Analysis & Reports

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.

India secured the safe transit of two Indian flagged carriers carrying liquified petroleum gas through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. This action follows intensified diplomatic engagement by New Delhi to ensure energy imports amid regional tensions. Indian officials are also negotiating for the safe passage of 22 additional vessels stranded west of the strait, highlighting India's strategic interests in the area.

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.

The global arms trade has increased by 9.2% over the past five years, driven primarily by European demand, particularly in response to the threat from Russia. European countries now account for 33% of global arms imports, with significant contributions from the U.S. and Germany. Germany has emerged as the fourth largest arms exporter, with a substantial portion of its exports directed to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia's arms exports have sharply declined due to the ongoing conflict and international pressure.

China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) officially adopted the J-35A stealth fighter in late 2024, designed for air combat operations. In June 2025, Pakistan became the first overseas buyer of the J-35A, which features a twin-engine design and a combat radius of 750 miles. The J-35A is marketed to nations restricted from acquiring the U.S. F-35 fighter.

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.

The U.S. Marine Corps has decided to retain the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle for its close combat formations, prioritizing its suitability for amphibious operations over the Army's M7 Next Generation Squad Weapon. This decision reflects the Marines' focus on weight and sustained fire capabilities. The Corps will continue to monitor the M7's development for potential future requirements.