Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy is extending the service life of the aging Ohio-class submarines due to delays in the Columbia-class program and the planned retirement of Ticonderoga-class cruisers, which will create a significant missile capacity gap. By 2027, the Navy will lose 2,080 vertical launch system (VLS) cells, impacting its nuclear deterrence capabilities. The Navy's reliance on Tomahawk missiles underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges.

The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on Tehran on March 8, targeting the command center and ammunition depot of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. The strikes aimed to disrupt Iranian military capabilities, including surveillance activities against Israel. The operation involved multiple military targets within Iran.

The Su-75 Checkmate, a single-engine stealth fighter developed by Sukhoi, is currently a concept demonstrator with production timelines delayed indefinitely due to the Ukraine War. Designed for export, it features advanced capabilities such as AESA radar and a payload capacity of 7,400 kg. However, the ongoing conflict has shifted Russia's focus towards drones and land systems, leaving the future of the Su-75 uncertain.

As of March 2026, 82 percent of ships under construction by the U.S. Navy are behind schedule, highlighting a significant crisis in the shipbuilding industrial base. The premature retirement of the Littoral Combat Ship and the costly Zumwalt-class program have exacerbated the situation. The U.S. risks losing its qualitative edge in the Indo-Pacific as China's naval capabilities expand rapidly.

The Russian Aerospace Forces deployed the first regiment of the S-500 Prometheus air defense system as of December 2025. This system is designed to intercept a variety of threats, including 5th-generation stealth aircraft and ballistic missiles, at ranges up to 600 km. Despite claims of its capabilities, the effectiveness against advanced stealth platforms remains unproven.

The Pentagon and FAA conducted anti-drone laser tests at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico over the weekend to address safety concerns following recent airspace closures in Texas. The military's use of the laser to down a drone near the U.S.-Mexico border raised coordination issues, prompting the FAA to close airspace over El Paso. Lawmakers have called for investigations into the incidents.

On March 8, 2023, the People's Liberation Army Navy unveiled two new Type 055 destroyers, Dongguan (109) and Anqing (110), increasing the total to ten. These destroyers feature advanced weapon systems and improved stealth capabilities, enhancing China's naval power in the East China Sea. The new ships are part of a broader strategy to strengthen maritime defense and protect national interests.

The U.S. Navy awarded a contract to Rockwell Collins on September 30, 2025, for the repair and reconfiguration of TacNet 1.0 datalink radios used in the Joint Standoff Weapon and Harpoon Block II+ missile systems. Valued at $347,318.44, the contract focuses on restoring communication units that maintain data exchange between naval weapons and tactical networks. This ensures precision weapons remain connected during missions.

Iranian Armed Forces announced the destruction of four U.S. THAAD radar systems on March 8. The radar systems were reportedly targeted and destroyed in precision strikes within a 24-hour timeframe at locations including Rubaie, Ruwis, Khalji, and Azraq.

The Chinese Navy recently showcased two 10,000-ton destroyers, emphasizing their military capabilities. This event highlights the naval strength of China and its commitment to safeguarding maritime interests.

The U.S. Army National Guard initiated a procurement effort on March 7, 2026, to acquire small unmanned aerial systems for training and operational support at the Volunteer Training Site in Smyrna, Tennessee. The Tennessee Army National Guard is seeking three types of drones that comply with the Blue UAS security certification requirements, including models like the Neros Archer and FlightWave Edge 130. This effort aims to enhance reconnaissance and training capabilities without relying on larger platforms.

Ukraine is sending a group of military specialists to the Arabian Gulf on March 9 to share expertise in countering unmanned aerial vehicles. This deployment aims to provide technical knowledge on detecting and destroying drones, reflecting growing international interest in Ukraine's counter-drone capabilities. The initiative includes training on practical methods used by Ukrainian forces during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

On March 4, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a significant expansion of the Russian Armed Forces to 2,391,770 personnel, including 1,502,640 military personnel. This expansion reflects Russia's commitment to ongoing military operations in Ukraine and preparation for potential confrontations with NATO. Russian forces have redeployed units to counter Ukrainian advances, while also conducting extensive missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties.

Dmitri VolkovSun Mar 08 2026Loading...

Japan is preparing to deploy long-range missile systems, including the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile and upgraded Type-12 anti-ship missile, between fiscal years 2025 and 2027. These systems aim to enhance Japan's counterstrike capabilities and extend its military reach beyond its coastline. Additionally, Japan is integrating Tomahawk missiles on its destroyers and developing a new satellite network to improve intelligence and targeting operations.

The U.S. Navy destroyed significant portions of the Iranian Navy, including the frigate IRIS Dena and the drone carrier Shahid Bagheri, through air and missile strikes in the Indian Ocean. This action was part of a broader strategy to neutralize Iranian naval capabilities, which rely heavily on shore-based missiles and small boats. The Strait of Hormuz continues to be a volatile chokepoint for maritime transport.

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure on February 28, 2023, achieving broad air superiority. Eight Israeli drones and three U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones were confirmed destroyed, along with three F-15E Strike Eagles in a friendly-fire incident over Kuwait. Despite these losses, Iranian air defenses remain partially operational, indicating that the campaign has not fully neutralized their capabilities.

The Ukrainian Air Force is conducting airstrikes against Russian forces using Mirage 2000-5 fighters, which are equipped with AASM Hammer bombs. These operations began after France donated the aircraft, with at least four expected to be operational by the end of 2026. The fighters have transitioned from air defense roles to active ground-attack missions, demonstrating their effectiveness in the ongoing conflict.

Iran launched a massive retaliatory campaign against Gulf states in March 2026, targeting the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and others with ballistic missiles and drones. The UAE intercepted 161 missiles but faced significant damage from 35 drones. This unprecedented assault has exposed vulnerabilities in Gulf air defenses and raised questions about the effectiveness of US military support. Gulf states are now reassessing their defense strategies and military relationships in light of these developments.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Mar 08 2026Loading...

The Pentagon is addressing gaps in military-specific AI tools as startups like Smack Technologies develop solutions tailored for operational needs. Concerns about the reliability of existing AI models, such as those from Anthropic and OpenAI, have prompted the military to seek alternatives that can function without cloud connectivity. Project Aria has been initiated to create AI models designed for real military operations, reflecting a shift towards more specialized technology in defense.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced its capability to sustain high-intensity warfare for at least six months. The IRGC has equipped itself with various advanced weaponry, including heavy and long-range missiles, and plans to implement new attack strategies in the coming days.