Analysis & Reports

Canada's Royal Canadian Air Force upgraded its CF-18 fleet with AIM-120D-3 missiles, conducting successful live-fire tests at Tyndall Air Force Base in February 2023. This enhancement improves the aircraft's long-range engagement capabilities for NORAD and NATO missions. The CF-18s, which have been in service since the early 1980s, are expected to remain operational into the next decade as Canada navigates its defense strategy.

Iran is negotiating with China to acquire advanced military hardware, including CM-302 anti-ship missiles and HQ-9B surface-to-air missile systems, following significant losses in its military capabilities due to U.S.-Israeli air campaigns. The Iranian military seeks to bolster its defenses and capabilities post-war, with discussions reportedly led by Deputy Defense Minister Massoud Oraei. This potential acquisition includes various advanced weapon systems aimed at enhancing Iran's military strength against regional adversaries.

The Iran war has significantly depleted U.S. and Israeli missile stockpiles, with Israel nearing exhaustion of Arrow Interceptors and the U.S. having used 40% of its THAAD interceptors since February 28, 2023. The conflict has led to the expenditure of over 11,000 munitions in just 16 days, revealing vulnerabilities in U.S. military readiness against Iran's production capabilities.

Brazil announced the return of 17 M60A3 tanks to operational service in January 2025, citing modernization delays. Taiwan is upgrading 40 of its M60A3 tanks, while Egypt and Turkey continue to enhance their M60 fleets. The M60A3 remains relevant due to its adaptability and ongoing upgrades, showcasing its effectiveness in various operational contexts.

Norway announced a plan to increase defense spending by 115 billion Krone ($11.8 billion) over the next decade to enhance military capabilities and meet NATO spending targets. The funding will support the acquisition of Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles for F-35s and accelerate the development of new submarines and frigates. Additionally, the procurement of long-range maritime surveillance drones has been canceled, while the Finnmark Brigade's development is prioritized to strengthen NATO's presence in the Arctic.

Ukraine deployed 228 counter-drone specialists to Gulf partners, including Jordan, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, to assist in intercepting drone threats. In exchange, Ukraine is seeking Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles, emphasizing a trade of capabilities amid increasing demand for air defense due to the Iran conflict. This strategy aims to leverage Ukraine's drone production capacity while addressing its own missile shortages.

Ukraine deployed 228 counter-drone specialists to Gulf partners, including Jordan, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, to assist in intercepting drone threats. In exchange, Ukraine is seeking Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles, emphasizing a trade of capabilities amid rising demand for air defense due to the Iran conflict. This strategic move aims to bolster Ukraine's defense while addressing shortages in advanced missile systems.

Hezbollah escalated its attacks on Israeli forces, launching 600 rockets in a 24-hour period. In response, the Israel Defense Forces conducted airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, killing 700 Hezbollah fighters since March 2, 2024. Israel is establishing a security zone south of the Litani River, displacing 1.2 million people. Hezbollah has adopted new guerilla tactics, destroying or disabling 20 Israeli tanks.

The U.S. Army is reviewing its ground vehicle programs, seeking innovative solutions for combat vehicles, including a Request for Information for tracked vehicles. The Army plans to acquire 10 prototypes and aims for continuous production of up to 2,500 vehicles annually. Additionally, the Army is shifting its acquisition strategy for the Common Tactical Truck to leverage commercial solutions, potentially involving multiple vendors for different vehicle variants.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) rolled out the first production KF-21 Boramae fighter jet in Sacheon on Wednesday. This marks a significant milestone in South Korea's defense capabilities, with 40 aircraft ordered for the Republic of Korea Air Force. The KF-21 is designed to replace older fighter jets and is equipped with advanced weapons systems, including the KGGB precision glide bomb and MBDA Meteor missile. The program aims to enhance South Korea's self-defense and position it among the top defense-industrial nations.

Raytheon has received additional funding to further develop the AN/TPY-2 radar system, which is a key component of THAAD air defense systems.

KNDS and Elbit Systems formed a joint venture named EuroPULS GmbH to market the EuroPULS rocket artillery system for European militaries.

Japan is expanding its military presence in the southwestern islands near Taiwan, marking the 10th anniversary of the Ground Self-Defense Force's deployment. Plans include establishing air defense capabilities and electronic warfare units by 2030, amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Local residents have voiced concerns about the potential for becoming targets due to increased military activity.

The U.S. Navy is developing the SSN(X) stealth submarine, intended to replace the Virginia-class by the 2040s. This new class will be larger than the Seawolf-class, with enhanced stealth and networking capabilities, and is estimated to cost around $8 billion per unit. The program faces challenges, including production delays and the need for improved operational availability.

The US Army's Bravo Battery achieved operational readiness for the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system on March 18, 2026, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. This system, capable of speeds over Mach 5 and a range exceeding 3,500 kilometers, reflects a significant advancement in US military capabilities. Concurrently, US officials engaged in high-level consultations with India to strengthen defense partnerships, while concerns about military transparency arose following the Pentagon's decision to withhold the Global Force Posture Review for 2026.

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French President Emmanuel Macron announced a new European security framework centered on France's nuclear arsenal at the Ile Longue naval base on March 2, 2026. This initiative includes a bilateral Franco-German nuclear steering group and aims to provide extended deterrence for select European nations. However, Macron faces political challenges as his term ends in 2027, with potential shifts in support for this strategy depending on future elections.

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DARPA is conducting research on Cladosporium sphaerospermum, a fungus that can harness ionizing radiation, for potential military applications. This includes using the fungus to grow structures in space and training it to detect nuclear radiation. The research is ongoing at the Chernobyl site and the International Space Station.

The U.S. Department of State approved a Foreign Military Sale to Japan, valued at approximately $340 million, aimed at enhancing Japan's indigenous Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectiles capability.

The U.S. military has fired over 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles in four weeks of war with Iran. Pentagon officials expressed concern over the rapid depletion of these precision weapons. President Trump emphasized the need for defense contractors to expedite the production of American-made weapons. The Department of War stated it has all the resources required to execute military missions as needed.

The U.S. military has fired over 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles in four weeks of war with Iran. Pentagon officials express concern over the rapid depletion of these precision weapons. President Trump emphasizes the need for increased production of American-made weapons to support military operations.