Analysis & Reports

Iran is actively developing advanced missile systems and drones in response to threats from Israel and the U.S. The Iranian Armed Forces showcased several missile types, including the 'Conqueror' hypersonic missile and the 'Pave' cruise missile, which can change targets mid-flight. Additionally, Iran has become a major producer of drones, exemplified by the 'Witness-136' drone, capable of long-range strikes.

Iran launched missile and drone attacks on the U.S. military base in Al Udeid, Qatar, on March 2, 2023, marking the third consecutive day of assaults. The attacks also impacted local energy facilities, prompting Qatar to suspend liquefied natural gas production. In response, Qatar declared a national emergency, advising citizens to remain indoors as public activities were halted.

The U.S. is preparing to significantly increase military attacks on Iran within the next 24 hours, targeting its missile production capabilities, drones, and naval forces. This follows a previous round of strikes that reportedly weakened Iran's defenses. President Trump has indicated that the military actions may last 4 to 5 weeks, and the Pentagon has not yet commented on the situation.

Iranian drones attacked the Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates last weekend, confirmed by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles. All personnel at the base, which has housed Australian forces since 2003, were reported safe. This incident follows a recent escalation in tensions following U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran.

The Islamic Resistance Organization conducted 28 attacks using dozens of missiles and drones against US units in Iraq and Kuwait on March 2. These attacks were claimed to be in response to US military presence in the region.

The U.S. Air Force's F-15 fighter jet continues to demonstrate its capabilities and relevance in modern combat, particularly following recent incidents in Kuwait. The F-15's upgrades, including the F-15EX, enhance its operational effectiveness against advanced air defenses. Kuwait's advanced air defense systems, including Patriot and NASAMS, were involved in a recent friendly fire incident, underscoring the importance of clear identification protocols in military operations.

The U.S. Navy expended approximately 400 Tomahawk missiles during the first three days of Operation Epic Fury in Iran, raising concerns about its missile inventory and readiness for potential conflicts in the Taiwan Strait. This unsustainable expenditure could leave the U.S. vulnerable if another conflict arises, as current production rates cannot replenish the used missiles quickly enough. Allies, including Japan and Australia, may also experience delays in receiving their Tomahawk missile orders.

The Israeli Air Force conducted a significant offensive operation against Iranian missile arrays and command nodes in 2026, deploying 200 jets including F-35I Adirs, F-15I Ra'ams, and F-16I Soufas. This operation highlights the IAF's advanced capabilities and strategic importance in the ongoing conflict with Iran. The IAF is recognized as one of the world's top air forces, with a total of 531 active aircraft.

Qatar's air force shot down 2 Iranian Su-24 bombers and intercepted 7 ballistic missiles and 5 drones on March 2. These aircraft and missiles were attempting to attack targets within Qatar. The operation highlights Qatar's defensive capabilities against aerial threats.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched the 12th round of Operation 'True Commitment-4' on March 2, attacking U.S. military targets in Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, and the Strait of Hormuz with 26 drones and 5 ballistic missiles. The U.S. base in Kuwait was struck by 12 drones, while the command center at the UAE base was hit by 6 drones and 5 missiles. A tanker named 'Athens Nova' caught fire after being hit by a drone in the Strait of Hormuz.

On March 2, the Qatari military shot down two Iranian Su-24 fighter jets and intercepted 7 ballistic missiles and 5 drones. This action follows Iranian retaliatory attacks against U.S. military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan after U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran on February 28.

Saudi Arabia's Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) operates a modern fleet of 914 active aircraft, including advanced F-15SA fighters and Eurofighter Typhoons, for air defense and strike operations. The RSAF plays a crucial role in national defense, supported by U.S. and U.K. training. The potential acquisition of F-35 jets could further enhance its capabilities, posing a threat to regional rivals.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against Iran, employing new weaponry such as the LUCAS suicide drone and black-painted Tomahawk missiles. This operation marked the first combat use of the LUCAS drone, targeting Iranian Revolutionary Guard facilities. Additionally, the new PrSM precision strike missile was utilized, enhancing the U.S. strike capabilities in the region.

On March 1, 2023, U.S. airstrikes destroyed and sank 9 Iranian naval vessels, as President Trump announced. In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to around 150 oil tankers being stranded. The situation has raised global oil prices and heightened tensions in the region.

Iran has launched attacks on U.S. military bases and energy facilities across multiple Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, as part of ongoing military operations. The U.S. embassy in Kuwait has issued a security alert amid threats of missile and drone attacks. Gulf nations are expressing concerns over their infrastructure being targeted in this escalating conflict.

Three U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted airstrikes against Iranian targets, including command centers and missile sites, following the decapitation of Iran's senior leadership. The strikes confirmed U.S. air superiority over Iran, with significant casualties reported among Iranian officials. The B-1B's capabilities were highlighted as it continues to play a crucial role in U.S. military operations.

U.S. Navy and Air Force conducted integrated maritime strike exercises off California, utilizing B-2 Spirit bombers and AIM-174B Gunslinger missiles. This occurred shortly before airstrikes on Iran's missile facilities, where B-2s targeted complex underground structures. The exercises aimed to enhance readiness against Chinese A2/AD threats and involved significant military assets from the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and 509th Bomb Wing.

U.S. and Israeli forces launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran on February 28, 2025, resulting in the deaths of four U.S. troops and over 550 Iranians, including the supreme leader. Retaliatory attacks from Iran led to casualties in Bahrain and Pakistan, while Kuwaiti air defense mistakenly shot down three U.S. F-15 jets. The conflict has escalated tensions across the Gulf region.

Qatar's air defenses shot down two Iranian Su-24 Fencer jets on March 2, 2026, while intercepting seven ballistic missiles and five drones targeting the country. The Qatar Emiri Air Force and Navy successfully neutralized these threats, preventing any damage or casualties. This incident marks a significant engagement for Qatar's military, highlighting their operational readiness and capability to respond to external threats.

On March 1, 2026, U.S. Central Command confirmed that four B-2 Spirit stealth bombers executed airstrikes against hardened Iranian ballistic missile facilities as part of Operation Epic Fury. The bombers dropped GBU-31 2,000-pound bombs targeting underground missile sites, contributing to a broader U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iranian infrastructure.