Analysis & Reports

Hezbollah launched a missile attack on the Israeli naval special forces headquarters located at the Atlit base, south of Haifa, in the early morning hours of the 12th. The attack involved a significant number of high-quality missiles. As of now, there has been no response from Israeli authorities.

China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations expressed disappointment on March 11 over the failure of a resolution draft proposed by Russia concerning the Middle East situation. The resolution aimed to halt military actions and condemn attacks on civilians, but China felt it did not adequately reflect the conflict's roots. The representative emphasized the importance of returning to diplomatic negotiations to prevent escalation.

Ukrainian drones attacked a gas compression station in Krasnodar Krai, Russia, on March 11, 2023. The facility supplies gas to the 'TurkStream' pipeline, but no damage was reported. This incident is part of ongoing attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, with 12 attacks reported since February 24, 2023, all of which have been repelled.

China announced a defense budget of 1.91 trillion RMB (approximately 277 billion USD) on March 5, 2026, reflecting a 7% increase. Concurrently, the People's Liberation Army is undergoing a significant anti-corruption campaign, resulting in the purging of over 100 senior generals. Despite these internal changes, military activities around Taiwan have intensified, indicating a continued focus on military modernization and regional assertiveness.

Li MinghuiThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

A drone strike in Goma, North Kivu, on March 11, 2023, resulted in the death of one UNICEF staff member and two civilians. The M23 Movement claims the attack was carried out by Congolese government forces. The Congolese government has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and is conducting an investigation.

Iranian President Raisi stated that the only way to end the military conflict is to recognize Iran's legitimate rights, pay compensation, and provide guarantees against future aggression. This statement was made on March 11, 2023, in Tehran, emphasizing Iran's position in the ongoing conflict.

On November 11, China called for an immediate ceasefire in the Lebanon-Israel conflict during a UN Security Council meeting. The Chinese representative condemned attacks on civilians and urged adherence to international humanitarian law. The UN reported over 4000 fire activities in Lebanon since March, indicating a significant escalation in the conflict. China emphasized the need for international support to stabilize Lebanon and restore peace in the region.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is transitioning to its new homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, for decommissioning after over 50 years of service. The carrier departed Naval Base Kitsap on March 7, 2026, and is participating in the Southern Seas 2026 deployment, visiting partner states in South America. The decommissioning process includes complex defueling of its nuclear reactors, with a contract modification awarded for planning and execution.

The U.S. Department of Defense is developing a system to evaluate AI models to ensure they meet operational criteria and work effectively with human teams. This initiative aims to create a testing harness that can assess AI performance under various conditions, including operational stress. The deadline for proposals is set for March 24.

The U.S. Department of Defense is developing a system to evaluate AI models to ensure they meet operational criteria and work effectively with human teams. This initiative aims to continuously assess AI capabilities against mission-specific benchmarks. The deadline for proposals is set for March 24, and the evaluation system will include simulations of operational stress and network degradation.

U.S. Navy destroyers deployed to the Arabian Sea to support operations against Iran, while Patriot and THAAD systems were relocated from Japan and South Korea. Joint military exercises 'Freedom Shield 2026' began on March 10, involving 18,000 troops from the U.S. and South Korea. Japan is enhancing its defense capabilities, including the development of long-range missiles, amid concerns over regional security.

Tanaka TakashiThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

The Lockheed Martin SR-72 hypersonic aircraft program remains shrouded in mystery as of 2026, with no confirmed prototypes or flight tests reported. Despite initial excitement and plans for a Mach 6-capable platform for ISR and strike missions, updates have been scarce, leading to speculation about the program's viability. Lockheed Martin has indicated ongoing research in hypersonic technologies, but the Pentagon has not formally acknowledged the SR-72 as an active program.

The U.S. Air Force's B-52 Stratofortress has been deployed in Iran, conducting strikes during Operation Epic Fury. The modernization to the B-52J variant is facing delays, particularly in radar production, which is now expected to be completed by 2030. This upgrade is essential for maintaining strategic capabilities against potential threats from China and other nations.

The U.S. Air Force evaluated the F-15SE Silent Eagle, a modified version of the F-15 Strike Eagle, but ultimately chose the F-15EX Eagle II for its superior payload capacity. The F-15SE, designed to incorporate limited stealth features, was unable to compete with the F-35's low-observability. Key features of the F-15SE included internal weapons bays and advanced sensors, but it never secured a production contract due to the dominance of the F-35 in the global market.

The F-16XL, a prototype fighter jet designed in the 1980s, was evaluated for its potential role in the 2026 air campaign against Iran. Its cranked-arrow delta wing design allowed for increased payload and range, making it suitable for long-range strikes. Although it never entered production, its capabilities align with current operational needs for striking Iranian military infrastructure.

Japan faces international backlash for its decision to release contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear disaster into the ocean, 15 years after the incident. The Japanese government is criticized for ignoring regional opposition and failing to ensure nuclear safety. China has called for independent monitoring of the situation, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in Japan's nuclear policies.

The People's Liberation Army Navy introduced two new 055-class destroyers in China, enhancing their fleet with improved stealth capabilities and advanced radar systems. These destroyers may also be equipped with hypersonic missiles, indicating a significant upgrade in their military capabilities.

Lt. Col. David deGroot discussed advancements in heat science at the U.S. Army Heat Center in Fort Benning, highlighting its implications for soldiering. The conversation emphasized the importance of understanding heat effects on military personnel.

The U.S. Marine Corps is pursuing the development of the Multispectral Camouflage Overgarment (MCO) to enhance troop concealment from thermal sensors. The Corps plans to acquire 13,000 cloaks by 2027 and 61,000 by 2030, aiming to improve individual signature management for Marines in various operational environments. The MCO is designed to provide effective camouflage across multiple infrared spectrums and is intended for use in training and deployment, not routine garrison wear.

The U.S. Marine Corps is pursuing the development of the Multispectral Camouflage Overgarment (MCO) to enhance troop concealment from thermal sensors. The Corps plans to acquire 13,000 cloaks by 2027 and 61,000 by 2030, aiming to mitigate detection across various infrared spectrums. The MCO is intended for use in training and deployment, not routine garrison wear.