Analysis & Reports

The Israeli Air Force is acquiring 25 F-15EX aircraft for long-range missions, while the Qatar Air Force recently used its F-15QA variant to shoot down two Iranian Su-24 bombers. Poland and Saudi Arabia are also considering the F-15EX for their air forces, highlighting its significant payload capacity and advanced combat technology. The aircraft's capabilities position it as a key player in regional military dynamics.

The Pentagon is requesting over $50 billion in supplemental funding to replace and procure new military equipment for operations in Iran. This includes a focus on both legacy systems and new technologies, as U.S. officials confirm adequate munitions stockpiles. The funding request is currently being prepared for Congress, with expectations of bipartisan support due to concerns over munitions depth.

Veterans filed a lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs in Virginia on March 5, 2024, alleging that the VA denied GI Bill benefits to over 1 million eligible veterans by imposing new, unjustified eligibility requirements. The lawsuit claims these rules contradict a recent Supreme Court ruling that clarified veterans do not need a break in service to access both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Veterans argue that the VA's actions cause significant financial harm and impede their educational pursuits.

The U.S. Army is establishing the Army Data Operation Center (ADOC) in Washington to enhance global data movement for joint forces. This center aims to improve data management and accessibility, addressing the Army's need for a more integrated data-sharing approach. The rollout is expected in a few weeks, with personnel from various backgrounds being recruited to support its operations.

The U.S. military has revoked 911 Medals of Honor since 1917 to enforce stricter eligibility criteria, particularly targeting non-combat actions. This included the mass revocation of medals awarded to the 27th Maine Volunteer Infantry and the notable case of Dr. Mary Walker, whose medal was reinstated in 1977. The Medal of Honor remains the highest military decoration, awarded for acts of valor in combat.

GMS Industrial Supply in Texas experienced a 76% decline in orders and a 44% workforce reduction due to the ongoing government shutdown. The company has over 115 funded but unprocessed delivery orders, highlighting the volatility in the defense supply chain. The report emphasizes the need for policy adjustments to ensure continuity and stability in the industrial base during such disruptions.

In 2026, NATO and the EU are undergoing significant transformations in response to transatlantic tensions, with the EU launching the Readiness 2030 initiative to boost defense spending. The Trump administration's policies have intensified debates on European strategic autonomy, leading to Spain's prohibition of U.S. strikes on Iran. The EU is also expanding defense partnerships with countries like Ghana, indicating a shift towards operational independence from American military support.

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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.

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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.

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Lawmakers in the U.S. Congress introduced bipartisan legislation to fast-track medical care for veterans experiencing infertility linked to hazardous exposures during military service. The proposed bill would recognize infertility as a presumptive condition under the PACT Act, expediting access to in vitro fertilization and other treatments. This initiative aims to address the significant infertility rates among military women and reduce the lengthy claims process for veterans seeking care.

The U.S. Army is developing a weapons catalog for international sales, focusing on integrated air and missile defense, long-range fires, drones, and counter drone systems. This initiative aligns with President Trump's executive order on foreign arms sales, aiming to restructure how the U.S. sells weapons abroad. Senior Army officials are evaluating international demand and production capacity to finalize the catalog's contents.

Canada is transitioning from its aging Victoria-class submarines to a new fleet of 12 submarines, evaluating options from Germany's TKMS Type 212CD and South Korea's Hanwha KSS-III. The Canadian government plans to award a contract by the end of the year, with the first deliveries expected in the 2030s. This procurement aims to enhance Canada's naval capabilities, particularly in the Arctic region.

The U.S. Navy plans to introduce the Trump-class battleship by 2026, equipped with nuclear-armed cruise missiles and advanced weaponry, fundamentally altering its nuclear deterrence strategy. This new class of battleship aims to enhance U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, amidst rising tensions with adversaries such as China. The projected cost for the lead ship is $22 billion, raising concerns about fiscal implications and escalation control in military engagements.

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.

Patria and United Aero Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 10 March 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia, to establish a forward stocking location and helicopter blade repair centre in Europe. This facility aims to enhance regional aviation maintenance capabilities, reducing turnaround times for repairs by 30% and supporting military and emergency services operations across Europe.

Lt. Col. David deGroot discussed advancements in heat science at the U.S. Army Heat Center in Fort Benning, highlighting its implications for soldiering. The conversation emphasized the importance of understanding heat effects on military personnel.

The National WWII Museum hosted a symposium in New Orleans on March 13-14, exploring General Patton's legacy and influence on military history. Historians discussed how public perception of Patton is shaped by the 1970 film portrayal, emphasizing his contributions to armored warfare and military doctrine. The event featured discussions on the mythology surrounding Patton and aimed to unravel the complexities of his character and impact.

Anduril Industries has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ExoAnalytic Solutions in Washington. This acquisition aims to enhance Anduril's capabilities in satellite and missile tracking for US military missions. ExoAnalytic, valued at about $15.6 million, operates a global network of 400 telescopes and supplies missile tracking sensors to the Pentagon. The integration of ExoAnalytic's expertise is expected to bolster Anduril's defense technology offerings.

REGENT Craft began sea trials for the Viceroy Seaglider prototype and the Squire Seaglider drone in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, on March 11, 2026. The trials are part of a program to validate high-speed maritime vehicles for commercial and potential defense missions. The Viceroy Seaglider is designed to operate in multiple modes, and the company plans to scale production with a new facility to meet growing demand.

The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is set to begin its retirement process in May 2026 due to aging nuclear reactors, with the U.S. Navy transitioning to the Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) is expected to enter service in 2027, ensuring continued naval capability. Despite the retirement, the U.S. Navy will maintain a robust fleet of 10 nuclear-powered carriers, supporting operations in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific regions.