Analysis & Reports

On May 1, 2023, the U.S. approved military sales exceeding $8.6 billion to Israel, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, while warning European allies of potential delays in arms deliveries due to significant munitions consumption in the Iran conflict. The Pentagon is evaluating new weapon procurement requests to ensure alignment with operational needs, amid concerns over U.S. military inventory.

The Jiangsu SWAT Team and Sichuan Female SWAT Team participated in the UAE World SWAT Challenge in February 2023, achieving 3rd place overall and winning two medals for China. The teams underwent extensive training and selection, demonstrating their operational readiness and skills in a highly competitive environment.

Elbit Systems' FUSE is supplying the THOR Group 2 Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) to the U.S. Army through a partnership with Mistral Inc. on May 1, 2026. This follows a contract awarded to Mistral for the procurement of the UAS, which is designed for various tactical missions. The THOR UAS will enhance the capabilities of small tactical units with its autonomous features and modular payload integration.

U.S. military commands requested an increase in amphibious ready groups and Marine Expeditionary Units, exceeding previous plans. The U.S. Navy's amphibious fleet faces readiness challenges, with only 41% operational capability. The Marine Corps is prioritizing maintenance and modernization efforts, including the establishment of the Amphibious Force Readiness Board to enhance fleet availability.

U.S. military commands have requested an increase in amphibious ready groups and Marine Expeditionary Units, exceeding the previously planned 3.0 presence. The U.S. Navy's current inventory of amphibious ships is inadequate, with a readiness rate of only 41%. The Marine Corps is prioritizing maintenance optimization and new ship procurement to enhance operational capabilities.

U.S. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith stated that every combatant commander has requested an amphibious ready group with a Marine Expeditionary Unit on board. Currently, the 22nd MEU is off South America supporting Operation Southern Spear, while the 31st MEU is in the Middle East. The Navy has 32 amphibious ships, but only half are deployable, highlighting a logistical challenge in maintaining operational readiness.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking supplemental funding to replace nearly 40 aircraft lost in Iran since late February. Air Force Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach stated that the current $1.5 trillion defense budget is insufficient for this purpose. The Defense Department has reportedly spent around $25 billion on operations in Iran over the past two months, highlighting the urgent need for additional financial support to replenish lost assets.

On October 30, the Israeli Defense Ministry announced the arrival of 6500 tons of military equipment from the United States, including ammunition and light armored vehicles, at Haifa and Ashdod ports. This shipment is part of ongoing military procurement efforts, with over 115,600 tons of equipment received since February 28. The equipment has been distributed to military bases across Israel.

China's Peacekeeping Forces have cleared over 21,000 landmines and unexploded ordnance in Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Liberia. Since 1998, China has provided demining equipment and humanitarian supplies to over 40 countries, including significant assistance to Cambodia. The Chinese government emphasizes its commitment to achieving a 'mine-free world' through international cooperation and training initiatives.

The United States significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East, conducting 97 heavy transport sorties and deploying three aircraft carriers. An Iranian F-5 successfully bombed Camp Buehring in Kuwait, highlighting vulnerabilities in U.S. air defenses. Concurrently, Iran escalated tensions by attacking commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, complicating the regional security environment.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Apr 29 2026Loading...

Global military spending reached nearly $2.9 trillion in 2025, continuing an upward trend for the 11th consecutive year. The U.S., China, and Russia accounted for over half of this expenditure, with significant increases noted in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Germany's military budget rose by 24%, while Ukraine's increased by 20%, reflecting ongoing conflicts and shifting defense policies. Overall, nations are increasing military investments in response to a deteriorating security environment.

The Pentagon proposed to double combat pay for troops deployed in war zones from $225 to $450 per month as part of the fiscal year 2027 budget request. This increase aims to enhance recruitment and retention of military personnel. The proposal includes raising imminent danger pay from $7.50 to $15 per day. Eligible locations for this pay have been updated to include several countries in the Middle East and airspace over Iran.

The U.S. Air Force is requesting $3.9 billion to procure 15 Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tankers in fiscal 2027, aiming to enhance its aerial refueling capabilities. The total planned fleet size is confirmed at 263 aircraft, with ongoing technical issues being addressed. Recent operations have underscored the critical role of these tankers, particularly following incidents involving KC-135s in the Middle East.

Russia gained billions from oil sales following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz but faces significant challenges in converting this financial windfall into military capability. Ukrainian strikes have hindered energy exports, and sanctions continue to restrict access to necessary military inputs. The financial relief does not equate to a sustainable military advantage, as structural issues in defense production remain unresolved.

The Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia's only aircraft carrier, was deployed for combat operations in Syria in October 2016 but faced significant technical failures, including the loss of two aircraft. Its refit has been marred by accidents and delays, leading to discussions about its retirement. U.S. Navy officials have expressed concerns regarding the carrier's operational capabilities and safety, highlighting the Russian Navy's lack of infrastructure and trained personnel to support such a complex warship.

Nearly 20,000 seafarers have been trapped in the Persian Gulf for over a month due to military conflict, facing critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The International Transport Workers' Federation reports ongoing distress calls from the crew, while the International Maritime Organization confirms multiple attacks on merchant vessels, resulting in casualties. Efforts for evacuation are hindered by complex shipping operations and some shipowners' refusal to cooperate.

The U.S. Pentagon reported that clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, laid by Iran, could take up to 6 months, with operations unlikely to commence before the U.S.-Iran conflict concludes. At least 20 mines have been deployed, complicating shipping in the area. The situation may lead to prolonged high fuel prices, even if a peace agreement is reached.

Iran has laid new naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, significantly disrupting shipping and threatening global oil supply. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy is responsible for this escalation, which has led to a dramatic decrease in ship movements. In response, the U.S. has increased its military presence in the region, with plans for mine-clearing operations that may take months to complete.

The U.S. Navy has been ordered to shoot and kill any Iranian speedboats suspected of laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Three aircraft carriers are currently operating in the Middle East, marking a significant military presence. The blockade of Iranian ports continues, with the U.S. having turned around 34 ships and interdicted at least three vessels since the operation began. U.S. Marines recently boarded an Iranian container ship after it failed to heed warnings.

The U.S. Navy has initiated a blockade of Iranian ports as of April 13, 2023, ordering 34 ships to turn back. An aircraft carrier is set to join the operation soon. The U.S. has also seized two Iranian vessels in the Indian Ocean and warned Iran against laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, indicating a significant escalation in maritime operations against Iranian shipping.