Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force awarded a $32.4 million contract to KIHOMAC for logistics support of the AN/FPS-117 radar system on February 27, 2026. This contract, part of the Atmospheric Early Warning System program, includes maintenance and operational support to ensure the radar's functionality for air surveillance missions. KIHOMAC will deliver services over a five-year period, with an option for a six-month extension.

Iran launched an airstrike using the Fattah-2 hypersonic cruise missile against a U.S. military base on March 1, marking the first use of this missile type in such an operation.

The 2026 National Defense Strategy outlines a shift in U.S. military priorities towards deterrence by denial in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing homeland defense while calling for increased defense spending from allies. Notably, Taiwan is not explicitly mentioned, raising concerns about U.S. commitment. The strategy aims to enhance U.S. military presence and capabilities in the region to counter China's influence.

Marcus ChenSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula criticized the U.S. for delaying military assistance to Ukraine during a podcast, arguing that this hesitation was influenced by Russian rhetoric. He claimed that providing advanced aircraft like F-35s and F-16s earlier could have significantly impacted the war's outcome. Deptula's remarks reflect broader concerns about the pace of military aid and its strategic implications for Ukraine's defense capabilities.

China conducted live-fire military exercises in the Yellow Sea and engaged in provocative actions near the Miyako Strait from November 2025 to March 2026. Diplomatic tensions escalated between China and Japan following statements from Japanese officials regarding Taiwan. The U.S. and Japan strengthened their alliance through strategic dialogues addressing regional security concerns.

Tanaka TakashiSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier fleet is facing significant delays in Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) procedures, particularly with the USS John C. Stennis and USS Harry S. Truman. These delays, primarily due to reliance on Newport News Shipbuilding, create strategic vulnerabilities as the fleet modernizes and maintains its capabilities. The RCOH process is complex and time-consuming, taking years to complete, which contrasts sharply with historical refueling timelines during World War II.

Thousands of U.S. citizens protested in cities including Washington, New York, and Los Angeles on February 28 against military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Demonstrators criticized the actions as illegal and harmful, calling for peace and an end to military engagement.

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth concluded the first phase of the 'Arsenal of Freedom' tour in Camden, Arkansas, on February 27, 2026. He promoted defense manufacturing expansion and emphasized the importance of domestic production for military readiness. During the visit, Hegseth swore in 40 recruits, bringing the total to over 260 enlistees during the tour. He highlighted the role of defense workers in sustaining military capabilities and criticized inefficiencies in the defense industrial base.

The USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) is currently undergoing a 14-month Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News, Virginia, due to a degraded steam turbine generator and labor shortages. This delay impacts the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy, particularly affecting the overextended USS Gerald R. Ford, which is deployed in the Middle East. The Navy aims to resolve these issues to ensure carrier availability amid rising geopolitical tensions.

China's Ministry of National Defense accused the United States of undermining nuclear stability in a statement issued on February 28. The ministry responded to U.S. allegations of Chinese nuclear testing, asserting that China maintains a defensive nuclear posture and complies with international commitments. The statement criticized U.S. nuclear policy and modernization efforts, framing the exchange as part of broader disagreements over nuclear transparency and arms control compliance.

U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran, prompting emergency meetings among European leaders on Saturday. French President Macron called for a U.N. Security Council meeting, while leaders from Germany and the U.K. discussed the escalating situation. The strikes have raised fears of a broader conflict, with various international leaders condemning the actions and calling for restraint and negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program.

The U.S. Air Force is on track to debut the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter in 2028, with Boeing successfully meeting development milestones. The aircraft is designed to operate in contested environments, featuring advanced capabilities such as a combat radius of 1,000 nautical miles and the ability to deploy nuclear-tipped hypersonic weapons. Production is already underway, with plans for up to 185 units depending on budget constraints.

The U.S. Air Force is transitioning the B-21 Raider into operational status, with production expected to reach hundreds of units. Unveiled on December 2, 2022, in Palmdale, California, the B-21 is designed to enhance the U.S. nuclear triad and features advanced stealth and communication capabilities. It is set to replace the B-2 Spirit and will play a critical role in modern air operations.

The F-14 Tomcat was employed as a multirole strike platform, notably during Operation Deliberate Force in 1995, where it carried out bombing missions against Bosnian Serb forces. The aircraft, originally designed to carry bombs, demonstrated its capabilities with various munitions, including precision-guided and cluster bombs. Iranian F-14s were also equipped for bombing roles, reflecting the aircraft's intended multirole design.

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit from the 509th Bomb Wing integrated with Navy Carrier Air Wing 11 for a long-range maritime strike exercise off California in February 2026. This exercise showcased the operational debut of the AIM-174B 'Gunslinger' missile, enhancing U.S. capabilities to counter anti-access threats in the Indo-Pacific region. The B-2's role in anti-ship operations is increasing, highlighting the importance of joint air-maritime integration.

The U.S. Army awarded three contracts exceeding $1.27 billion for the development, production, and testing of Binocular Night Observation Devices on Feb. 27, 2026. Contracts were given to L3 Technologies Inc., Elbit Systems of America, and Photonis Defense Inc., with performance expected to last until Feb. 27, 2033. The new devices aim to improve nighttime vision for soldiers using advanced optical systems.

The U.S. is implementing a defense strategy that prioritizes homeland security and the Indo-Pacific, recognizing China as the primary threat. Key initiatives include enhancing military capabilities in the Philippines and Taiwan, alongside a substantial arms package for Taiwan. The strategy reflects a shift in focus while maintaining a strong deterrent posture against China.

Marcus ChenSat Feb 28 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy awarded Textron Systems a $32 million contract modification to continue the development of the Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MCM USV). Work will primarily take place in Hunt Valley, Maryland, with additional efforts in Panama City, Florida, and Arlington, Virginia, and is scheduled for completion by February 2027. The MCM USV aims to enhance mine countermeasure capabilities while reducing risks to sailors in mine-threat environments.

Hypersonix Launch Systems successfully conducted the first flight test of its DART AE hypersonic aircraft on February 27, 2026, from Wallops Island, Virginia. The flight, part of a U.S. Department of War mission, validated key technologies for hypersonic flight, operating at speeds exceeding Mach 5. This test marks a significant advancement in the development of military hypersonic capabilities.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, condemned U.S. military actions against Iran, accusing the U.S. of using diplomatic negotiations as a cover for military operations. His statements reflect Russia's alignment with criticism of U.S. actions and highlight geopolitical divisions regarding military interventions. Medvedev emphasized the insincerity of U.S. negotiations with Iran, indicating a strategic messaging approach from Moscow.