Analysis & Reports

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it will consider universities in Israel and U.S. universities in the region as legitimate targets in response to recent bombings of Iranian technology universities. The IRGC has called on staff and students to stay away from campus areas and demands an official condemnation from the U.S. government by noon on March 30, 2023.

The FAA is investigating a near-miss incident involving a California Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and a United Airlines 737 near John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California, on March 24. The two aircraft came within 525 feet vertically and 1,422 feet laterally, prompting the United Airlines flight to trigger a collision avoidance alert. The National Guard was conducting a routine training mission and is cooperating with the FAA's investigation.

Canada is currently debating the selection of a new fighter jet for the Royal Canadian Air Force, weighing the advantages of the F-35 Lightning II against the JAS 39 Gripen. The Gripen offers lower costs but lacks the stealth capabilities and interoperability with NATO allies that the F-35 provides. This decision has significant political and military implications for Canada's defense strategy.

The U.S. Navy's Columbia-class submarine program is facing delays, with the lead submarine projected for delivery in 2028. The Navy is extending the life of Ohio-class submarines as a temporary measure. Rear Admiral Todd Weeks reported that the lead vessel is approximately 65-66% complete. Senator Tommy Tuberville highlighted the need for an increased number of Columbia-class submarines. Recently, the Navy awarded a $15.38 billion contract modification for support related to the Columbia-class program.

Russian forces' spring-summer offensive against Ukraine stalled in March 2026, with Ukrainian forces successfully counterattacking and liberating Berezove. Ukrainian long-range strikes have disrupted Russian oil exports significantly. Public criticism from Russian military commentators highlights systemic issues within the Russian military. Additionally, Russia plans to train over 70,000 drone operators to address operational challenges.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 28 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy undocked the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Albany (SSN 753) at Naval Submarine Base New London on March 26, 2025, after completing extensive repairs and upgrades. Over 400 personnel from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard supported the maintenance effort, which enhances the submarine's operational capabilities. This milestone brings USS Albany closer to rejoining the fleet for future deployments.

The United States Air Force, in collaboration with Northrop Grumman and Bechtel, is prototyping a new launch silo tube for the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system. This initiative aims to support the construction of 450 future silos, with construction already underway. The Sentinel program is designed to modernize the U.S. land-based nuclear forces and is expected to remain operational through at least 2075.

The 2026 National Defense Strategy prioritizes homeland defense and Indo-Pacific deterrence, with a $10 billion budget for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. It omits Taiwan from the strategy, raising concerns about US commitment to the region. Allies are expected to increase defense spending significantly, reflecting a shift in US military focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The strategy aims to establish credible defensive barriers against Chinese aggression.

Marcus ChenSat Mar 28 2026Loading...

Lockheed Martin is expanding production capacity for the Javelin anti-tank missile system in the United States, with increased output expected to begin later in 2026. The company is enhancing its supply chain by engaging nearly 100 suppliers and 25 major subcontractors, focusing on automation and AI-driven forecasting to meet growing global demand.

Kymeta Corporation revealed the specifications for the KuKa 8 Series multi-band, multi-orbit satellite communications antenna designed for defense users. Prototype deliveries are expected to begin in mid-2026. The antenna supports connectivity across multiple satellite constellations and is designed for communications-on-the-move, enhancing military operational capabilities.

U.S. military operations in Iran have intensified over the past three weeks, with significant airstrikes conducted. The USS Gerald R. Ford is currently undergoing repairs in Greece, limiting U.S. air capabilities. Tomahawk missile stocks are depleting rapidly, leading to increased reliance on bombers like the B-2, B-1, and B-52. The demand for Patriot missile systems has surged, complicating logistics for U.S. forces.

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force successfully conducted the JFTX-01 exercise off the U.S. East Coast from March 17-19, 2026, demonstrating the SPY-7 radar's capabilities in tracking and intercepting live targets. This exercise signifies a critical advancement in Japan's ballistic missile defense, enhancing its response to regional threats, particularly from North Korea. The integration of the SPY-7 radar is expected to significantly improve Japan's defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region.

Tanaka TakashiSat Mar 28 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army is raising the maximum enlistment age from 35 to 42 years, effective March 26, 2023. This policy change aims to address ongoing personnel shortages and aligns the Army's enlistment age with that of the Air Force and Navy. The adjustment reflects a long-term effort to expand recruitment channels amid a declining pool of eligible candidates.

On March 27, 2026, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Aegis destroyer 'Chokai' officially acquired the capability to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles following upgrades completed at a U.S. Navy base in San Diego, California. This development marks a significant enhancement of Japan's defense capabilities amid increasing military threats from North Korea and China. The Tomahawk missiles, with a range of approximately 1,600 kilometers, will provide Japan with a substantial retaliatory strike capability.

Tanaka TakashiSat Mar 28 2026Loading...

U.S. Space Command is relocating approximately 200 personnel from Colorado to its new headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama, by the end of this year. This move, which has been subject to political debate, includes plans for a top-secret facility to support operations. The command is offering relocation and retention incentives to facilitate the transition.

The U.S. Army is developing cost-effective methods to counter drone threats using existing ammunition, while Ukraine has integrated shotguns and specialized rounds for anti-drone defense. Israel's Iron Beam laser system provides a low-cost solution for intercepting drones. These developments reflect a shift in military strategy to address the increasing use of drones in conflicts across Iran, Israel, and Ukraine.

The U.S. Navy built 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers during World War II, but modern shipbuilding struggles with delays and maintenance issues. The Navy's current maintenance system is fragile, relying on only four shipyards, and faces labor shortages and technological complexities that hinder production. The conditions that allowed for rapid carrier construction in the past no longer exist.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth blocked the promotions of four Army officers, including two Black men and two women, to brigadier general in the U.S. Army. This decision has been criticized as part of a broader pattern of targeting minority officers. Pentagon officials defended the merit-based promotion process, stating that promotions are awarded based on performance, not identity.

In March 2026, the USS Gerald R. Ford was withdrawn from operations in the Middle East for repairs after a fire, impacting U.S. strike operations in Iran. The U.S. Navy is facing a shortage of operational aircraft carriers due to maintenance delays and overlapping schedules, with multiple carriers out of action simultaneously. This situation is exacerbated by the aging fleet and logistical challenges at the Newport News shipyard, which is critical for carrier maintenance and construction.

Adm. Richard Correll of U.S. Strategic Command stated the need for more Columbia-class submarines to enhance U.S. nuclear capabilities during a Senate Armed Services Committee meeting. He highlighted the current fleet of 14 Ohio-class submarines with 280 launch tubes compared to the planned 12 Columbia-class submarines with 192 launch tubes. Correll noted that the first Columbia-class submarine is delayed until 2028 and emphasized the strategic importance of maintaining a robust at-sea deterrent.