Analysis & Reports

The U.S. approved a $151.8 million Foreign Military Sale to Israel on March 6, 2023, for 12,000 BLU-110A/B munitions and related support services. This decision was made under an emergency determination, allowing the sale to proceed without the standard congressional review. The approval aims to strengthen Israel's defense capabilities amid ongoing military operations against Iranian forces in the region.

The U.S. Army conducted a field demonstration of the SlingWorks drone strike system at the Yuma Proving Ground during the CDF CFWE 26 exercise. The system was tested for its ability to deliver targeting data and precision strike capabilities, utilizing existing Army networks. The demonstration included the integration of the SkyStriker loitering munition, enhancing the Army's precision fires capability.

Kazakhstan has initiated serial production of the Barys 6×6 armored combat vehicle at the Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering facility. This vehicle, designed for military and security operations, is a localized version of the South African Mbombe 6 platform. It incorporates advanced Mine Resistant Ambush Protected technology to enhance crew safety against explosive threats. The production underscores Kazakhstan's commitment to developing its domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.

Iran's armed forces continue to conduct strikes against the United States and Israel as of March 7. The spokesperson stated that all bases identified as sources of aggression have been targeted, and countries that do not support the U.S. and Israel will not be targeted in the future.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on Tehran and Isfahan, Iran, on March 7. Explosions were reported in central Tehran earlier that day, indicating the strikes' impact. This action reflects ongoing military operations in the region.

The Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on March 7, deploying over 80 aircraft to target military facilities in Tehran and central Iran. The strikes aimed at missile storage sites, command centers, and included an attack on Imam Hussein University, a key military academy for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Hundreds of military personnel were present at the time of the strikes.

Iran is implementing a strategy of asymmetric warfare to increase the costs of conflict for the U.S. and compel a troop withdrawal. This involves expanding the battlefield and targeting regional infrastructure. Iranian leaders assert their readiness for a prolonged conflict, aiming to exhaust U.S. resources and resolve.

On March 4, 2026, President Putin authorized a significant expansion of the Russian Armed Forces to 2,391,770 personnel, including 1,502,640 military personnel. This expansion coincided with a slowdown in Russian territorial advances in Ukraine, where Ukrainian forces liberated 244 square kilometers. The disruption of Russian access to Starlink satellite communications has degraded their operational capabilities, while Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian military infrastructure. Additionally, Russia's military is adapting its tactics and expanding its capabilities, posing new challenges for NATO.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 07 2026Loading...

Gulf Cooperation Council states intercepted hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones in March 2026, demonstrating significant advancements in air defense capabilities. Qatar reported intercepting 98 of 101 ballistic missiles, while the UAE neutralized over 800 threats. This military response follows the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and reflects a decade-long transformation in regional defense strategies, emphasizing indigenous capabilities and industrialization.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Mar 07 2026Loading...

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted precision missile strikes against three separatist group locations in Iraqi Kurdistan on March 7 at 4:30 AM. The Iranian military warned that any actions threatening Iran's territorial integrity would result in devastating retaliation.

Germany is significantly increasing its military spending and addressing long-standing infrastructure issues within its armed forces. Despite a rise in military expenditure, challenges remain, including outdated facilities and a recruitment goal of 260,000 personnel by 2035. The German Armed Forces have initiated a new brigade in Lithuania to bolster NATO's eastern defenses while facing criticism over slow infrastructure improvements.

U.S. airstrikes commenced against Iran on March 3, 2023, targeting military capabilities and signaling a potential regime change. President Trump emphasized the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to destroy its missile and naval capabilities. Experts caution that relying solely on air power may not achieve these ambitious goals, given Iran's significant population and military resilience.

The Iranian military announced large-scale drone attacks targeting U.S. military bases in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait, as well as Israeli radar facilities on March 7.

On January 30, 2026, Japan and South Korea reached a historic agreement in Seoul to enhance defense cooperation, resuming joint maritime search and rescue exercises and establishing a framework for collaboration in AI and unmanned weapon systems. This agreement marks a significant shift in military relations, addressing regional security challenges posed by North Korea and reflecting a commitment to ongoing military collaboration.

Tanaka TakashiSat Mar 07 2026Loading...

On January 30, 2026, Japan and South Korea agreed to strengthen defense cooperation, resuming naval search and rescue exercises and collaborating on AI and unmanned systems. Japan plans to deploy new anti-ship missiles, while South Korea advances its unmanned combat capabilities. This agreement marks a significant shift in regional security dynamics amid ongoing threats from North Korea and concerns from China.

Tanaka TakashiSat Mar 07 2026Loading...

Iranian naval forces conducted large-scale drone attacks on U.S. military locations near Abu Dhabi and a base in Kuwait on March 7. The strikes targeted U.S. military assembly areas and radar systems in Israel.

President Trump announced that U.S. defense companies have agreed to quadruple missile production amid ongoing military operations in Iran and Venezuela. This decision follows a meeting with major defense contractors to address production challenges. The U.S. has reportedly increased orders for various missile systems, including THAAD and Patriot interceptors, as part of efforts to bolster military capabilities during the conflict.

Iranian missiles struck and destroyed the radar system of the U.S. THAAD missile defense system deployed in Jordan on March 7, 2023. This attack is part of a broader Iranian response to recent U.S. and Israeli military actions in the region. Satellite imagery has confirmed damage to radar systems in multiple Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

On March 6, the U.S. Department of State approved an arms sale to Israel valued at approximately $151.8 million, which includes 12,000 BLU-110A/B bombs. Secretary of State Rubio declared an 'emergency' situation, allowing the sale to proceed without congressional review.

China announced a defense budget of 1.9096 trillion RMB (approximately 276.8 billion USD) for 2026, marking a 7% increase, the lowest since 2021. This slowdown reflects economic pressures and ongoing military modernization efforts amid anti-corruption initiatives. The People's Liberation Army is focusing on technological advancements, including artificial intelligence and unmanned systems, to enhance its combat capabilities.

Li MinghuiSat Mar 07 2026Loading...