Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
The Pakistani military states "at all costs" to support Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan's military announced its unconditional support for Saudi Arabia, pledging to defend religious sites in Mecca and Medina amid increasing Houthi attacks. The statement was made by a military spokesperson on the 17th, emphasizing the commitment to Saudi security. This follows a recent wave of assaults by Houthi forces, which Saudi Arabia claims included an attempted drone strike on Mecca.
The F-4 Phantom Is Considered One of the Best Fighter Planes the US Military Ever Flew and Iran Had a Fleet of 225
An Israeli airstrike destroyed an Iranian F-4 Phantom at Tabriz airport on March 1, 2026. Iran's fleet of F-4s, originally numbering 225, has significantly diminished due to age and ongoing attacks. The operational status of the remaining aircraft is uncertain, with many likely non-flyable due to lack of parts and maintenance challenges.
The UAE and Hanwha Build an Integrated Air Defense Network in 2026 and Test Gulf Independence
The UAE and Hanwha Systems signed a memorandum of understanding on September 17, 2026, to develop an integrated air defense network. This partnership focuses on local manufacturing and enhancing air defense capabilities, including systems like L-SAM and M-SAM. The initiative aims to improve the UAE's defense management and operational readiness against mixed threats, while also diversifying its defense procurement sources.
Ahmed Al-RashidFri Sep 18 2026Loading...
Houthi attack damages an Italian fighter jet in Saudi Arabia
Houthi forces launched an attack on King Fahd Air Base in Ta’if, Saudi Arabia, damaging an Italian Eurofighter Typhoon. The aircraft was parked in a remote area of the base during the overnight strike, but no injuries were reported among Italian personnel. This incident is part of ongoing hostilities in the region, with the base hosting approximately 300 Italian military personnel as part of Task Force Air-Arabia.
Otokar and Leonardo successfully complete integration and live firing tests of TULPAR with HITFACT MkII 120 mm turret
Otokar and Leonardo successfully completed integration and live firing tests of the TULPAR Medium Tank platform with the HITFACT MkII turret in Turkey. This milestone demonstrates the advanced capabilities of the TULPAR, combining high mobility and firepower. The tests validated the performance and interoperability of the new weapon system, which is designed for various military roles.
The closure of Hormuz and the Houthis' control over Bab al-Mandab test the Gulf's ability to protect its exports in 2026.
Italy announced it will send warships to protect its commercial vessels through Bab el-Mandeb on September 18, 2026, while South Korea reiterated it will not send combat troops to the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi control of Bab el-Mandeb are testing the Gulf's ability to protect its exports. Saudi Arabia is resorting to ship-to-ship transfers to move oil due to threats from Houthi attacks.
S.WFri Sep 18 2026Loading...Lee Jae-myung says South Korea will not deploy military forces to the Strait of Hormuz
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung announced that South Korea will not deploy military forces to the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that the country will take minimal actions to protect its commercial vessels and citizens. The Cheonghae Unit is already present in the region to address security threats, and South Korea is considering enhancing its military presence in response to these threats.
Yemeni Government Forces and Houthi Militants Continue to Clash on Multiple Fronts
Yemeni government forces are engaged in combat with Houthi forces in the Kahbob Mountains and other strategic locations to halt their advance. Saudi Arabia is providing air support, conducting airstrikes in Taiz and Hajjah provinces. Houthi forces have reportedly suffered significant losses, and a Houthi drone was intercepted in Saudi Arabia, resulting in civilian casualties.
Houthi Forces in Yemen Claim Saudi Arabia Launched 37 Airstrikes in One Day, Causing Civilian Casualties
Saudi Arabia conducted 37 airstrikes using F-15 fighter jets in Taiz and Hajjah provinces of Yemen within the last 24 hours, resulting in civilian casualties. The strikes were reported by Houthi spokesperson Yahya, with no response from Saudi authorities.
Fierce Battles Near the Mandheling Strait, High Ground Changes Hands Several Times
Intense fighting occurred between Yemeni government forces and Houthi fighters near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait over the past 24 hours. At least 19 government soldiers and 25 Houthi fighters were killed, with many others injured. Saudi Arabia conducted multiple airstrikes to support government forces, while the conflict remains in a stalemate with no decisive breakthroughs.
