Analysis & Reports

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.

Exail and INTRA Defense Technologies signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Riyadh on February 26, 2026, to enhance aviation training solutions for the Saudi Ministry of Defense. This partnership aims to develop local capabilities and expertise in the aviation sector, building on over 13 years of collaboration in defense technologies. The agreement supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by focusing on sustainable training development.

Aselsan reported $4.11 billion in revenue for 2025, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. The Turkish defense electronics company secured over $2 billion in new export contracts, including a $410 million deal with Poland for electronic warfare systems. Additionally, Aselsan's backlog rose to $20.4 billion, reflecting a 46% increase. The company emphasized its focus on air defense systems and invested significantly in research and development.

USS Gerald R. Ford is deployed to the Middle East, facing potential military confrontation with Iran. The deployment, which began in June 2022, may extend to 11 months, causing fatigue among the approximately 5,000 sailors on board. Reports indicate issues with the ship's sewage system and crew dissatisfaction, with some considering leaving the Navy. The carrier is expected to dock in Haifa, Israel, after transiting the Mediterranean Sea.

The U.S. military has significantly increased its presence in the Middle East, with over 250 airlift flights and more than 150 aircraft deployed since late February. This buildup includes two carrier strike groups and numerous air defense assets, indicating preparations for potential military action against Iran. Gulf states, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, express alarm over the implications of this military concentration, fearing they may become targets in any conflict.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Feb 25 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy's Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier docked at Suda Bay, Crete on the 23rd, while a group of U.S. military refueling and transport aircraft arrived at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. This deployment occurs amid heightened tensions with Iran, with further negotiations scheduled for the 26th in Geneva.

The U.S. military is deploying two aircraft carrier strike groups to the Middle East amid concerns over ammunition shortages and lack of support from allies for potential military action against Iran. Iranian forces are conducting military exercises in response to the escalating tensions. The U.S. State Department has ordered non-essential personnel to evacuate from Lebanon due to the heightened security risks. Discussions regarding a potential nuclear agreement or military conflict are ongoing.

Israel's medical system is preparing for a potential long-term war with Iran by reducing hospital operations and relocating patients. The Health Ministry is considering moving some patients home and reallocating doctors to remote areas. Assuta Medical Center is building a 200-bed underground hospital in Tel Aviv to accommodate patients from public hospitals. This preparation aligns with Israel's readiness for possible military action alongside the U.S. against Iran, as indicated by Prime Minister Netanyahu's threats of retaliation.

NATO is struggling to keep pace with Russia's rapid advancements in drone warfare capabilities in the Arctic. Russia is producing over 1.5 million drone units annually and has established dedicated drone units, while NATO lacks sufficient Arctic-ready uncrewed systems. The alliance must address significant logistical and operational challenges to effectively integrate drones into its defense strategy in the region.

The U.S. government plans to construct a large military base in the Gaza Strip, designed to accommodate 5000 personnel and support international stabilization forces. The base will include armored observation towers, shooting ranges, and storage facilities for combat equipment. Indonesia has pledged to send up to 8000 troops to assist in this initiative, which is part of the newly established Peace Committee's efforts to govern Gaza. The construction aims to address security concerns related to Hamas's tunnel network.