Analysis & Reports

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) deployed 14 Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighters to Shigatse Air Base in Tibet, located less than 100 miles from India's Sikkim border. Recent satellite imagery confirms that six of these aircraft are covered with protective tarpaulins while eight are stationed openly. The J-20s may be armed with PL-15 missiles, enhancing China's aerial capabilities in the region and potentially escalating tensions with India.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul on the evening of the 16th, resulting in over 400 deaths and 250 injuries. The Pakistani military stated the strikes targeted Taliban facilities in response to provocations. Afghan officials condemned the attack, asserting that the center was a civilian facility and calling the action a violation of humanitarian principles.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes on military facilities in Kabul and Nangarhar Province on March 16, 2023. The strikes targeted technical equipment and ammunition depots, with the Pakistan Armed Forces emphasizing precision to avoid collateral damage. This action follows recent border clashes and escalates tensions between the two nations.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Kandahar on the night of the 14th to the early morning of the 15th, targeting terrorist hideouts linked to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan. The strikes resulted in at least 6 deaths and several injuries. This action followed the interception of two Afghan drones that approached Islamabad, which caused injuries to 4 civilians. The ongoing military conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has intensified, with both sides engaging in cross-border attacks since late February.

MKE's BORAN 105 mm howitzer was inducted into the Turkish Armed Forces in 2021 and exported to Bangladesh in 2024. It demonstrated superior performance during live-fire trials in Malaysia, achieving 12 rounds in 46 seconds, and received full marks in North Macedonia in 2025. Ongoing negotiations are in place for further procurement by the Malaysian Army.

Afghan forces conducted drone attacks on Pakistan, injuring at least four individuals, including two children, near Rawalpindi on the evening of the 13th. Pakistani security forces intercepted and shot down two drones involved in the incident.

The Afghan National Defense Ministry conducted a drone strike on a significant military center in Islamabad at 5 PM local time on the 13th, causing severe casualties and property damage. Pakistani security forces successfully intercepted two drones operated by a terrorist organization, resulting in minor damage from debris.

A U.S. Navy submarine sank the Iranian frigate Dena in international waters, resulting in 87 crew members killed and 32 rescued. The Dena had recently participated in India's Exercise Milan before being sunk during the ongoing conflict with the U.S. The presence of Australian sailors aboard the submarine did not implicate them in the engagement, as they were ordered to remain uninvolved. The incident has raised diplomatic concerns, particularly in New Delhi.

Lt. Col. Paul Anderson concluded his 36-year military career this month, achieving over 6,000 flight hours as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He served with the 305th Rescue Squadron, conducting combat search and rescue missions, including multiple deployments to Afghanistan and notable operations during Hurricane Katrina. Anderson is recognized for setting a record for the most flying hours among U.S. Air Force helicopter pilots.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan on March 12-13, 2023, targeting facilities linked to the Taliban. In retaliation, the Afghan Air Force struck a Pakistani military center in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, causing significant casualties and damage.

Two Iranian warships docked in Kochi, India, and Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, following the sinking of the Iris Dena by a U.S. submarine on March 4th, 2023. The Iranian Navy's vessels sought refuge after the incident, which raised concerns about the potential expansion of U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran. Both India and Sri Lanka characterized their decisions to allow the ships to dock as humanitarian gestures.

Two Iranian warships docked in Kochi, India, and Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, following the sinking of the Iris Dena by a U.S. submarine on March 4th, 2023. The incident raised concerns about the expansion of U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran beyond the Persian Gulf. Both India and Sri Lanka characterized their actions as humanitarian, while the U.S. emphasized its military capabilities in the region.

On March 4, three Australian submariners were aboard a U.S. Navy submarine that torpedoed an enemy combatant off Sri Lanka, marking a significant military action. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed their presence but emphasized that they did not engage in offensive actions against Iran. The incident raises political concerns regarding Australia's involvement in military operations linked to the AUKUS alliance.

On March 4, three Australian submariners were aboard a U.S. Navy submarine that torpedoed an enemy combatant off Sri Lanka, marking a significant military action. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed their presence but emphasized that they did not engage in offensive actions against Iran. The incident raises questions about Australia's involvement in military operations amid the AUKUS alliance, which aims to enhance Australia's naval capabilities.

The U.S. Navy sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena with a torpedo in the Indian Ocean on March 4. Iran claims the vessel was unarmed and returning from a naval exercise, while the U.S. disputes this assertion. Following the attack, 32 sailors were rescued, and 87 bodies were recovered, intensifying tensions between the two nations regarding the incident.

The U.S. Navy sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena with a torpedo in the Indian Ocean on March 4. Iran claims the vessel was unarmed and returning from a naval exercise, while the U.S. disputes this assertion. The Sri Lankan navy rescued 32 sailors and recovered 87 bodies from the incident, which has escalated tensions between the two nations.

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Munro seized a record 22,052 pounds of cocaine valued at over $250 million during a 119-day deployment in the Eastern Pacific. The operation involved a pursuit of a smuggling vessel, which was disabled by gunfire from an MH-65 helicopter. Six suspected drug smugglers were arrested as a result of this operation, marking the largest drug bust in the history of the Coast Guard's tactical helicopter unit.

Iran requested India to allow three of its naval ships to dock at Indian ports, which India approved on March 1, 2023. One ship docked at Kochi on March 4, 2023, and its crew is currently housed in Indian naval facilities. This request was made in the context of a recent incident involving an Iranian naval ship being attacked.

A U.S. submarine sank the Iranian warship 'Dena' with a torpedo in international waters near Sri Lanka on March 4, 2023, resulting in at least 86 crew fatalities. This incident marks the first use of a torpedo by the U.S. Navy to sink a ship since 1945. Experts noted the submarine's stealth and long-range capabilities contributed to the successful attack.

On March 8, U.S. Southern Command conducted an airstrike against a drug trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing six male suspects identified as terrorists. The vessel was confirmed to be operating along a known drug trafficking route in the Caribbean, with no U.S. casualties reported.