Analysis & Reports

The 3rd Infantry Regiment (Old Guard) has maintained a continuous guard over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery since March 24, 1926. This centennial marks a significant military honor, reflecting the respect and reverence for unidentified soldiers who died in service. The Unknown Soldier was selected from four bodies exhumed in France and laid to rest in a ceremony attended by prominent government officials.

Switzerland reduced its F-35 acquisition to 30 jets due to rising costs and confirmed plans to buy additional air defense systems. The Israeli Air Force achieved its first air-to-air kill with an F-35 over Tehran, while British F-35s shot down drones in Jordan. Canada is currently reviewing its F-35 purchase decision, considering alternatives like the Gripen.

Lockheed Martin is conducting integration and testing of the MBDA Meteor missile on the F-35 stealth fighter at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The Meteor, capable of speeds over Mach 4 and a range of 200 km, is expected to enhance aerial combat capabilities significantly. The missile's integration is part of the F-35's Block 4 upgrade, with operational deployment anticipated by the 2030s.

USS Nimitz departed Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Washington, for its final deployment to Latin America. The aircraft carrier, with several thousand sailors aboard, is set to operate in the U.S. Southern Command area and will make stops at partner nations. This deployment marks the first carrier presence in the region since February.

The U.S. military is transporting a mockup of the Russian Buk-M3 air defense system in Alabama for training purposes. This replica, mounted on a semi-trailer, is designed to simulate modern Russian surface-to-air missile systems during military exercises. The Buk-M3, known for its advanced capabilities, allows U.S. forces to train against realistic visual targets.

Iran may become a testing ground for new U.S. weapons as recent seismic activity near a secret base in Nevada raises concerns. The Pentagon confirmed the test launch of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, which is part of the U.S. nuclear triad. Military experts speculate that the seismic events could be linked to either nuclear tests or the testing of new non-nuclear weapons.

The U.S. Navy is evaluating the extension of Ohio-class SSGNs' service life due to a projected firepower gap as they prepare for retirement starting in 2026. The Navy recognizes the critical need for long-range precision strike capabilities, particularly with the ongoing conflict in Iran. Each Ohio-class SSGN can carry 154 Tomahawk missiles, and the transition to Virginia-class submarines with enhanced capabilities is underway, but may not be sufficient in time.

USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) has completed modernization and sea trials in San Diego, transforming into a hypersonic strike platform capable of launching missiles at speeds over Mach 5. The ship is now equipped with 12 Conventional Prompt Strike launchers, marking a significant shift from its original design as a land-attack destroyer. This modernization positions the Zumwalt as a key asset in the U.S. Navy's surface warfare capabilities.

The Pentagon and FAA conducted anti-drone laser tests at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico over the weekend to address safety concerns following recent airspace closures in Texas. The military's use of the laser to down a drone near the U.S.-Mexico border raised coordination issues, prompting the FAA to close airspace over El Paso. Lawmakers have called for investigations into the incidents.

The SR-71 Blackbird conducted high-speed reconnaissance missions, including a notable flight from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa to Beale Air Force Base in California, which created the illusion of time travel due to crossing the International Date Line. The aircraft, operational in the 1990s, was capable of speeds exceeding Mach 3 and altitudes above 85,000 feet, making it a vital intelligence platform during the Cold War. It was retired in 1998 due to high costs and advancements in satellite technology.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted a drone and missile strike on a U.S. helicopter base on the 8th, targeting maintenance facilities and fuel tanks, resulting in significant damage and a large fire. The attack was confirmed by the Iranian military, with no immediate response from U.S. forces reported.

Iran's drone attacks have compelled the U.S. and its allies to deploy costly interceptors, revealing a drone consumption trap. This situation mirrors Ukraine's experience with Russian drones, where low-cost systems challenge expensive defense measures. The U.S. is adapting its military strategy to address these threats, emphasizing the need for affordable defense solutions against drone warfare.

Six U.S. service members killed in an Iranian drone strike were returned to Dover Air Force Base during a solemn ceremony. President Trump vowed to minimize further American casualties while escalating military actions against Iran. The attack marked the first U.S. casualties in Operation Epic Fury, as American and Israeli forces continued their bombardment of Iranian targets.

The U.S. Navy is preparing for the retirement of four Ohio-class SSGNs, which each carry 154 Tomahawk missiles, between 2026 and 2028. This transition to Block V Virginia-class submarines, which will carry 40 Tomahawk missiles each, aims to maintain undersea firepower in the Pacific. The Navy is accelerating production to address the anticipated firepower gap created by the retirement of the Ohio-class submarines.

President Trump urged Latin American leaders at the 'Shield of the Americas' summit in Doral, Florida, to take military action against drug trafficking cartels. He emphasized the necessity of using military forces to combat what he termed an 'unacceptable threat' to national security. The summit included leaders from several countries and aimed to strengthen U.S. influence in the region.

President Trump encouraged military action against drug trafficking cartels during a summit in Doral, Florida, attended by leaders from several Latin American countries. He emphasized the need for regional cooperation to combat what he termed an 'unacceptable threat' to national security. The summit, named 'Shield of the Americas', aimed to strengthen U.S. influence in the region and included discussions on military operations against organized crime in Ecuador.

President Trump attended a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base for six U.S. soldiers killed in a drone strike in Kuwait. The soldiers, part of the 103rd Sustainment Command, were honored as heroes by their families and officials. This ceremony followed the recent military campaign launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.

Embraer and Valkyrie Aero are enhancing the A-29 Super Tucano's capabilities for Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) missions in Jacksonville, Florida, on March 04, 2026. The partnership focuses on integrating the Gunslinger AI suite, which improves tactical decision-making against unmanned threats. This upgrade aims to provide effective and low-cost counter-drone capabilities, leveraging the A-29's advanced features.

Iran's F-14 Tomcat fleet is currently under pressure from U.S.-Israeli air superiority during Operation Epic Fury in March 2026. The fleet, consisting of 41 F-14D/E/RF airframes, has a historical kill ratio of 130-4 from the Iran-Iraq War. Five F-14s were previously destroyed in Israeli airstrikes, but no new losses have been reported in the ongoing conflict.

The U.S. Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bombers are now capable of deploying modified JDAMs equipped with Weapon Open Systems Architecture (WOSA) seekers for maritime strikes. This new Quicksink capability enhances the B-2's operational role, allowing it to effectively target moving naval vessels. The program aims to provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional anti-ship missiles, supporting Navy operations in contested maritime environments.