Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency awarded Raytheon a $267 million contract modification for the production of 23 additional SM-3 Block IB interceptors, increasing the total to 78. This modification restarts the production line and supports operational readiness for missile defense missions. The work will primarily take place in Tucson, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama, with the program expected to continue through May 2030.

The Polish Armed Forces have initiated a training cycle for operators of the AS-3 MEROPS drone interceptor system at military training areas in Lipa and Ustka. This program aims to prepare personnel for operational environments and includes both theoretical instruction and field exercises. Live-fire exercises are planned for May and June 2023 to confirm operator readiness and operational procedures.

On 9 September 2025, NATO combat aircraft shot down four of an estimated 23 Russian UAVs over Poland. This action marked NATO's first kinetic response to a Russian military threat. The operation involved multiple NATO forces, including the Royal Netherlands Air Force and Polish Air Force, and was part of a broader initiative to enhance air defenses against UAV incursions across Europe. The European Union's Drone Defence Initiative is set to further bolster these efforts.

A U.S. airstrike destroyed a Cobra V8 electronic warfare system at a missile site near Bandar Imam Khomeini in Khuzestan, Iran. This system, based on Russian technology, is designed to interfere with radar and surveillance systems. The strike indicates a significant loss for Iran's electronic warfare capabilities during ongoing military operations against Iranian targets.

U.S. Forces Korea is transferring six THAAD launchers, potentially carrying 48 interceptors, from Seongju to Uisung Base in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, for deployment to the Middle East. This move follows recent airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, with the Pentagon reallocating resources to counter threats in the region. Despite opposition from South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, the transfer is proceeding as part of U.S. military logistics.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.34 billion contract modification to develop the E-7A Wedgetail radar aircraft, enhancing its airborne command and control capabilities. The contract includes work primarily in Seattle and additional locations in Oklahoma City, Huntsville, and Heath, with completion expected by August 2032. This program aims to modernize the Air Force's battle management platform.

Japan and the U.S. are set to enhance military cooperation through AI target selection systems and joint missile production, with a significant summit scheduled for March 19, 2026. Japan is deploying long-range missiles and has contracted for 400 Tomahawk missiles to bolster its defense capabilities. This cooperation aims to address regional threats and improve interoperability between the two nations' armed forces.

Tanaka TakashiFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

The U.S. Department of State approved a $930 million sale of 20 M142 HIMARS launchers and related equipment to Sweden. This package includes guided rocket munitions and tactical data systems, aimed at strengthening Sweden's defense capabilities as a NATO ally. Lockheed Martin will be the principal contractor for this sale, which supports U.S. foreign policy objectives.

A Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq on March 12, 2023, during Operation Epic Fury, resulting in the confirmed deaths of four of the six crew members. The incident was not caused by enemy action, and rescue efforts are currently underway. The second tanker involved landed safely at Ben Gurion Airport with visible structural damage.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan on March 12-13, 2023, targeting facilities linked to the Taliban. In retaliation, the Afghan Air Force struck a Pakistani military center in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, causing significant casualties and damage.

Poland is constructing the 'Sank River' anti-drone system, which will include 18 mobile artillery units and is expected to be operational within 24 months. The project, costing around 3.5 billion euros, aims to enhance defense capabilities against drone threats, particularly following incidents involving drones from Russia. Political opposition has arisen regarding the funding sources for the system.

In March 2026, the Russian Armed Forces increased personnel to 2,391,770 and redeployed elite units from Donbas to southern Ukraine, particularly Zaporizhia and Hulyaipole. This strategic shift responds to successful Ukrainian counteroffensives, with Ukraine regaining territory. Concurrently, Russia is adapting its targeting priorities to focus on Ukrainian logistics, while NATO eastern states ramp up defense spending in response to perceived threats.

Dmitri VolkovFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

China is actively collecting military intelligence from the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict as of March 13, 2026, focusing on advanced U.S. weapon systems and operational data. This intelligence gathering is seen as a strategic opportunity for China to enhance its military modernization efforts. The conflict has provided valuable insights into U.S. military operations and capabilities, particularly regarding the effectiveness of Iranian drones against U.S. assets.

Li MinghuiFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 will occur in Düsseldorf from 24 to 26 March 2026, focusing on security and defense issues, including hybrid threats and unmanned systems. The Bundeswehr will host a conference highlighting the operational role of unmanned systems, with participation from military and political leaders. A bilateral symposium titled 'Defence meets Wirtschaft' will also take place, discussing European defense capabilities.

Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones against military and civilian targets in Gulf states since late February 2026. Gulf air defense systems, particularly in the UAE, successfully intercepted a significant number of these threats. The military performance has validated years of investment in air defense, but concerns about sustaining operational tempo and stockpile depletion remain. The strikes have also led to a profound diplomatic fallout, creating a trust deficit among Gulf Cooperation Council states.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

China announced a defense budget of 1.94 trillion RMB (approximately 282 billion USD) on March 10, 2026, marking a 6.9% increase from the previous year. The budget emphasizes modernization and strategic capabilities, focusing on advanced weaponry and military technology. This increase is contextualized within China's economic growth and the upcoming centenary of the People's Liberation Army in 2027, reflecting a commitment to enhancing national defense in a complex security environment.

Li MinghuiFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

Cao Min, the only female signal operator on the Dongguan Ship, is actively engaged in naval communication training. She has faced challenges such as seasickness but has found motivation in her role during live-fire exercises. The Dongguan Ship, part of the People's Liberation Army Navy, enhances China's naval capabilities and operational readiness.

An air defense alarm sounded at Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey on March 13, 2023. The base is home to U.S. military personnel, and the alarm indicates a potential threat or military operation in the area.

The Navy of the People's Liberation Army commissioned the 9th and 10th 055-class destroyers, Dongguan and Anqing, which are currently conducting their first naval combat training in the East China Sea. These destroyers feature advanced weaponry, including a 130mm main gun and a large vertical launch system capable of launching multiple missile types.

The Dongguan Ship and Anqing Ship, the 9th and 10th 055 destroyers of the Chinese Navy, recently conducted their first real combat training in the East China Sea. The exercises involved various naval operations, including anti-submarine warfare and joint supply missions, aimed at testing the new equipment and enhancing crew readiness. Military experts highlighted advancements in stealth and weapon systems on these new vessels.