Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy's USS George Washington operated in the South China Sea on November 24, 2025, reflecting U.S. commitment to regional security. Sun Tzu's Art of War continues to shape military strategy, emphasizing the importance of deception and intelligence. His teachings have influenced military leaders globally, including Mao Zedong and Admiral Tōgō, and are integral to NATO and U.S. military curricula.

NATO launched Operation Arctic Sentry in February 2026, coordinating military activities in the Arctic under Joint Force Command Norfolk. The Cold Response 26 exercise, involving 32,500 participants from 14 nations, is currently underway in Norway and Finland. Joint patrols by Danish and Swedish air forces are ongoing, while the Royal Navy plans to increase its Royal Marines presence in Norway. NATO emphasizes technological advancements in ISR for effective operations in the region.

Dr. Klaus WeberSun Mar 22 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy's Essex-class aircraft carriers, with 24 operational vessels, played a pivotal role in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Notably, none were lost to enemy action, showcasing their legendary survivability. The USS Lexington, the last of the class, was decommissioned in 1991, while four Essex-class carriers remain as floating museums in the United States.

The USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) is undergoing an extended overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding, now projected to last 5.5 years due to deep-seated corrosion and labor shortages. Originally expected to complete in August 2025, the carrier's return to service is now anticipated in late 2026, with full operational capability not expected until 2027. This situation highlights significant logistical and industrial challenges facing the U.S. Navy's maintenance capabilities.

EOS Defense Systems USA conducted counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) testing of its Slinger system at N2L Range in Huntsville, Alabama. The Slinger system, designed for kinetic defense against drone threats, integrates radar and weaponry to engage targets at distances over 800 meters. This testing validates the system's performance and readiness for evolving drone threats, with positive reports from Ukrainian operators using the system in military engagements.

Canada's Defence Investment Agency awarded a contract to Colt Canada for 65,402 new assault rifles under the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR) program. The CMAR will replace the aging C7 and C8 rifles, with the first phase delivering 30,000 General Service rifles over three years. The program aims to modernize the Canadian Armed Forces' small arms and includes a commitment to maintain high Canadian content in production.

The Russian Army plans to expand its Unmanned Systems Forces to 101,000 personnel by April 1, 2026, amid a significant increase in oil revenue due to temporary US sanctions relief. Russian forces conducted reinforced assaults near Shandryholove and targeted Ukrainian logistics and artillery. Ukrainian forces successfully disrupted Russian operations through targeted strikes. Additionally, Russia launched missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure on March 12-13, 2026.

Dmitri VolkovSun Mar 22 2026Loading...

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps is on high alert, ready to respond decisively to any aggression against its borders. The U.S. Marine Corps is deploying at least 2200 troops from San Diego to the Middle East, with additional naval support expected. President Trump has demanded Iran open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face destruction of its power plants. The Pentagon has developed plans for potential ground troop deployment to Iran, though the White House remains cautious about immediate action.

The U.S. Air Force is extending the operational life of the F-22 Raptor and F/A-18 Super Hornet due to delays in the F-47 program, which will not be available until the mid-2030s. Representative Rob Wittman confirmed the need for these measures during the McAleese Defense Programs Conference. The F-47's first flight is scheduled for 2028, but the Air Force must rely on existing aircraft for air superiority in the interim.

On March 17, 2026, U.S. lawmakers confirmed that the F-47 fighter will not be operational until the mid-2030s, necessitating the continued use of F-22 Raptors and F/A-18 Super Hornets. This strategic decision aims to bridge the capability gap while facing advanced threats from adversaries like China's J-20. The U.S. Air Force is investing in upgrades to extend the service life of existing aircraft.

Lockheed Martin successfully conducted the first flight test of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 2 on March 12, 2026, in the United States. The missile demonstrated its ability to track and engage moving maritime threats, marking a significant advancement in the U.S. Army's long-range precision strike capabilities. The PrSM is currently being utilized in Operation Epic Fury against Iranian targets.

On March 21, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran launched Operation 'Real Commitment-4', targeting Israel and the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet with Qader and Emad missiles. The operation successfully struck multiple locations in northern and central Israel, as well as the U.S. naval forces. Iran's military stated that this operation demonstrates its enhanced defensive capabilities.

The U.S. military is increasing its presence in Greenland by adding special operations forces and expanding operations in new areas. Discussions with Denmark are ongoing to establish a wider military presence, including additional maritime assets. Currently, the U.S. operates Pituffik Space Base, and plans are in place to expand defense areas beyond this base.

Adm. Richard Correll advocated for expanding the B-21 Raider fleet to 145 aircraft during testimony before the House Armed Services Committee on March 17, 2026. He mentioned the possibility of establishing a second production line to meet this target, emphasizing the B-21's importance for future multi-domain warfare. The current U.S. Air Force bomber inventory totals 140 aircraft, and the proposed increase would allow the B-21 to match this number.

The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier force is under significant strain during the ongoing conflict with Iran in 2026, with only 3-5 of its 11 carriers being combat ready. Operational issues, including malfunctions on the USS Gerald R. Ford and extended overhauls of other carriers, highlight logistical challenges that threaten U.S. power projection. The situation is exacerbated by Iranian threats and the Navy's inability to maintain a reliable operational fleet.

Aeon conducted a test launch of its new Zeus shoulder-fired missile system at a ranch in East Texas on Friday. The Zeus system aims to provide over 90% cost savings compared to the Javelin missile and is designed for rapid deployment and modular payloads. Weighing about 20 pounds and 30 inches long, it is intended for infantry use and can integrate with the Android Tactical Assault Kit.

The U.S. Navy announced the USS Defiant, a Trump-class battleship designed for missile warfare, displacing 40,000 tons and costing $20 billion. It will feature 128 vertical launch system cells capable of launching nuclear-tipped cruise missiles. The Navy plans to construct 20 to 25 of these battleships as part of the Golden Fleet initiative, despite concerns regarding their cost and survivability.

Ukrainian forces repelled a mass Russian assault near Lyman on March 19, 2023, disrupting the largest breakthrough attempt by Russian troops on the Lyman-Borova axis. The attack involved over 500 Russian infantry and 28 armored vehicles but collapsed within four hours due to effective Ukrainian defensive actions. Russian forces reportedly suffered significant losses, including 1,610 personnel and various equipment, as they attempted to maintain pressure in eastern Ukraine.

The B-21 Raider was unveiled in Palmdale, California, and is set to become a critical component of U.S. airpower by 2026. Weighing 260,000 pounds and featuring a 140-foot wingspan, it is designed to operate in high-threat environments while coordinating drone and satellite data. The program aims to produce at least 145 aircraft, supported by a $4.5 billion funding allocation.

Elbit Systems of America showcased the SIGMA self-propelled wheeled howitzer at the AUSA Global Force Symposium and Exhibition in Huntsville, Alabama, from March 24 to 26. The SIGMA is designed for rapid maneuver and fast firing, compatible with the U.S. Army's 155mm ammunition. It features a 40-round onboard magazine and can fire eight rounds per minute, emphasizing mobility and survivability in contested environments.