Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy plans to introduce the Trump-class battleship by 2026, equipped with nuclear-armed cruise missiles and advanced weaponry, fundamentally altering its nuclear deterrence strategy. This new class of battleship aims to enhance U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, amidst rising tensions with adversaries such as China. The projected cost for the lead ship is $22 billion, raising concerns about fiscal implications and escalation control in military engagements.

NATO conducted the 'Cold Response' military exercise from March 9 to March 20, involving 25,000 personnel from 14 member countries in Norway and Finland. The alliance confirmed the establishment of a permanent joint air operations center in the Arctic. Concurrently, Russia is increasing its military capabilities in the region, aiming to deter NATO activities, particularly in light of U.S. interests in Greenland.

American Rheinmetall demonstrated its Counter-Unmanned Aerial System during a live-fire event at Big Sandy Range, successfully engaging small drone targets. The system, integrated onto the GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle-C, is designed for rapid maneuver operations and will participate in the upcoming Concept Focused Warfighting Experimentation at Fort Sill. The tests confirmed the system's readiness for further evaluation and its economic efficiency in countering low-cost aerial threats.

The U.S. Navy resumed testing of its electromagnetic railgun weapon system at White Sands Missile Range in February 2025. This testing, conducted over three days, aimed to gather technical data on the weapon's performance. The railgun, which uses electrical energy to launch projectiles at high speeds, represents a significant advancement in military technology. The program had faced previous delays due to budget issues, but renewed interest in railgun technology persists amid international developments.

The U.S. Army tested a new 30 mm Aviation Proximity Explosive round, known as APEX, at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona on March 12, 2026. This round is designed for use with the AH-64 Apache helicopter to counter unmanned aerial systems (UAS). During the tests, approximately 1,200 rounds were fired at various targets, demonstrating the round's capabilities. The next phase involves obtaining airworthiness release for operational use.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $19.5 million contract modification to General Dynamics Bath Iron Works for engineering and technical support of Zumwalt-class destroyers. Most of the work will occur in Bath, Maine, and is scheduled to continue through March 2027. This contract is essential for maintaining the advanced technologies used in these destroyers.

Ukrainian forces liberated over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast since late January 2026, disrupting Russian military operations. They advanced 10-12 kilometers in two drives, liberating settlements and revealing vulnerabilities in Russian defenses. Russian forces are facing significant casualties and logistical challenges, with reports of 1.315 million killed and wounded. The situation indicates a strategic setback for Russia as Ukrainian counterattacks continue to gain momentum.

Dmitri VolkovThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

The UK has abandoned plans to deploy the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales to the Middle East, as confirmed by officials on March 12, 2023. The carrier remains docked in Portsmouth and is not prepared for operations related to Iran. UK officials stated that the carrier was intended for NATO operations instead. Public opinion shows significant opposition to military involvement in Iran, with a recent poll indicating 59% against such actions.

Patria and United Aero Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 10 March 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia, to establish a forward stocking location and helicopter blade repair centre in Europe. This facility aims to enhance regional aviation maintenance capabilities, reducing turnaround times for repairs by 30% and supporting military and emergency services operations across Europe.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is transitioning to its new homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, for decommissioning after over 50 years of service. The carrier departed Naval Base Kitsap on March 7, 2026, and is participating in the Southern Seas 2026 deployment, visiting partner states in South America. The decommissioning process includes complex defueling of its nuclear reactors, with a contract modification awarded for planning and execution.

The U.S. Air Force's B-52 Stratofortress has been deployed in Iran, conducting strikes during Operation Epic Fury. The modernization to the B-52J variant is facing delays, particularly in radar production, which is now expected to be completed by 2030. This upgrade is essential for maintaining strategic capabilities against potential threats from China and other nations.

The U.S. Air Force evaluated the F-15SE Silent Eagle, a modified version of the F-15 Strike Eagle, but ultimately chose the F-15EX Eagle II for its superior payload capacity. The F-15SE, designed to incorporate limited stealth features, was unable to compete with the F-35's low-observability. Key features of the F-15SE included internal weapons bays and advanced sensors, but it never secured a production contract due to the dominance of the F-35 in the global market.

Lt. Col. David deGroot discussed advancements in heat science at the U.S. Army Heat Center in Fort Benning, highlighting its implications for soldiering. The conversation emphasized the importance of understanding heat effects on military personnel.

The U.S. Marine Corps is pursuing the development of the Multispectral Camouflage Overgarment (MCO) to enhance troop concealment from thermal sensors. The Corps plans to acquire 13,000 cloaks by 2027 and 61,000 by 2030, aiming to mitigate detection across various infrared spectrums. The MCO is intended for use in training and deployment, not routine garrison wear.

The U.S. Marine Corps is pursuing the development of the Multispectral Camouflage Overgarment (MCO) to enhance troop concealment from thermal sensors. The Corps plans to acquire 13,000 cloaks by 2027 and 61,000 by 2030, aiming to improve individual signature management for Marines in various operational environments. The MCO is designed to provide effective camouflage across multiple infrared spectrums and is intended for use in training and deployment, not routine garrison wear.

Ukrainian drone commanders will brief U.S. policymakers on modern drone warfare at the Ground Truth Symposium in Washington on March 25. The symposium will focus on Ukraine's expertise in drone tactics and technology, particularly in light of recent conflicts. Ukrainian interceptors have successfully destroyed a significant percentage of incoming Shahed drones, showcasing their effectiveness in air defense.

Ukrainian drone commanders will brief U.S. policymakers on modern drone warfare at the Ground Truth Symposium in Washington on March 25. The event will focus on integrating drone technology into air defense systems and share lessons learned from Ukraine's experience in the ongoing conflict. Representatives from various Ukrainian drone units, including the Lazar Group and the 414th UAV Brigade, will participate.

James Michael Fisher was acquitted of charges related to the 2017 KC-130 plane crash that killed 16 service members in Itta Bena, Mississippi. The crash was attributed to a corroded propeller blade that was not repaired by Air Force maintenance. The investigation revealed systemic negligence in maintenance practices, leading to the grounding of similar aircraft.

The National WWII Museum hosted a symposium in New Orleans on March 13-14, exploring General Patton's legacy and influence on military history. Historians discussed how public perception of Patton is shaped by the 1970 film portrayal, emphasizing his contributions to armored warfare and military doctrine. The event featured discussions on the mythology surrounding Patton and aimed to unravel the complexities of his character and impact.

The Pentagon plans to procure 30,000 one-way attack drones in August 2023, enhancing battlefield capabilities through mobile 3D printing technology. Firestorm is developing a 3D printing setup for rapid production of military parts, reducing reliance on traditional supply chains. Additionally, the military is focusing on eliminating foreign components in drone manufacturing and integrating AI technology into submarines for improved operational efficiency.