Analysis & Reports

Thousands of U.S. troops are currently deployed to U.S. Central Command, engaged in maintaining vehicles and launching and recovering aircraft. The report highlights the ongoing actions against Iran and encourages service members to share their stories and concerns. Anonymity is offered for those who contribute insights.

The U.S. Space Force completed the preliminary design review for the Epoch 2 missile-warning constellation, consisting of 10 satellites in medium Earth orbit. This milestone was achieved nine months after the contract was awarded to BAE Systems for $1.2 billion. The first satellite delivery is scheduled for fiscal year 2029, enhancing the capability to track advanced missile threats.

Dassault Aviation is ramping up production of the Rafale fighter jets to 35 units annually by 2029-2030, addressing a backlog of 175 export units. The F5 standard will enhance capabilities with advanced radar and hypersonic missile integration. Ukraine plans to purchase 100 Rafales, while Serbia's order of 12 jets may provoke Russia. The upgrades aim to improve the aircraft's performance in modern combat scenarios.

Saab proposed a dual fleet of Gripen fighters and F-35s to the Royal Canadian Air Force, emphasizing the need for modernization and local aerospace job creation. This proposal comes as Canada is in the process of replacing its aging CF-18 fleet with F-35s, having confirmed orders for 16 aircraft and payments for parts for 14 more. The discussion is timely, given recent NORAD scrambles against Russian aircraft.

China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) officially adopted the J-35A stealth fighter in late 2024, designed for air combat operations. In June 2025, Pakistan became the first overseas buyer of the J-35A, which features a twin-engine design and a combat radius of 750 miles. The J-35A is marketed to nations restricted from acquiring the U.S. F-35 fighter.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is participating in Southern Seas 2026 exercises while en route from Bremerton to Norfolk, engaging in diplomatic port visits in South America. The carrier, scheduled for decommissioning in May 2026, is not certified for national tasking but is being utilized for training and regional engagement. This operational cruise raises questions about the Navy's decision to retire the vessel despite its ongoing utility.

North Korea's Korean People's Army Navy conducted a test launch of multiple strategic cruise missiles on March 10. The event was observed by Kim Jong-un through a video link, as part of ongoing operational evaluations involving the 'Choi Hyun' destroyer.

The Continental Army trained and prepared for winter encampment at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, starting December 19, 1777, with approximately 12,000 soldiers. Under the leadership of General George Washington and the training of Baron von Steuben, the army transformed into a more disciplined force. Despite harsh conditions and disease, the troops maintained confidence and resilience, ultimately emerging stronger by June 19, 1778.

On March 10, 2023, Ukrainian forces conducted a missile strike in Bryansk, Russia, resulting in 6 civilian deaths and 37 injuries. The attack targeted a military facility involved in missile component production, causing significant damage. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed the operation, while Russian officials labeled it a terrorist act against civilians.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is adjusting its AI strategy in response to the unavailability of Anthropic's Claude model. The command is accelerating efforts to become more model-neutral in its AI applications. President Trump has directed federal agencies to cease using Anthropic's tools, leading to the company's lawsuit against the Pentagon for alleged retaliation. Concerns regarding the trust in AI for military operations were also discussed at the Pacific Operational Science & Technology conference.

Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. invested in drone technology through a merger between Aureus Greenway Holdings and Powerus Corporation in the United States. This investment aims to enhance the production of autonomous drones for the U.S. military, addressing current gaps in capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly with Iran. Powerus intends to leverage experiences from Ukraine to improve U.S. military drone operations.

Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. invested in drone technology through a merger between Aureus Greenway Holdings and Powerus Corporation in the United States. This investment aims to enhance the production of autonomous drones for the U.S. military, addressing current gaps in military capabilities amid geopolitical tensions. The merger follows recent military actions in the Middle East, highlighting the urgent need for advanced drone technology.

Approximately 140 American service members were wounded, with eight severely injured, during the first 10 days of Operation Epic Fury. The operation, which began on February 28, has resulted in at least seven American fatalities due to Iranian retaliatory strikes. U.S. officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, have pledged to continue military actions against Iran until their objectives are met.

Speculation about a military draft has arisen following U.S. military operations in Iran that began on February 28, 2023. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's comments regarding troop deployment options have fueled public concern. However, implementing a draft would require Congressional approval and is considered politically unpopular.

The U.S. Army approved the M111 Offensive Hand Grenade for service, marking the first new offensive grenade since 1968. Developed at Picatinny Arsenal, the grenade utilizes blast overpressure for incapacitation, making it safer for use in confined spaces. This approval allows the Army to transition the grenade from development to production, enhancing its close combat capabilities.

Iran is deploying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz using small, difficult-to-track vessels as of March 10, 2026. U.S. intelligence has detected signs of this operation, which could significantly disrupt maritime traffic and global energy markets. The estimated number of mines ranges from 2,000 to 6,000, and the U.S. Navy may be forced to engage in complex mine-clearing operations.

The U.S. military has expended over 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles in the first 72 hours of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, prompting a shift to Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) to conserve high-end munitions for the Indo-Pacific. General Dan Caine warned that continued military operations could deplete U.S. munitions stockpiles, affecting commitments to allies. Lockheed Martin and RTX are ramping up production of precision munitions to address the crisis.

The U.S. Army announced the retirement of the female drill sergeant bush hat, standardizing the campaign hat for all drill sergeants effective January 2, 2026. This decision follows a survey indicating that 70% of female NCOs preferred the campaign hat, aligning with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's emphasis on uniformity and military effectiveness. The change marks a significant shift in military policy regarding gender equality in uniform standards.

General Patton pivoted his Third Army of over 250,000 men during the Battle of the Bulge, decisively breaking the German siege of Bastogne from December 16, 1944, to January 28, 1945. His leadership restored the U.S. Army's confidence following earlier defeats and solidified his legacy as a key military figure in World War II.

The Danish Army has selected BAE Systems OneArc to provide the foundation for its new enterprise virtual training environment. This decision reflects the Army's commitment to modernizing its training capabilities in Denmark.