Analysis & Reports

A French naval officer leaked the location of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier strike group while jogging on the ship's deck on March 13, 2023. The leak occurred through the Strava fitness app, revealing the group's position northwest of Cyprus. The French military confirmed the breach and stated that it does not comply with regulations, highlighting potential security risks amid ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts.

The U.S. Air Force issued Requests for Information to develop counter-small unmanned aerial systems (C-sUAS) technology, focusing on detection and kinetic hard-kill capabilities. The submissions are due by April 30, and the initiative is part of the Air Force's effort to maintain tactical superiority against evolving drone threats. The requests include specifications for rapidly deployable systems and various weapon systems to neutralize small drones.

The U.S. Air Force conducted Red Flag 21 at Nellis Air Force Base in 2021, featuring simulated combat between F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightning IIs. This exercise aimed to replicate threats from advanced adversaries, enhancing pilot training in a multi-threat environment. The F-35's capabilities forced F-22 pilots to adapt their tactics, marking a significant evolution in aerial combat training.

The USS Illinois (BB-65) was laid down by the United States Navy during World War II but was never completed and was scrapped in 1958. Originally designed as a Montana-class battleship, it was reclassified as an Iowa-class vessel to expedite production. Construction ceased in 1942, and the ship was formally canceled in 1945 after the atomic bombing of Japan.

A U.S. F-35 fighter jet was reportedly hit by Iranian fire and made an emergency landing in Washington on March 19. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region involving U.S. military assets.

German Eurofighter Typhoons achieved notional kills against USAF F-22 Raptors during the 2012 Red Flag Alaska exercise. The exercise highlighted the limitations of the F-22's stealth capabilities when forced into within-visual-range combat. This incident has been a point of pride for the German Luftwaffe, who claimed multiple kills, while contrasting with a recent real-world engagement where an F-35I Adir downed an Iranian Yak-130.

Sgt. 1st Class Christina Larson was awarded a Purple Heart on February 20, 2023, during her retirement ceremony at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, after suffering injuries from a car bomb in Kabul in 2015. The award was presented by Brig. Gen. Todd Traver, acknowledging her service and the long-overdue recognition of her traumatic brain injury and other medical issues resulting from the attack.

Sgt. 1st Class Christina Larson was awarded a Purple Heart during her retirement ceremony at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, on February 20, 2026, for injuries sustained from a car bomb attack in Afghanistan in 2015. The attack occurred while she was serving as a combat medic with the 911th Forward Surgical Team. Larson's injuries included a traumatic brain injury, leading to her medical retirement.

Multiple unidentified drones were detected over a U.S. Army base in Washington D.C., prompting increased security measures. U.S. officials have not confirmed the source of the drones. The incident has raised concerns about potential security threats, especially in the context of heightened tensions with Iran. U.S. Secretary of State Rubio and Defense Secretary Hegseth are currently at the base, but no evacuation has occurred.

The competition between the YF-22 and YF-23 for U.S. Air Force dominance in stealth fighters occurred from the 1980s to 2026. The YF-23, known for its superior stealth and speed, ultimately lost to the YF-22 due to Lockheed's aggressive flight testing and maneuverability. Despite its advantages, the YF-23's legacy continues to provoke interest in military aviation.

Chad's military entered a state of maximum alert on March 18 following drone attacks from Sudan that killed at least 16 civilians in the border town of Tine. President Mahamat Idriss Déby ordered a counter-response to any further attacks and closed the 1,300-kilometer border with Sudan. A government team was dispatched to evaluate the situation and assess casualties and property damage.

Lockheed Martin successfully tested an upgraded version of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) designed to target moving vessels at sea. The missile, launched from a HIMARS system, demonstrated its capability by flying over 200 miles. This upgrade allows the U.S. Army to engage relocating threats in both land and maritime environments, marking a significant advancement in long-range fire capabilities.

A domestic-related shooting occurred at Holloman Air Force Base on Tuesday evening, resulting in one death and one injury. The incident, which took place around 5:30 p.m., involved an active-duty service member and a military veteran. Base officials confirmed the scene was safe after a brief lockdown, stating it was an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the community.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking to develop small one-way attack drones for its Special Operations Command, with a Request for Information due by April 17. These drones are intended to enhance the capabilities of Special Tactics Teams, allowing them to conduct strikes from distances of up to 12 miles. The system will integrate advanced guidance and communication technologies, aiming for rapid deployment and operation by a single operator.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking to develop small one-way attack drones for its Special Operations Command, with a Request for Information due on April 17. These drones are intended to enhance the capabilities of Special Tactics Teams, allowing them to conduct precision strikes and integrate into core mission sets. The drones should have a range of at least 10 kilometers and be equipped with advanced guidance systems.

The U.S. Air Force emphasizes the need for advanced F-35 variants and upgrades to maintain air superiority against China as its fighter inventory drops to 1,100. F-35s are actively deployed in Operation Epic Fury in Iran, demonstrating their value in modern air warfare. However, challenges with readiness and sustainment persist, necessitating a focus on quality over quantity in fighter procurement.

The U.S. is pressuring European and Middle Eastern allies to enhance their support for ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz. On March 18, 2023, White House Press Secretary Levitt stated that U.S. officials are in communication with allies to increase their efforts. President Trump has voiced dissatisfaction with some allies' lack of enthusiasm for military cooperation against Iran.

Theodore Roosevelt, a sickly child, transformed into a physically formidable leader, serving as the U.S. Navy's Assistant Secretary before leading the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War in 1898. He was elected Governor of New York in 1898 and later became President in 1901. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) is named in his honor, reflecting his legacy in military and political spheres.

U.S. Green Berets from the 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) conducted a validation exercise at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Indiana on March 2, 2026, utilizing a sniper rifle equipped with a Multi Function Muzzle Device (MFMD). This device integrates sound suppression, flash reduction, and recoil control, representing a significant advancement in weapon technology. The exercise focused on breaching techniques to enhance operational effectiveness.

MacDill Air Force Base lifted its shelter-in-place order on Wednesday after clearing a threat. The base, home to U.S. Central Command, resumed normal operations and raised its security level to FPCON CHARLIE following the discovery of a suspicious device earlier in the week. The base is currently involved in Operation Epic Fury against Iran.