Analysis & Reports

Iran launched approximately 2,000 projectiles against Gulf states since February 28, 2026, prompting extensive defensive actions. The UAE intercepted 268 ballistic missiles, while Qatar and Bahrain reported significant interceptions as well. Saudi Arabia's air defenses also engaged multiple drones and missiles. The conflict has led Gulf states to reassess their military strategies and partnerships, highlighting vulnerabilities in their defense architectures.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

The retirement of the USS Nimitz has been postponed, allowing it to remain in service until March 2027. This extension is intended to ensure the U.S. Navy maintains at least 11 active aircraft carriers. The carrier recently participated in military exercises and operations against ISIS targets in Somalia, and it has been in service for nearly 51 years since its commissioning in 1975.

AVIC is expanding its aircraft production capacity to 300-400 units annually by 2026, with new facilities in Chengdu and Shenyang. This expansion includes the production of J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters, potentially making the PLA Air Force the largest modern fighter force by 2029. The developments indicate a significant shift in global air power dynamics as China prepares for potential military operations, including scenarios involving Taiwan.

Li MinghuiWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

The Pentagon's acting chief financial officer announced that $153 billion has been allocated from the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, with a $1.5 trillion defense spending proposal for 2027 under consideration. The funding will focus on essential military needs and readiness, with discussions ongoing about a $50 billion supplemental for U.S. strikes on Iran. The DOGE entity is assisting in budget management to eliminate unnecessary expenditures.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to temporarily pull into Souda Bay, Crete, after a fire on board resulted in nearly 200 sailors being treated for smoke-related injuries. The fire, which occurred in the ship's main laundry area, took hours to control and affected approximately 100 sleeping berths. The carrier, with over 5,000 sailors and 75 military aircraft, has been deployed for nine months, participating in operations against Iran and Venezuela.

82% of U.S. Navy warships under construction are behind schedule due to strategic drift and procurement issues. The U.S. Navy is facing challenges in defining its mission and fleet requirements, leading to delays in shipbuilding. This situation contrasts with China's consistent naval strategy aimed at contesting U.S. dominance in the Western Pacific.

U.S. officials confirmed that weapons shipments to Taiwan have not been delayed due to the ongoing war on Iran. A significant arms package, including advanced interceptor missiles, is prepared for approval. The U.S. faces a multi-billion-dollar backlog of arms shipments to Taiwan, which is under increasing military pressure from China. Additionally, President Trump postponed a trip to China that was expected to address Taiwan-related discussions.

U.S. officials confirmed that weapons shipments to Taiwan have not been delayed due to the ongoing war on Iran. The U.S. is facing a multi-billion-dollar backlog of arms shipments to Taiwan, with a significant arms package ready for approval. Concerns were raised about the defense industry's ability to meet demand amid the conflict, but the administration is exploring ways to expedite shipments. Additionally, President Trump postponed a trip to China that was expected to discuss Taiwan.

Northrop Grumman is accelerating the production of the B-21 Raider, with an investment of over $5 billion in manufacturing infrastructure. The U.S. Air Force has set a target of at least 100 airframes to replace aging bombers, with the first delivery scheduled for Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027. This new sixth-generation stealth bomber is intended to enhance the U.S. Air Force's capabilities in high-end threat environments.

UK Ministry of Defence officials criticized Boeing for significant delays in the E-7 Wedgetail program during a hearing in Belfast. The expected delivery timeline has shifted to 2026, with the UK reducing its order from five to three aircraft due to cost concerns. The program has faced scrutiny over Boeing's internal difficulties and challenges in the global supply chain, leading to a capability gap since the retirement of the E-3D aircraft in 2021.

The U.S. Navy is preparing to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz due to heightened tensions with Iran following attacks since February 28, 2023. President Trump criticized U.S. allies for their lack of commitment to participate in these escort missions, revealing challenges in U.S. military capabilities. The situation is complicated by Iran's deployment of various threats, including mines and fast attack boats.

The U.S. Navy signed a $54 million contract with Gecko Robotics to enhance maintenance for 18 ships in the U.S. Pacific Fleet. This initiative employs drones and robotic systems to streamline repairs and reduce delays, aiming for 80% fleet readiness by 2027. Gecko's technology reportedly expedites maintenance processes significantly, addressing ongoing readiness challenges.

The U.S. Navy has contracted Gecko Robotics to enhance maintenance efficiency for 18 ships in the U.S. Pacific Fleet. This $54 million deal will utilize drones and robotic systems to identify and address maintenance issues, aiming to improve fleet readiness significantly. The initiative supports the Navy's goal of achieving 80% fleet readiness by 2027, addressing past challenges in maintenance delays.

The Australian government plans to sell over 60 military properties, including camps and training facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, to reduce costs and fund new military projects. This plan has faced strong opposition from veteran organizations and the public, who argue it undermines military heritage and operational readiness. Defense Minister Richard Marles insists the facilities are not combat-ready and the sale will not impact defense capabilities.

The U.S. Army is currently facing readiness issues, as stated by Army Undersecretary Michael Obadal at a defense conference in Washington. The Army is addressing these challenges through public-private partnerships and is working on legislation to improve equipment maintenance. Obadal emphasized the need for industry to help fill capability gaps, particularly concerning major weapons systems and magazine depth.

On March 17, 2026, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) placed initial call-off orders for ANAFI UKR micro-UAV systems, with shipments expected in Q1 2026. The orders include 100-500 units initially, scaling into thousands, and involve the Finnish Defence Forces as one of the end-users. The ANAFI UKR is designed for rapid deployment and effective operation in challenging environments.

The U.S. expects Europe to assume majority responsibility for NATO's conventional defense capabilities by 2027, marking a significant shift in transatlantic security relations. European defense spending is increasing, with a target of 5% of GDP by 2035, while the EU focuses on developing its own defense capabilities. Military mobility and coordination between NATO and the EU are prioritized to enhance rapid deployment across Europe.

Alexandra ReevesTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

A fire aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford lasted over 30 hours, leaving over 600 service members without beds as they are forced to sleep on floors and tables. The fire, which originated in the main laundry room, caused non-life-threatening injuries to two sailors, while a third was flown off for treatment. The aircraft carrier remains fully operational and is currently stationed in the Red Sea.

SCATA unveiled the SCATA Mk1 armored vehicle in Jakobstad, Finland, in mid-March 2026. This 18-ton 4x4 vehicle, based on the Texelis Celeris platform, marks a significant collaboration between Finnish and French defense industries. SCATA aims to produce 60 to 150 vehicles annually and is exploring various configurations, including an armored personnel carrier and a light air defense variant. The vehicle will be showcased at the Eurosatory exhibition in June 2026.

Ukrainian long-range drones now threaten the Ural region of Russia, according to Sergei Shoigu. He stated that the effectiveness of these drones has changed the security environment, with the Ural region, previously considered safe, now in the zone of immediate threat. This area is vital for Russia's defense and economic infrastructure, prompting a reassessment of air defense strategies.