Analysis & Reports

Italy's parliament approved 8.8 billion euros for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) in February 2026. Germany is considering joining GCAP, which could strengthen the program's financial and technological base. This development indicates a shift towards broader European defense cooperation, enhancing Japan's strategic value in NATO contexts.

Tanaka TakashiMon Mar 02 2026Loading...

Japan is set to deploy improved Type 12 anti-ship missiles at Kumamoto by March 2026, significantly extending their range to approximately 1,000 km. This deployment marks a pivotal shift in Japan's defense strategy amid rising regional tensions, including China's maritime expansion and North Korea's missile activities. The 2026 defense budget is projected to reach a record 9 trillion yen, reflecting Japan's commitment to enhancing its military capabilities and regional security cooperation with South Korea.

Tanaka TakashiMon Mar 02 2026Loading...

A U.S. F-15 fighter jet crashed in Kuwait on March 2, with the pilot successfully ejecting and surviving. The aircraft reportedly caught fire before its descent, and there are claims it may have been mistakenly shot down by friendly forces. The U.S. military has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident.

An Israeli airstrike in Lebanon resulted in 31 deaths and 149 injuries, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The incident occurred on March 2.

Israeli airstrikes killed Hezbollah senior leader Muhammad Raad in Beirut on March 2. The strikes targeted multiple senior officials of Hezbollah, as confirmed by the Israeli military.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone in Isfahan on March 2. The drone was intercepted by Iran's defense systems, marking a significant military action against U.S. assets in the region.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes against Hezbollah targets across Lebanon on March 2, in response to rocket fire from Hezbollah. The strikes included precision attacks on senior Hezbollah officials in Beirut and were part of a broader military operation to ensure national security. Hezbollah retaliated with precision rockets and drones targeting Israeli military positions.

U.S. Central Command continues to conduct airstrikes against Iran as of March 1. This ongoing military operation was confirmed through an official statement on social media.

Iraqi Shiite militia conducted a drone attack on U.S. military targets at Baghdad International Airport on March 2. The U.S. has not yet responded to the incident.

The Lhasa ship, a 055-class destroyer of the People's Liberation Army Navy, celebrated its 5th anniversary since commissioning in 2018. It is recognized for its advanced capabilities in air defense, land attack, and automated systems. The ship is part of a fleet of 8 destroyers, contributing to China's naval operations and security.

In January 2026, the Chinese Ministry of Defense announced investigations into General Zhang Youxia and General Liu Zhenli for serious violations, marking the highest-level military purge since Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign began. This investigation has led to a significant reduction in the effective leadership of the Central Military Commission, raising concerns about trust within the military. Despite these leadership changes, the PLA has maintained a high level of military activity, including increased incursions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone and expanded naval operations in the South China Sea.

Li MinghuiMon Mar 02 2026Loading...

The Chinese Navy hospital ship 'Silk Road Ark' arrived in Valparaíso, Chile on March 1, 2023, for a 7-day friendly visit and medical exchange activities. This visit is part of the ship's 'Harmonious Mission-2025' task and marks its second visit to Chile since 2018. The ship will host open ship events and engage in medical exchanges with local naval facilities.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing for further military operations following rocket fire from Hezbollah on March 2. IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has approved these operations, indicating readiness for both offensive and defensive actions. The IDF emphasized that any threats to their security will result in significant consequences.

The U.S. Department of Defense will hold a press conference on March 2 at 8 AM EST to discuss military operations against Iran, specifically the 'Epic Fury' operation. Key officials, including Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, will provide updates on the situation.

Ukraine's military faces a significant shortage of Javelin missiles, producing only 4,000 units annually against a demand of 500 per day. The rise of low-cost FPV drones has overshadowed the Javelin's role in anti-tank operations, as these drones offer similar capabilities at a fraction of the cost. Insufficient training for Ukrainian troops has also contributed to the Javelin's declining effectiveness in the conflict.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is preparing to deliver the first production KF-21 Boramae fighter jets to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) in 2026. The KF-21, which incorporates advanced features and is positioned as a competitor to the F-35, is entering mass production with 20 units ordered. This marks a significant step in South Korea's shift towards indigenous military capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force is accelerating the production of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, with plans to have it operational at Ellsworth Air Force Base by 2027. Supported by $4.5 billion in funding, the program aims to expand the stealth bomber fleet from 19 B-2 Spirits to 100 B-21 Raiders, enhancing U.S. strategic capabilities against emerging threats.

Israeli Defense Forces began striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on March 2, 2023, in response to rocket fire from Hezbollah towards Israel.

U.S. Air Force and Israeli Defense Forces conducted extensive airstrikes against Iranian military and government leadership, resulting in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and 40 other officials. The operation, named 'Operation Epic Fury', targeted military installations across 24 provinces in Iran, aiming to dismantle the country's missile and nuclear capabilities. Iran has retaliated with attacks on Israel and neighboring countries.

Four B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from the U.S. Air Force conducted night strikes on hardened ballistic missile sites in Iran over the recent weekend as part of Operation Epic Fury. The bombers were supported by KC-46 aerial tankers, which facilitated their round-trip mission from Whiteman Air Force Base. U.S. Central Command confirmed the use of 2,000-pound bombs during the operation.