Analysis & Reports

The Russian Navy decommissioned the Dmitry Donskoy submarine, the last of the Typhoon-class submarines, in February 2023. These submarines, known for their massive size and nuclear capabilities, were designed to carry 20 R-39 nuclear missiles. The Typhoon-class submarines had a displacement of 48,000 tons and featured advanced design elements for survivability. The Dmitry Donskoy will await utilization at a naval base in Severodvinsk before being converted into a museum ship in Saint Petersburg.

The JAS 39 Gripen, developed by Saab AB, is a multirole fighter jet that entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1996. It has evolved through various models, with the latest Gripen E/F variant introduced in 2019, featuring advanced radar and electronic warfare systems. The aircraft is designed for versatility in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, supporting a wide range of weapons.

Russia is replacing its aging fleet of third-generation nuclear-powered attack submarines with 10 to 12 advanced Yasen-Class submarines by 2036. These new submarines will be armed with hypersonic missiles and are designed for multi-role capabilities, enhancing Russia's naval power. The transition involves retiring older Soviet-era submarines, reflecting a significant modernization effort in response to evolving military needs.

The Israeli Defense Forces conducted large-scale airstrikes on multiple military infrastructures in Tehran on March 28, 2023, targeting the headquarters of the Iranian Shipbuilding Industrial Organization and various weapon production facilities. Approximately 50 aircraft were deployed in the operation, which was supported by intelligence. Concurrently, Iran launched multiple missiles towards Israel, triggering air raid sirens across several regions.

The U.S. Navy's USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is operational in the Caribbean Sea, utilizing the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) to enhance aircraft launching capabilities. Despite initial reliability issues, the system has improved, promising faster sortie rates and better aircraft longevity. The Ford-class carriers are also being prepared for future technologies, including directed-energy weapons.

The U.S. military is preparing for a potential ground invasion of Iran, facing over 1 million Iranian troops and 4,071 tanks. The operation would require navigating challenging mountainous terrain and countering drone swarms and ballistic missile threats. Logistics and air superiority will be crucial for success, with advanced technologies potentially enabling rapid targeting and destruction of Iranian forces. The invasion could be launched from Turkey or via an amphibious assault from the Persian Gulf.

The Eurofighter Typhoon continues to attract export customers in Europe and beyond, maintaining its relevance in the air superiority market. Despite the rise of fifth-generation stealth fighters, the Typhoon's capabilities, including air-to-air performance and multirole functionality, make it an appealing option for many air forces. Its political and industrial advantages further enhance its attractiveness as a combat-proven aircraft.

The Russian Air Force's Su-35 fighter jet is actively engaged in operations in Ukraine, showcasing its long-range capabilities and advanced weapon systems. While it lacks stealth features, the Su-35 is designed to counter NATO air defenses and maintain standoff engagement. The aircraft's performance highlights the evolving nature of modern warfare, where networks and logistics play a crucial role in determining success.

Canada is currently debating the selection of a new fighter jet for the Royal Canadian Air Force, weighing the advantages of the F-35 Lightning II against the JAS 39 Gripen. The Gripen offers lower costs but lacks the stealth capabilities and interoperability with NATO allies that the F-35 provides. This decision has significant political and military implications for Canada's defense strategy.

The U.S. Navy's Columbia-class submarine program is facing delays, with the lead submarine projected for delivery in 2028. The Navy is extending the life of Ohio-class submarines as a temporary measure. Rear Admiral Todd Weeks reported that the lead vessel is approximately 65-66% complete. Senator Tommy Tuberville highlighted the need for an increased number of Columbia-class submarines. Recently, the Navy awarded a $15.38 billion contract modification for support related to the Columbia-class program.

Russia's Air Force currently operates around 30-32 Su-57 stealth fighters, which are facing production challenges and strategic irrelevance in modern warfare. The fleet is numerically inferior to U.S. and Chinese fifth-generation aircraft, and the Su-57's complex systems are not suited for the drone-dominated conflict in Ukraine. Despite upgrades, the Su-57's role remains limited as Russia adapts to the realities of contemporary combat.

On February 28, 2023, the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, marking the beginning of a month-long conflict. Iran retaliated with attacks on U.S. bases and the closure of the Hormuz Strait. The conflict escalated with airstrikes, casualties including 165 civilians, and significant military actions involving multiple nations, including Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel.

Gulf Cooperation Council states are actively defending against Iranian missile and drone attacks, achieving high interception rates. Since late February 2026, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain have successfully neutralized numerous threats, demonstrating the effectiveness of their air defense systems. US Central Command has reported extensive strikes on Iranian military capabilities, yet Iran continues its assaults, indicating a persistent threat in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Mar 28 2026Loading...

F-35A Lightning II aircraft from the 13th Fighter Squadron arrived at Misawa Air Base, Japan, on March 28 to support the upgrade of the base into a fighter integration wing. This deployment enhances operational capabilities and strengthens U.S.-Japan military cooperation, allowing for improved air defense and joint operations.

On March 26, 2026, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet conducting low-level strafing runs over Chabahar was nearly hit by an Iranian MANPADS missile. The aircraft, equipped with M61A1 Vulcan cannons, successfully evaded the missile and continued its mission. Iran's IRGC falsely claimed the aircraft was shot down, which was denied by U.S. Central Command.

The United States Air Force, in collaboration with Northrop Grumman and Bechtel, is prototyping a new launch silo tube for the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system. This initiative aims to support the construction of 450 future silos, with construction already underway. The Sentinel program is designed to modernize the U.S. land-based nuclear forces and is expected to remain operational through at least 2075.

A 60 kW hybrid power electric propulsion system was tested by the Chinese military on December 10, 2025. This system enables drones to utilize electricity for flight while generating power from fuel, combining the advantages of both fuel and electric propulsion. The technology aims to enhance drone endurance and stealth capabilities, and it has successfully completed flight demonstration validation.

FlyFocus developed the KURIER unmanned cargo helicopter in Poland, capable of carrying over 200 kilograms of cargo for special forces. Launched in February 2024, the project is nearing Technology Readiness Level 6, with capabilities to operate in GPS-degraded environments. The system aims to enhance military logistics and is funded by Poland’s National Centre for Research and Development.

Lockheed Martin is expanding production capacity for the Javelin anti-tank missile system in the United States, with increased output expected to begin later in 2026. The company is enhancing its supply chain by engaging nearly 100 suppliers and 25 major subcontractors, focusing on automation and AI-driven forecasting to meet growing global demand.

Uvision established a new subsidiary, Uvision Europe GmbH, in Munich, Germany, on March 26 to support its loitering munition systems and expand operations in European defense markets. This move aims to enhance customer support and reduce response times, reflecting increased demand from European armed forces. The subsidiary will also focus on localized development projects and align future system upgrades with European operational requirements.