Analysis & Reports

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the 83rd wave of Operation 'True Promise-4' on March 26, targeting military facilities in Israel and U.S. bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones. The operation included strikes on oil storage facilities and military outposts, while the Israeli Defense Forces reported intercepting missiles fired from Iran.

In March 2026, the U.S. government expressed clear support for Japan's defense capabilities, reflecting a strategic intent to enhance Japan's military role in Northeast Asia. Japan plans to increase its defense budget and participate in joint military exercises with the U.S. and the Philippines, marking a significant shift in its military posture. The U.S. is also facilitating maintenance for key fighter jets, indicating a deepening military partnership.

Tanaka TakashiFri Mar 27 2026Loading...

Poland is considering joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to collaborate with Italy, Japan, and the UK in developing a sixth-generation fighter jet. This move aims to modernize Poland's defense capabilities and enhance European military sovereignty. Discussions are currently taking place, although the status of negotiations remains unconfirmed.

The Chinese military demonstrated the capabilities of its domestic laser weapon systems, '光箭-11E' and '光箭-21A', which can effectively blind and destroy drones. These systems utilize advanced targeting technologies and are designed to counter low-altitude threats. The demonstration highlights the increasing sophistication of China's military technology in modern warfare.

The Iranian military launched drone strikes against strategic targets in Israel on March 27, including naval and fuel facilities in Haifa. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that Iran has the capability to destroy Tel Aviv and Haifa if Israel takes erroneous actions.

China has unveiled its latest generation of robotic wolves designed for urban warfare, showcasing their capabilities in reconnaissance and combat. Developed by the China Weaponry Automation Research Institute, these robotic units can carry weapons such as miniature missiles and grenade launchers. They demonstrate advanced mobility and autonomous decision-making, allowing for coordinated operations in complex environments.

China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is rapidly expanding its fleet of J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters, with production facilities in Chengdu and Shenyang. By 2030, the PLAAF could field between 500 and 1,000 J-20 fighters, significantly enhancing its air capabilities, particularly against Taiwan. The expansion of manufacturing capacity includes five production lines and new facilities, indicating a robust increase in military aircraft production.

The Chinese military has successfully developed a bionic manta ray underwater drone capable of detecting underwater explosives in low visibility conditions. This drone utilizes advanced sonar technology to map the seabed and can operate autonomously, forming a network with other units. Its design allows for long endurance and significant travel distances underwater, enhancing deep-sea detection capabilities.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's JS Kirishima has completed system modifications and crew training in the United States, confirming its capability to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles. The ship will conduct live-fire training off the U.S. coast until summer 2024 before returning to Sasebo, Nagasaki, to commence official duties in mid-September 2024.

The U.S. Navy has deployed uncrewed drone speedboats for patrols in the Middle East as part of operations against Iran, marking the first confirmed use of such vessels in active conflict. These vessels, known as the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC), are utilized for surveillance and have logged significant operational hours. This deployment occurs amidst ongoing tensions, with Iran previously using sea drones to target oil tankers.

The U.S. Navy has deployed uncrewed drone speedboats for patrols in the Middle East as part of operations against Iran, marking the first confirmed use of such vessels in active conflict. These vessels, known as the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC), are utilized for surveillance and have logged significant operational hours. This deployment occurs amidst ongoing tensions, with Iran previously using sea drones to target oil tankers in the region.

In April 1988, the U.S. Navy executed Operation Praying Mantis in the Persian Gulf, targeting Iranian naval forces in response to the USS Samuel B. Roberts being damaged by an Iranian mine. The operation resulted in the sinking of two Iranian ships and the destruction of surveillance platforms, marking a significant naval engagement for the U.S. Navy.

The Royal Navy proposed Operation Habbakuk, an aircraft carrier made of ice, during World War II. The carrier was designed to weigh 2.2 million tons and utilize a material called pykrete. However, the project was abandoned by mid-1943 due to technological advancements and logistical challenges.

The U.S. Navy built only three Seawolf-class submarines, commissioned between 1997 and 2005, due to high costs and the end of the Cold War. These submarines, known for their advanced capabilities and stealth, are currently stationed at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington. The last submarine, USS Jimmy Carter, was designed for special operations and intelligence missions.

The U.S. Army is seeking mobile short-range air defense systems for light infantry forces to enhance their capabilities during joint forced entry operations. The Request for Information outlines the need for sled- or pallet-mounted weapons that can be transported by light vehicles. This initiative aims to protect against drones and aircraft, with a target deployment timeframe of 2027 to 2029.

The Russian Navy announced plans to replace its entire fleet of third-generation nuclear-powered attack submarines with 12 Yasen-class submarines by 2035. This modernization aims to phase out aging Soviet-era submarines and enhance undersea capabilities with advanced weaponry, including Zircon hypersonic missiles. The latest Yasen-M submarine, Perm, was launched in March 2025, marking a significant step in this initiative. However, resource constraints may challenge the timely completion of this ambitious plan.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress declared an in-flight emergency over Southampton, England, on March 24, issuing a '7700' distress signal before safely returning to RAF Fairford. This incident occurred amidst ongoing U.S. military operations targeting Iranian missile sites, highlighting the aircraft's role in modern airstrike capabilities.

MBDA is significantly increasing its production capabilities and investments in response to geopolitical demands, with a projected revenue growth to 5.8 billion Euro by 2025. The company plans to invest 2.5 billion Euro, doubling previous forecasts, and aims to produce twice as many missiles in 2025 compared to 2023. Key projects include the development of the Stratus and HYDIS missile systems, alongside a focus on air defense and counter-drone technologies.

The grounding of United Launch Alliance's Vulcan heavy lifter has led to potential delays and reassignments for multiple Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office satellite launches. Key satellites affected include the WGS-11 and Next-Gen GEO, with the latter's launch postponed until at least the end of March 2023. The GPS III SV-10 satellite's launch has been moved to a SpaceX Falcon 9. An investigation into the Vulcan's performance anomaly is currently underway.

In 2023, the U.S. Navy began converting its Zumwalt-class destroyers to carry hypersonic weapons after the cancellation of their Advanced Gun System. Originally designed for naval gunfire support, the ships will now serve as long-range strike platforms under the Conventional Prompt Strike Program. This shift reflects a broader change in military strategy towards hypersonic capabilities.