Analysis & Reports

On March 17, 2026, U.S. lawmakers confirmed that the F-47 fighter will not be operational until the mid-2030s, necessitating the continued use of F-22 Raptors and F/A-18 Super Hornets. This strategic decision aims to bridge the capability gap while facing advanced threats from adversaries like China's J-20. The U.S. Air Force is investing in upgrades to extend the service life of existing aircraft.

Lockheed Martin successfully conducted the first flight test of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 2 on March 12, 2026, in the United States. The missile demonstrated its ability to track and engage moving maritime threats, marking a significant advancement in the U.S. Army's long-range precision strike capabilities. The PrSM is currently being utilized in Operation Epic Fury against Iranian targets.

On March 22, 2023, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted missile and drone strikes against multiple southern Israeli cities, including Arad, Dimona, Eilat, and Beersheba, as well as U.S. military bases located in Kuwait and the UAE. This operation utilized various missile types, including Fateh, Qader, and Imad, as part of their ongoing military campaign.

As of March 21, 2026, the U.S. Navy and Royal Navy are advancing the construction of the Columbia-class and Dreadnought-class submarines, respectively, to enhance their nuclear deterrent capabilities. Both classes will utilize a shared Common Missile Compartment for Trident II D5 nuclear missiles, ensuring a synchronized undersea deterrence strategy against threats from China and Russia. The Dreadnought-class is set to replace the aging Vanguard-class submarines.

Iranian forces launched a missile attack on a building in Dimona, Israel, on March 21, resulting in the collapse of the structure and injuring 39 individuals. Eyewitnesses reported a missile striking the area, followed by significant explosions. The attack occurred near a sensitive nuclear facility, prompting multiple air raid alerts in southern Israel.

U.S. Central Command recently destroyed an underground facility in Iran that housed anti-ship cruise missiles and mobile missile launchers using multiple 5000-pound bombs. This operation also targeted Iranian intelligence and radar stations, diminishing Iran's threat to navigation in the Hormuz Strait. To date, U.S. forces have attacked over 8000 Iranian military targets.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy conducted missile and drone strikes on air bases in Minhad, UAE, and Kuwait on March 21. The strikes targeted facilities used by US and Israeli aircraft, resulting in their destruction. The operation was confirmed by the IRGC Navy commander on social media.

On March 21, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran launched Operation 'Real Commitment-4', targeting Israel and the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet with Qader and Emad missiles. The operation successfully struck multiple locations in northern and central Israel, as well as the U.S. naval forces. Iran's military stated that this operation demonstrates its enhanced defensive capabilities.

The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes deterrence by denial along the First Island Chain, increasing military presence and capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The strategy establishes a new global defense spending standard for allies and raises concerns about U.S. commitment to Taiwan. Recent developments include plans for missile production with Japan and drone cooperation across Asia, reflecting a focus on regional defense.

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The U.S. Navy is employing advanced Mine Countermeasures technologies in the Strait of Hormuz as part of Operation Epic Fury. This includes the use of MH-60S-mounted ALMDS lasers, AQS-20C sonar, and Barracuda drones to counter the threat of Iranian underwater mines. These efforts aim to ensure safe navigation and power projection in the region.

In the 1950s, Sweden developed the Saab 36, a Mach 2 nuclear bomber intended to deter Cold War superpowers. The project was ultimately cancelled due to costs and a shift towards neutrality, but its design influenced future Swedish aircraft. The Saab 36 represented Sweden's ambitions to enter the nuclear age and protect its sovereignty during a time of heightened tensions.

Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on multiple Israeli military bases on October 21, including the Northern Command base near Safed and the Golani Junction base west of Lake Tiberias. The attacks also targeted Israeli soldiers and vehicles in Metula and southern Lebanon.

Adm. Richard Correll advocated for expanding the B-21 Raider fleet to 145 aircraft during testimony before the House Armed Services Committee on March 17, 2026. He mentioned the possibility of establishing a second production line to meet this target, emphasizing the B-21's importance for future multi-domain warfare. The current U.S. Air Force bomber inventory totals 140 aircraft, and the proposed increase would allow the B-21 to match this number.

Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE) revealed the PİRANA kamikaze unmanned surface vessel, designed for the Turkish Navy. The vessel can operate autonomously or in swarms, complicating enemy detection. It features a speed of over 40 knots and a range exceeding 200 nautical miles, carrying a 100-kilogram warhead. Successful tests in 2025 demonstrated its capabilities, including integration with the Turkish Navy's TCG Anadolu and Bayraktar TB3 drone for real-time control.

The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier force is under significant strain during the ongoing conflict with Iran in 2026, with only 3-5 of its 11 carriers being combat ready. Operational issues, including malfunctions on the USS Gerald R. Ford and extended overhauls of other carriers, highlight logistical challenges that threaten U.S. power projection. The situation is exacerbated by Iranian threats and the Navy's inability to maintain a reliable operational fleet.

Aeon conducted a test launch of its new Zeus shoulder-fired missile system at a ranch in East Texas on Friday. The Zeus system aims to provide over 90% cost savings compared to the Javelin missile and is designed for rapid deployment and modular payloads. Weighing about 20 pounds and 30 inches long, it is intended for infantry use and can integrate with the Android Tactical Assault Kit.

The U.S. Navy announced the USS Defiant, a Trump-class battleship designed for missile warfare, displacing 40,000 tons and costing $20 billion. It will feature 128 vertical launch system cells capable of launching nuclear-tipped cruise missiles. The Navy plans to construct 20 to 25 of these battleships as part of the Golden Fleet initiative, despite concerns regarding their cost and survivability.

An AEGIR-W unmanned surface vessel was found by civilians off the coast of Ordu, Turkey. Authorities are expected to inspect and destroy the vessel, which is military-grade and designed for operations in contested environments. It is believed to have been used in testing related to the war in Ukraine, although this claim could not be independently verified.

Iran launched a significant attack on Gulf Cooperation Council member states from March 17 to 19, 2026, deploying 314 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,672 drones, primarily targeting the United Arab Emirates. The strikes severely damaged critical energy infrastructure in Qatar, prompting Gulf states to seek emergency military assistance from allies. Concurrently, Hezbollah escalated tensions by launching missiles at Israel, further complicating the regional security landscape.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Mar 21 2026Loading...

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the 71st wave of the 'True Commitment-4' operation on March 21, attacking areas in Tel Aviv and Rishon Lezion with Imad and Qader missiles, as well as drones. U.S. military bases in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq were also targeted. The operation involved new tactics and modernized combat systems.