Analysis & Reports

During a recent hearing on Capitol Hill, U.S. Southern Command leaders addressed questions regarding military orders related to 'no quarter' in the context of strikes against alleged drug traffickers. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's comments on the U.S. war on Iran raised concerns about legality, with military leaders asserting they would not follow unlawful orders. The hearing highlighted ongoing debates about the legality of military actions and the adherence to the Law of Armed Conflict.

U.S. officials confirmed that weapons shipments to Taiwan have not been delayed due to the ongoing war on Iran. The U.S. is facing a multi-billion-dollar backlog of arms shipments to Taiwan, with a significant arms package ready for approval. Concerns were raised about the defense industry's ability to meet demand amid the conflict, but the administration is exploring ways to expedite shipments. Additionally, President Trump postponed a trip to China that was expected to discuss Taiwan.

U.S. officials confirmed that weapons shipments to Taiwan have not been delayed due to the ongoing war on Iran. A significant arms package, including advanced interceptor missiles, is prepared for approval. The U.S. faces a multi-billion-dollar backlog of arms shipments to Taiwan, which is under increasing military pressure from China. Additionally, President Trump postponed a trip to China that was expected to address Taiwan-related discussions.

The U.S. Space Force announced that the projected cost of the Golden Dome missile defense project has risen to $185 billion, with experts warning that total expenses could reach up to $3.6 trillion over 20 years. The project aims to develop advanced missile defense technologies by 2028, with a focus on space-based interceptors, which are expected to be a major cost factor. A total of 2,440 applicants have been approved to compete for related contracts.

The U.S. Space Force has established nine Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs) to enhance its capabilities in space control and orbital warfare. Four PAEs have been officially announced, focusing on areas such as Missile Warning and Tracking and Infrastructure. The Integration PAE will develop new technologies, including cislunar capabilities, in collaboration with NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

The U.S. Space Force has established seven new acquisition portfolios focused on space control and orbital warfare in Washington. These portfolios aim to implement reforms in military procurement and enhance capabilities, including missile warning, infrastructure, and battle management. The Space Force plans to integrate cislunar capabilities and collaborate with NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory for technology advancements.

The U.S. Marine Corps is hosting a weeklong celebration from June 1 to 4, 2023, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, to honor the legacy of the Harrier aircraft as it nears the end of its service life. The AV-8B Harrier II+ will be deactivated in September, and the Corps is transitioning to the F-35B Lightning II aircraft, aiming for a full fifth generation fleet by 2030. Events will include a social, picnic, and sundown ceremony, with some requiring payment for attendance.

The U.S. Navy is losing 616 Tomahawk missile cells due to the retirement of four Ohio-class SSGNs and Ticonderoga-class cruisers, creating a strategic strike gap. The Virginia-class Block V submarines, which carry fewer missiles, cannot compensate for this loss. The Navy's current production rate of submarines is inadequate to meet future operational demands, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region where deterrence is critical.

The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy prioritizes homeland defense and deterrence against China, mandating allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. Congress has allocated $12.6 billion to enhance surveillance and counter China's military buildup. The strategy emphasizes 'deterrence by denial' along the First Island Chain, while reallocating critical defense assets from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East raises concerns about U.S. commitment to regional allies.

Marcus ChenTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

Joe Kent resigned as the head of the National Counterterrorism Center in the United States on Monday, citing moral objections to the ongoing U.S.-Israel war on Iran. He argued that Iran did not pose an imminent threat and criticized the war as being driven by external pressures. Kent, a veteran and former CIA officer, expressed concerns about the implications of sending future generations to fight in a conflict that he believes serves no American interests.

General Patton's U.S. Seventh Army prioritized the capture of Palermo over a decisive encirclement at Messina during Operation Husky, allowing German forces to escape. In the Lorraine campaign, Patton's aggressive tactics led to high casualties in a challenging terrain, while the battle for Metz revealed his underestimation of fortified positions. Resource shortages during the Saar Offensive further complicated his operations, resulting in exhaustion among American forces before the Battle of the Bulge.

The Pentagon increased its Golden Dome spending plan by $10 billion to enhance space capabilities for homeland defense against aerial threats. U.S. Space Force General Michael Guetlein emphasized the need for scalable and affordable solutions. The initiative, which now totals $185 billion, involves nine companies working on the command and control layer, with recent demonstrations showing comparable effectiveness to legacy systems.

Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal died in a Dallas hospital after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for alleged fraud and theft. His family stated he was healthy before his detention, raising questions about his treatment in custody. U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson criticized ICE for its handling of Paktyawal's case, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding deaths in custody.

On March 5, 2026, Dominion Dynamics announced a $50 million investment to develop the Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP), an uncrewed aircraft designed to operate alongside the Royal Canadian Air Force's F-35 and Gripen jets. This initiative aims to enhance surveillance, electronic warfare, and strike capabilities while reducing risks to human pilots. Canada has already committed to purchasing 30 F-35A airframes, with the first deliveries expected soon at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

The Army awarded an $87 million contract to Anduril Industries for its Lattice command-and-control software, aimed at enhancing counter-unmanned systems. This contract is part of a broader agreement potentially worth up to $20 billion over the next decade, allowing federal agencies to purchase Anduril's products. The initiative is designed to streamline military procurement processes and improve operational efficiency.

President Trump framed his call for allies to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz as a loyalty test, following resistance from several nations. Countries like Germany and Italy have declined to assist, emphasizing NATO's defensive role. The Strait remains blocked, impacting global energy supplies, while Iran has signaled its readiness to continue its military actions without negotiation.

AeroVironment announced its acquisition of Empirical Systems Aerospace (ESAero) for about $200 million, enhancing its capabilities in uncrewed systems and loitering munitions. ESAero will continue operations in California as a subsidiary, focusing on advanced prototyping and manufacturing. This acquisition follows AeroVironment's previous purchase of BlueHalo for $4.1 billion, indicating a strategic expansion in the defense technology market.

The U.S. Navy announced the establishment of five new portfolio acquisition executives (PAEs) in Washington as part of a broader acquisition reform initiative. This restructuring aims to consolidate management of weapons programs and enhance accountability within the Navy's acquisition process. The new PAEs will oversee various domains, including Maritime and Undersea systems, and are expected to streamline decision-making and improve program success rates.

A federal judge in Rhode Island reinstated a collective bargaining agreement for approximately 300,000 employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The ruling, issued on Friday, found that the VA's termination of the agreement was retaliatory and not justified by national security concerns. The American Federation of Government Employees plans to ensure compliance with the ruling, which may impact labor relations within the VA.

U.S. President Trump pressured NATO allies to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, warning of dire consequences if they do not respond. Allies, including the UK and Germany, expressed reluctance to engage militarily, with some countries outright rejecting participation. Trump indicated he has requested naval support from around seven nations, while discussions about forming an 'escort alliance' are ongoing.