Analysis & Reports

The United States has notified Japan of a delay in the delivery of approximately 400 Tomahawk missiles due to inventory shortages linked to U.S. support for Israel against Iran. The delivery, originally scheduled for completion by March 2028, is now affected. No official comments have been made by either government regarding this situation.

The AN/TPY-2 radar system at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia was damaged during an Iranian attack on March 1. Satellite images reveal that the radar has been moved outdoors and shows signs of damage, including burn marks. This attack is part of Iran's strategy to undermine U.S. detection capabilities for incoming missiles and drones.

Ukraine has deployed hundreds of counter-drone experts to the Middle East to assist the militaries of the U.S., Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE in countering Iranian and Russian drone threats. Capt. Max Maslii of the Ukrainian Air Force is part of this initiative, highlighting the importance of adapting military operations to the realities of robotic warfare. This effort underscores the evolving nature of military engagements in the region.

China announced a defense budget of 1.94 trillion RMB for 2026, marking a 6.9% increase, as part of its ongoing military modernization efforts. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is focusing on enhancing mechanization, information technology, and advanced weaponry. The naval fleet is set to expand to 435 vessels by 2030, while the nuclear arsenal may grow to 1500 warheads by 2035. These developments reflect a strategic shift towards military deterrence and capability enhancement.

Li MinghuiFri Apr 03 2026Loading...

Israeli Defense Forces conducted over 20 airstrikes in Tehran on October 2, targeting Iranian ballistic missile storage and launch sites. In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps launched Operation 'Real Commitment-4', striking multiple locations in Israel and U.S. military bases in the region. Hezbollah and Houthi forces also coordinated attacks against Israel, including drone strikes and ballistic missile launches.

U.S. forces conducted large-scale strikes against Iranian targets in late February 2025, utilizing over 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles. The proposed Trump-class warship, designed to carry 128 vertical launch system cells and hypersonic weapons, aims to address the challenges of sustaining firepower in high-tempo conflicts. This new class of warship is intended to enhance U.S. naval capabilities as older vessels are retired.

On April 21, 1989, an SR-71 Blackbird crashed near Okinawa due to a mechanical failure, resulting in the loss of the aircraft. The crew ejected safely and were rescued. The U.S. Navy later buried the wreckage at a depth of 25,597 feet in the Mariana Trench.

The U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities intensified, with President Trump stating the conflict could conclude within two to three weeks. The U.S. has reportedly destroyed a significant portion of Iran's missile stockpiles and is deploying additional air assets to the region. Iran's nuclear ambitions remain a central concern, with over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. The campaign aims to ensure Iran cannot rebuild its military capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force introduced the F-47 NGAD stealth fighter, designed to command a network of drones and advanced platforms. This aircraft utilizes advanced communication systems to maintain connectivity in contested environments and has a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles. The associated Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) are designed to extend operational reach and are attritable, allowing for deployment at scale.

The Fujian aircraft carrier successfully demonstrated its electromagnetic catapult system, achieving a 2-second launch time for various aircraft on September 22, 2025. This marks a significant advancement in naval operations, allowing for the launch and recovery of J-15T, J-35, and KJ-600 aircraft. The system enhances the carrier's operational capabilities by enabling full fuel and armament launches, thereby increasing its strike potential.

The Trump administration requested a $1.5 trillion defense budget for Fiscal Year 2027, including a $1.15 trillion base budget and $350 billion from a reconciliation bill. This marks a historic increase, with significant allocations for weapons development, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the Golden Dome missile shield. The budget aims to enhance U.S. military capabilities and will require Congressional approval for the reconciliation funds.

The Trump administration proposed a $1.5 trillion defense budget for Fiscal Year 2027, which includes a base budget of $1.15 trillion and $350 billion from a reconciliation bill. This budget allocates significant funds for weapons procurement and modernization, including $760 billion for military equipment and $17.5 billion for the Golden Dome missile shield, contingent on congressional approval of the reconciliation bill.

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is currently on its 11th month of deployment in the Atlantic Ocean, participating in Operation Epic Fury against Iran. The carrier has faced operational challenges, including a fire and issues with its toilet system, while the U.S. Navy has utilized over 850 Tomahawk missiles in the conflict. Concerns regarding munitions supply and production capabilities have been highlighted by military officials.

The U.S. Army is set to fast track the production of the new M1E3 Abrams main battle tank, with testing expected to begin in Detroit later this year. Production is anticipated within the next 12 months, featuring significant upgrades including a new hybrid propulsion system and a remotely operated turret. The M1E3 is projected to be 40-50% more fuel-efficient than earlier models.

The U.S. Air Force has been flying a full-scale Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) demonstrator since 2020, while China unveiled its J-36 and J-50 stealth aircraft prototypes in December 2024. The U.S. program emphasizes rapid development and integration of advanced systems, whereas China's prototypes are still in early testing stages and lack operational maturity. This indicates that the U.S. maintains a technological edge in sixth-generation airpower despite China's recent advancements.

Two U.S. EA-37B electronic warfare aircraft arrived at Souda Bay, Greece, on April 2, 2023, after departing from RAF Mildenhall in the UK. This deployment marks the first operational use of the EA-37B in the ongoing Operation 'Epic Fury' against Iran.

Houthi forces launched a batch of ballistic missiles targeting Tel Aviv on April 2, as part of a joint military operation with Iran and Hezbollah. This action is described as a gradual escalation, with the possibility of further military actions depending on the evolving situation.

Iran launched a missile attack on April 2, targeting central areas of Tel Aviv and Haifa as part of the 91st round of Operation 'True Commitment-4'. The attack involved a ballistic missile that caused severe damage to multiple targets.

On April 2, 2026, the Global Combat Air Programme Agency awarded a £686 million contract to Edgewing for the design and development of a next-generation combat aircraft. This contract marks a significant step in the international collaboration between Italy, Japan, and the UK, aimed at enhancing military capabilities through advanced technology.

ST Engineering secured a S$600 million sub-contract from Abu Dhabi Ship Building on 1 April 2026 to design and supply platform systems for eight Missile Gun Boats for the Kuwait Naval Force. The contract includes building three vessels at ST Engineering's Singapore shipyard and follows a previous contract for Offshore Patrol Vessels for the UAE Navy. The vessels will be based on the Fearless-class design, known for its versatility and reliability in maritime operations.