Analysis & Reports

The Royal Navy's HMS Prince of Wales has been placed on advanced readiness for potential deployment to Cyprus amid rising tensions with Iran. The carrier has spent only 21.3% of its time at sea, raising concerns about its operational readiness. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's refusal to join offensive strikes has drawn criticism from President Trump, highlighting the UK's military challenges and the need for adequate defense capabilities.

The U.S. Army is abandoning the 300 kW Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Energy Laser system (IFPC-HEL) in favor of a newer model. This decision, revealed in a Congressional Research Service report, indicates challenges in developing effective laser weapons for countering cruise missiles. The current prototype is undergoing final testing in New Jersey and will not be fielded as planned. The Army's shift reflects ongoing efforts to enhance air defense capabilities against evolving threats.

The U.S. Army is abandoning the 300 kW Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Energy Laser system (IFPC-HEL) in favor of a newer model. This decision, revealed in a Congressional Research Service report, indicates challenges in developing effective laser weapons for countering cruise missiles. The current prototype is undergoing final testing in New Jersey and will not be fielded as planned. The Army's shift reflects ongoing efforts to enhance air defense capabilities against evolving threats.

President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth publicly criticized Anthropic, potentially undermining the government's case against the company in court. Anthropic filed lawsuits challenging sanctions imposed by the Pentagon, with a key hearing set for March 14, 2023, in California. Legal experts suggest that the public statements made by officials could strengthen Anthropic's position in the legal proceedings.

The U.S. Government is enhancing domestic processing of critical minerals to reduce reliance on China, which controls a significant portion of the market. Investments have been made to improve processing technologies, aiming to bolster national security and economic stability. The urgency is heightened by rising tensions with China, particularly concerning trade and military preparedness.

The U.S. Air Force plans to build only 185 F-47 fighters, facing a significant delay until the mid-2030s. This delay raises concerns about maintaining air superiority against China's advanced 6th-generation fighters. In response, military planners are exploring alternatives, including pairing F-15EX fighters with MQ-28 drones to bridge the capability gap. The average age of U.S. Air Force aircraft has increased dramatically, highlighting a critical numbers deficit.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takichi met with President Donald Trump in Washington on March 19, 2026, to discuss the U.S.-Japan alliance amid rising tensions from the U.S.-Iran war. The meeting highlighted Japan's strategic dilemmas regarding military support and energy security, as the Strait of Hormuz remains critical for Japan's oil imports. Japan's constitutional restrictions on military action complicate its response to U.S. requests for naval support.

Tanaka TakashiMon Mar 23 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy cancelled the Constellation-class frigate program in early 2026 due to significant weight gains and cost overruns. The Navy is now focusing on the FF(X) program, which is based on the Coast Guard's Legend-class National Security Cutter design, emphasizing speed and modularity for future surface fleet operations.

The U.S. intelligence community reassesses the Chinese military threat, concluding that an invasion of Taiwan is not imminent. Despite this, the PLA continues to modernize its capabilities, and China's defense budget for 2026 has increased significantly. Taiwan's political landscape is complicated by budgetary constraints and waning confidence in U.S. support, while the strategic competition between the U.S. and China intensifies.

Marcus ChenSun Mar 22 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy's USS George Washington operated in the South China Sea on November 24, 2025, reflecting U.S. commitment to regional security. Sun Tzu's Art of War continues to shape military strategy, emphasizing the importance of deception and intelligence. His teachings have influenced military leaders globally, including Mao Zedong and Admiral Tōgō, and are integral to NATO and U.S. military curricula.

The U.S. Navy's Essex-class aircraft carriers, with 24 operational vessels, played a pivotal role in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Notably, none were lost to enemy action, showcasing their legendary survivability. The USS Lexington, the last of the class, was decommissioned in 1991, while four Essex-class carriers remain as floating museums in the United States.

The Russian Army plans to expand its Unmanned Systems Forces to 101,000 personnel by April 1, 2026, amid a significant increase in oil revenue due to temporary US sanctions relief. Russian forces conducted reinforced assaults near Shandryholove and targeted Ukrainian logistics and artillery. Ukrainian forces successfully disrupted Russian operations through targeted strikes. Additionally, Russia launched missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure on March 12-13, 2026.

Dmitri VolkovSun Mar 22 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force is extending the operational life of the F-22 Raptor and F/A-18 Super Hornet due to delays in the F-47 program, which will not be available until the mid-2030s. Representative Rob Wittman confirmed the need for these measures during the McAleese Defense Programs Conference. The F-47's first flight is scheduled for 2028, but the Air Force must rely on existing aircraft for air superiority in the interim.

On March 17, 2026, U.S. lawmakers confirmed that the F-47 fighter will not be operational until the mid-2030s, necessitating the continued use of F-22 Raptors and F/A-18 Super Hornets. This strategic decision aims to bridge the capability gap while facing advanced threats from adversaries like China's J-20. The U.S. Air Force is investing in upgrades to extend the service life of existing aircraft.

The U.S. military is increasing its presence in Greenland by adding special operations forces and expanding operations in new areas. Discussions with Denmark are ongoing to establish a wider military presence, including additional maritime assets. Currently, the U.S. operates Pituffik Space Base, and plans are in place to expand defense areas beyond this base.

Adm. Richard Correll advocated for expanding the B-21 Raider fleet to 145 aircraft during testimony before the House Armed Services Committee on March 17, 2026. He mentioned the possibility of establishing a second production line to meet this target, emphasizing the B-21's importance for future multi-domain warfare. The current U.S. Air Force bomber inventory totals 140 aircraft, and the proposed increase would allow the B-21 to match this number.

The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier force is under significant strain during the ongoing conflict with Iran in 2026, with only 3-5 of its 11 carriers being combat ready. Operational issues, including malfunctions on the USS Gerald R. Ford and extended overhauls of other carriers, highlight logistical challenges that threaten U.S. power projection. The situation is exacerbated by Iranian threats and the Navy's inability to maintain a reliable operational fleet.

The Trump administration is developing a strategy to seize Iran's nuclear materials to prevent the country from producing nuclear weapons. Discussions indicate that U.S. Special Operations Command may be deployed for this operation. The Pentagon is preparing for this potential action, although no official comments have been made yet.

The U.S. Air Force is extending the F-22 Raptor's service life to 2060 and implementing significant upgrades to maintain air superiority amid challenges with the F-35 and aging aircraft. Key enhancements include stealth-compatible external fuel tanks and advanced sensors. The uncertain future of the F-47 program has led to a renewed focus on the F-22 as a strategic asset for upcoming conflicts, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. President Trump announced on March 20, 2023, that the U.S. is considering a gradual de-escalation of military actions against Iran. He emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz should be defended by the countries that use it, not the U.S. Trump also stated that while dialogue with Iran is possible, he does not seek a ceasefire as the U.S. aims to weaken Iran's military capabilities.