Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military commenced operations against Iran on October 5, 2023, with Israeli forces bombing Iranian targets. The Israeli Air Force dropped around 100 bombs on sites used by Iran's former Supreme Leader. Concurrently, Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes on Tel Aviv. The initial costs of U.S. military actions are estimated at $3.7 billion within the first 100 hours, raising concerns over military readiness and resource allocation.

The U.S. Department of State awarded a $14.9 million contract to Echodyne Corp. for 360-degree radar systems and support services in Ukraine on March 5, 2026. These systems are intended to enhance situational awareness and threat tracking in operational environments. The contract includes equipment delivery and support services, focusing on tactical security and surveillance capabilities.

The USS Minnesota (SSN 783) is deployed in Western Australia, supporting the U.S. 7th Fleet with its primary undersea capabilities. The Virginia-class submarines, equipped with 40 Tomahawk missiles, have become the backbone of the U.S. Navy's undersea force due to delays in the SSN(X) program. Production challenges threaten the U.S. Navy's readiness and commitments under the AUKUS agreement, which involves transferring submarines to Australia.

DARPA has launched the Carbon Crunch program to accelerate the production of carbon-carbon aeroshells for hypersonic weapons in the United States. The initiative aims to overcome existing manufacturing challenges and improve the scalability of these critical components. By developing new manufacturing methods, DARPA seeks to enhance the production speed of materials essential for hypersonic vehicles, which operate at extreme speeds and temperatures.

Thirty fighters from the Islamic State launched a coordinated assault on the Diori Hamani International Airport and Base 101 in Niamey on January 28-29, 2026, resulting in the destruction of five military aircraft. This attack highlights the escalating terrorist activities in the Sahel, with JNIM increasing operations in Burkina Faso. In response, the Alliance of Sahel States has initiated a unified force of 6000 soldiers, while ECOWAS plans to deploy an additional 2000 soldiers by the end of 2026.

Marie DuboisFri Mar 06 2026Loading...

The Pentagon announced a $1 billion investment in L3Harris's solid rocket motors to stimulate production and growth within the defense industrial base. Lawmakers are scrutinizing this strategy, questioning the legal basis and monitoring of equity investments. The Defense Production Act is being utilized to support critical minerals production, with Congress considering legislation to clarify the Pentagon's authority in these investments.

Iran launched a massive retaliatory strike against Gulf states, testing their air defenses since late February 2026. The UAE intercepted 165 ballistic missiles and 541 drones, while Saudi Arabia destroyed 10 drones and 2 cruise missiles. Gulf states are facing significant challenges in replenishing their interceptor stockpiles, revealing vulnerabilities in their defense strategies. The strikes have targeted both military and civilian infrastructure, prompting a reassessment of regional security dynamics.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Mar 06 2026Loading...

PK MIL SA is preparing to launch production of the Bogdana 155mm self-propelled howitzer in Poland. This joint venture between Ponar Wadowice and the Kramatorsk Heavy Machine Tool Building Plant aims to enhance artillery capabilities and facilitate exports. Over 600 Bogdana howitzers have been produced since the conflict began, and the system is recognized for its effectiveness in combat operations. The production shift to Poland is expected to attract international customers and compete in future artillery procurement programs.

HENSOLDT is finalizing its expansion plans at the Triumph site in Aalen, Germany, to enhance its development and production capacities in sensor solutions and optoelectronic systems. This expansion is expected to create several hundred new jobs and strengthen the company's industrial presence in the Ostalb district. The Optronics Division will particularly benefit from additional resources to meet the high demand for military-related technologies.

Russian military operations in Ukraine have significantly slowed, with only 123 square kilometers gained in February 2026. Ukrainian forces counterattacked successfully, gaining over 170 square kilometers, particularly in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Disruption of Starlink terminal access has hindered Russian communications, while Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted Russian military infrastructure. The shift in Russian strategy focuses on logistics interdiction rather than rapid territorial gains.

Dmitri VolkovFri Mar 06 2026Loading...

Smith Myers Communications Ltd. introduced new passive Wi-Fi and Bluetooth detection capabilities to its ARTEMIS Mobile Phone Detection and Location System (MPDLS) on 5 March 2026 in Atlanta and Farnborough. These advancements enhance geolocation and sensor integration, particularly for aerial firefighting and disaster response, allowing for improved decision-making and responder safety. The system's integration with ATAK Cursor-on-Target further streamlines operations by automating sensor cueing.

The U.S. Armed Forces are engaged in high-intensity missile exchanges with Iran as part of the Purim War, which began in March 2026. The operational tempo has exceeded expectations, leading to significant logistical challenges as the U.S. depletes its stockpiles in the INDOPACOM region. This situation raises concerns about U.S. strategic vulnerabilities, particularly regarding potential Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific.

The US Air Force is seeking additional vendors for a radar-killing missile similar to the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) to be delivered by 2030. The Air Force requires the missile to have extended range and advanced targeting capabilities, with production of up to 600 units annually. This initiative follows a contract awarded to Northrop Grumman for the SiAW in 2023, as the Air Force aims to enhance its missile capabilities.

Concerns arise over the U.S. missile stockpile depletion amid ongoing conflicts, prompting the Trump administration to order defense contractors to accelerate production. The U.S. Department of Defense is focusing on increasing the production of precision-guided munitions and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to meet high demand. HII plans to enhance UUV testing efficiency by 75% to improve military capabilities.

The U.S. Coast Guard selected the former Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama to establish a new recruit training center, expected to be operational by the end of 2024. This decision is part of the Coast Guard's Force Design 2028 modernization plan, aiming to enhance training facilities for 1,200 recruits. The site was chosen for its cost-effectiveness and ability to meet immediate operational needs, although concerns have been raised about the selection process.

JNIM launched a series of coordinated attacks across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from February to March 2026, resulting in over 130 deaths. The group demonstrated enhanced operational capabilities, executing attacks on military and civilian targets, including a notable assault on military infrastructure in Niger. Concurrently, ISIS increased its activities in Tillabéri, leading to significant casualties among local militias.

Marie DuboisThu Mar 05 2026Loading...

The U.S. military is experiencing a critical shortage of missile interceptors during Operation Epic Fury in response to Iranian missile and drone attacks. The 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade conducted live fire training at Fort Bliss on November 5. The U.S. defense industry has not produced enough interceptors to meet current demands, prompting a need for increased production and strategic planning.

Northrop Grumman is supplying 47 Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) systems to Germany as part of a U.S. Army production award. These systems will be installed on newly ordered CH-47 Chinook helicopters, enhancing Germany's military capabilities and fulfilling NATO combat readiness requirements. The CIRCM technology is designed to protect against infrared threats, demonstrating a strong operational record.

Navantia proposed a long-term industrial cooperation with the Croatian Navy on March 5, 2026, offering the Avante 2200/ALFA 3000 for the Multi-role Corvette programme. The proposal includes commitments to involve local industry, with over 50 Croatian companies attending an Industry Day in Zagreb. Navantia signed letters of intent with local shipyards and engineering firms, emphasizing support from the Spanish Government.

The U.S. Army announced the expansion of dining halls to six additional bases, designed to resemble college cafeterias, in February 2023. The initiative aims to improve meal options for soldiers, but the pilot test for online food delivery has been paused due to demand exceeding initial projections. The Army is working with contractors to ensure future expansions are informed by data and operational benchmarks.