Analysis & Reports

The United States conducted Operation Epic Fury against Iran, expending over 850 Tomahawk missiles and 100-150 upper-tier missile interceptors, significantly depleting its stockpiles. In response, the U.S. is increasing missile production and exploring coalition defense strategies with allies in the Indo-Pacific to address potential threats from China. The operation has highlighted vulnerabilities in U.S. military readiness and logistics.

Marcus ChenSat Apr 11 2026Loading...

At least 12 F-22 Raptors were deployed to Iran in February 2026 for air superiority missions and escorting strike packages. Lockheed Martin showcased a new model of the F-22 featuring stealthy external fuel tanks and IRST pods, enhancing its operational range. The U.S. Central Command confirmed the use of over 100 tanker aircraft to support these operations, highlighting the logistical challenges faced by the F-22 in maintaining air dominance.

Iran is weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz by launching drone and missile attacks against Gulf states while restricting maritime traffic to 15 vessels per day. Since the ceasefire began, Iran has launched at least 45 cruise missiles and caused significant casualties, with 32 fatalities in Gulf nations and 20 in Israel. The U.S. and Israeli air campaign has severely degraded Iran's military capabilities, yet Iran continues to exert pressure through asymmetric warfare and economic coercion.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Apr 11 2026Loading...

On April 8, 2023, U.S. Armed Forces fired 5,000 rounds of munitions, including 18 months' worth of Patriot missile production, during the Iran war. A ceasefire was subsequently agreed upon, influenced by China's diplomatic intervention. The U.S. military faces significant challenges in restocking its arsenal, raising concerns about its readiness for sustained conflict. Russian media has publicly criticized U.S. claims of victory.

The Agile Chariot exercise took place in Wyoming from April 30 to May 2, 2023, simulating a rescue mission involving 19 Air Force CCTs and pararescuemen. The exercise utilized various aircraft, including MC-130Js and A-10s, and mirrored a recent operation in Iran. The event was publicized by the Pentagon and included complex logistical operations.

The U.S. Army is expanding its supply of Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) with a budget request for 1,134 missiles, aiming to enhance its capabilities in ongoing operations against Iran. Lockheed Martin has secured a $5 billion contract to quadruple PrSM production. Additionally, the U.S. Navy's extensive use of Tomahawk missiles in recent operations has raised concerns about stockpiles and production capacity for future conflicts.

The U.S. Navy is seeking to purchase 785 additional Tomahawk missiles after firing over 850 in operations against Iran, leading to historically low stockpiles. The Department of Defense's Fiscal Year 2027 budget request includes $3 billion for this procurement. Japan's order for 400 Tomahawk missiles is also delayed due to production issues, raising concerns about U.S. missile readiness in the Indo-Pacific.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed military capabilities and logistics for moving vessels through the Strait of Hormuz with U.S. President Donald Trump. The conversation took place in London and focused on creating a coalition of countries to address navigation issues in the Strait. Starmer also highlighted NATO's significance to both the U.S. and Europe during the meeting.

U.S. bombers, including 15 B-1B Lancers and 6 B-52Hs, returned to RAF Fairford with their payloads intact following a ceasefire announcement in April 2023. The U.S. military reported significant successes against Iranian air defenses and missile sites, emphasizing the strategic role of these bombers in the conflict. Their presence over Iran served as leverage in the ceasefire negotiations, showcasing their operational importance.

Damen Shipyards Group hosted a kick-off meeting in Antalya for the delivery of thirteen Search and Rescue (SAR) 1906 vessels to the Turkish Coast Guard, scheduled for 2027 and 2028. This initiative is part of a European Union-funded project aimed at improving the operational capacity of the Turkish Coast Guard. The vessels, designed for all weather conditions, will enhance search-and-rescue operations at sea.

Roketsan opened new missile production facilities in Ankara on Tuesday, with a total investment of $3 billion. The Turkish armed forces received various missile systems, including Tayfun and Siper, as part of this initiative. President Erdogan highlighted Turkey's growing defense capabilities and its ability to develop advanced military technology, including agreements for international cooperation.

The U.S. has fired 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles in a paused military campaign against Iran and plans to increase its stockpile by 1,200%. The U.S. Navy has been launching these missiles from vessels in the Persian Gulf. A recent deal with RTX aims to significantly boost production capacity for Tomahawk missiles and other munitions.

The U.S. military conducted extensive operations against Iran, claiming to have destroyed significant portions of its defense capabilities, including 80% of air defense systems and 90% of maritime vessels. A two-week ceasefire has been established, allowing for negotiations, despite ongoing military actions in the region. Iran retains the ability to strike targets, including a petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia.

On April 8, 2023, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched the 100th wave of Operation 'Real Promise-4', targeting 25 strategic sites associated with U.S. and Israeli interests in the Middle East. The operation included strikes on energy complexes, military, security, and logistical targets, as a response to prior attacks on Iranian infrastructure. The operation was conducted under the command of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who emphasized readiness for further combat.

U.S. troops consumed over 2 million energy drinks during military operations in Iran, alongside more than 6 million meals and 950,000 gallons of coffee. The U.S. military has struck over 13,000 targets since combat operations began on February 28. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine stated that the conflict, ongoing for 38 days, remains uncertain in status, emphasizing readiness for potential resumption of combat operations.

U.S. troops consumed over 2 million energy drinks during military operations against Iran, which began on February 28, 2023. The operations included striking over 13,000 targets, such as air defense systems and command nodes. As of the report, the conflict remains ongoing with a ceasefire in place, but military readiness is maintained for potential resumption of combat.

The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin an $11.4 million contract modification on April 7, 2026, to develop additional software for Israel's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter fleet. The contract is funded by Israel through Foreign Military Sales and will primarily be executed in Fort Worth, Texas. This upgrade is crucial for maintaining the operational capabilities of Israel's F-35I Adir aircraft, which are among the most combat-experienced in the world.

Israel announced plans to significantly increase the production of Arrow interceptors on April 6, 2023, in response to ongoing threats from Iran and its allies. The Arrow-3 system has demonstrated its effectiveness by intercepting multiple missiles during recent conflicts. Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that this increase aims to ensure operational freedom and sustained combat capability for Israel.

Saudi Arabia plans to send up to 1.2 million barrels of oil daily through its East-West pipeline to mitigate the impact of potential closures of the Strait of Hormuz. The country is also considering building new pipelines to bypass the Strait entirely. The U.S. has conducted military strikes against Iranian infrastructure to pressure Iran regarding the Strait's accessibility. A multi-country partnership may be necessary to develop new energy transportation routes.

The Israel Ministry of Defense has approved a plan to accelerate the production of Arrow interceptors to enhance defense capabilities against ballistic threats. This initiative, driven by Defense Minister Israel Katz and IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, aims to increase both the production rate and stockpile of interceptors. The Arrow system has proven effective in intercepting missiles from Iran and Yemen, and the acceleration is part of broader preparations for ongoing military operations.