Analysis & Reports

On March 1, 2023, U.S. airstrikes destroyed and sank 9 Iranian naval vessels, as President Trump announced. In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to around 150 oil tankers being stranded. The situation has raised global oil prices and heightened tensions in the region.

The 5th Space Warning Squadron of the U.S. Space Force has prohibited alcohol consumption to maintain operational readiness amid ongoing military operations in Iran. This policy, effective February 28, 2024, follows the launch of Operation Epic Fury, which targeted Iranian missile and air defense sites, resulting in four U.S. service member casualties. The ban will remain in effect until lifted by the squadron commander or until the entry into Phase 3 of the Mission Delta 4 plan.

The U.S. military is seeking autonomous freighters to transport supplies in contested environments, with a minimum cargo capacity of 9 tons. These vessels will be designed to avoid capture and operate effectively in GPS-degraded conditions. The solicitation for these robotic ships is due on March 16, highlighting the military's focus on enhancing logistics capabilities in challenging maritime environments.

The U.S. military is seeking autonomous freighters to transport supplies in contested environments, with a minimum cargo capacity of 9 tons. These vessels will be designed to avoid capture and operate effectively in GPS-degraded conditions. The solicitation for these robotic ships is due on March 16, highlighting the military's focus on enhancing logistics capabilities in challenging maritime scenarios.

Denmark has finalized a contract with Rheinmetall Mobile Systeme for the delivery of five Role 2 field hospitals. This procurement is aimed at enhancing the military's medical capabilities. The contract reflects Denmark's commitment to improving its logistical support for military operations.

Hezbollah, backed by Iran, may open a new front in the ongoing Middle East crisis as Tehran launches strikes around the region.

Iran has launched attacks on U.S. military bases and energy facilities across multiple Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, as part of ongoing military operations. The U.S. embassy in Kuwait has issued a security alert amid threats of missile and drone attacks. Gulf nations are expressing concerns over their infrastructure being targeted in this escalating conflict.

AdlerAerospace and TRL Drones developed the TALOS-J and TALOS-E interceptor drone systems to address increasing unmanned aerial threats. The systems, influenced by operational lessons from Ukraine, aim to enhance military air defense capabilities. Live demonstrations are scheduled in Europe for April.

L3Harris appointed Kenneth Sharp as its new CFO, effective March 16, 2023, as the company prepares to spin off its missile business. Current CFO Ken Bedingfield will concentrate on the missile segment ahead of an anticipated IPO. The Defense Department's $1 billion investment is expected to support the growth of the missile business, projected to increase from $3.8 billion in 2025 to $6.3 billion in 2028.

Three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles were shot down by Kuwaiti Air Defense at Ali Al Salem Air Base on March 2, 2026, at 7:03 a.m. local time due to friendly fire during operations against Iranian drones. Fortunately, no crew members were significantly injured. The U.S. Air Force is investigating the incident, which raises concerns about communication and coordination between allied forces.

President Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to three soldiers on Monday for their acts of valor in World War II, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. Roddie Edmonds and Michael Ollis received the award posthumously, while Terry Richardson was recognized for his bravery during a reconnaissance mission. The ceremony highlights the sacrifices made by these service members in defense of their country.

Three U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted airstrikes against Iranian targets, including command centers and missile sites, following the decapitation of Iran's senior leadership. The strikes confirmed U.S. air superiority over Iran, with significant casualties reported among Iranian officials. The B-1B's capabilities were highlighted as it continues to play a crucial role in U.S. military operations.

France announced plans to expand its nuclear arsenal and implement 'advanced deterrence' to include deploying nuclear-capable forces to European allies. President Macron stated that Germany, the UK, and six other European nations will participate in discussions on nuclear cooperation. The initiative aims to strengthen European security in light of threats from Russia and other regional powers. France's nuclear capabilities include Rafale jets and M51 missiles, with an increase in the number of warheads planned.

U.S. Navy and Air Force conducted integrated maritime strike exercises off California, utilizing B-2 Spirit bombers and AIM-174B Gunslinger missiles. This occurred shortly before airstrikes on Iran's missile facilities, where B-2s targeted complex underground structures. The exercises aimed to enhance readiness against Chinese A2/AD threats and involved significant military assets from the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and 509th Bomb Wing.

The US and Israel initiated Operation Epic Fury against Iran, launching over 100 aircraft to strike more than 1,000 targets, including military infrastructure. Four US service members were killed, and three F-15E Strike Eagles were lost due to friendly fire. The operation began on Friday at 3:38 p.m. EST, with a focus on disrupting Iranian military capabilities.

Airman First Class McKenzie C. Cooper was found dead in her off-base residence near Shaw Air Force Base on February 23, 2025. She was 20 years old and assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing as a force support squadron airman. The cause of death is currently unknown, and the squadron expressed profound grief over her loss.

Belgium Naval & Robotics delivered the first mine countermeasures toolbox for the Belgian-Dutch rMCM programme in Zeebrugge, marking the start of system integration and commissioning aboard the vessel. This toolbox enhances the naval capabilities of the Belgian and Royal Netherlands Navies, enabling advanced mine warfare operations. The delivery is a crucial milestone, with further support planned for training and integration activities.

The 341st Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland failed to provide adequate care for 230 military working dogs from 2021 to 2023, resulting in the deaths of four dogs and widespread health issues. The dogs received only 10 minutes of engagement per day instead of the mandated five hours, leading to heat injuries and severe stress behaviors. The report from the DoD Inspector General revealed systemic neglect across 12 military bases, prompting recommendations for improved kennel conditions and care standards.

U.S. and Israeli forces launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran on February 28, 2025, resulting in the deaths of four U.S. troops and over 550 Iranians, including the supreme leader. Retaliatory attacks from Iran led to casualties in Bahrain and Pakistan, while Kuwaiti air defense mistakenly shot down three U.S. F-15 jets. The conflict has escalated tensions across the Gulf region.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that military operations against Iran will not be prolonged, aiming to eliminate Iran's offensive missile capabilities and naval infrastructure. The operations are expanding, with additional aircraft expected to join. Austin indicated that no U.S. troops have yet entered Iran, and the potential duration of the operations is estimated at 4 to 5 weeks.