Analysis & Reports

Ukrainian infantry adapted its tactics from 2022 to 2026 to counter Russian forces, integrating drones and robotic systems into operations. Assault groups decreased in size, and supplies were increasingly delivered by unmanned ground vehicles. The evolution of combat strategies reflects a shift towards a hybrid defense model, emphasizing the role of technology in modern warfare.

DroneShield established counter-UAS manufacturing in the European Union on March 11, 2026, to enhance local production capabilities. This initiative aligns with the ReArm Europe Plan / Readiness 2030, addressing the growing demand for sovereign counter-UAS systems. The production is set to begin with deliveries scheduled for mid-2026, significantly increasing DroneShield's manufacturing capacity in Europe.

BlackSky Technology Inc. successfully delivered first light imagery from its fourth Gen-3 satellite shortly after its launch on March 10, 2026, enhancing ISR capabilities for warfighters. The Gen-3 constellation is designed to provide high-quality, real-time imagery to meet global demand for tactical ISR operations. This achievement underscores BlackSky's commitment to rapid deployment and operational readiness of its satellite assets.

IDV signed a contract to deliver 860 additional high-mobility logistics trucks to the Romanian Armed Forces on March 10, 2026. This delivery is part of a larger agreement for over 2,900 trucks, with the first two phases already completed. The trucks will be delivered over the next three years, with one-third equipped with armored cabins.

EDGE launched the first-of-class BR71 MK II Combattante corvette for the Angolan Navy in Cherbourg, France, on 10 March 2026. The corvette is part of a EUR 1 billion contract and will enhance Angola's maritime capabilities. Two additional corvettes are under construction, with advanced unmanned aerial systems integrated for surveillance. This development signifies a growing security partnership between Angola and the UAE.

Hanwha is showcasing its integrated air and missile defense capabilities at BEDEX 2026 in Brussels from March 12 to 14, 2026. The exhibition features the L-SAM missile system, designed to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes, and the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher. Hanwha aims to enhance its presence in the European defense market and explore partnerships with NATO member states.

China announced a 6.9% increase in its defense budget for 2026, totaling 1.94 trillion RMB (approximately 282 billion USD), to enhance military modernization. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) will focus on advanced weaponry, logistics, and training of high-quality military personnel. This budget reflects China's strategic priorities amid regional tensions, particularly in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.

Li MinghuiWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

Thales launched the SkyDefender air and missile defense system, designed to protect against a range of air threats from drones to hypersonic missiles. The system includes advanced radar capabilities and integrates with NATO platforms, enhancing air defense operations. It is available for immediate deployment and open to partnerships for further development.

U.S. and Gulf nations requested Ukraine's assistance to defend against Iranian Shahed-136 drones as the conflict in the Gulf region escalated. Ukrainian forces, experienced in countering these drones, have developed effective low-cost defense strategies. The U.S. military acknowledged the challenges posed by these drones, indicating that existing air defense systems struggle to intercept them. Ukrainian startups are also producing affordable interceptor drones to combat this threat.

Japan is deploying long-range missiles capable of attacking enemy bases, with a range of approximately 1000 kilometers, covering coastal areas of neighboring countries. This deployment is part of Japan's increasing militarization and revision of its defense policies, which has raised concerns about regional security. The Deputy Director of the Ministry of National Defense's News Bureau issued a warning against Japan's militaristic path, indicating potential severe consequences for any aggression against China.

Iran launched over 800 missile and drone attacks against Gulf states beginning February 28, 2026. Gulf Cooperation Council states successfully intercepted more than 90% of these threats, demonstrating significant improvements in their military capabilities. However, some threats penetrated defenses, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The attacks have prompted a strategic shift towards indigenous defense production and raised concerns about the sustainability of current military operations.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

On March 9, 2026, Japan received modified Type 12 anti-ship missile launchers at Kumamoto. The U.S. is relocating THAAD systems from South Korea to the Middle East, raising concerns among regional allies. Japan plans to deploy Aegis destroyers to the Arabian Sea, while local officials express concerns over the secrecy of the missile deployment amid increasing Chinese military activities.

Tanaka TakashiWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

The global arms trade has increased by 9.2% over the past five years, driven primarily by European demand, particularly in response to the threat from Russia. European countries now account for 33% of global arms imports, with significant contributions from the U.S. and Germany. Germany has emerged as the fourth largest arms exporter, with a substantial portion of its exports directed to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia's arms exports have sharply declined due to the ongoing conflict and international pressure.

Japan plans to deploy the Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile system on Yonaguni Island by 2030, marking a significant shift in its defense strategy amid rising tensions with China. Concurrently, China has imposed export controls on Japanese companies, further escalating economic and military tensions in the region. Approximately 160 Self-Defense Forces personnel are currently stationed on Yonaguni Island, which is becoming a military outpost.

Tanaka TakashiWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

U.S. military forces destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying boats near the Strait of Hormuz on March 10, 2026, amid concerns over potential mine deployment by Iran. This action was confirmed by U.S. Central Command, which released a video of the strikes. President Trump had previously mentioned a lower number of boats destroyed, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat posed by Iran to maritime security.

The U.S. Space Force completed the preliminary design review for the Epoch 2 missile-warning constellation, consisting of 10 satellites in medium Earth orbit. This milestone was achieved nine months after the contract was awarded to BAE Systems for $1.2 billion. The first satellite delivery is scheduled for fiscal year 2029, enhancing the capability to track advanced missile threats.

Dassault Aviation is ramping up production of the Rafale fighter jets to 35 units annually by 2029-2030, addressing a backlog of 175 export units. The F5 standard will enhance capabilities with advanced radar and hypersonic missile integration. Ukraine plans to purchase 100 Rafales, while Serbia's order of 12 jets may provoke Russia. The upgrades aim to improve the aircraft's performance in modern combat scenarios.

Saab proposed a dual fleet of Gripen fighters and F-35s to the Royal Canadian Air Force, emphasizing the need for modernization and local aerospace job creation. This proposal comes as Canada is in the process of replacing its aging CF-18 fleet with F-35s, having confirmed orders for 16 aircraft and payments for parts for 14 more. The discussion is timely, given recent NORAD scrambles against Russian aircraft.

China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) officially adopted the J-35A stealth fighter in late 2024, designed for air combat operations. In June 2025, Pakistan became the first overseas buyer of the J-35A, which features a twin-engine design and a combat radius of 750 miles. The J-35A is marketed to nations restricted from acquiring the U.S. F-35 fighter.

North Korea's Korean People's Army Navy conducted a test launch of multiple strategic cruise missiles on March 10. The event was observed by Kim Jong-un through a video link, as part of ongoing operational evaluations involving the 'Choi Hyun' destroyer.