Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy evaluates the survivability of its aircraft carriers in 2026, highlighting their ongoing relevance despite increasing threats from China's advanced missile systems. The Navy is adapting by integrating unmanned aircraft like the MQ-25 Stingray to extend operational range. Carriers continue to play a crucial role in U.S. military strategy, providing mobility and sustained airpower, even as their vulnerabilities grow due to modern warfare dynamics.

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted extensive airstrikes against Iranian targets, resulting in 1230 deaths in Iran. Iran retaliated with over 500 missile and drone strikes, targeting both U.S. and Israeli interests. Concurrently, Israel increased military operations in Lebanon, attacking over 320 targets and causing significant casualties. The U.S. Navy sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, leading to further tensions.

The U.S. military is actively engaged in Operation Epic Fury against Iran, utilizing significant air and missile defense resources. As of February 28, 2025, 50,000 U.S. troops and various air assets are deployed in the region. The operation has led to the use of THAAD and SM-3 interceptors, with concerns about the depletion of interceptor stockpiles due to ongoing hostilities. Six U.S. service members were killed in a drone strike in Kuwait, underscoring the operational risks.

The U.S. military is actively engaged in Operation Epic Fury against Iran, utilizing significant missile interceptor resources. As of February 28, 2025, the U.S. has deployed THAAD and SM-3 interceptors in response to Iranian missile threats, with concerns about the depletion of these resources. The conflict has resulted in casualties among U.S. service members due to drone strikes, emphasizing the operational challenges faced by U.S. forces in the region.

On April 15, 2024, the 509th Bomb Wing of the U.S. Air Force conducted the largest 'elephant walk' exercise at Whiteman Air Force Base, involving 12 B-2 Spirit stealth bombers. This exercise demonstrated the bombers' capabilities and readiness, showcasing their significant payload capacity and long-range operational capabilities. The event served as a strategic show of force to potential adversaries, reinforcing the B-2's role in U.S. military operations.

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against nearly 200 targets in Iran, including Tehran, over the past few days. B-2 bombers targeted ballistic missile launchers with 2000-pound bombs, significantly degrading Iran's military capabilities. The U.S. has also sunk over 30 Iranian naval vessels and is now focusing on dismantling Iran's ballistic missile industrial base. Defense Secretary Hegseth indicated that U.S. firepower over Iran is set to increase dramatically.

The S-500 air defense system, deployed in Crimea, has struggled to counter modern threats, failing to intercept missiles targeting the Kerch Bridge in 2024. Despite claims of its capabilities against stealth aircraft, recent incidents highlight significant operational gaps. The destruction of a key radar component by a Ukrainian drone further questions the system's effectiveness in real combat scenarios.

U.S. Central Command reported the destruction of over 30 Iranian navy vessels, including a drone carrier that is currently on fire. In the last 72 hours, U.S. bombers have conducted airstrikes on nearly 200 targets deep inside Iran, significantly degrading Iran's military capabilities. The U.S. is actively dismantling Iran's missile production capabilities, with a notable decrease in Iranian missile and drone attacks.

F-16 fighters employed swarm tactics to defeat F-35 fighters during Red Flag exercises at Nellis Air Force Base in 2015 and 2017. The F-35's flight control software was improved over time, leading to its eventual success in combat scenarios, including a notable engagement with an Iranian Yak-130 in 2026. This highlights the evolving nature of air combat tactics and the capabilities of both aircraft.

Iranian military forces issued a strong response to recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes, condemning them as acts of aggression. Commander Abdollahi stated that Iran has previously dealt heavy blows to U.S. and Israeli forces and that their counterattacks will continue and intensify. The Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary announced that Iran is prepared to respond to any U.S. ground operations.

The House of Representatives narrowly rejected a war powers resolution aimed at halting military action against Iran, reflecting growing unease among lawmakers. Six U.S. military members were killed in a recent drone strike in Kuwait, and over 1,230 people have died in Iran due to the conflict. The Senate also voted against a similar measure, indicating a divided response to President Trump's military strategy.

A U.S. THAAD missile defense radar was attacked and possibly destroyed at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on March 5, 2023, during initial strikes against Iran. Satellite imagery indicates significant damage and debris around the radar site, which is a key component of the air defense system valued at nearly $500 million. Reports suggest that similar radar facilities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait may have also been targeted.

The U.S. Navy is speculated to have considered the Montana-class battleships as potential platforms for Tomahawk missile deployment against Iran in March 2026. These battleships, if built, could have significantly enhanced missile capabilities during Operation Epic Fury, addressing the current Tomahawk depletion crisis. The analysis emphasizes the Montana-class's superior armor and potential effectiveness against Iranian coastal defenses.

On March 5, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intercepted a U.S. F-15E fighter jet using their air defense system, resulting in the aircraft crashing near Southwest Iran. The IRGC released video footage of the interception, while U.S. Central Command denied the claims of the aircraft being shot down.

The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes in southern Beirut at approximately 10:48 PM local time on October 5. Residents were warned to evacuate due to the imminent danger, and heavy explosions were reported at the site. The Israeli Defense Forces had previously issued an emergency warning prohibiting movement southward.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched the 21st round of Operation 'Real Commitment 4', conducting missile and drone strikes against targets in Tel Aviv early on the 6th. The operation utilized the Kheybar Shekan ballistic missile to strike central locations in the city.

The U.S. Air Force is modernizing the F-22 Raptor with an $11 billion upgrade package that includes Low Drag Tank and Pylon hardware, extending its combat range significantly. New IRST sensors enhance its survivability, and the aircraft is now capable of commanding MQ-20 Avenger drones. These upgrades ensure the F-22 remains a premier air dominance platform until the introduction of the F-47 in 2026. The F-22 has been actively deployed in operations across various regions, including the Indo-Pacific and against threats in Iran and Venezuela.

Missile strikes targeted two locations on a highway in Iran on March 5, resulting in 30 casualties. The assailants remain unidentified, and the strikes have raised concerns about security in the region.

Israeli Defense Forces are entering the next phase of operations against Iran as of March 5, having completed the initial phase that involved achieving air superiority and suppressing Iranian missile positions. The focus will now shift to increasing efforts to damage the Iranian regime's foundations and military capabilities.

James 'Aaron' Bishop was appointed as the acting Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and deputy Chief Information Officer (CIO) for cybersecurity at the Department of Defense on February 27, 2025. He replaces David McKeown, who is retiring after over 40 years of service. Bishop's extensive background in cybersecurity and technology is expected to support the Department's focus on enhancing lethality and warfighter readiness.