Analysis & Reports

Russia's military capabilities in the Arctic are being limited by the Ukraine war, while it continues to enhance its operational readiness. The Kola Peninsula, crucial for its nuclear capabilities, hosts significant military assets, including the Northern Fleet. Russia aims to assert its interests in the Arctic amidst growing U.S. influence and competition with China, which is also expanding its presence in the region.

Lockheed Martin successfully tested an upgraded version of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) designed to target moving vessels at sea. The missile, launched from a HIMARS system, demonstrated its capability by flying over 200 miles. This test is part of the U.S. Army's long-range fire program, enhancing the Army's ability to strike both land and maritime threats. The upgraded missile builds on its predecessor and is set for further testing this year.

Mail services to military post offices in the Middle East have been suspended, affecting the delivery of care packages. Troopathon has sent 1,000 boxes to the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford and 2,000 boxes to other troops. The U.S. Postal Service is holding packages for future delivery once suspensions are lifted, while various organizations continue to send care packages to support service members' morale.

U.S. and Israeli forces attacked a judicial institution in Larestan County, Iran, on March 18, resulting in 14 deaths and 50 injuries. Among the deceased are two judges and two staff members, as reported by the chief justice of Fars Province.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif condemned Israel's assassination tactics on March 18, 2023, urging the international community to hold Israel accountable. He highlighted a recent video by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu suggesting the assassination of Iranian officials. Zarif criticized the perceived double standards in international responses to Israel's actions compared to other nations, emphasizing the moral implications of such military operations.

Iran launched five ballistic missiles at Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar on March 18, 2023, resulting in a fire after one missile struck the facility. The Qatari defense forces intercepted four of the missiles, and no casualties have been reported. The attack has been condemned by Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a serious escalation.

On March 18, 2023, Saudi Arabian Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed 4 ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh. The attack triggered air defense alerts across the city, marking the first such alert since military actions against Iran commenced on February 28. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the area was declared safe by civil defense authorities shortly after the incident.

Iran's Speaker of Parliament announced a principle of retaliation against attacks on Iranian infrastructure, stating that such actions are akin to suicide. On March 18, 2023, Iranian oil facilities in Bushehr Province were reportedly attacked by the U.S. and Israel, prompting the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps to declare that related oil facilities will be targeted in response.

The U.S. Air Force emphasizes the need for advanced F-35 variants and upgrades to maintain air superiority against China as its fighter inventory drops to 1,100. F-35s are actively deployed in Operation Epic Fury in Iran, demonstrating their value in modern air warfare. However, challenges with readiness and sustainment persist, necessitating a focus on quality over quantity in fighter procurement.

The U.S. Armed Forces conducted Operation Epic Fury, targeting 15,000 sites in Iran, yet the Iranian regime remains stable and its nuclear capabilities intact. The Strait of Hormuz continues to pose a significant security challenge, with unresolved issues regarding the predictability of commercial traffic. The operation's outcomes suggest a visible constraint on U.S. power, leaving Israel and regional allies in a cycle of low-level escalation.

Iran's Supreme Leader expressed condolences for the assassination of Larijani and his associates in Tehran on March 18, 2023. He emphasized that the perpetrators must face consequences. The Israeli Defense Forces reportedly carried out an airstrike near Tehran that resulted in Larijani's death, along with the commander of the Iranian militia, Soleimani.

Three private aircraft were damaged at Ben Gurion International Airport due to missile fragments fired by Iran and Hezbollah. At least one aircraft was burned, prompting Israeli authorities to limit the number of departing passengers, affecting around 1500 individuals. The incident occurred recently, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy Commander announced plans to target U.S.-related oil facilities with heavy artillery fire, equating them to U.S. military bases. This statement follows reports of attacks on oil facilities in Bushehr province attributed to the U.S. and Israel.

The U.S. is pressuring European and Middle Eastern allies to enhance their support for ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz. On March 18, 2023, White House Press Secretary Levitt stated that U.S. officials are in communication with allies to increase their efforts. President Trump has voiced dissatisfaction with some allies' lack of enthusiasm for military cooperation against Iran.

The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on major gas facilities in Bushehr and Asaluyeh, Iran, on March 18. The attacks were coordinated with the United States and aimed to send a warning to Iran regarding its infrastructure. Israeli officials indicated that the scope of attacks could expand if Iran does not respond appropriately. Iranian media confirmed damage to petrochemical facilities but reported no casualties.

On October 17, U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes on Iranian anti-ship missile bases near the Strait of Hormuz, employing multiple 5000-pound bunker busters. Experts indicate that Iran's diverse missile capabilities and underground facilities may complicate efforts to fully neutralize the threat. The strikes are part of ongoing U.S. efforts to address Iran's blockade of the strategic waterway.

Military families are facing significant delays in shipping household goods and vehicles due to the ongoing U.S. military operations in the Middle East. A stop movement order was issued for shipments to several countries, affecting over 1,000 service members during their Permanent Change of Station (PCS). The Pentagon has confirmed that these disruptions are caused by security risks and operational challenges in the region, with heightened security measures also impacting domestic moves.

Military families are facing significant shipping delays for household goods and vehicles due to the ongoing U.S. war with Iran. The Pentagon has issued a stop movement order affecting shipments to multiple countries in the region, impacting over 1,000 service members. Delays are expected to continue as heightened security measures and operational disruptions persist during the peak Permanent Change of Station season.

Military families are facing significant delays in shipping household goods and vehicles due to the ongoing U.S. military operations in the Middle East. The Pentagon has issued a stop movement order affecting shipments to several countries, with delays expected to last weeks for overseas moves. The Personal Property Activity is overseeing these logistics, and families are advised to prepare for extended wait times as the peak PCS season approaches.

Israeli airstrikes recently eliminated two senior Iranian security officials, Ali Larijani and General Gholam Reza Soleimani, in Iran. Their deaths are viewed as a major setback for the Iranian leadership, particularly in managing relations with Russia and internal security. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting neighboring Arab states and sites in Israel.