Analysis & Reports

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted an airstrike on a uranium production facility in Ardakan, Iran, on March 27. The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization reported that the attack did not cause any radioactive material to leak outside the facility.

Iran is negotiating with China to acquire advanced military hardware, including CM-302 anti-ship missiles and HQ-9B surface-to-air missile systems, following significant losses in its military capabilities due to U.S.-Israeli air campaigns. The Iranian military seeks to bolster its defenses and capabilities post-war, with discussions reportedly led by Deputy Defense Minister Massoud Oraei. This potential acquisition includes various advanced weapon systems aimed at enhancing Iran's military strength against regional adversaries.

The Iran war has significantly depleted U.S. and Israeli missile stockpiles, with Israel nearing exhaustion of Arrow Interceptors and the U.S. having used 40% of its THAAD interceptors since February 28, 2023. The conflict has led to the expenditure of over 11,000 munitions in just 16 days, revealing vulnerabilities in U.S. military readiness against Iran's production capabilities.

The Defense Department is actively seeking vendors to supply pre-made shelters for U.S. troops in the Middle East, with a focus on rapid delivery within 30 days. This initiative aligns with the deployment of at least 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division and aims to enhance troop protection amid ongoing hostilities with Iran. The shelters will be delivered to the Aqaba Air Cargo Terminal in Jordan.

Brazil announced the return of 17 M60A3 tanks to operational service in January 2025, citing modernization delays. Taiwan is upgrading 40 of its M60A3 tanks, while Egypt and Turkey continue to enhance their M60 fleets. The M60A3 remains relevant due to its adaptability and ongoing upgrades, showcasing its effectiveness in various operational contexts.

Ukraine deployed 228 counter-drone specialists to Gulf partners, including Jordan, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, to assist in intercepting drone threats. In exchange, Ukraine is seeking Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles, emphasizing a trade of capabilities amid increasing demand for air defense due to the Iran conflict. This strategy aims to leverage Ukraine's drone production capacity while addressing its own missile shortages.

Ukraine deployed 228 counter-drone specialists to Gulf partners, including Jordan, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, to assist in intercepting drone threats. In exchange, Ukraine is seeking Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles, emphasizing a trade of capabilities amid rising demand for air defense due to the Iran conflict. This strategic move aims to bolster Ukraine's defense while addressing shortages in advanced missile systems.

USS Tripoli (LHA-7) is being deployed to the Middle East, carrying approximately 2,200 to 2,500 Marines, amid rising tensions with Iran. This deployment reflects the U.S. military's effort to balance deterrence and diplomacy near the critical Strait of Hormuz. The USS Tripoli, capable of operating F-35B Lightning II aircraft, is part of a broader strategy to reinforce U.S. military presence in the region.

Hezbollah escalated its attacks on Israeli forces, launching 600 rockets in a 24-hour period. In response, the Israel Defense Forces conducted airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, killing 700 Hezbollah fighters since March 2, 2024. Israel is establishing a security zone south of the Litani River, displacing 1.2 million people. Hezbollah has adopted new guerilla tactics, destroying or disabling 20 Israeli tanks.

A federal judge in Northern California issued a temporary injunction against the Pentagon's ban on Anthropic, citing illegal retaliation and due-process violations. The ruling allows Anthropic to continue its work with the Defense Department, which has been ongoing since late 2024. The judge criticized the Pentagon's actions as arbitrary and capricious, and the injunction takes effect in seven days, giving the government time to appeal.

U.S. President Trump proposed a dual strategy of military pressure and negotiations with Iran, dispatching ground troops while presenting a 15-point peace plan. Iran rejected the proposal and continued military operations, including attacks on targets in Kuwait. The IRGC and Artesh are operating under conflicting agendas, complicating the situation further. Israel has also resumed air offensives in the region.

The Pentagon is preparing a request for supplemental funding for the war in Iran. Jules Hurst, acting as the Pentagon’s comptroller, discussed the financial implications with Breaking Defense Editor-in-Chief Aaron Mehta. This raises questions about potential cuts to military exercises due to funding needs.

The U.S. military has fired over 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles in four weeks of war with Iran. Pentagon officials expressed concern over the rapid depletion of these precision weapons. President Trump emphasized the need for defense contractors to expedite the production of American-made weapons. The Department of War stated it has all the resources required to execute military missions as needed.

The U.S. military has fired over 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles in four weeks of war with Iran. Pentagon officials express concern over the rapid depletion of these precision weapons. President Trump emphasizes the need for increased production of American-made weapons to support military operations.

China is mass-producing tens of thousands of advanced drones, adapting its military doctrine to incorporate drone swarms, which poses a significant challenge to U.S. military capabilities. Iran has developed a fleet of 88,000 kamikaze drones, demonstrating effective low-cost drone warfare. Both nations are enhancing their military capabilities through advanced technologies, creating a potential imbalance in future conflicts with the U.S.

U.S. and Israeli aircraft conducted airstrikes on the Mobarakay Steel Plant in Isfahan Province and the Khuzestan Steel Company on March 27, causing damage to these facilities.

The U.S. Department of State approved over $16.5 billion in arms sales to the UAE, Kuwait, and Jordan in March 2026, enhancing their air defense capabilities amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. The UAE is set to receive advanced missiles and precision munitions, while Kuwait will upgrade its missile defense infrastructure. These transactions signify a strategic transformation in Gulf military capabilities, moving towards integrated defense systems capable of independent operations.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Mar 27 2026Loading...

Israel has received approximately 8000 tons of military equipment, weapons, and ammunition since launching large-scale military operations against Iran. As of March 26, 2023, 200 aircraft have delivered military supplies to Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces are expanding their defense industrial base and accelerating production to address the rapid depletion of air defense interceptors and precision strike weapons.

Iran is using Russian drone-warfare tactics to target U.S. forces and other operations in the Middle East. The Iranian military has shifted to launching smaller numbers of drones and missiles at a wider variety of targets, including civilian infrastructure. This new strategy mirrors the attrition tactics used by Russia against Ukraine, aiming to impose economic and political costs. Ukrainian military personnel reported these developments during a meeting in Washington D.C.

Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, significantly impacting global supplies of oil and gas. This closure escalates tensions with the US and Israel, as both sides threaten further military action. The Iranian military employs a range of capabilities, including missiles and mines, to enforce this closure. NATO navies are enhancing their mine warfare readiness in response to this strategic threat, while the UK and France are forming a coalition to address the situation.