabilities threatening commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched strikes against U.S. military installations across the Gulf. Financial markets reacted to the escalation, with oil prices rising sharply.

Kongsberg reported a 31% revenue increase to NOK 10,389 million and a nearly 50% rise in operating profit to NOK 1,669 million in the second quarter of 2023. The company secured multiple contracts for its Joint Strike Missile and NASAMS air defense system, with Canada selecting the missile for its F-35A fleet. Kongsberg also expanded its focus on subsea infrastructure protection, reflecting growing interest in defense procurement.

Iranian military conducted a drone strike on the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain on March 11, 2023, at 3:40 AM local time. The strike targeted communication antennas and radar facilities of the Patriot missile defense system, following a U.S. attack on Iran's southern region. Satellite images released by Iran show damage to a warehouse at the headquarters.

Rheinmetall is supplying the Kuwaiti Naval Forces with Multi Ammunition Softkill Systems (MASS) and Omnitrap ammunition for the first time. Eight vessels will be equipped with these systems, with delivery scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026 and conclude in the second quarter of 2029. This procurement is part of Kuwait's largest shipbuilding program in over 15 years, enhancing the capabilities of Al Dorra-class guided-missile boats.

Air raid sirens were activated in Bahrain at approximately 8:30 AM local time on October 13, marking the third alert of the day. This action was a response by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to U.S. military strikes against their facilities in Bahrain.