Analysis & Reports

China is actively collecting military intelligence from the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict as of March 13, 2026, focusing on advanced U.S. weapon systems and operational data. This intelligence gathering is seen as a strategic opportunity for China to enhance its military modernization efforts. The conflict has provided valuable insights into U.S. military operations and capabilities, particularly regarding the effectiveness of Iranian drones against U.S. assets.

Li MinghuiFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones against military and civilian targets in Gulf states since late February 2026. Gulf air defense systems, particularly in the UAE, successfully intercepted a significant number of these threats. The military performance has validated years of investment in air defense, but concerns about sustaining operational tempo and stockpile depletion remain. The strikes have also led to a profound diplomatic fallout, creating a trust deficit among Gulf Cooperation Council states.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

China announced a defense budget of 1.94 trillion RMB (approximately 282 billion USD) on March 10, 2026, marking a 6.9% increase from the previous year. The budget emphasizes modernization and strategic capabilities, focusing on advanced weaponry and military technology. This increase is contextualized within China's economic growth and the upcoming centenary of the People's Liberation Army in 2027, reflecting a commitment to enhancing national defense in a complex security environment.

Li MinghuiFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

The Navy of the People's Liberation Army commissioned the 9th and 10th 055-class destroyers, Dongguan and Anqing, which are currently conducting their first naval combat training in the East China Sea. These destroyers feature advanced weaponry, including a 130mm main gun and a large vertical launch system capable of launching multiple missile types.

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has showcased 10 055-class destroyers, marking a significant milestone in naval development. These destroyers are the largest and most advanced in the history of the PLAN, with the first ship, Nanchang, commissioned on January 12, 2020. The fleet has expanded rapidly, demonstrating enhanced combat capabilities.

Japan is attempting to rearm and revive militarism, causing heightened regional security concerns. The Japan Self-Defense Forces have deployed land-based improved Type 12 anti-ship missile launchers to Kumamoto City, with formal deployment scheduled for March 31. This move has drawn significant international criticism and warnings about crossing a 'red line' in military engagement.

The U.S. plans to redeploy parts of the THAAD missile system from South Korea to the Middle East due to rising tensions with Iran. South Korea's defense ministry reassured that this will not affect its deterrent capabilities against North Korea. Meanwhile, Japan and the U.S. are set to enhance defense cooperation, addressing concerns over North Korea's military advancements.

Tanaka TakashiFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces attacked a gas compression station in Krasnodar Krai, Russia, using fixed-wing drones on December 12. Russian air defense successfully intercepted 10 drones, preventing damage to the facility. The Russian Ministry of Defense accused Ukraine of trying to cut off gas supplies to Europe, while Gazprom confirmed the attempted attack was thwarted.

The USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23) operates covertly for the U.S. Navy, utilizing its Multi-Mission Platform for specialized undersea missions, including tapping undersea fiberoptic cables. Commissioned in 2005, it is equipped with advanced technologies such as remotely operated vehicles and specialized sensors, making it a key asset in modern naval warfare. The submarine's capabilities reflect a shift towards undersea infrastructure warfare.

Japan is accelerating legislative reforms to enable lethal exports and secure funding for the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), its most expensive defense project, despite contract delays. The GCAP aims to develop next-generation fighter jets as a successor to the F-2, with a target to field the aircraft by 2035. This initiative is part of Japan's strategy to reduce reliance on the U.S. and counter Chinese military pressure in the region.

European NATO allies are accelerating defense initiatives and financial commitments to Ukraine in response to U.S. demands for greater responsibility by 2027. The E5 group announced a joint program for low-cost air defense systems in Krakow, reflecting lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict. Lithuanian intelligence warns of increased Russian military preparations, while the EU has approved a €90 billion loan package for Ukraine.

Alexandra ReevesThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

Russia's PAK DA stealth bomber program remains in the prototyping phase, with flight tests unlikely before 2027. To bridge the gap, Russia is restarting production of the Tu-160M bomber, integrating two new aircraft by early 2026. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Western sanctions have severely impacted Russia's defense industry, complicating the development of next-generation aircraft.

The U.S. Navy decommissioned half of its Avenger-class mine countermeasure ships and replaced them with littoral combat ships equipped for mine countermeasures. Iran initiated mine-laying operations in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting U.S. Central Command to strike 16 Iranian mine-layers. The USS Canberra, the first littoral combat ship with mine countermeasure capabilities, arrived in Bahrain, marking a shift in U.S. naval strategy in the region.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that a B-21 Raider conducted a close-proximity flight test with a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Mojave Desert on Tuesday. This flight, lasting about 5.5 hours, is part of the ongoing test campaign to validate the B-21's capabilities for long-range strike missions. The program remains on track for the delivery of operational B-21s to Ellsworth Air Force Base by 2027.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that a B-21 Raider conducted a close-proximity flight test with a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Mojave Desert on Tuesday. This flight, lasting approximately 5.5 hours, is part of the ongoing test campaign to validate the B-21's capabilities. The event is significant for the B-21's long-range strike role, although details on aerial refueling were not disclosed.

The U.S. Navy has partnered with Anduril to develop the Dive-XL, an extra-large unmanned underwater vessel as part of the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform Project. This vessel is designed to operate in GPS-denied environments, dive to depths of 200 meters, and carry various payloads, including smaller unmanned vehicles. The project aims to enhance capabilities in the Pacific and Arctic regions, addressing the need for advanced underwater systems.

The U.S. Navy has partnered with Anduril to develop the Dive-XL, an extra-large unmanned underwater vessel as part of the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform Project (CAMP). This vessel is designed to operate in GPS-denied environments, dive to depths of 200 meters, and carry various payloads. Anduril will conduct an extended demonstration of the Dive-XL within four months of the contract award, enhancing capabilities in maritime operations.

U.S. and allied forces have been intercepting Iranian drones using fighter jets and attack helicopters in Kuwait and Jordan since last month. This operation has led to an 83% decrease in drone usage by Iran. However, the high costs of intercepting low-cost drones with expensive munitions have raised concerns about the sustainability of this tactic. Six U.S. soldiers were killed by an Iranian drone that evaded defenses.

The Israeli Air Force is acquiring 25 F-15EX aircraft for long-range missions, while the Qatar Air Force recently used its F-15QA variant to shoot down two Iranian Su-24 bombers. Poland and Saudi Arabia are also considering the F-15EX for their air forces, highlighting its significant payload capacity and advanced combat technology. The aircraft's capabilities position it as a key player in regional military dynamics.

The Pentagon is requesting over $50 billion in supplemental funding to replace and procure new military equipment for operations in Iran. This includes a focus on both legacy systems and new technologies, as U.S. officials confirm adequate munitions stockpiles. The funding request is currently being prepared for Congress, with expectations of bipartisan support due to concerns over munitions depth.