Analysis & Reports

Anduril Industries will begin production of its Fury high-speed combat drones at a new facility in Columbus, Ohio, in the coming days. The facility is part of a $1 billion investment and is expected to employ over 4,000 people over the next decade. The production will also include the Roadrunner interceptor and Barracuda cruise missiles, reflecting the U.S. military's growing interest in unmanned aircraft.

The U.S. Navy's Ohio-class SSGNs, which carry over 600 Tomahawk missiles, are scheduled for retirement by 2028. The Virginia Payload Module, intended as a replacement, provides significantly less missile capacity, creating a strategic gap. Labor shortages and a convoluted acquisition process further complicate the transition to new submarine capabilities.

The Russian Air Force (VKS) has suffered significant losses, including 41 Su-34 Fullback aircraft, primarily due to effective Ukrainian air defenses and intelligence breaches. The capture of an intact SAP-518SM Regata electronic warfare pod near Izyum has allowed Western agencies to decode Russian jamming signatures, contributing to these losses. Overall, Russia has lost over 360 aircraft since the conflict began, indicating a severe decline in its air power capabilities.

Canada is reviewing its commitment to replace the aging CF-18 Hornet fleet, which has been in service since 1982, with the F-35 Lightning II or possibly the Saab JAS 39 Gripen. The CF-18 fleet is facing structural fatigue and parts shortages, prompting the need for a replacement. This decision is part of Canada's broader efforts to modernize its air force and maintain its defense capabilities.

The U.S. Army used Apache helicopters to shoot down drones in air-to-air combat for the first time in Europe during an exercise at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, this week. This operation is part of NATO's Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative, aimed at enhancing defense capabilities in Eastern Europe. The exercise involved the 2-159th Attack Battalion, which is developing new tactics for engaging drones.

The U.S. Army conducted air-to-air combat training using Apache helicopters to shoot down drones for the first time in Europe during an exercise at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, this week. This operation is part of NATO's Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative, aimed at enhancing defense capabilities in Eastern Europe. The training is significant as it develops new tactics for engaging drones and prepares for Poland's future role as a major operator of Apache helicopters.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps hit a U.S. F-35 stealth fighter jet around 2:50 AM on March 19, 2023, causing significant damage. The aircraft was reportedly forced to make an emergency landing at a U.S. military base in the Middle East. This incident highlights Iran's claims of maintaining effective air defense capabilities against advanced military equipment.

The United States is moving to bolster air defenses in the Middle East by notifying Congress of over $16.5 billion in potential weapons sales to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Jordan. This includes advanced radar systems, air defense sensors, and counter-drone technology, aimed at countering intensified missile and drone threats. The urgency of these sales is linked to ongoing attacks in the region, particularly during the conflict with Iran.

The United States is moving to bolster air defenses in the Middle East by notifying Congress of over $16.5 billion in potential weapons sales to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Jordan. The sales include advanced radar systems, air defense sensors, and counter-drone technology, aimed at countering intensified missile and drone threats. This action is justified as an emergency by the U.S. Secretary of State, allowing bypassing the usual congressional review process.

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted airstrikes against Iranian boats in the Straits of Hormuz as part of ongoing military operations. This action is seen as a demonstration of the aircraft's capabilities and a call for its continued service amid discussions of retirement. The U.S. military emphasizes the effectiveness of the A-10 in current combat scenarios.

The Pentagon is considering opening a second production line for the B-21 Raider to meet STRATCOM's demand for a fleet of 145 aircraft. STRATCOM Commander Adm. Richard Correll confirmed this initiative during a hearing on March 17, 2026, emphasizing the need for increased production capacity to address supply chain issues. A $4.5 billion investment aims to enhance production by 25%, with the B-21 intended to replace older bombers by the 2030s.

The U.S. Navy is retiring its Ticonderoga-class cruisers, which will result in a loss of 1,220 missile launch cells critical for Tomahawk strikes. This reduction in capacity poses a strategic concern as the Navy transitions to smaller Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which carry fewer missiles. The ongoing conflict with Iran has highlighted the increasing demand for Tomahawk missiles, further complicating the Navy's operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes using 5,000-pound penetrator weapons against Iranian underground missile storage facilities during the latest phase of Operation Epic Fury. This operation targeted coastal defense cruise missiles and related support equipment. U.S. officials confirmed that over 7,000 targets have been struck across Iran, with ongoing efforts to expand operations into Iranian airspace.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes using 5,000-pound penetrator weapons against Iranian underground missile storage facilities, targeting coastal defense cruise missiles and related equipment. This operation is part of the ongoing Operation Epic Fury, which has seen over 7,000 targets struck across Iran since its inception on February 28. The GBU-72 Advanced 5K Penetrator was specifically utilized for its capability to penetrate hardened targets.

The U.S. Army deployed the Typhon Mid-Range Capability missile system to Luzon, Philippines, and Iwakuni, Japan, enhancing its ability to strike targets up to 1,200 miles away. This system includes Block IV Tomahawk missiles and SM-6 interceptors, significantly improving U.S. deterrence against Chinese naval forces in the South China Sea. The mobile nature of Typhon complicates Chinese targeting and strengthens U.S. military presence in the region.

Iran launched the 65th wave of the 'Real Commitment-4' operation on March 19, targeting oil refineries in Haifa and Ashdod, as well as U.S. bases in the Middle East. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) employed upgraded Nasrullah missiles during this operation. Israeli forces intercepted one missile, with debris falling in Haifa, but officials reported no major damage to infrastructure.

Starting this fall, the U.S. military will receive new F-35 Joint Strike Fighters without radars, limiting their combat capabilities. Over a hundred jets may be affected if delays in the new APG-85 radar continue. These aircraft will remain airworthy but will be used only for training purposes. The situation arises from production delays and certification issues with the new radar system, impacting the operational readiness of the fleet.

The U.S. Army's M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams and South Korea's K2 Black Panther are compared for their capabilities as leading main battle tanks. The Abrams is recognized for its heavy protection and combat experience, while the K2 is noted for its advanced technology and lighter weight. Both tanks are positioned as top contenders in the global arms market, with the K2 rapidly advancing in capabilities.

The U.S. military conducted extensive airstrikes against Iranian targets, utilizing approximately 2,600 munitions on nearly 2,000 sites. The Pentagon requested over $200 billion in emergency funding for these operations, with expenditures exceeding $12 billion in the initial weeks. Significant equipment losses were reported, including F-15E jets and drones, amid ongoing logistical challenges.

The UK has announced the development of a new air defense system named Rapid Sentry, aimed at countering drone threats. This system is part of the UK Armed Forces' efforts to enhance national security against aerial threats. The announcement highlights the UK's commitment to improving its defense capabilities in response to evolving military challenges.