Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army canceled the M10 Booker combat vehicle in 2025 due to its increased weight and failure to meet deployment requirements. The Army is now focusing on the M1E3 Abrams tank, reflecting a shift in military procurement strategies to adapt to modern warfare demands. This decision underscores the challenges of developing advanced military platforms in a rapidly evolving battlefield environment.

Iran launched a multi-front assault on Gulf states from March 1-4, 2026, targeting critical infrastructure and military assets. Qatar intercepted 98 of 101 ballistic missiles, while the UAE faced over 800 threats, including 1,072 drone strikes. Saudi Arabia's air defenses successfully intercepted Iranian drones aimed at the Ras Tanura oil refinery. The Gulf Cooperation Council nations are actively engaged in defensive operations, showcasing their enhanced military capabilities.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Mar 07 2026Loading...

European nations are restructuring their defense policies and increasing military spending in response to U.S. demands for greater autonomy. By 2027, Europe is expected to take on the majority of NATO's conventional defense capabilities. Germany is leading this transformation with significant budget increases, while Poland has emerged as the EU's largest military by personnel. The EU has also activated budgetary flexibility measures to support this defense expansion.

Alexandra ReevesSat Mar 07 2026Loading...

The U.S. Department of War approved a $53 million contract modification for Lockheed Martin to enhance production of the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) in Orlando, Florida. This modification aims to expand manufacturing capacity to meet operational requirements across multiple combat platforms. The contract is expected to be completed by November 29, 2028.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $610 million contract to Mortenson for the construction of a sterile insect production facility at Moore Airbase in Edinburg, Texas. This facility will produce sterile insects to combat the New World screwworm, a pest threatening livestock and agriculture. Construction is set to continue through March 6, 2028, with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Joint Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) conducted military operations against jihadist groups in the Sahel region in March 2026, eliminating over 100 militants. Burkinabè forces launched an offensive around Djibo, while the AES coordinated efforts to counter the transnational threat. The report highlights the increasing use of armed drones by jihadist groups and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

Marie DuboisSat Mar 07 2026Loading...

Kazakhstan has initiated serial production of the Barys 6×6 armored combat vehicle at the Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering facility. This vehicle, designed for military and security operations, is a localized version of the South African Mbombe 6 platform. It incorporates advanced Mine Resistant Ambush Protected technology to enhance crew safety against explosive threats. The production underscores Kazakhstan's commitment to developing its domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.

Gulf Cooperation Council states intercepted hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones in March 2026, demonstrating significant advancements in air defense capabilities. Qatar reported intercepting 98 of 101 ballistic missiles, while the UAE neutralized over 800 threats. This military response follows the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and reflects a decade-long transformation in regional defense strategies, emphasizing indigenous capabilities and industrialization.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Mar 07 2026Loading...

Germany is significantly increasing its military spending and addressing long-standing infrastructure issues within its armed forces. Despite a rise in military expenditure, challenges remain, including outdated facilities and a recruitment goal of 260,000 personnel by 2035. The German Armed Forces have initiated a new brigade in Lithuania to bolster NATO's eastern defenses while facing criticism over slow infrastructure improvements.

President Trump announced that U.S. defense companies have agreed to quadruple missile production amid ongoing military operations in Iran and Venezuela. This decision follows a meeting with major defense contractors to address production challenges. The U.S. has reportedly increased orders for various missile systems, including THAAD and Patriot interceptors, as part of efforts to bolster military capabilities during the conflict.

On March 6, U.S. President Trump announced that major U.S. defense manufacturers agreed to quadruple the production of advanced weapons. This decision follows a successful meeting where production plans were discussed, and expansion efforts had already begun three months prior. Companies involved include BAE Systems, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin.

Six major U.S. defense contractors agreed to quadruple the production of 'Exquisite Class Weaponry' following a recent meeting in Washington. This decision, supported by President Trump, aims to enhance military capabilities amid ongoing U.S. military operations. The production expansion had already begun three months prior, with significant investments planned for various munitions, including PAC-3 and THAAD interceptors.

Dr. Robert Farley evaluates the potential for a U.S. ground invasion of Iran in 2026, highlighting significant logistical challenges due to the loss of bases in Afghanistan and Iraq. He suggests that the U.S. may rely on Kurdish proxies and Special Operations Forces to engage Iranian forces. The report indicates internal conflicts within the U.S. administration regarding military strategy and the feasibility of such an invasion, which would heavily tax U.S. military capabilities.

On February 28, 2026, the US and Israel conducted airstrikes against Iran, prompting the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to close the Strait of Hormuz. By March 2, all shipping traffic was halted, leading to over 150 vessels anchoring outside the strait and a spike in Brent crude prices to $89 per barrel. The closure was primarily enforced through drone threats and insurance market reactions, resulting in an 80% drop in seaborne traffic.

Dmitri VolkovFri Mar 06 2026Loading...

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.