Analysis & Reports

Norway declared 2026 as the year of total defense, integrating civilian efforts into military readiness. NATO's Cold Response 2026 exercise commenced in March 2026, focusing on civil-military resilience in the Arctic. Denmark committed 88 billion Kroner to enhance Arctic defense, including F-35 procurement. The EU announced plans to integrate defense industry cooperation with India, signaling a shift in security partnerships.

Dr. Klaus WeberThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

Germany is significantly increasing its defense spending to 150 billion euros annually by 2029, marking a major shift in its military policy. The Bundeswehr is set to enhance its capabilities with new tanks, aircraft, and naval vessels. Concurrently, the EU is expanding its defense partnerships and discussing strategic autonomy amid rising tensions with the United States. NATO's Cold Response 2026 exercise involves over 20,000 troops, emphasizing operational effectiveness and societal resilience.

Alexandra ReevesThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

In April 1915, U.S. Navy Chief Gunner's Mate Frank Crilley conducted a rescue operation for a trapped diver at a depth of 275 feet off Honolulu, Hawaii. Crilley successfully untangled his comrade, who was ensnared by cables, and brought him to the surface alive. This act of valor earned Crilley the Medal of Honor, highlighting his significant contributions to naval diving and rescue operations.

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Ursa Major conducted a successful test flight of the Affordable Rapid Missile Demonstrator (ARMD) in the United States, achieving supersonic speeds. This flight validated operational concepts for the missile powered by the Draper liquid rocket engine, emphasizing advancements in rapidly deployable missile technologies. The project showcases collaboration between AFRL and private industry to develop cost-effective missile systems.

The USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG-125) became operational on October 25, 2023, marking a significant milestone for the U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers. These advanced warships, equipped with the Raytheon AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar and Aegis Baseline 10 combat system, enhance U.S. naval capabilities. A total of 24 Flight III destroyers have been ordered, with 15 under construction, reinforcing the Navy's surface dominance in maritime operations.

Anduril is prototyping the Dive-XL autonomous submarine for the US Navy as part of the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform Project (CAMP) in Washington. The contract requires a long-range demonstration within four months. The Dive-XL is similar to the Ghost Shark XL-AUVs being delivered to the Royal Australian Navy and aims to enhance interoperability with allied forces.

The B-21 Raider successfully completed an aerial refueling operation with a KC-135R Stratotanker on March 10, 2026, marking a significant milestone in its preparation for active duty in 2027. The U.S. Air Force plans to station the B-21 at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, with an expected production of at least 100 units, each costing $550 million and capable of nuclear and conventional strikes.

NATO conducted the 'Cold Response' military exercise from March 9 to March 20, involving 25,000 personnel from 14 member countries in Norway and Finland. The alliance confirmed the establishment of a permanent joint air operations center in the Arctic. Concurrently, Russia is increasing its military capabilities in the region, aiming to deter NATO activities, particularly in light of U.S. interests in Greenland.

American Rheinmetall demonstrated its Counter-Unmanned Aerial System during a live-fire event at Big Sandy Range, successfully engaging small drone targets. The system, integrated onto the GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle-C, is designed for rapid maneuver operations and will participate in the upcoming Concept Focused Warfighting Experimentation at Fort Sill. The tests confirmed the system's readiness for further evaluation and its economic efficiency in countering low-cost aerial threats.

The U.S. Navy resumed testing of its electromagnetic railgun weapon system at White Sands Missile Range in February 2025. This testing, conducted over three days, aimed to gather technical data on the weapon's performance. The railgun, which uses electrical energy to launch projectiles at high speeds, represents a significant advancement in military technology. The program had faced previous delays due to budget issues, but renewed interest in railgun technology persists amid international developments.

The U.S. Army tested a new 30 mm Aviation Proximity Explosive round, known as APEX, at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona on March 12, 2026. This round is designed for use with the AH-64 Apache helicopter to counter unmanned aerial systems (UAS). During the tests, approximately 1,200 rounds were fired at various targets, demonstrating the round's capabilities. The next phase involves obtaining airworthiness release for operational use.

Ukrainian forces liberated over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast since late January 2026, disrupting Russian military operations. They advanced 10-12 kilometers in two drives, liberating settlements and revealing vulnerabilities in Russian defenses. Russian forces are facing significant casualties and logistical challenges, with reports of 1.315 million killed and wounded. The situation indicates a strategic setback for Russia as Ukrainian counterattacks continue to gain momentum.

Dmitri VolkovThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

The UK has abandoned plans to deploy the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales to the Middle East, as confirmed by officials on March 12, 2023. The carrier remains docked in Portsmouth and is not prepared for operations related to Iran. UK officials stated that the carrier was intended for NATO operations instead. Public opinion shows significant opposition to military involvement in Iran, with a recent poll indicating 59% against such actions.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is transitioning to its new homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, for decommissioning after over 50 years of service. The carrier departed Naval Base Kitsap on March 7, 2026, and is participating in the Southern Seas 2026 deployment, visiting partner states in South America. The decommissioning process includes complex defueling of its nuclear reactors, with a contract modification awarded for planning and execution.

The U.S. Air Force's B-52 Stratofortress has been deployed in Iran, conducting strikes during Operation Epic Fury. The modernization to the B-52J variant is facing delays, particularly in radar production, which is now expected to be completed by 2030. This upgrade is essential for maintaining strategic capabilities against potential threats from China and other nations.

The U.S. Air Force evaluated the F-15SE Silent Eagle, a modified version of the F-15 Strike Eagle, but ultimately chose the F-15EX Eagle II for its superior payload capacity. The F-15SE, designed to incorporate limited stealth features, was unable to compete with the F-35's low-observability. Key features of the F-15SE included internal weapons bays and advanced sensors, but it never secured a production contract due to the dominance of the F-35 in the global market.

Ukrainian drone commanders will brief U.S. policymakers on modern drone warfare at the Ground Truth Symposium in Washington on March 25. The symposium will focus on Ukraine's expertise in drone tactics and technology, particularly in light of recent conflicts. Ukrainian interceptors have successfully destroyed a significant percentage of incoming Shahed drones, showcasing their effectiveness in air defense.

Ukrainian drone commanders will brief U.S. policymakers on modern drone warfare at the Ground Truth Symposium in Washington on March 25. The event will focus on integrating drone technology into air defense systems and share lessons learned from Ukraine's experience in the ongoing conflict. Representatives from various Ukrainian drone units, including the Lazar Group and the 414th UAV Brigade, will participate.

James Michael Fisher was acquitted of charges related to the 2017 KC-130 plane crash that killed 16 service members in Itta Bena, Mississippi. The crash was attributed to a corroded propeller blade that was not repaired by Air Force maintenance. The investigation revealed systemic negligence in maintenance practices, leading to the grounding of similar aircraft.

The USS Ohio and three other Ohio-class submarines are being converted to Guided Missile Submarines (SSGNs) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, enhancing their capability to launch Tomahawk missiles. The Tomahawk Block IV missile has advanced to include features like loitering and retargeting, making it a key asset for the U.S. Navy's long-range strike capabilities. This evolution positions the Tomahawk as a critical component in modern military operations.