Analysis & Reports

European nations, including the UK, France, and Italy, are deploying military assets to the Middle East in March 2023 to respond to escalating conflicts. The UK has sent a destroyer and fighter jets to Cyprus, while France has dispatched around 12 naval vessels, including its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Italy has also contributed a missile frigate and air defense systems. These actions reveal both military capabilities and deficiencies in European defense readiness.

The retirement of the USS Nimitz has been postponed, allowing it to remain in service until March 2027. This extension is intended to ensure the U.S. Navy maintains at least 11 active aircraft carriers. The carrier recently participated in military exercises and operations against ISIS targets in Somalia, and it has been in service for nearly 51 years since its commissioning in 1975.

AVIC is expanding its aircraft production capacity to 300-400 units annually by 2026, with new facilities in Chengdu and Shenyang. This expansion includes the production of J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters, potentially making the PLA Air Force the largest modern fighter force by 2029. The developments indicate a significant shift in global air power dynamics as China prepares for potential military operations, including scenarios involving Taiwan.

Li MinghuiWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army has officially issued and activated the 'People's Liberation Army Reserve Personnel Certificate' to identify reserve personnel. This certificate features advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies and replaces the previous reserve officer certificate. Reserve personnel are required to carry this certificate during military training and operations.

The U.S. Air Force is evaluating the SR-72 hypersonic aircraft, designed to achieve Mach 6 speeds for reconnaissance and strike missions in the Indo-Pacific region by 2026. This aircraft aims to bypass advanced enemy air defenses, but concerns about its high development costs and engineering challenges persist. The SR-72 could potentially restore U.S. air dominance lost with the retirement of the SR-71.

Napoleon Bonaparte's leadership flaws, characterized by an overreliance on his ego and a rejection of dissent, led to significant strategic failures in military operations. His implementation of the Continental System strained resources and his autocratic style diminished flexibility in command. The installation of family members in key positions resulted in rebellion and guerrilla warfare, further complicating French military efforts.

France is set to begin construction of the PANG nuclear aircraft carrier in Saint-Nazaire in 2026, with an expected service entry in 2038. This carrier will be the largest warship in Europe, featuring advanced technologies such as EMALS and AAG, and will be powered by two K22 nuclear reactors. The PANG is designed to support a diverse air wing, including next-generation combat aircraft, reinforcing France's military capabilities and strategic autonomy.

The Pentagon's acting chief financial officer announced that $153 billion has been allocated from the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, with a $1.5 trillion defense spending proposal for 2027 under consideration. The funding will focus on essential military needs and readiness, with discussions ongoing about a $50 billion supplemental for U.S. strikes on Iran. The DOGE entity is assisting in budget management to eliminate unnecessary expenditures.

During a recent hearing on Capitol Hill, U.S. Southern Command leaders addressed questions regarding military orders related to 'no quarter' in the context of strikes against alleged drug traffickers. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's comments on the U.S. war on Iran raised concerns about legality, with military leaders asserting they would not follow unlawful orders. The hearing highlighted ongoing debates about the legality of military actions and the adherence to the Law of Armed Conflict.

The Pentagon's assessment revealed that the F-35 program delivered no new combat capability in 2024 due to significant issues with the TR-3 upgrade, which was found to be predominantly unusable. This delay in software and hardware upgrades poses readiness risks for over 800 F-35s currently in service, particularly as U.S. Marine Corps F-35s continue operations in Iran using older software. The Block 4 modernization is now expected to be delayed until 2031, raising concerns about the aircraft's future combat effectiveness.

82% of U.S. Navy warships under construction are behind schedule due to strategic drift and procurement issues. The U.S. Navy is facing challenges in defining its mission and fleet requirements, leading to delays in shipbuilding. This situation contrasts with China's consistent naval strategy aimed at contesting U.S. dominance in the Western Pacific.

U.S. officials confirmed that weapons shipments to Taiwan have not been delayed due to the ongoing war on Iran. The U.S. is facing a multi-billion-dollar backlog of arms shipments to Taiwan, with a significant arms package ready for approval. Concerns were raised about the defense industry's ability to meet demand amid the conflict, but the administration is exploring ways to expedite shipments. Additionally, President Trump postponed a trip to China that was expected to discuss Taiwan.

U.S. officials confirmed that weapons shipments to Taiwan have not been delayed due to the ongoing war on Iran. A significant arms package, including advanced interceptor missiles, is prepared for approval. The U.S. faces a multi-billion-dollar backlog of arms shipments to Taiwan, which is under increasing military pressure from China. Additionally, President Trump postponed a trip to China that was expected to address Taiwan-related discussions.

The U.S. Space Force announced that the projected cost of the Golden Dome missile defense project has risen to $185 billion, with experts warning that total expenses could reach up to $3.6 trillion over 20 years. The project aims to develop advanced missile defense technologies by 2028, with a focus on space-based interceptors, which are expected to be a major cost factor. A total of 2,440 applicants have been approved to compete for related contracts.

China is reportedly nearing the finalization of a sale of CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles to Iran, which could significantly enhance Iran's naval capabilities against U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf. Despite Beijing's denials, multiple sources indicate that a contract for the missile is close to completion. The CM-302, an export version of the YJ-12 missile, poses a threat to U.S. naval assets due to its advanced capabilities.

South Korea's Defense Minister announced that the country has not received a formal request from the United States to deploy troops to the Strait of Hormuz and has not discussed sending naval vessels to the Middle East. He emphasized that any troop deployment would require approval from the National Assembly. President Trump had previously called for allied nations to contribute naval support in the region.

UK Ministry of Defence officials criticized Boeing for significant delays in the E-7 Wedgetail program during a hearing in Belfast. The expected delivery timeline has shifted to 2026, with the UK reducing its order from five to three aircraft due to cost concerns. The program has faced scrutiny over Boeing's internal difficulties and challenges in the global supply chain, leading to a capability gap since the retirement of the E-3D aircraft in 2021.

The U.S. Space Force has established seven new acquisition portfolios focused on space control and orbital warfare in Washington. These portfolios aim to implement reforms in military procurement and enhance capabilities, including missile warning, infrastructure, and battle management. The Space Force plans to integrate cislunar capabilities and collaborate with NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory for technology advancements.

The U.S. Space Force has established nine Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs) to enhance its capabilities in space control and orbital warfare. Four PAEs have been officially announced, focusing on areas such as Missile Warning and Tracking and Infrastructure. The Integration PAE will develop new technologies, including cislunar capabilities, in collaboration with NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

China has developed a comprehensive anti-access/area-denial strategy over the past three decades, focusing on long-range anti-ship weapons and enhanced reconnaissance capabilities. This strategy aims to limit the operational effectiveness of U.S. aircraft carriers by forcing them to operate at greater distances from Taiwan. Key systems include the DF-21D and DF-26 missiles, supported by advanced surveillance and targeting networks.