Analysis & Reports

The People's Liberation Army Navy has recently commissioned two new Type 055 destroyers, which have entered combat training and are now operational. These destroyers are designed for multi-role operations and have participated in high-intensity exercises in the Western Pacific, enhancing China's naval capabilities significantly.

The U.S. Navy is retiring Ticonderoga-class cruisers, significantly reducing missile capacity and impacting naval operations in the Persian Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean. This transition pressures the fleet to reassign air defense roles to smaller platforms and aligns with a strategic shift toward distributed maritime operations. Concerns about a capability gap until next-generation surface combatants are operational have been raised.

MARSS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Ministry of Defence on 19 March 2026 in London to implement a national C4I programme valued at over $190 million. This initiative aims to enhance Nigeria's defense capabilities against asymmetric threats through AI-powered solutions and the establishment of new command centers. The programme will also provide training for operators to maintain operational readiness.

The U.S. Navy is retiring its Ticonderoga-class cruisers, which will result in a loss of 1,220 missile launch cells critical for Tomahawk strikes. This reduction in capacity poses a strategic concern as the Navy transitions to smaller Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which carry fewer missiles. The ongoing conflict with Iran has highlighted the increasing demand for Tomahawk missiles, further complicating the Navy's operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. military is rapidly depleting its Tomahawk missile inventory due to ongoing operations in the Middle East, raising concerns about production capacity to meet future demands, especially in the Indo-Pacific. Raytheon faces challenges in replenishing stocks due to supply chain bottlenecks and labor shortages. This situation could force the U.S. to make difficult choices between engagements in different theaters.

The U.S. Air Force is modernizing the F-22 Raptor with upgrades called 'Raptor 2.0' to enhance its combat capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. These upgrades include new faceted low-drag external fuel tanks and underwing Infrared Search and Track pods, extending the fighter's combat radius and maintaining its stealth signature. This modernization aims to improve the F-22's effectiveness against threats such as China's J-20 aircraft, ensuring its relevance in future conflicts.

Nigeria is leading military modernization in West Africa, acquiring 24 M-346FA aircraft and 12 AH-1Z Viper helicopters to enhance its capabilities against Boko Haram. Senegal and Mali are also increasing military imports, with Mali pivoting towards Russia for arms. The U.S. has approved a $346 million contract for precision munitions for Nigeria, while Nigeria seeks to develop local defense technologies with UAE investment.

Marie DuboisWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

Seventeen nations, including Egypt, Turkey, and Taiwan, continue to rely on the M60 Patton main battle tank, particularly the M60A3 variant, which remains a strategic asset into 2026. The U.S. Marine Corps utilized the M60A3 effectively during Operation Desert Storm, achieving a significant kill ratio against enemy forces. Despite its retirement from U.S. service in 1997, the M60's legacy endures with various foreign military forces.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps warned of targeting logistics for the USS Ford aircraft carrier as U.S. plans to form a maritime coalition in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has reportedly destroyed four U.S. missile defense systems and launched around 700 missiles and 3600 drones against U.S. and Israeli targets. Meanwhile, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have resulted in 850 deaths since March 2.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported the destruction of four U.S. missile defense systems and the launch of approximately 700 missiles and 3600 drones targeting U.S. and Israeli assets. The IRGC has identified logistics supporting the USS Ford aircraft carrier as a target, amid ongoing military operations in the Red Sea.

Burkinabè and Malian forces conducted successful military operations against terrorist groups in February and March 2026, regaining control of key towns and neutralizing over 100 militants. The operations included airstrikes and ground assaults, reflecting a coordinated effort by the Alliance of Sahel States. However, the JNIM continues to pose a significant threat, having conducted over 500 attacks in 2025 and controlling substantial territory in Burkina Faso. The situation remains precarious as terrorist groups adapt and maintain operational capabilities.

Marie DuboisSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy has introduced the AIM-174B Gunslinger missile to enhance its long-range air-to-air capabilities. This missile, derived from the SM-6, allows Navy pilots to engage adversaries at greater distances, addressing a gap left by the AIM-54 Phoenix's retirement. The deployment of the Gunslinger is part of the Navy's strategy to maintain readiness in the Indo-Pacific region and counter potential threats.

Russia exported its first batch of Su-57 Felon stealth fighters to Algeria, confirmed by a February 2026 video near Oum El Bouaghi Air Base. The Su-57 has seen limited combat in Ukraine, primarily serving as a stand-off platform. Despite production challenges, the export marks a significant development for Russia's military aviation amid ongoing sanctions.

The Saab 29 Tunnan, known as the Flying Barrel, was effectively utilized by Swedish UN forces during the Congo Crisis from 1960 to 1963, performing ground-attack and reconnaissance missions. It was armed with 20mm cannons and demonstrated high maneuverability and effectiveness in combat, with no recorded losses. A total of 660 units were produced, establishing Sweden's reputation for advanced fighter aircraft.

The Daqing ship of the Chinese Navy's 48th Escort Task Force conducted live-fire exercises in the Gulf of Aden, responding to simulated pirate boat attacks. The crew executed rapid maneuvers and utilized both main and secondary guns to successfully engage targets. This operation aimed to enhance the ship's escort capabilities and readiness for real-world threats.

NATO commenced its Cold Response 2026 exercise in the Norwegian Arctic on March 9, emphasizing civilian preparedness and total defense concepts. On the same day, NATO missile defense systems intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile that entered Turkish airspace. European defense strategy is diversifying, with increased arms imports from South Korea and Israel, while the UK is stepping up its leadership role in European security.

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EDGE launched the first-of-class BR71 MK II Combattante corvette for the Angolan Navy in Cherbourg, France, on 10 March 2026. The corvette is part of a EUR 1 billion contract and will enhance Angola's maritime capabilities. Two additional corvettes are under construction, with advanced unmanned aerial systems integrated for surveillance. This development signifies a growing security partnership between Angola and the UAE.

The U.S. military has expended over 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles in the first 72 hours of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, prompting a shift to Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) to conserve high-end munitions for the Indo-Pacific. General Dan Caine warned that continued military operations could deplete U.S. munitions stockpiles, affecting commitments to allies. Lockheed Martin and RTX are ramping up production of precision munitions to address the crisis.

Japan plans to deploy improved Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles in Kumamoto Prefecture by the end of March 2026, marking a significant shift in its defense policy. Concurrently, joint military exercises with the U.S. Navy were conducted to enhance operational capabilities. This deployment is a response to regional security concerns, particularly regarding China and North Korea.

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Houthi rebels engaged U.S. Navy aircraft carriers in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden using loitering munitions and anti-ship missiles in 2024. The USS Harry S. Truman and USS Carl Vinson were deployed to counter these threats. The Houthis' asymmetric tactics created significant challenges for the Navy, raising concerns about future engagements. U.S. forces learned valuable lessons in naval warfare from these encounters.