Analysis & Reports

Palantir Technologies announced a partnership with Ondas and World View Enterprises to develop AI-enabled intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. This collaboration focuses on creating a unified operational framework for ISR across stratospheric, aerial, and ground domains, utilizing World View's Stratollite platform for long-duration missions. The initiative includes programs aimed at enhancing production, mission planning, and edge computing capabilities.

Germany and France announced the creation of a high-level nuclear steering group on March 3, 2026, to enhance nuclear deterrence cooperation amid rising concerns over U.S. security guarantees and threats from Russia. This initiative marks a significant shift in Germany's defense policy, as it considers participation under the French nuclear umbrella for the first time. The cooperation will involve joint military exercises and strategic site visits, although it faces political skepticism within Germany regarding its implications for NATO and U.S. relations.

Dr. Klaus WeberWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces achieved significant territorial gains in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, liberating over 400 square kilometers through coordinated counteroffensive operations in March 2026. The operations disrupted Russian military plans and forced a reactive posture from Russian forces. Ukrainian units, including the 1st Separate Assault Regiment, advanced up to 12 kilometers into enemy territory, while Russian claims of success were contradicted by actual battlefield assessments. The counteroffensive is strategically designed to spoil Russian preparations for upcoming offensives.

Dmitri VolkovWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

Babcock International Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with S.A.F.E. to collaborate on international defense training opportunities. This partnership was announced at the Brussels European Defence Exhibition and Conference and aims to enhance training capabilities for NATO member nations, leveraging Babcock's international experience and S.A.F.E.'s regional expertise.

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted drone strikes on Iranian gas facilities in South Pars, Bushehr Province on March 18. The strikes targeted the largest gas facility in Iran, which processes 40% of the country's gas supply. This operation was reportedly coordinated with U.S. officials, according to Israeli sources.

On March 12, 2023, a fire broke out in the main laundry spaces of the USS Gerald R. Ford while operating in the Red Sea, displacing over 600 sailors. The ship is now en route to Crete for repairs, as its laundry facilities remain inoperable. Two sailors were treated for injuries, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has declared the carrier strike group a military target.

The United Kingdom and Ukraine signed the Enhanced Security and Defence Industrial Collaboration Declaration in London on 17 March 2026, enhancing military cooperation. Concurrently, the UK updated its defense framework with Ireland to address subsea infrastructure protection and cyber threats. These agreements reflect a strategic shift in European security cooperation, particularly in response to Russian hybrid threats.

Alexandra ReevesWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

BAE Systems is developing a new anti-drone system called BATS to eliminate hostile drones, with work starting in October 2025. The system is expected to be ready for testing in April 2026 and aims to protect key civilian and military infrastructure from drone threats. BATS will utilize smart software and electronic warfare to reduce reliance on costly missiles.

France and Germany announced the creation of a joint nuclear steering group on March 5, 2026, marking a significant shift in European defense policy. This initiative aims to develop an independent nuclear deterrence strategy, integrating conventional military capabilities and missile defense systems. France's nuclear arsenal, comprising approximately 290 warheads, will play a central role in this cooperation, which also involves increased defense spending and participation in joint military exercises.

Dr. Klaus WeberWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

Estonian drone-maker Threod Systems announced a $6.6 million contract with the UK for drone launchers, highlighting a 350% growth in Estonia's defense industry since 2021. The Estonian military is a primary customer, with defense spending reaching $1.5 billion in 2024. This growth is driven by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the need for advanced military capabilities, including drones and electronic warfare systems. Estonia is also participating in key EU defense initiatives.

Ukrainian forces liberated over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhia oblasts since late January 2026, significantly disrupting Russian operations. Russian forces, including the 39th Motorized Rifle Brigade, are likely withdrawing to defensive positions. The 656th Motorized Rifle Regiment was observed engaging Ukrainian forces after months in reserve. Russian command has redeployed several units to counter the Ukrainian counteroffensive, indicating a shift from offensive to defensive operations.

Dmitri VolkovWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

European nations, including the UK, France, and Italy, are deploying military assets to the Middle East in March 2023 to respond to escalating conflicts. The UK has sent a destroyer and fighter jets to Cyprus, while France has dispatched around 12 naval vessels, including its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Italy has also contributed a missile frigate and air defense systems. These actions reveal both military capabilities and deficiencies in European defense readiness.

French President Emmanuel Macron ordered the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to redeploy from the Baltic Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean on March 3, 2026, to protect allied assets from Iranian missile and drone attacks. The carrier, accompanied by the frigate Languedoc, aims to secure maritime routes near Cyprus amidst escalating tensions in the region. This deployment underscores France's reliance on its single aircraft carrier as it prepares for future naval capabilities with the upcoming PANG program.

The USS Ford aircraft carrier is temporarily docking at Souda Bay, Crete, for repairs following a fire that occurred during military operations against Iran. The fire, which lasted several hours, affected approximately 200 crew members, with one requiring evacuation. The carrier remains operational and is currently located in the Red Sea.

The U.S. Air Force is upgrading the B-52H Stratofortress with new Rolls-Royce F130 engines and advanced Raytheon AN/APQ-188 radar systems. These upgrades will restore the aircraft's nuclear capabilities and enhance its operational effectiveness. The B-52H has been a vital part of U.S. strategic bombing since its introduction in 1960, demonstrating its importance in maintaining regional stability and deterrence.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to temporarily pull into Souda Bay, Crete, after a fire on board resulted in nearly 200 sailors being treated for smoke-related injuries. The fire, which occurred in the ship's main laundry area, took hours to control and affected approximately 100 sleeping berths. The carrier, with over 5,000 sailors and 75 military aircraft, has been deployed for nine months, participating in operations against Iran and Venezuela.

The U.S. Navy is currently enhancing Virginia-class submarines with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), which adds 28 Tomahawk missiles per submarine. However, workforce shortages and a convoluted acquisition process prevent the expansion needed to match the Ohio-class SSGNs' capacity of 154 Tomahawk missiles. The USS Arizona (SSN 803) is the first Block V submarine under construction, aimed at supporting special operations and strike missions.

European NATO allies rejected U.S. President Trump's demands for military assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force, emphasizing that they do not want to engage in the conflict with Iran. The Strait was closed to shipping by Iran on March 2, 2023, following U.S. and Israeli strikes. European leaders, including British Prime Minister Kier Starmer and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, stated that this is not Europe's war and called for diplomatic solutions instead of military involvement.

European NATO allies, including the UK and Germany, rejected U.S. President Trump's demands for military assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, stating they do not wish to engage in the conflict with Iran. Iran had closed the strait to shipping on March 2, 2023, following U.S. and Israeli strikes. European leaders emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions and expressed concerns over the implications of U.S. military actions in the region.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted airstrikes against Iranian missile production sites and military infrastructure during Operation Epic Fury. Operating from RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom, nearly a dozen B-1B bombers utilized precision munitions, including GBU-31 JDAMs, to target key military assets in Iran. These operations aim to degrade Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and command-and-control networks.