Analysis & Reports

France is developing the Porte-Avions de Nouvelle Génération (PANG), a $12 billion nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, to replace the Charles de Gaulle and enhance its military capabilities. Slated for deployment by 2038, the PANG aims to secure France's strategic autonomy amid changing global dynamics. Critics argue that the project diverts essential funds from more modern military needs and represents an outdated approach to power projection.

The U.S. announced over $16 billion in emergency military sales to Middle Eastern allies, including $8 billion for Kuwait's air defense systems and $4.5 billion for the UAE's long-range radar. This decision follows increased Iranian missile and drone attacks on these nations, with U.S. officials citing national security interests. Jordan is also set to receive $70.5 million for aircraft repairs and spare parts.

NATO launched its first Testing, Evaluation, Verification and Validation (TEVV) campaign for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS technologies at the Sēlija Military Training Area in Latvia from March 9 to 13, 2026. This initiative, part of NATO's Rapid Adoption Action Plan, involved defense industry companies from NATO member states and Ukraine. The next testing activity is planned for May 27, coinciding with the International Drone Summit in Riga.

Germany and France are collaborating to resolve an industrial dispute over the New Generation Fighter (NGF) element of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) by mid-April. French President Emmanuel Macron and German officials have emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement between Airbus and Dassault. The NGF aims to replace existing combat aircraft by 2040, but recent tensions over leadership and workshare could jeopardize the project's future.

On October 18, 2023, French President Macron announced the initiation of construction for a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier named 'Charles de Gaulle' in Nantes. The carrier is set to enhance France's naval capabilities and is expected to be operational by 2038, replacing the current carrier. It will incorporate advanced French technology and is historically significant, named after the WWII resistance movement.

The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on Iranian Navy assets in the Caspian Sea on March 19, 2026, marking the first such operation since the start of Operation 'Roar of the Lion'. The strikes targeted missile ships, patrol boats, and a central command facility, aiming to disrupt Iranian naval operations and capabilities in the region.

Ukraine has deployed the Bohdana-BG towed howitzer in frontline units, specifically operated by the 147th Separate Artillery Brigade in eastern Ukraine. This domestically produced 155mm artillery system has been in active service for at least a year and is designed to adapt to drone-heavy combat. The howitzer features a maximum firing range of 41 kilometers and emphasizes accuracy over rate of fire, with crews typically firing one to two rounds per minute.

Iranian forces launched missile and drone attacks on energy facilities in multiple Middle Eastern countries on March 19, 2023. The attacks affected locations including Yanbu, Ahmadi, and Ras Laffan, causing fires and damage to infrastructure. Saudi Arabia reported a drone crash at the Samref refinery, while Kuwait's Ahmadi refinery was also targeted. In response, Saudi Arabia called for a multinational meeting to address the violations of sovereignty and international law by Iran.

Gulf nations are actively seeking assistance from Ukraine to enhance their counter-drone capabilities amid ongoing threats from Iranian drones. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy confirmed that teams have been dispatched to the Middle East to showcase drone defense technologies. Ukrainian manufacturers report a capacity to produce thousands of interceptor drones daily, but export controls remain a challenge for international cooperation.

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft are currently engaged in maritime interdiction operations targeting Iranian fast-attack craft in the Strait of Hormuz. This action is part of Operation Epic Fury, with over 100 Iranian naval vessels reportedly destroyed. The A-10's capabilities allow for persistent overwatch and effective engagement of small surface craft.

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft are currently engaged in maritime interdiction operations targeting Iranian fast-attack craft in the Strait of Hormuz. This engagement is part of Operation Epic Fury, with U.S. Central Command reporting the destruction of over 100 Iranian naval vessels. The A-10's capabilities allow for persistent overwatch and effective engagement of small surface craft.

The Pentagon is seeking $200 billion in funding for the ongoing war in Iran, which began on February 28, 2023. U.S. and Israeli forces have conducted airstrikes, targeting over 7,000 sites, including missile stockpiles and drone launch sites. The military campaign, known as Operation Epic Fury, has incurred costs of $12 billion so far.

China is converting Xi’an Y-20 cargo planes into YY-20/YU-20 aerial tankers to enhance its air-to-air refueling capabilities, significantly extending the operational range of its J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters. By 2035, the aerial tanker fleet is expected to reach 100 aircraft, allowing for increased military operations in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly concerning Taiwan. This development poses a challenge to U.S. air superiority in the area.

The U.S. military is rapidly depleting its Tomahawk missile inventory due to ongoing operations in the Middle East, raising concerns about production capacity to meet future demands, especially in the Indo-Pacific. Raytheon faces challenges in replenishing stocks due to supply chain bottlenecks and labor shortages. This situation could force the U.S. to make difficult choices between engagements in different theaters.

The B-21 Raider operates as a multi-domain airborne intelligence node, collecting and transmitting targeting data across air, land, sea, and space. It was unveiled on December 2, 2022, in Palmdale, California, and a second test aircraft joined the flight test campaign on September 11, 2023. The B-21 is designed to control drones and conduct surveillance while utilizing AI for real-time data integration and analysis.

The German navy is set to acquire four MEKO frigates from TKMS as a backup due to delays in the F126 program, with the first unit's construction starting in December 2023. This acquisition is part of a bridge solution to ensure anti-submarine capabilities by late 2029. Lawmakers have approved the preliminary contract, while negotiations continue with NVL for the F126 program's main contractor.

The U.S. Air Force and Navy are developing the F-47 and F/A-XX next-generation fighter jets, which are not expected to be operational until the mid-2030s. This delay forces reliance on older aircraft like the F-22 and F-35. Meanwhile, China has already deployed sixth-generation fighters, raising concerns about the U.S. maintaining air superiority. Political factors may jeopardize funding for these programs, which are critical for future military capabilities.

Leonardo acquired Iveco Defence Vehicles for €1.7 billion ($1.9 billion) to enhance its defense capabilities. This acquisition is part of Leonardo's strategy to strengthen its position as a leading Original Equipment Manufacturer in the land defense sector. The deal is expected to leverage the complementary strengths of both companies in providing integrated defense solutions across various platforms.

The U.S. Air Force is modernizing the F-22 Raptor with upgrades called 'Raptor 2.0' to enhance its combat capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. These upgrades include new faceted low-drag external fuel tanks and underwing Infrared Search and Track pods, extending the fighter's combat radius and maintaining its stealth signature. This modernization aims to improve the F-22's effectiveness against threats such as China's J-20 aircraft, ensuring its relevance in future conflicts.

The Republic of Korea Air Force's first Embraer C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft completed its maiden flight in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The aircraft will undergo testing and integration to meet operational needs, confirming its progression towards service entry. Designed for diverse missions, it can carry up to 26 tons and operate from unpaved runways, enhancing its flexibility in various environments.