Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military deployed Precision Strike Missiles against Iranian targets as part of Operation Epic Fury. This marks the first combat use of the PrSM, which can accurately strike from 250 miles away. The operation has resulted in the destruction of over 2,000 military targets in Iran, including a naval frigate. Other advanced weapon systems, such as Patriot and THAAD, were also utilized during the operation.

The U.S. military deployed Precision Strike Missiles against Iranian targets as part of Operation Epic Fury. This marks the first combat use of the PrSM, which can accurately strike from 250 miles away. The operation has resulted in the destruction of over 2,000 military targets in Iran, including a naval frigate. Other advanced weapon systems, such as Patriot and THAAD, were also utilized during the operation.

General Patton took command of the U.S. II Corps in March 1943, restoring discipline and leading U.S. forces to victory at the Battle of El Guettar in North Africa. This battle marked the first successful engagement against German Panzers, demonstrating the effectiveness of American forces under Patton's leadership. His reforms and tactical coordination erased the stigma of earlier defeats and validated U.S. military capabilities during World War II.

Embraer and Valkyrie Aero are enhancing the A-29 Super Tucano's capabilities for Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) missions in Jacksonville, Florida, on March 04, 2026. The partnership focuses on integrating the Gunslinger AI suite, which improves tactical decision-making against unmanned threats. This upgrade aims to provide effective and low-cost counter-drone capabilities, leveraging the A-29's advanced features.

Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher officially took office as the first submarine czar of the U.S. Navy on February 23, 2024, in Washington. He will oversee the production of Virginia and Columbia-class submarines, which are currently facing delays due to workforce shortages and supply chain issues. This new role aims to enhance leadership and streamline submarine construction efforts.

The U.S. Army is expanding its direct commissioning program to recruit civilians in high-tech fields, allowing them to join as captains and lieutenants. This initiative aims to enhance the Army's technical capabilities in areas such as AI and robotics. The commissioning process has been streamlined to approximately six months, focusing on candidates with relevant experience and education. This program builds on previous efforts that included commissioning Silicon Valley executives into the Army Reserve.

The US Army awarded Yank Technologies a contract to develop a wireless charging system for warfighter wearable batteries in military vehicles. This initiative is part of the Department of Defense's Small Business Innovation Research program, aimed at enhancing logistics for military operations.

Ukrainian Air Force has been utilizing approximately 4-6 Mirage 2000-5 aircraft since February 2025 to intercept Russian cruise missiles and conduct airstrikes against logistics targets. The aircraft have achieved high interception rates, reportedly up to 98%, despite facing limitations due to the small fleet size and threats from Russian air patrols. France continues to support Ukraine with additional aircraft and munitions deliveries.

A U.S. Navy nuclear-powered submarine torpedoed the Iranian frigate Dena this morning, approximately 40 nautical miles off the coast of Galle, Sri Lanka. The attack, using a Mark 48 ADCAP torpedo, resulted in the sinking of the vessel and the loss of 87 sailors, with 32 survivors rescued. This incident marks the first enemy vessel sunk by a U.S. submarine since World War II.

Integrated air and missile defense forces from the United States, Israel, and Gulf partners successfully defended against Iranian air, missile, and drone attacks in the Middle East. This success highlights the effectiveness of their coordinated defense systems, but also reveals a critical inventory problem for interceptors. The U.S. must expand production and improve its missile defense capabilities to address ongoing and future threats, particularly from Iran and China.

A U.S. Navy submarine sunk an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean on March 3, 2026, using a single Mk-48 torpedo. This marks the first confirmed torpedo kill by a U.S. submarine since World War II, as acknowledged by Pentagon officials during a press briefing. The operation is part of ongoing combat engagements in Iran, referred to as Operation Epic Fury.

Ukrainian President Zelensky proposed military cooperation with Middle Eastern countries, suggesting an exchange of drone interception technology for Patriot-3 air defense missiles. He emphasized that elections in Ukraine will only occur after the war concludes. Meanwhile, Russian forces launched 149 drones at Ukraine, with Ukrainian air defenses intercepting 129 of them. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential diversion of U.S. military resources to Iran, which could impact support for Ukraine.

Japan is enhancing its military capabilities by strengthening the Sulfur Island airbase and planning to establish an air defense identification zone over the Ogasawara Islands. Approximately 350 personnel from the Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces are currently stationed on Sulfur Island. These actions are part of Japan's strategy to increase its military presence in the Pacific amid concerns over China's military activities. The establishment of the air defense identification zone will significantly expand Japan's air defense coverage.

The Office of Budget Responsibility has declared that an increase in defense spending is necessary due to ongoing geopolitical unrest. This decision reflects a response to the current global security environment, emphasizing the importance of military readiness.

U.S. Central Command has conducted extensive military operations against Iranian targets, deploying over 2000 munitions in nearly 100 hours. Concerns are growing regarding the sustainability of these operations due to depleting munitions stocks, particularly in missile interceptors. Iran has responded with over 500 ballistic missiles and 2000 drones, escalating the conflict. The financial burden of these operations is substantial, with daily costs estimated at over $6 million.

The U.S. Navy is considering escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz following Iran's announcement to close the strait. Currently, about 12 naval vessels, including Burke-class destroyers, are deployed in the region, but there are concerns about their capability to undertake such escort missions due to Iranian anti-ship threats. Historical precedents highlight the risks involved in similar operations.

Defense executives met with Trump administration officials in Washington to discuss replenishing munitions expended in Iran, with a potential funding request exceeding $50 billion. U.S. Central Command reported a significant reduction in Iranian missile activity, and a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship. The U.S. is shifting to precision weapons to enhance operational effectiveness.

The U.S. Navy conducts operations from the Gulf of Oman to maintain strike dominance against Iranian threats in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite Iran's attempts to close the strait with mines and small boat swarms, U.S. forces can project power without needing to transit the narrow passage. The ongoing U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran continues to evolve amid significant geopolitical implications for global oil supply.

Dassault Aviation's CEO Eric Trappier announced that the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project is at risk due to unresolved disagreements with Airbus, stating the project could be 'dead' without resolution. He expressed willingness to seek alternative partners if necessary. French President Emmanuel Macron supported the idea of a unified European fighter model, highlighting the importance of collaboration in defense projects. Despite the challenges, Dassault's financial performance remains strong, with a significant increase in company value this year.

Dassault Aviation accused Airbus of refusing to collaborate on the future combat air system project, jeopardizing its success. The dispute has persisted for years, with Airbus proposing a two-aircraft solution that Dassault opposes. French President Macron and former Chancellor Merkel initiated the project in 2017, but negotiations for its next phase are stalled due to unresolved leadership and authority issues. Meanwhile, Dassault plans to negotiate a contract for 114 Rafale jets with India this year.