The Shah of Iran bought 79 F-14 Tomcats from the United States in 1976, three years before the revolution; after 2006 they were the last of the type still flying, the Pentagon shredded its own so parts could not reach Tehran, and this March Israel said it had destroyed the remainder on the ground at Isfahan
In March 2023, the Israeli Air Force destroyed several Iranian F-14 Tomcats at Isfahan in Central Iran. These aircraft, originally sold to Iran in 1976, were believed to be the last operational F-14s globally. The U.S. had previously dismantled its own F-14s to prevent parts from reaching Iran.
U.N. Report Finds ‘Reasonable Grounds’ for U.S. War Crimes, Iranian Crimes Against Humanity
U.S. airstrikes in February 2026 resulted in 150 casualties, including 120 schoolchildren, in Minab and Lamerd, Iran. The U.N. report indicated that these strikes were indiscriminate and violated international law. Additionally, Iranian authorities faced accusations of crimes against humanity for their violent suppression of protests, leading to numerous civilian deaths and executions.
Saudi Arabia intercepts a drone, debris falls causing 1 death and 2 injuries
A drone launched by Houthi forces was intercepted and destroyed in Taif, Saudi Arabia, on September 17, 2023. The debris from the drone caused one death and two injuries, with the deceased being Yemeni and the injured including a Saudi and a Pakistani, the latter in serious condition. Multiple buildings and vehicles were also damaged by the falling debris.
UK must focus on the Atlantic, ‘foundation’ of Britain’s security: Navy chief
The Royal Navy is enhancing its naval readiness to secure the Atlantic against Russian probing activities. Two British warships are deployed weekly to monitor Russian vessels, reflecting a significant military focus on the North Atlantic. A 'Northern Navies' agreement is being finalized among ten countries to create a persistent maritime force in response to security threats. The Royal Navy is also transitioning to a 'hybrid Navy' that integrates crewed and uncrewed systems.
Houthi Forces: Saudi Arabia's Airstrikes on Yemen 40 Times in One Day
Saudi Arabian aircraft conducted 40 airstrikes in Yemen's Taiz, Marib, and Hajjah provinces within the last 24 hours. Houthi forces reported shooting down a Saudi reconnaissance drone and using surface-to-air missiles to intercept F-15 fighter jets. The Houthi military spokesperson stated that the group has intensified its offensive against government forces and has taken control of significant territory in western Yemen.
Iran claims to have shot down the 53rd US MQ-9 drone.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force intercepted and shot down the 53rd U.S. MQ-9 drone over Geshm Island at 10 AM local time on the 17th.
The depletion of Saudi Patriot missiles in 2026 after a Houthi drone near Mecca tests alliances
Saudi air defenses intercepted a Houthi drone near Mecca on September 15, 2026, highlighting concerns over the depletion of Patriot missile stocks amid ongoing threats. Houthi forces claimed attacks on military and oil facilities, prompting Saudi Arabia to seek defensive assistance from multiple countries. The incident underscores the challenges faced by Saudi Arabia in maintaining air defense capabilities against Houthi aggression.
S.WThu Sep 17 2026Loading...Houthi Forces Claim to Have Intercepted Two Batches of Saudi F-15 Fighter Jets in Yemen
Houthi forces intercepted two batches of Saudi F-15 fighter jets over Muhah in Taiz province on the 16th. The jets, which had taken off from Khamis Mushait Air Base, were forced to retreat before engaging in any hostile actions.
Houthi Forces Claim Attack on Saudi Oil Facilities and Air Bases
Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities in Yanbu and an airbase in Asir on the 16th. They claimed to have downed a Saudi F-15 fighter jet and an armed drone, while also intercepting Saudi F-15s in Taiz province. The Houthi group vowed to continue their operations until Saudi airstrikes and blockades are lifted.
Israeli Pilots With 24 Air-to-Air Kills Between Them Evaluated the F-14 Tomcat and the F-15 Eagle in 1974 and Reported That the Tomcat Could Barely Outperform an A-4 Skyhawk in a Dogfight. Israel Bought the Eagle. Iran Bought the Tomcat.
In 1974, Israeli pilots evaluated the F-14 Tomcat and F-15 Eagle fighter jets, concluding that the F-15 was better suited to their needs. The evaluation team, led by Amnon Arad, had a combined total of 24 air-to-air kills. Despite being impressed by the F-14, the IAF found it underperformed in dogfighting compared to the F-15. Ultimately, Israel chose to purchase the F-15, while Iran acquired the F-14.
