Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army National Guard initiated a procurement effort on March 7, 2026, to acquire small unmanned aerial systems for training and operational support at the Volunteer Training Site in Smyrna, Tennessee. The Tennessee Army National Guard is seeking three types of drones that comply with the Blue UAS security certification requirements, including models like the Neros Archer and FlightWave Edge 130. This effort aims to enhance reconnaissance and training capabilities without relying on larger platforms.

Iran launched over 2,000 drones against Gulf states, significantly challenging their air defenses. On March 5, Iranian drones struck residential buildings in Manama, Bahrain, causing damage despite existing defenses. The UAE intercepted 541 drones and 165 missiles, while Kuwait engaged 283 drones. International military support is being mobilized, including Stinger missiles from Italy and fighter jets from the UK.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Mar 08 2026Loading...

Israeli forces attacked multiple fuel storage facilities in Tehran on March 7 at 22:33 local time, aiming to weaken Iranian military infrastructure. The Israeli Defense Forces stated that these facilities are frequently used by the Iranian military to support operations. Reports indicated intense explosions in the area, reflecting the impact of the strikes.

Integrated air and missile defense forces from the United States, Israel, and Gulf partners successfully defended against Iranian air, missile, and drone attacks in the Middle East. This success highlights the effectiveness of their coordinated defense systems, but also reveals a critical inventory problem for interceptors. The U.S. must expand production and improve its missile defense capabilities to address ongoing and future threats, particularly from Iran and China.

A U.S. Navy submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, resulting in significant casualties. Four U.S. service members were killed in a drone strike in Kuwait. NATO air defenses successfully intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile targeting Turkey. Concurrently, U.S. military operations against drug traffickers in Ecuador are ongoing, and a U.S. military base in Qatar was struck by a ballistic missile.

The U.S. military is concerned about the depletion of air defense interceptors amid ongoing conflicts with Iran. On February 28, 2024, the U.S. and Israel conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets to weaken Iran's missile and drone retaliation capabilities. The Pentagon is focused on replenishing stocks of Patriot and Standard missiles, while Israel faces its own ammunition supply issues. If the conflict persists, the U.S. may utilize stocks from the Pacific region.

U.S. armed forces are currently engaged in combat operations in Iran, facing significant logistical challenges, particularly in airlift and aerial refueling capabilities. The Air Force's tanker fleet is under strain due to high operational demands, with 119 task-ready crews available and over 100 aerial refueling aircraft deployed. Experts warn that these logistical constraints could impact the effectiveness of ongoing operations under Operation Epic Fury.

U.S. military leaders express concern over the rapid depletion of missile stockpiles due to ongoing operations in Iran, which could compromise military readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. The conflict may embolden China to take action against Taiwan, as U.S. defense capabilities are strained. Iran continues to launch missile attacks, and the U.S. is facing challenges in replenishing its military resources.

Saudi Arabia's Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) operates a modern fleet of 914 active aircraft, including advanced F-15SA fighters and Eurofighter Typhoons, for air defense and strike operations. The RSAF plays a crucial role in national defense, supported by U.S. and U.K. training. The potential acquisition of F-35 jets could further enhance its capabilities, posing a threat to regional rivals.

ST Engineering secured a $372 million contract from Barzan Maintenance Shield to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the Qatar Emiri Land Forces.

Four B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from the U.S. Air Force conducted night strikes on hardened ballistic missile sites in Iran over the recent weekend as part of Operation Epic Fury. The bombers were supported by KC-46 aerial tankers, which facilitated their round-trip mission from Whiteman Air Force Base. U.S. Central Command confirmed the use of 2,000-pound bombs during the operation.

On March 1, the Israel Defense Forces announced the mobilization of 100,000 reservists and the deployment of ground forces to border areas with Syria, Lebanon, Gaza Strip, and West Bank. The Air Force, Navy, and Intelligence units have also been reinforced. Logistical support will be provided to ensure reservists can operate under optimal conditions.

The Israel Ministry of Defense confirmed the arrival of a cargo ship at the Port of Haifa over the weekend, unloading dozens of Humvees, trucks, and military gear. This delivery supports ongoing operations under Operation Roaring Lion, with logistics efforts expected to intensify. Since the war began, over 130,000 tons of military equipment have been delivered to Israel, highlighting the coordination between defense procurement and international partners.

Israel is evacuating civilian aircraft from Ben Gurion Airport as part of emergency measures linked to Operation 'Roaring Lion'. The evacuation aims to protect critical aviation assets amid heightened regional tensions. Operations at Haifa Airport have been completed, and the aircraft involved are empty. Additionally, GPS functionality has been degraded nationwide, indicating potential electronic warfare activity.

A U.S. official confirmed that no casualties occurred following a missile strike near the U.S. military installation in Juffair, Bahrain, on Saturday. Explosions were reported close to the naval support facility, with smoke seen rising from the area. The missile reportedly hit an unoccupied section of the base, indicating effective defensive measures were in place during the incident.

On February 28, 2026, US and Israeli forces conducted joint airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure in Tehran, targeting regime facilities and officials. This operation threatens Iran's ability to supply drones to Russia, impacting the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russia condemned the strikes but is unlikely to intervene militarily, while China expressed support for Iran without direct military involvement.

Dmitri VolkovSat Feb 28 2026Loading...

ST Engineering announced a €315m contract with Barzan Maintenance Shield to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for military land platforms supporting the Qatar Emiri Land Forces. The contract, which will commence in the second quarter of 2026, includes the implementation of digitalized MRO processes and aims to enhance operational readiness through improved lifecycle management.

ST Engineering secured a €315 million contract to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for military land platforms to the Qatar Emiri Land Forces, commencing in the second quarter of 2026. The contract includes the implementation of digitalized MRO processes and aims to enhance operational readiness and lifecycle management of military equipment in Qatar.

The U.S. has deployed its largest military presence in the Persian Gulf since 2003, including two aircraft carrier strike groups and over 150 combat aircraft, amid escalating tensions with Iran. Concurrently, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps conducted military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, demonstrating missile capabilities. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have stated they will not permit their territory to be used for U.S. strikes on Iran, complicating the regional security landscape.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Feb 27 2026Loading...

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is deployed in the Mediterranean Sea, positioned for a potential strike on Iran after arriving in Haifa. The carrier has been at sea since June 24, 2025, and is facing challenges related to extended deployment, including low sailor morale and equipment failures. The expected return is in late April or early May 2026, which may set a new record for deployment duration.