Analysis & Reports

A long-endurance surveillance drone, the MQ-22 Swift (Vanilla), was spotted taking off from Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan on September 13, 2026. This marks the first known sighting of the aircraft operating from Jordan, which is utilized by U.S. forces and allies. The drone is built for extended surveillance missions and has a payload capacity of up to 150 pounds.

Over 100 U.S. military advisors are providing intelligence and target location support to Saudi Arabia in its operations against Houthi forces. This support, which includes the use of real-time battlefield targeting tools, is limited and does not involve direct military engagement. The advisors are part of a newly formed joint command established in recent weeks.

ImageSat International introduced the EROS NOVA satellite on September 08, 2026, in Israel. This next-generation satellite features a native resolution of 25 cm and integrates advanced imaging capabilities, including visible and SWIR imaging, video collection, and onboard AI. EROS NOVA aims to enhance intelligence collection and analysis for defense and strategic applications.

Iran captured a U.S. unmanned underwater vehicle in the Strait of Hormuz on September 8, 2023. The U.S. Central Command confirmed that the vehicle had malfunctioned and was not carrying any sensitive data. The vehicle was conducting reconnaissance to support U.S. operations in the area.

ImageSat International unveiled the EROS NOVA satellite on September 8, 2023, in Israel. This satellite is capable of capturing high-resolution imagery at 25 centimeters, integrating multiple sensing technologies including short-wave infrared. It features onboard AI for real-time data analysis, enhancing operational responsiveness for intelligence organizations.

Elbit Systems signed contracts worth approximately $270 million to supply ISR and targeting payloads, including the SPECTRO family of systems and AMPS NG systems, designed for various military applications. The contracts will be executed over a period of up to six years. Elbit Systems, based in Haifa, Israel, is a global leader in ISR and targeting solutions.

Elbit Systems signed contracts worth approximately $270 million for advanced ISR and Targeting payloads in Haifa, Israel, on September 1, 2026. The contracts involve supplying SPECTRO™ and AMPS™ NG systems, which enhance target identification and intelligence gathering capabilities across various operational environments. These systems integrate advanced imaging channels and AI-based analytics for effective ISR and targeting missions.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported ongoing violations of Lebanese airspace by Israeli military aircraft, with 100 incidents recorded between October 10 and 12. Additionally, UNIFIL observed significant ground military activities by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in southern Lebanon, including troop deployments and artillery fire.

Cameras on Royal Navy surveillance drones transmitted data to an IP address in China, discovered during a cyber vulnerability assessment. The drones, part of a $16.2 million fleet, were intended for missions in the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of Defence confirmed no sensitive information was compromised, but the incident highlights vulnerabilities in military technology supply chains.

USS Parche (SSN-683) conducted covert intelligence missions in Soviet waters from the 1970s until its decommissioning in 2004. The submarine, which was the most decorated in US Navy history, was equipped with advanced surveillance technology and participated in significant operations like wiretapping Soviet communications. It had a crew of 112 sailors and was powered by a nuclear reactor, enabling it to perform its espionage tasks effectively.

A tanker reported hearing an explosion approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Seeb, Oman, on August 2, 2023. The British Maritime Trade Operations received the report at 20:37 UTC. The crew and vessel are safe, and an investigation is currently underway.

The USS Jimmy Carter, a Seawolf-class submarine, conducts undersea espionage and intelligence gathering, particularly in the Arctic. Commissioned in 2005, it is currently entering mid-life nuclear reactor refueling. The submarine features a Multi-Mission Platform (MMP) that enhances its capabilities for surveillance and deploying U.S. Navy SEALs. Its advanced systems allow it to tap undersea communications cables and extend its operational range with undersea drones.

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.

IAI unveiled the Ellyon, a next-generation multi-mission aircraft designed for the Israeli Air Force. The aircraft integrates advanced electronic attack and intelligence capabilities, enabling stand-off operations and real-time intelligence transmission. It features full-spectrum jamming, advanced sensors, and is platform-agnostic, allowing integration with various large business jets. IAI emphasizes that Ellyon represents a significant technological advancement in military aviation.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) unveiled the Ellyon multi-mission aircraft system in Jerusalem, designed for electronic attack and advanced intelligence gathering. The system features capabilities such as SIGINT, long-range radar, and AI-based management, and can be integrated on various aircraft platforms. This unveiling took place during the Farnborough Air Show, highlighting IAI's commitment to enhancing aerial defense and intelligence operations.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) unveiled the ELLYON multi-mission aircraft in Tel Aviv on July 20th, 2026. The aircraft integrates Electronic Attack and advanced Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance capabilities, enabling stand-off operations and advanced intelligence gathering. ELLYON features full-spectrum frequency jamming and can be integrated onto multiple large business jet platforms.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) introduced the ELLYON multi-mission aircraft, which integrates electronic attack capabilities with advanced intelligence-gathering sensors. The aircraft is designed to operate from hundreds of kilometers away, allowing it to disrupt enemy systems while collecting detailed intelligence. ELLYON features an AI-driven mission management system that processes data in real time, enhancing operational efficiency in contested environments.

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.

Eight NATO countries announced the creation of a satellite mega-constellation named HALO during the Summit Defence Industry Forum in Ankara. This initiative aims to enhance military communications, intelligence, and missile tracking capabilities. The participating nations include Denmark, Canada, Finland, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Turkey. Additionally, Spain joined the APSS program, which focuses on ISR capabilities, while Turkey is developing two new high-resolution ISR satellites.

Denmark signed a Letter of Intent to expand NATO's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities during the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum in Ankara. Terma is enhancing NATO's operational intelligence through advanced AI and data fusion, contributing to the AGS Expansion programme aimed at improving surveillance across the Arctic, Baltic Sea, and other key regions. This initiative supports intelligence sharing and mixed fleet operations within NATO.