Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military is engaged in an ongoing conflict with Iran, which has lasted for 12 days, resulting in seven U.S. troop fatalities and approximately 140 injuries. President Trump has fluctuated in his statements regarding the war's objectives and timeline, while the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has vowed to prevent oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz. The situation remains volatile, with no clear end in sight.

Gulf air defense systems engaged Iranian ballistic missiles and drones during the first week of March 2026, successfully intercepting 161 ballistic missiles and 35 drones in the UAE. Qatar reported a 100% success rate against cruise missiles and 96% against ballistic missiles. The operational performance of these systems demonstrated a significant advancement in the Gulf states' military capabilities, marking a shift from reliance on external support to independent defensive operations.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against Iranian missile and drone-related assets on March 11, targeting an SA-5 launcher at Bushehr airbase. The operation, part of ongoing efforts to degrade Iranian strike capabilities, has led to a significant decline in Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. The strikes were documented in newly released video footage.

China is poised to potentially blockade Taiwan, which would severely disrupt global semiconductor supply and impact military capabilities. This blockade could lead to a $10.6 trillion economic loss globally, significantly affecting the U.S. defense industrial base reliant on Taiwanese microchips. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the critical nature of Taiwan's role in global trade and military technology.

Australia announced the deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail early-warning aircraft and 85 troops to the Middle East on March 10, 2023, to bolster airspace security against Iranian threats. The Royal Australian Air Force will also assist in replenishing the United Arab Emirates' stocks of AIM-120 air-to-air missiles. This deployment is part of Australia's commitment to support regional defense without engaging in offensive operations against Iran.

Australia deployed an E-7A Wedgetail early-warning aircraft and 85 troops to the Middle East on March 10, 2023, to bolster airspace security amid Iranian attacks. The deployment includes replenishing the United Arab Emirates' stocks of AIM-120 air-to-air missiles. The aircraft will operate for an initial four-week period, likely from Al Minad Air Base near Dubai, enhancing regional defenses against Iranian drones and missiles.

EDGE launched the first-of-class BR71 MK II Combattante corvette for the Angolan Navy in Cherbourg, France, on 10 March 2026. The corvette is part of a EUR 1 billion contract and will enhance Angola's maritime capabilities. Two additional corvettes are under construction, with advanced unmanned aerial systems integrated for surveillance. This development signifies a growing security partnership between Angola and the UAE.

On March 11, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Defense condemned the U.S. and Israel's military strikes against Iran, stating they violate international law. The spokesperson urged an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomatic negotiations to ensure peace in the Middle East.

Iran launched over 800 missile and drone attacks against Gulf states beginning February 28, 2026. Gulf Cooperation Council states successfully intercepted more than 90% of these threats, demonstrating significant improvements in their military capabilities. However, some threats penetrated defenses, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The attacks have prompted a strategic shift towards indigenous defense production and raised concerns about the sustainability of current military operations.

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On March 9, 2026, Japan received modified Type 12 anti-ship missile launchers at Kumamoto. The U.S. is relocating THAAD systems from South Korea to the Middle East, raising concerns among regional allies. Japan plans to deploy Aegis destroyers to the Arabian Sea, while local officials express concerns over the secrecy of the missile deployment amid increasing Chinese military activities.

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The global arms trade has increased by 9.2% over the past five years, driven primarily by European demand, particularly in response to the threat from Russia. European countries now account for 33% of global arms imports, with significant contributions from the U.S. and Germany. Germany has emerged as the fourth largest arms exporter, with a substantial portion of its exports directed to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia's arms exports have sharply declined due to the ongoing conflict and international pressure.

U.S. military forces destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying boats near the Strait of Hormuz on March 10, 2026, amid concerns over potential mine deployment by Iran. This action was confirmed by U.S. Central Command, which released a video of the strikes. President Trump had previously mentioned a lower number of boats destroyed, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat posed by Iran to maritime security.

Dassault Aviation is ramping up production of the Rafale fighter jets to 35 units annually by 2029-2030, addressing a backlog of 175 export units. The F5 standard will enhance capabilities with advanced radar and hypersonic missile integration. Ukraine plans to purchase 100 Rafales, while Serbia's order of 12 jets may provoke Russia. The upgrades aim to improve the aircraft's performance in modern combat scenarios.

Approximately 140 American service members were wounded, with eight severely injured, during the first 10 days of Operation Epic Fury. The operation, which began on February 28, has resulted in at least seven American fatalities due to Iranian retaliatory strikes. U.S. officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, have pledged to continue military actions against Iran until their objectives are met.

Speculation about a military draft has arisen following U.S. military operations in Iran that began on February 28, 2023. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's comments regarding troop deployment options have fueled public concern. However, implementing a draft would require Congressional approval and is considered politically unpopular.

Iran is deploying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz using small, difficult-to-track vessels as of March 10, 2026. U.S. intelligence has detected signs of this operation, which could significantly disrupt maritime traffic and global energy markets. The estimated number of mines ranges from 2,000 to 6,000, and the U.S. Navy may be forced to engage in complex mine-clearing operations.

The U.S. military has expended over 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles in the first 72 hours of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, prompting a shift to Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) to conserve high-end munitions for the Indo-Pacific. General Dan Caine warned that continued military operations could deplete U.S. munitions stockpiles, affecting commitments to allies. Lockheed Martin and RTX are ramping up production of precision munitions to address the crisis.

The U.S. military is actively targeting Iranian factories producing one-way attack drones and is conducting operations against mine-laying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This follows the initiation of air and missile strikes against Iran on February 28, 2023, as part of Operation Epic Fury. The U.S. aims to prevent Iran from using its estimated stockpile of 6,000 sea mines to threaten commercial shipping in the vital waterway.

The U.S. Army is preparing for a potential invasion of Iran in 2026, facing significant challenges due to the country's geography and military strategy. Despite overwhelming technological and budgetary advantages, the complexities of occupying a nation four times the size of Iraq and the threat of asymmetric warfare from Iran complicate the operation. Logistical support for hundreds of thousands of troops would be critical amidst missile attacks and insurgent activities.

French President Macron announced the deployment of naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz on October 9, 2023, to ensure maritime security and protect European interests. The deployment includes 8 naval vessels, an aircraft carrier strike group, and 2 amphibious assault ships. Macron stated that this operation is a response to recent threats in the region, particularly concerning Iranian drone attacks.