Analysis & Reports

President Trump announced that U.S. defense companies have agreed to quadruple missile production amid ongoing military operations in Iran and Venezuela. This decision follows a meeting with major defense contractors to address production challenges. The U.S. has reportedly increased orders for various missile systems, including THAAD and Patriot interceptors, as part of efforts to bolster military capabilities during the conflict.

Iranian missiles struck and destroyed the radar system of the U.S. THAAD missile defense system deployed in Jordan on March 7, 2023. This attack is part of a broader Iranian response to recent U.S. and Israeli military actions in the region. Satellite imagery has confirmed damage to radar systems in multiple Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

China announced a defense budget of 1.9096 trillion RMB (approximately 276.8 billion USD) for 2026, marking a 7% increase, the lowest since 2021. This slowdown reflects economic pressures and ongoing military modernization efforts amid anti-corruption initiatives. The People's Liberation Army is focusing on technological advancements, including artificial intelligence and unmanned systems, to enhance its combat capabilities.

Li MinghuiSat Mar 07 2026Loading...

Iranian missile forces launched missiles at the U.S. aircraft carrier Lincoln on March 6 as part of the 'Real Commitment-4' military operation. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported successful strikes on multiple military targets, including those in Tel Aviv, using new generation missiles. This operation follows a previous wave of attacks targeting U.S. and Israeli military installations in the region.

U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers conducted airstrikes against ballistic missile sites deep inside Iran in early March 2026. Three B-1 bombers, accompanied by nine KC-46 Pegasus tankers, executed the strikes, which were confirmed by CENTCOM. This operation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

In 2026, the U.S. Air Force continues to utilize the F-22 Raptor for strike missions over Iran, while analysis reveals that the YF-23 Black Widow II could have surpassed the F-22 in speed, stealth, and range. The YF-23's advanced design and capabilities suggest it might have redefined air dominance had it entered production.

The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is set for retirement in May 2026 due to age and economic factors, transitioning to the more advanced Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. The U.S. Navy maintains a fleet of 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, ensuring continued global power projection despite the Nimitz's decommissioning. The retirement process is already underway, with the ship's final homeport moving to Norfolk, Virginia.

The U.S. is deploying the Merops anti-drone system to the Middle East to strengthen defenses against Iranian drones. This decision follows the system's successful use against Russian drones in Ukraine. U.S. officials have acknowledged challenges in countering Iranian drone threats, prompting the need for more effective anti-drone capabilities. The Merops system is designed to identify and neutralize drones using artificial intelligence.

The U.S. is deploying the Merops anti-drone system to the Middle East to enhance defenses against Iranian drones. This decision follows the system's successful use against Russian drones in Ukraine. U.S. officials have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of current defenses against Iranian drone threats, prompting this strategic move to bolster military capabilities in the region.

The F-117 Nighthawk, officially retired in 2008, continues to operate within the U.S. Air Force for testing and training purposes, with approximately 45 aircraft remaining active. These aircraft are primarily stationed at the Nevada Test and Training Range and are utilized as adversary targets to simulate enemy stealth capabilities. The F-117's unique design and stealth technology have made it a significant asset in military operations, despite its original designation as a fighter.

Israeli airstrikes destroyed an underground bunker in Tehran used by former leader Khamenei on March 6, 2023. In retaliation, Iran launched heavy missile strikes, including Khorramshahr-4 and Fattah missiles, targeting U.S. military bases and Israeli cities. The conflict has resulted in 1332 Iranian casualties and has displaced 25 million refugees across the region. U.S. President Trump reiterated a hardline stance against Iran, stating no agreements will be made unless they surrender unconditionally.

Iranian forces attacked five radar systems in the Middle East, including locations in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, following a large-scale assault on February 28, 2023. The attacks targeted radar systems associated with the U.S. THAAD missile defense systems, utilizing missiles and drones. Satellite images confirmed the damage to these critical military assets.

The Israel Defense Forces intercepted missiles launched from Iran in the early morning of the 7th, activating air defense alarms in southern Israel. An airstrike was also conducted against facilities in Tehran.

On October 6, Russian forces conducted seven cluster strikes targeting Ukrainian military and energy facilities, while Ukrainian forces reported 136 battles in frontline areas. The Russian Navy destroyed 8 Ukrainian naval drones, and Ukrainian air defense shot down over 1600 Russian UAVs. Additionally, Russian forces gained control of 8 settlements across Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Sumy regions.

The Pentagon's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 is testing a high-energy laser system against drones at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico over the weekend. This test aims to ensure safety and effectiveness in countering emerging drone threats, addressing FAA concerns, and demonstrating the system's safety features. The laser will engage various drone targets as part of ongoing efforts to integrate laser weapons into military operations.

The Pentagon's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 is testing a high-energy laser system against drones at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico over the weekend. This test aims to ensure safety and effectiveness in countering emerging drone threats, addressing FAA concerns, and demonstrating the system's safety features. The laser will engage various targets as part of ongoing efforts to integrate laser weapons into military operations.

The Iranian Navy launched a massive drone strike against U.S. military bases in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait, as well as radar facilities at the Israeli military base in Sdot Yam, on the 6th local time.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched thousands of Shahed-136 drones targeting U.S. military bases and diplomatic sites, with a recent attack in Kuwait resulting in six American casualties. The U.S. military acknowledges vulnerabilities in counter-drone technology and has increased its presence in the region, while seeking support from Ukraine to address the drone threat. The situation highlights the challenges posed by low-cost drone warfare.

Iran's Shahed-136 drones have increasingly disrupted U.S. military operations, with a recent attack in Kuwait resulting in six American casualties. The U.S. Armed Forces are facing challenges in countering these drones, which have been launched in large numbers by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In response, the Pentagon has bolstered its military presence in the region and is seeking support from Ukraine to enhance its counter-drone capabilities.

On March 6, U.S. President Trump announced that major U.S. defense manufacturers agreed to quadruple the production of advanced weapons. This decision follows a successful meeting where production plans were discussed, and expansion efforts had already begun three months prior. Companies involved include BAE Systems, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin.