Analysis & Reports

ROKETSAN is actively producing and delivering the TAYFUN ballistic missile and SOM cruise missile in Turkey. The TAYFUN missile is designed for high-precision strikes and rapid deployment, while the SOM missile can engage targets from outside enemy air defense coverage. This ongoing production enhances Türkiye's military capabilities and supports its defense industry strategy.

Six cruise ships remain trapped in ports across the Arabian Gulf due to Iranian forces laying naval mines and threatening maritime exits. The vessels, operated by various cruise lines, are docked in Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, missing crucial repositioning windows for upcoming itineraries. This disruption is part of a larger crisis affecting global shipping and tourism, with nearly 2,000 commercial vessels impacted by the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Attacks on oil production facilities and shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted economies in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. In response, Gulf states are increasing defense spending to modernize military capabilities, particularly in air defense and missile systems, to counter asymmetric threats from Iran. The economic impact includes a significant decrease in LNG exports from Qatar and rising gas prices in the US.

Iran launched missile strikes on data centers near Abu Dhabi and Riyadh on March 23, 2026, prompting Bahrain and UAE to intercept multiple attacks using their air defense systems. The crisis has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global energy supplies and Gulf economies. Gulf states are navigating a complex security landscape while engaging in diplomatic efforts to stabilize relations with Iran.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Mar 25 2026Loading...

On March 24, 2026, the U.S. military deployed approximately 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East due to rising tensions with Iran. This troop movement diverts resources from the Indo-Pacific, where the U.S. is facing its own security challenges. Additionally, multiple Marine Expeditionary Units are being rerouted to the Middle East, impacting U.S. naval presence in the region.

Marcus ChenWed Mar 25 2026Loading...

Japan is considering deploying its Maritime Self-Defense Force to the Strait of Hormuz to assist in mine-clearing operations following Iran's threats to lay mines in the Persian Gulf. The Japanese fleet includes advanced minesweepers and has a history of participating in similar operations. This potential deployment reflects Japan's ongoing military cooperation with the U.S. and its strategic interests in the region.

The U.S. military launched 400 Tomahawk missiles at Iran within the first 72 hours of Operation Epic Fury, highlighting concerns over military readiness and munitions supply. The USS Gerald R. Ford faced operational difficulties, including an extended deployment and maintenance issues. RTX Corporation announced plans to increase Tomahawk production to 1,000 missiles per year, but logistical challenges remain a concern for potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Central Command reported over 9,000 targets struck in Iran, including significant damage to oil infrastructure. Iran retaliated with attacks on Gulf oil facilities and launched cyberattacks. A contingent of U.S. Marines is deploying to the region aboard USS Tripoli. The conflict continues to impact global energy markets and poses strategic challenges in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain on March 21, 2023, using medium-range missiles. The strike targeted key supply and technical facilities, temporarily incapacitating the fleet's operations. This incident highlights a significant shift in regional power dynamics and poses challenges for U.S. naval operations in the area.

A KC-135 aircraft crashed in Iraq on March 12, 2023, prompting calls from former Air Force leaders for urgent upgrades to the aircraft's communication systems. The crash, which was not caused by enemy fire, highlighted the need for improved situational awareness and connectivity for aircrews. The U.S. Air Force has requested significant funding for these upgrades to enhance operational safety and effectiveness in contested environments.

On March 12, a KC-135 crashed in Iraq, killing six airmen, while another landed safely in Israel. This incident has prompted calls from former Air Force leaders for urgent upgrades to the KC-135's communication systems to enhance battlespace awareness. The crash is noted as the deadliest for the KC-135 in over a decade, highlighting ongoing concerns about the aircraft's operational safety and communication capabilities.

A fire broke out in the laundry facilities of the USS Gerald R. Ford on March 12, 2026, displacing 600 sailors who are now sleeping on floors. The fire, which lasted over 30 hours, was not combat-related and has led to speculation about possible sabotage by crew members. The aircraft carrier is currently docked in Souda Bay, Crete, for repairs after departing the northern Red Sea.

On March 18, 2026, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer from the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron was forced to take a detour back to RAF Fairford after France, Spain, and Portugal closed their airspace to U.S. bombers. The aircraft successfully completed its mission against Iran but faced logistical challenges due to the extended flight path and required aerial refueling.

U.S. military operations in Iran in 2025 serve as a testing ground for strategies applicable to a potential conflict with China. The effectiveness of precision strikes against hardened targets has been demonstrated, while the rapid depletion of Tomahawk missiles raises concerns about readiness. Additionally, lessons learned from missile defense against drone swarms highlight vulnerabilities in U.S. logistics and supply chains.

Iran will deploy various types of naval mines in the Persian Gulf to block all shipping lanes if attacked by enemies. The Iranian Defense Council stated that any attack on Iranian shores or islands will lead to this action, resulting in a blockade similar to the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Hark Island, a key oil export base, is highlighted as a critical location for Iran's oil exports.

Gulf Cooperation Council states intercepted over 800 Iranian missiles and drones during late February to early March 2026, showcasing advanced military capabilities. Qatar intercepted 101 out of 104 ballistic missiles, while Bahrain intercepted 61 missiles and 34 drones. This operation reflects a significant transformation in Gulf defense, emphasizing integrated systems and strategic autonomy without reliance on external forces.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Mar 23 2026Loading...

The USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is deploying to the Middle East in February 2026 to enhance U.S. naval presence and relieve the USS Gerald R. Ford after an extended deployment. This deployment is part of Operation Epic Fury and follows the completion of the Bush's Composite Training Unit Exercise. The presence of three carrier strike groups allows for increased operational capabilities and geographic coverage in the region, particularly in response to ongoing tensions with Iran.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on multiple bridges in southern Lebanon, including the Kasimiyah Bridge, on March 22, 2023. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned these actions as a serious escalation and a violation of Lebanese sovereignty, indicating they may precede a ground invasion. The strikes are intended to disrupt Hezbollah's logistics and humanitarian access in the region.

On March 22, the Iranian Health Department reported that approximately 210 children have died and over 1510 individuals under 18 have been injured since the onset of the conflict. The report also noted damage to around 300 medical facilities and the loss of 30 ambulances. The conflict began with large-scale military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.

Israeli Defense Forces bombed the Qasmiya Bridge on the Litani River on March 22 to prevent Hezbollah from transporting personnel and weapons in southern Lebanon. This action follows warnings issued by the IDF and directives from Israeli officials to target all bridges used for terrorist activities. The Litani River is a critical resource, and the attack is part of a broader strategy to isolate southern Lebanon from the rest of the country.