Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on March 17 using multiple 5000-pound bunker busters against Iranian missile positions along the Strait of Hormuz. These strikes were aimed at mitigating threats posed by Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles to international shipping. President Trump has been urging European allies to join U.S. efforts in the region, but most NATO allies have indicated they will not participate in military actions against Iran.

Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) deployed Type-12 anti-ship missiles in Kumamoto, marking a significant shift towards offensive military capabilities. The upgraded missile system, featuring advanced radar and guidance technology, has a range of 1,000 kilometers, allowing it to target Chinese naval assets in the East China Sea. This deployment reflects Japan's strategic pivot in response to rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. Air Force is evaluating the SR-72 hypersonic aircraft, designed to achieve Mach 6 speeds for reconnaissance and strike missions in the Indo-Pacific region by 2026. This aircraft aims to bypass advanced enemy air defenses, but concerns about its high development costs and engineering challenges persist. The SR-72 could potentially restore U.S. air dominance lost with the retirement of the SR-71.

France is set to begin construction of the PANG nuclear aircraft carrier in Saint-Nazaire in 2026, with an expected service entry in 2038. This carrier will be the largest warship in Europe, featuring advanced technologies such as EMALS and AAG, and will be powered by two K22 nuclear reactors. The PANG is designed to support a diverse air wing, including next-generation combat aircraft, reinforcing France's military capabilities and strategic autonomy.

The U.S. Air Force is upgrading the B-52H Stratofortress with new Rolls-Royce F130 engines and advanced Raytheon AN/APQ-188 radar systems. These upgrades will restore the aircraft's nuclear capabilities and enhance its operational effectiveness. The B-52H has been a vital part of U.S. strategic bombing since its introduction in 1960, demonstrating its importance in maintaining regional stability and deterrence.

The Pentagon's assessment revealed that the F-35 program delivered no new combat capability in 2024 due to significant issues with the TR-3 upgrade, which was found to be predominantly unusable. This delay in software and hardware upgrades poses readiness risks for over 800 F-35s currently in service, particularly as U.S. Marine Corps F-35s continue operations in Iran using older software. The Block 4 modernization is now expected to be delayed until 2031, raising concerns about the aircraft's future combat effectiveness.

The U.S. Space Force announced that the projected cost of the Golden Dome missile defense project has risen to $185 billion, with experts warning that total expenses could reach up to $3.6 trillion over 20 years. The project aims to develop advanced missile defense technologies by 2028, with a focus on space-based interceptors, which are expected to be a major cost factor. A total of 2,440 applicants have been approved to compete for related contracts.

China is reportedly nearing the finalization of a sale of CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles to Iran, which could significantly enhance Iran's naval capabilities against U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf. Despite Beijing's denials, multiple sources indicate that a contract for the missile is close to completion. The CM-302, an export version of the YJ-12 missile, poses a threat to U.S. naval assets due to its advanced capabilities.

Northrop Grumman is accelerating the production of the B-21 Raider, with an investment of over $5 billion in manufacturing infrastructure. The U.S. Air Force has set a target of at least 100 airframes to replace aging bombers, with the first delivery scheduled for Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027. This new sixth-generation stealth bomber is intended to enhance the U.S. Air Force's capabilities in high-end threat environments.

The U.S. Navy is currently enhancing Virginia-class submarines with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), which adds 28 Tomahawk missiles per submarine. However, workforce shortages and a convoluted acquisition process prevent the expansion needed to match the Ohio-class SSGNs' capacity of 154 Tomahawk missiles. The USS Arizona (SSN 803) is the first Block V submarine under construction, aimed at supporting special operations and strike missions.

The U.S. Space Force has established seven new acquisition portfolios focused on space control and orbital warfare in Washington. These portfolios aim to implement reforms in military procurement and enhance capabilities, including missile warning, infrastructure, and battle management. The Space Force plans to integrate cislunar capabilities and collaborate with NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory for technology advancements.

The U.S. Space Force has established nine Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs) to enhance its capabilities in space control and orbital warfare. Four PAEs have been officially announced, focusing on areas such as Missile Warning and Tracking and Infrastructure. The Integration PAE will develop new technologies, including cislunar capabilities, in collaboration with NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

China has developed a comprehensive anti-access/area-denial strategy over the past three decades, focusing on long-range anti-ship weapons and enhanced reconnaissance capabilities. This strategy aims to limit the operational effectiveness of U.S. aircraft carriers by forcing them to operate at greater distances from Taiwan. Key systems include the DF-21D and DF-26 missiles, supported by advanced surveillance and targeting networks.

The U.S. Navy signed a $54 million contract with Gecko Robotics to enhance maintenance for 18 ships in the U.S. Pacific Fleet. This initiative employs drones and robotic systems to streamline repairs and reduce delays, aiming for 80% fleet readiness by 2027. Gecko's technology reportedly expedites maintenance processes significantly, addressing ongoing readiness challenges.

U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers are conducting airstrikes against Iranian underground bunkers and weapons facilities using 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrators and GBU-28 bunker busters. These operations are ongoing and aim to penetrate Iranian air defenses, creating safe air corridors for additional strikes. The B-2's advanced stealth technology enables it to operate undetected in heavily defended areas.

U.S. forces are actively employing Patriot missile batteries to intercept increasing missile and drone attacks in the Middle East. The PAC-3 interceptor missiles, crucial for this defense, are costly, leading to concerns about supply and operational costs. The Patriot system is part of a broader layered air defense strategy, which includes THAAD systems for higher altitude threats.

U.S. forces are actively employing Patriot missile batteries to intercept missile and drone attacks in the Middle East. The PAC-3 interceptor missiles, crucial for this defense, are costly, leading to concerns about their availability against increasing threats. The Patriot system operates as part of a layered air defense strategy, complemented by THAAD systems.

The U.S. Navy is losing 616 Tomahawk missile cells due to the retirement of four Ohio-class SSGNs and Ticonderoga-class cruisers, creating a strategic strike gap. The Virginia-class Block V submarines, which carry fewer missiles, cannot compensate for this loss. The Navy's current production rate of submarines is inadequate to meet future operational demands, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region where deterrence is critical.

The U.S. Army is currently facing readiness issues, as stated by Army Undersecretary Michael Obadal at a defense conference in Washington. The Army is addressing these challenges through public-private partnerships and is working on legislation to improve equipment maintenance. Obadal emphasized the need for industry to help fill capability gaps, particularly concerning major weapons systems and magazine depth.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the U.S. Air Force conducted an autonomy flight exercise in San Diego on March 17, 2026, demonstrating the MQ-20 Avenger's capabilities in Collaborative Combat Aircraft operations. The exercise highlighted the use of infrared sensing and advanced targeting systems, enabling stealthy operations in contested environments. This event showcased significant advancements in drone technology and autonomous mission execution.