Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Armed Forces conducted Operation Epic Fury, targeting 15,000 sites in Iran, yet the Iranian regime remains stable and its nuclear capabilities intact. The Strait of Hormuz continues to pose a significant security challenge, with unresolved issues regarding the predictability of commercial traffic. The operation's outcomes suggest a visible constraint on U.S. power, leaving Israel and regional allies in a cycle of low-level escalation.

Iran's Supreme Leader expressed condolences for the assassination of Larijani and his associates in Tehran on March 18, 2023. He emphasized that the perpetrators must face consequences. The Israeli Defense Forces reportedly carried out an airstrike near Tehran that resulted in Larijani's death, along with the commander of the Iranian militia, Soleimani.

On March 18, 2023, the Russian Foreign Ministry warned Japan to adhere to its pacifist constitution and avoid militarization. The ministry highlighted Japan's ongoing procurement of offensive weapons, including cruise missiles, as a threat to regional stability. Russia expressed concerns that Japan's military expansion could lead to a new arms race and stated it would respond to any missile threats to its territory.

The U.S. is pressuring European and Middle Eastern allies to enhance their support for ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz. On March 18, 2023, White House Press Secretary Levitt stated that U.S. officials are in communication with allies to increase their efforts. President Trump has voiced dissatisfaction with some allies' lack of enthusiasm for military cooperation against Iran.

Theodore Roosevelt, a sickly child, transformed into a physically formidable leader, serving as the U.S. Navy's Assistant Secretary before leading the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War in 1898. He was elected Governor of New York in 1898 and later became President in 1901. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) is named in his honor, reflecting his legacy in military and political spheres.

Ukrainian President Zelensky met with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg and UK Prime Minister Starmer in London on October 17, 2023, to discuss enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities. They focused on military support, including the purchase of Patriot missiles from the U.S. A joint statement was signed to strengthen defense cooperation, with the UK committing to provide at least £3 billion in military aid annually until 2031.

Leonardo completed the acquisition of Iveco Group’s Defence Business in Rome on 18/03/2026 for €1.6 billion. This strategic move enhances Leonardo's capabilities as a leading Original Equipment Manufacturer in the land defense sector, integrating tracked and wheeled platforms into their portfolio. The acquisition is expected to boost joint commercial positioning and operational synergies between the two companies.

The U.S. Army will officially take control of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system from the Missile Defense Agency by fiscal year 2027. This transition has been in planning for several years and aims to enhance oversight of the program. The THAAD system, which is effective against ballistic missile threats, has been actively used in the Middle East to counter Iranian missile and drone threats.

The UK, Netherlands, and Finland are in discussions to create a defense investment bank aimed at funding joint defense projects by 2027. This initiative seeks to enhance cooperation among NATO allies and reduce reliance on national budgets for defense financing. The proposed mechanism will allow for the issuance of bonds to finance defense projects and is open to participation from other Western allies.

The Pentagon's Chief Technology Officer stated that the military is confident in replacing Anthropic's AI model with alternatives like OpenAI and Google Gemini before a six-month deadline. He highlighted the deployment of these models and the importance of having multiple options to avoid over-reliance on a single supplier. The Pentagon has officially labeled Anthropic as a supply chain risk due to its ethical limitations on military AI use.

The XB-70 Valkyrie program was canceled in 1961 due to changing military strategies, despite its advanced design for Mach 3 flight. In 1966, one prototype was lost in a midair collision, further narrowing the program's future. The remaining prototype was retired in 1969, and the last XB-70 now resides in the National Museum of the Air Force.

Germany and France announced the creation of a high-level nuclear steering group on March 3, 2026, to enhance nuclear deterrence cooperation amid rising concerns over U.S. security guarantees and threats from Russia. This initiative marks a significant shift in Germany's defense policy, as it considers participation under the French nuclear umbrella for the first time. The cooperation will involve joint military exercises and strategic site visits, although it faces political skepticism within Germany regarding its implications for NATO and U.S. relations.

Dr. Klaus WeberWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

The Pentagon is finalizing a $1.5 trillion defense budget request for Fiscal Year 2027, which will include increased procurement of aircraft, ships, and munitions. The budget request is expected to be delivered to Congress in early February, though it may be delayed until late April or early May. Concerns have been raised regarding the feasibility of this budget amid significant U.S. debt.

The U.S. Air Force is developing the F-47 NGAD stealth fighter, which features a unique blended wing-body design that enhances its radar stealth capabilities. This aircraft is intended to function as a flying command center, utilizing advanced AI to manage multiple drones and improve combat efficiency. The F-47 represents a significant advancement in military aviation technology, combining stealth with high-speed maneuverability.

Russia's PAK DA stealth bomber program remains stalled in 2026, with the aircraft primarily represented by press releases and AI-generated images. The program has encountered significant technical and financial challenges, exacerbated by the ongoing Ukraine War and competition from the Tu-160 bomber. Experts suggest that Russia is unlikely to achieve a credible stealth design in the near future.

Milrem Robotics and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on advanced defense technologies, focusing on unmanned ground vehicles and regional security. This partnership aims to leverage each other's expertise and resources to enhance interoperability and innovation in defense capabilities.

U.S. and Israeli airstrikes have severely impacted Iran’s military capabilities, but the Iranian regime remains intact and has closed the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump is under pressure to decide whether to deploy ground troops to reopen the strait or accept a perceived defeat. The situation is escalating, with significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and regional stability.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been granted authority to appoint legal guardians for veterans unable to make their own health care decisions, affecting around 700 veterans in VA facilities. This agreement, announced last week, aims to ensure appropriate care for veterans but has raised concerns about potential rights violations. VA officials emphasize that the process will include due process and court supervision to protect veterans' interests.

Babcock International Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with S.A.F.E. to collaborate on international defense training opportunities. This partnership was announced at the Brussels European Defence Exhibition and Conference and aims to enhance training capabilities for NATO member nations, leveraging Babcock's international experience and S.A.F.E.'s regional expertise.

Rep. Rob Wittman discussed expectations for the fiscal 2027 budget and potential supplemental funding for military operations related to Iran at the McAleese & Associates conference. He indicated that the budget is expected to arrive in late April or early May, with ongoing discussions about its contents.