Analysis & Reports

A U.S. submarine sank the Iranian warship 'Dena' with a torpedo in international waters near Sri Lanka on March 4, 2023, resulting in at least 86 crew fatalities. This incident marks the first use of a torpedo by the U.S. Navy to sink a ship since 1945. Experts noted the submarine's stealth and long-range capabilities contributed to the successful attack.

American defense firms showcased unmanned solutions, including Saildrone’s maritime drone and General Atomics’ aerial platform, at the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, just days before the Iran conflict began.

China announced a 7% increase in its defense budget for 2026, reaching 1.91 trillion RMB (approximately 277 billion USD), during the National People's Congress on March 5, 2026. This budget increase reflects China's commitment to military modernization, particularly in integrating artificial intelligence into its military operations. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is focusing on developing advanced technologies, including unmanned combat vehicles and AI systems, to enhance its military capabilities and reshape the regional security landscape.

Li MinghuiMon Mar 09 2026Loading...

On January 30, 2026, Japan and South Korea agreed to resume joint maritime search and rescue training in Tokyo, marking a significant shift in their defense cooperation after a nine-year hiatus. The agreement includes collaboration on AI and unmanned weapon systems to enhance interoperability against threats from North Korea and China. This development is viewed as a crucial step in strengthening trilateral security ties with the United States amid escalating regional tensions.

Tanaka TakashiMon Mar 09 2026Loading...

Iran's Speaker of Parliament, Ghalibaf, stated that the U.S. and Israel are responsible for regional instability and warned of retaliation against attacks on Iranian infrastructure. He highlighted Iran's new missile capabilities and criticized U.S. policies influenced by Israel. Ghalibaf emphasized that Iran does not seek a ceasefire with aggressors but aims for decisive punishment.

On March 8, U.S. Southern Command conducted an airstrike against a drug trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing six male suspects identified as terrorists. The vessel was confirmed to be operating along a known drug trafficking route in the Caribbean, with no U.S. casualties reported.

U.S. Central Command confirmed the death of a seventh soldier in military operations against Iran, with ongoing operations reported. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have destroyed four U.S. THAAD radar systems in the past 24 hours. The U.S. has also reported 18 soldiers seriously injured in these operations.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched the 30th round of Operation 'Real Commitment-4' on the night of the 8th, targeting U.S. military bases and northern Israel with Khoramshahr-4, Fateh, and Hezbollah Shekan missiles, as well as drones. This operation marks the first wave of missile attacks on Israel under the leadership of the new Supreme Leader Mujtaba Khamenei.

China is producing approximately 250 J-20 stealth fighters and developing the J-35A, aiming to close the gap with U.S. F-22 and F-35 fighters by 2027. The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) engages in grey zone tactics against Taiwan but lacks real combat experience, while the U.S. benefits from extensive operational data. The U.S. maintains superiority in sensor fusion and electronic warfare despite China's advantages in payload and range.

Iran's Foreign Minister stated that Iran must continue to fight for its people and security against U.S. and Israeli actions, which he claims are harming Iranian citizens. He emphasized that Iran has never intentionally attacked neighboring countries and will respond forcefully if U.S. ground troops are deployed. The remarks were made on the 8th, highlighting Iran's military posture and missile capabilities.

On March 7, the United States and Israel conducted airstrikes and missile attacks on a gamma irradiation facility in Isfahan, Iran, causing significant damage to the infrastructure. Iranian authorities reported no radioactive leakage or abnormal radiation levels in the surrounding area following the attack.

Maj. Sorffly Davius, an Army National Guard officer and former NYPD policeman, died on March 6 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, following a non-combat medical episode. His death is under investigation, and he was deployed in support of Operation Spartan Shield. The NYPD honored his service and sacrifice.

The Russian Armed Forces have ordered 132 units of the T-14 Armata tank, but production and deployment remain limited due to high costs and industrial constraints. Despite its advanced features, the T-14 is viewed as a niche capability within the military, with a focus on refurbishing older T-72 tanks for ongoing operations in Ukraine.

The U.S. Navy is evaluating the extension of Ohio-class SSGNs' service life due to a projected firepower gap as they prepare for retirement starting in 2026. The Navy recognizes the critical need for long-range precision strike capabilities, particularly with the ongoing conflict in Iran. Each Ohio-class SSGN can carry 154 Tomahawk missiles, and the transition to Virginia-class submarines with enhanced capabilities is underway, but may not be sufficient in time.

On March 8, 2023, U.S. Central Command reported that a U.S. soldier injured in an attack in Saudi Arabia on March 1 has died, marking the seventh U.S. soldier killed in the ongoing 'Epic Fury' operation. The main combat operations continue, and the identities of the fallen soldiers will be released after family notifications are made.

On March 3, 2026, U.S. Air Force B-52 bombers targeted Iranian ballistic missile and command-and-control posts as part of Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28, 2026. The operation has seen U.S. forces strike 2,000 targets in Iran, demonstrating the flexibility and capability of the B-52 in a non-stealth environment. The Air Force Global Strike Command is also prepared to restore nuclear capabilities to the B-52 fleet.

The Israeli Navy conducted precision strikes in Beirut on the night of the 7th, killing five senior commanders of the Iranian Quds Force. The commanders were reportedly meeting at a hotel in the city during the attack.

Leopard 2 tanks are struggling in Ukraine due to logistical challenges and the rise of drone warfare. Ukrainian forces, receiving these tanks from NATO allies, face operational difficulties as advanced systems require specialized maintenance and support. The proliferation of drones and modern anti-tank weapons has further complicated their deployment, highlighting the need for integrated battlefield support.

France transferred Mirage 2000-5 fighters to Ukraine in early 2025 to bolster air defense against Russian forces. The jets, which include advanced capabilities like MICA missiles, are part of France's military support. Despite their arrival, they are not expected to significantly change the war's dynamics, as Ukraine has already lost at least one of the aircraft.

Canada is engaged in a debate over its future air power, considering the F-35 Lightning II and Saab JAS 39 Gripen. The U.S. has indicated it may restrict access to the Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) if Canada opts for the Gripen, which is essential for NATO interoperability. This situation is influenced by President Trump's demands for higher defense spending.