Analysis & Reports

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in friendly airspace in western Iraq during combat operations against Iran. The incident involved two aircraft, with one landing safely. U.S. Central Command confirmed that the incident was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, and further details are being gathered.

Rick Freeman left his position as head of Amazon Leo for Government in Washington in late February 2026. Amazon Leo, which focuses on military space communications, plans to invest an additional $1 billion in 2026 to expand its satellite network. The company remains committed to serving government and public sector customers despite the leadership change.

The U.S. Navy decommissioned half of its Avenger-class mine countermeasure ships and replaced them with littoral combat ships equipped for mine countermeasures. Iran initiated mine-laying operations in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting U.S. Central Command to strike 16 Iranian mine-layers. The USS Canberra, the first littoral combat ship with mine countermeasure capabilities, arrived in Bahrain, marking a shift in U.S. naval strategy in the region.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that a B-21 Raider conducted a close-proximity flight test with a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Mojave Desert on Tuesday. This flight, lasting approximately 5.5 hours, is part of the ongoing test campaign to validate the B-21's capabilities. The event is significant for the B-21's long-range strike role, although details on aerial refueling were not disclosed.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that a B-21 Raider conducted a close-proximity flight test with a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Mojave Desert on Tuesday. This flight, lasting about 5.5 hours, is part of the ongoing test campaign to validate the B-21's capabilities for long-range strike missions. The program remains on track for the delivery of operational B-21s to Ellsworth Air Force Base by 2027.

The U.S. Navy has partnered with Anduril to develop the Dive-XL, an extra-large unmanned underwater vessel as part of the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform Project (CAMP). This vessel is designed to operate in GPS-denied environments, dive to depths of 200 meters, and carry various payloads. Anduril will conduct an extended demonstration of the Dive-XL within four months of the contract award, enhancing capabilities in maritime operations.

The U.S. Navy has partnered with Anduril to develop the Dive-XL, an extra-large unmanned underwater vessel as part of the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform Project. This vessel is designed to operate in GPS-denied environments, dive to depths of 200 meters, and carry various payloads, including smaller unmanned vehicles. The project aims to enhance capabilities in the Pacific and Arctic regions, addressing the need for advanced underwater systems.

NATO's Cold Response 2026 exercise in Norway faced significant disruptions as key military assets withdrew, including the Italian Navy destroyer Andrea Doria and the French carrier strike group Charles de Gaulle, which was redirected to the Eastern Mediterranean. U.S. General Grynkewich emphasized a timeline for European strategic autonomy by 2035, highlighting the need for increased defense spending and readiness amid rising threats from Russia. The European Union has activated a defense spending escape clause for 17 member states to address these challenges.

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NATO conducted the Cold Response exercise in the Arctic in March 2026, emphasizing civilian preparedness. The EU announced defense partnerships with Australia, Iceland, and Ghana, reflecting a shift towards strategic autonomy. Tensions in EU-NATO relations escalated due to U.S. policies, prompting the EU to explore independent defense strategies. Cooperation between NATO and the EU continues to focus on countering hybrid threats.

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Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member, killed one person and injured two others in a shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. Jalloh, who had a prior conviction for attempting to support the Islamic State, was subdued by students before law enforcement arrived. The university has since suspended operations and classes.

U.S. and allied forces have been intercepting Iranian drones using fighter jets and attack helicopters in Kuwait and Jordan since last month. This operation has led to an 83% decrease in drone usage by Iran. However, the high costs of intercepting low-cost drones with expensive munitions have raised concerns about the sustainability of this tactic. Six U.S. soldiers were killed by an Iranian drone that evaded defenses.

Operation Epic Fury significantly degraded Iran's military capabilities, including its nuclear and missile infrastructure, and resulted in the deaths of key leaders. The U.S. Navy's F/A-18F Super Hornets and Nimitz-class carriers were involved in the operation. Despite the tactical victory, Iran is likely to seek to rebuild its military, influenced by a more militant regime under Mojtaba Khamenei. The operation raises questions about future U.S. and Israeli interventions in response to Iran's potential military resurgence.

US European Command (EUCOM) commander Gen. Alexus Grynkewich testified that European nations are on track to lead their own defense by 2035, contingent on increased military spending. He noted that several countries are nearing NATO's target of 5% of GDP for defense. The US has only withdrawn one brigade combat team from Europe, and European leaders are advocating for rearmament amid ongoing Russian threats. A significant revision of NATO's air and missile defense plan is also underway.

The Israeli Air Force is acquiring 25 F-15EX aircraft for long-range missions, while the Qatar Air Force recently used its F-15QA variant to shoot down two Iranian Su-24 bombers. Poland and Saudi Arabia are also considering the F-15EX for their air forces, highlighting its significant payload capacity and advanced combat technology. The aircraft's capabilities position it as a key player in regional military dynamics.

U.S. military personnel have been consuming expensive meals, leading to speculation about potential military actions. Reports indicate that the Department of Defense spent millions on luxury food items, raising concerns about wasteful spending. Critics highlight that such expenditures do not correlate with any significant military operations during that period.

The FS Charles de Gaulle, a 42,000-ton nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is conducting operations in the Gulf of Oman and is scheduled for redeployment to the Eastern Mediterranean in March 2026 to protect maritime routes. The carrier, equipped with Areva K15 reactors and Rafale M fighters, has a notable combat history and plays a key role in NATO operations. France is also planning for a new generation of aircraft carriers by the late 2030s.

The Pentagon is requesting over $50 billion in supplemental funding to replace and procure new military equipment for operations in Iran. This includes a focus on both legacy systems and new technologies, as U.S. officials confirm adequate munitions stockpiles. The funding request is currently being prepared for Congress, with expectations of bipartisan support due to concerns over munitions depth.

A fire broke out in the laundry spaces of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) on March 12, 2026, while operating in the Red Sea. Two sailors were injured, but the fire was contained and did not compromise the ship's nuclear reactors or Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System. The carrier remains operational and continues its mission in support of U.S. military operations against Iran.

HDT Robotics deployed several Hunter WOLF unmanned ground vehicles for military training and operational evaluation in the United States. The vehicles are designed to support soldiers by performing logistics, communications, and casualty evacuation roles. Training activities allow personnel to operate the system under realistic conditions, enhancing their familiarity with its capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force is deploying 48 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters to Misawa Air Base in Japan to bolster defense capabilities amid increasing Chinese military activity. This strategic move enhances the operational reach of U.S. forces in the Pacific and strengthens the U.S.-Japan alliance. The deployment is part of a broader effort to counter potential threats to regional stability, including the defense of Taiwan.