Analysis & Reports

Space Force launched a new prototype for orbital warfare training from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, on February 12, 2023. This prototype aims to enhance the maneuvering capabilities of Space Force guardians in space. The GSSAP system, which includes satellites for space situational awareness, will support these operations. Space Delta 9 is designated to operate the new training asset.

Israel Defense Forces are conducting simultaneous strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iranian targets. Following missile launches from Lebanon into Israel, the IDF targeted senior Hezbollah commanders and infrastructure in Beirut. The Israeli Navy also attacked weapon storage sites used by Hezbollah in Tyre.

Lockheed Martin successfully tested AI-enhanced targeting capabilities for the F-35 fighter jet at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada on February 23, 2023. The AI model integrates with the aircraft's information control system to assist pilots in identifying potential targets. This marks the first instance of a tactical AI model independently recommending combat targets to pilots, as the U.S. Air Force aims to incorporate AI as a force multiplier in its operations.

The U.S. Army awarded a prototype agreement to Textron Systems Corporation for the Low Altitude Stalking & Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program, which includes the development of the Damocles loitering munition system. This system is designed to provide Infantry Brigade Combat Teams with precision strike capabilities against armored vehicles and hardened targets. The agreement was announced last week and aims to enhance the Army's operational effectiveness in complex terrain.

The UK military has deployed a Type 45 destroyer and two Wildcats to the Levant, actively intercepting Iranian missiles and drones. This operation is ongoing, and the UK has chosen not to participate in US-Israeli strikes.

Iran launched a large-scale counterattack against U.S. and Israeli military bases from February 28 to March 1, 2023, following airstrikes by Israel and the U.S. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported significant casualties, with 560 U.S. military personnel affected. Over 100 Israeli fighter jets participated in airstrikes targeting Iranian command centers, while Iran claimed to have attacked 27 U.S. military bases in the region.

Senator Tim Kaine is forcing a vote on a war powers resolution this week in Washington, aiming to limit President Trump's military actions in Iran. Three US servicemembers were killed and five wounded during operations in Kuwait, with Trump indicating the conflict may last up to four weeks. The US military employed B-2 bombers and F-35 fighter jets in these operations, which have sparked political division among lawmakers.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has evolved significantly over its 50-year service, transitioning from a dogfighter to a multi-role aircraft. It features advanced systems like the AN/APG-83 AESA radar and the Angry Kitten electronic warfare suite. The aircraft is currently showcased by the U.S. Air Force at Shaw Air Force Base, demonstrating its combat capabilities. The latest models can operate for up to 12,000 hours, reflecting extensive upgrades and modernization efforts.

The U.S. Air Force is developing the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter, expected to have a combat radius of over 1,000 nautical miles and exceed Mach 2. The first flight is anticipated by 2028, with plans to acquire at least 185 units. This program is part of a broader effort to streamline military acquisitions and enhance air superiority capabilities.

Aggressor F-16s overwhelmed U.S. Air Force F-35s at Nellis Air Force Base during Red Flag 2017 using swarm tactics. The F-35 achieved a 20:1 kill ratio but faced vulnerabilities when forced into close-range engagements, where its limited missile capacity and stealth advantages were compromised. This incident highlights the effectiveness of saturation tactics in modern air combat.

Boeing is developing the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter, set for its maiden flight in 2028, with production currently underway in St. Louis. The F-47 will replace the F-22, featuring advanced stealth, a combat radius of 1,000 nautical miles, and the capability to control AI-driven Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones. The program aims for operational fielding by the early 2030s, with a fleet goal of over 185 units.

Iran launched an airstrike using the Fattah-2 hypersonic cruise missile against a U.S. military base on March 1, marking the first use of this missile type in such an operation.

China conducted live-fire military exercises in the Yellow Sea and engaged in provocative actions near the Miyako Strait from November 2025 to March 2026. Diplomatic tensions escalated between China and Japan following statements from Japanese officials regarding Taiwan. The U.S. and Japan strengthened their alliance through strategic dialogues addressing regional security concerns.

Tanaka TakashiSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran, prompting emergency meetings among European leaders on Saturday. French President Macron called for a U.N. Security Council meeting, while leaders from Germany and the U.K. discussed the escalating situation. The strikes have raised fears of a broader conflict, with various international leaders condemning the actions and calling for restraint and negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program.

The U.S. Air Force is transitioning the B-21 Raider into operational status, with production expected to reach hundreds of units. Unveiled on December 2, 2022, in Palmdale, California, the B-21 is designed to enhance the U.S. nuclear triad and features advanced stealth and communication capabilities. It is set to replace the B-2 Spirit and will play a critical role in modern air operations.

The F-14 Tomcat was employed as a multirole strike platform, notably during Operation Deliberate Force in 1995, where it carried out bombing missions against Bosnian Serb forces. The aircraft, originally designed to carry bombs, demonstrated its capabilities with various munitions, including precision-guided and cluster bombs. Iranian F-14s were also equipped for bombing roles, reflecting the aircraft's intended multirole design.

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit from the 509th Bomb Wing integrated with Navy Carrier Air Wing 11 for a long-range maritime strike exercise off California in February 2026. This exercise showcased the operational debut of the AIM-174B 'Gunslinger' missile, enhancing U.S. capabilities to counter anti-access threats in the Indo-Pacific region. The B-2's role in anti-ship operations is increasing, highlighting the importance of joint air-maritime integration.

Hypersonix Launch Systems successfully conducted the first flight test of its DART AE hypersonic aircraft on February 27, 2026, from Wallops Island, Virginia. The flight, part of a U.S. Department of War mission, validated key technologies for hypersonic flight, operating at speeds exceeding Mach 5. This test marks a significant advancement in the development of military hypersonic capabilities.

Iran is attacking U.S. military bases in the Middle East, as reported by Iranian state television. This action indicates an escalation in military operations against U.S. forces in the region.

U.S. President Trump announced that the U.S. military has initiated airstrikes against Iran, targeting its navy and nuclear facilities. The strikes are part of a broader operation involving numerous aircraft and two aircraft carriers in the Middle East, with the USS Ford recently arriving in Israel. The objective is to eliminate threats posed by the Iranian regime to the U.S. and its allies.