Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy is evaluating the retirement of its Ohio-class submarines, which are essential for initial strikes in conflicts. By March 2026, these submarines will face significant operational limitations due to hull fatigue and reactor expiration. The transition to Virginia-class submarines may lead to a reduced strike capacity, raising concerns about a potential capability gap in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany has paused its labor and delivery services to prioritize combat care amid ongoing military operations in the Middle East. This decision follows an attack by Iran that resulted in the deaths of six U.S. service members in Kuwait. The hospital will continue to provide prenatal appointments until 36 weeks and is referring patients to other local hospitals for labor and delivery services.

U.S. and Israeli strikes in March 2026 severely degraded Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities. Despite this, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is expected to consolidate power, leading to a more tightly controlled political order. The U.S. now faces a different strategic environment in the Gulf, with Iran operating under tighter limits but remaining hostile.

The US Air Force is seeking additional vendors for a radar-killing missile similar to the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) to be delivered by 2030. The Air Force requires the missile to have extended range and advanced targeting capabilities, with production of up to 600 units annually. This initiative follows a contract awarded to Northrop Grumman for the SiAW in 2023, as the Air Force aims to enhance its missile capabilities.

U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure starting February 28, 2026, striking over 1,700 targets, including missile bases and command centers. The B-2 Spirit bomber played a crucial role in targeting hardened facilities, while the F-22 Raptor ensured air superiority. Iran primarily responded with missile and drone attacks against Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.

Hezbollah claimed to have struck an assembly of the Israel Defense Forces in Southern Lebanon using guided missiles at 4:55 PM local time on the 5th. The Israel Defense Forces have not yet commented on this incident.

Concerns arise over the U.S. missile stockpile depletion amid ongoing conflicts, prompting the Trump administration to order defense contractors to accelerate production. The U.S. Department of Defense is focusing on increasing the production of precision-guided munitions and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to meet high demand. HII plans to enhance UUV testing efficiency by 75% to improve military capabilities.

Iranian forces struck the USS Abraham Lincoln with a drone in the Oman Sea on March 5, 340 kilometers from Iranian waters. Following the attack, the aircraft carrier and its accompanying destroyer retreated more than 1,000 kilometers from the area.

The U.S. Coast Guard selected the former Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama to establish a new recruit training center, expected to be operational by the end of 2024. This decision is part of the Coast Guard's Force Design 2028 modernization plan, aiming to enhance training facilities for 1,200 recruits. The site was chosen for its cost-effectiveness and ability to meet immediate operational needs, although concerns have been raised about the selection process.

China is expanding its naval capabilities with the construction of the Type 004 supercarrier in Dalian, expected to be operational by 2030. The People's Liberation Army Navy currently operates three carriers and is producing the J-35 stealth fighter to enhance its power projection. Despite challenges in operational experience and logistics, China's advancements in naval technology signify a significant leap in military capability.

TDW detailed the Lion Strike family of warheads for loitering munitions at the Nurnberg exhibition. The Lion Strike 110, capable of penetrating 800 mm of armor, is undergoing final qualification and has a contract from a NATO country. The Lion Strike 90 is in development, while the Lion Strike 140 awaits increased demand before full development begins.

Raytheon has secured a $183.68 million contract to provide new hardware and services for the Patriot missile system in the United Arab Emirates. This contract is part of ongoing defense procurement efforts amid regional security concerns.

Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian Ka-27 helicopter during a nighttime strike on the Syvash drilling platform in the Black Sea on March 5. The operation, conducted by the Ukrainian Navy and Special Operations Forces, targeted Russian military personnel and equipment, inflicting substantial losses. The platform had been utilized by Russian forces for surveillance and coordination of drone strikes against southern Ukraine.

The U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, causing instability that stranded American citizens in countries like Iran, Israel, Oman, Cyprus, and Turkey. The State Department urged Americans to leave but faced criticism for not following standard evacuation procedures. Charter flights were eventually arranged to evacuate U.S. nationals as the situation escalated.

Iran is prepared to respond to potential U.S. ground operations, as stated by Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, on March 5. He emphasized that Iranian officials are aware of U.S. plans and are ready to act to embarrass them if necessary.

Royal Air Force Typhoons engaged in air policing and drone interception operations in Romania, Poland, Kuwait, and Qatar from March 2024 to January 2026. The Typhoon demonstrated a 98% reliability rate in NATO missions and recorded four air-to-air kills against Iranian drones. These deployments highlight the aircraft's role in regional security and its evolution into a multi-role combat platform.

Stephen Silver evaluates Winston Churchill's military decisions, particularly the Dardanelles campaign during World War I, which led to significant casualties and criticism of Churchill. The analysis highlights the contrast between Churchill's eventual success in World War II and his earlier failures, emphasizing the impact of the Dardanelles campaign on his career and reputation.

The Pentagon is actively integrating artificial intelligence into military operations, addressing challenges in its implementation. Trey Coleman, a retired US Air Force colonel and chief product officer at RAFT, discusses these challenges and the relevance of the Rifleman's Creed to contemporary data usage.

The Trump administration plans to use Kurdish insurgents to instigate an uprising against Iran in 2026. Historical examples indicate that such insurgencies can inadvertently strengthen authoritarian regimes. Kurdish leaders are advised to secure U.S. commitments, including the delisting of the PKK, to avoid past mistakes of betrayal. The geopolitical landscape remains complicated by Turkey's opposition to Kurdish empowerment.

Iran has conducted extensive retaliatory strikes against the UAE and Israel in response to U.S. and Israeli military actions, resulting in over 1,230 Iranian deaths. The U.S. and Israel have executed more than 3,600 military strikes in Iran, leading to six American soldier fatalities. Ukraine is deploying experts to assist Middle Eastern nations in countering Iranian drone threats. Oil prices have surged by 15% amid ongoing conflict, with significant risks to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.