Analysis & Reports

F-16 fighters employed swarm tactics to defeat F-35 fighters during Red Flag exercises at Nellis Air Force Base in 2015 and 2017. The F-35's flight control software was improved over time, leading to its eventual success in combat scenarios, including a notable engagement with an Iranian Yak-130 in 2026. This highlights the evolving nature of air combat tactics and the capabilities of both aircraft.

A U.S. THAAD missile defense radar was attacked and possibly destroyed at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on March 5, 2023, during initial strikes against Iran. Satellite imagery indicates significant damage and debris around the radar site, which is a key component of the air defense system valued at nearly $500 million. Reports suggest that similar radar facilities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait may have also been targeted.

The U.S. Navy is speculated to have considered the Montana-class battleships as potential platforms for Tomahawk missile deployment against Iran in March 2026. These battleships, if built, could have significantly enhanced missile capabilities during Operation Epic Fury, addressing the current Tomahawk depletion crisis. The analysis emphasizes the Montana-class's superior armor and potential effectiveness against Iranian coastal defenses.

On March 5, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intercepted a U.S. F-15E fighter jet using their air defense system, resulting in the aircraft crashing near Southwest Iran. The IRGC released video footage of the interception, while U.S. Central Command denied the claims of the aircraft being shot down.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched the 21st round of Operation 'Real Commitment 4', conducting missile and drone strikes against targets in Tel Aviv early on the 6th. The operation utilized the Kheybar Shekan ballistic missile to strike central locations in the city.

The U.S. Air Force is modernizing the F-22 Raptor with an $11 billion upgrade package that includes Low Drag Tank and Pylon hardware, extending its combat range significantly. New IRST sensors enhance its survivability, and the aircraft is now capable of commanding MQ-20 Avenger drones. These upgrades ensure the F-22 remains a premier air dominance platform until the introduction of the F-47 in 2026. The F-22 has been actively deployed in operations across various regions, including the Indo-Pacific and against threats in Iran and Venezuela.

The U.S. military deployed the LUCAS drone, a near-clone of the Iranian Shahed-136, highlighting a shift towards affordable mass in military strategy. On March 1, a Shahed drone destroyed a $300 million radar site in Bahrain, demonstrating the effectiveness of low-cost drones against advanced air defenses. The Pentagon's approach aims to validate the use of mass-produced, expendable platforms in contested airspace, particularly in the Pacific theater.

F-16 Fighting Falcons employed swarm tactics to engage and overwhelm F-35 Lightning IIs during simulations at Nellis Air Force Base in Red Flag 2017. The F-35s achieved a 20:1 kill ratio, but vulnerabilities were exposed, particularly in close combat scenarios. Concerns arose regarding potential leaks of F-35 operational secrets to China, which could inform adversarial tactics. Despite these challenges, the F-35 continues to maintain air dominance in operations over Iran.

U.S. Air Force bombers, including B-1 and B-52 models, conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets this week, striking over 2,000 targets. The operations, part of Operation Epic Fury, have significantly reduced Iranian ballistic missile activity. Military leaders emphasized the need for modernization of the bomber fleet as the U.S. prepares for future conflicts.

The U.S. Joint Interagency Task Force-401 is enhancing its capabilities to counter drone threats, particularly in response to recent attacks in Kuwait. Brig. Gen. Matt Ross emphasized that the drone threat surpasses that of IEDs from past conflicts. The task force is collaborating with agencies like the FBI and Homeland Security to establish standards for counter-unmanned systems.

Brig. Gen. Matt Ross announced that the U.S. is enhancing its counter-drone capabilities to address the increasing threat of unmanned systems, particularly in light of recent drone attacks in Kuwait. The Joint Interagency Task Force-401 is collaborating with various agencies to develop standards and policies for counter-drone operations. Ross emphasized the urgency of this initiative, as the proliferation of drones poses a significant risk to military and civilian infrastructure globally.

The Pentagon is set to order 30,000 one-way attack drones as part of its Drone Dominance initiative, with orders expected to be placed over the next few days. These drones will be delivered to military units within five months, with an initial cost of $5,000 per unit. A second phase of testing is scheduled to begin in August, focusing on counter-UAS environments.

The U.S. Navy is deploying the Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) to enhance communication capabilities among carrier strike groups. This system enables real-time, multi-channel communication across various naval assets, improving situational awareness and decision-making. NTCDL is designed to be modular and scalable, supporting next-generation communication needs while ensuring robust cybersecurity measures are in place.

The World Defense Show 2026 took place in Riyadh from 8 to 12 February, featuring 1,486 exhibitors and 137,000 visitors. The event highlighted 60 military and defense deals worth 7.4 billion Euro, showcasing significant participation from global defense companies, including those from China and Russia. Live demonstrations of military equipment, including aircraft and unmanned systems, were conducted daily.

Canada is considering its procurement options for fighter jets, with a leaked Royal Canadian Air Force document revealing that the F-35A significantly outperforms the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E. U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra warned that choosing the Gripen could lead to a reassessment of the NORAD early warning agreement, as it may create a capabilities gap. The U.S. might also withhold crucial communications technology if Canada opts for the Gripen, impacting interoperability with NATO partners.

Media coverage of the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia increased significantly in 2026, reflecting a growing public interest in the defense industry. The report highlights the rising importance of non-Western suppliers, particularly Turkey, and the potential for Saudi Arabia to enhance its defense manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, there is a noted increase in the involvement of women in the defense sector.

The U.S. Navy is evaluating the retirement of its Ohio-class submarines, which are essential for initial strikes in conflicts. By March 2026, these submarines will face significant operational limitations due to hull fatigue and reactor expiration. The transition to Virginia-class submarines may lead to a reduced strike capacity, raising concerns about a potential capability gap in the Indo-Pacific region.

The US Air Force is seeking additional vendors for a radar-killing missile similar to the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) to be delivered by 2030. The Air Force requires the missile to have extended range and advanced targeting capabilities, with production of up to 600 units annually. This initiative follows a contract awarded to Northrop Grumman for the SiAW in 2023, as the Air Force aims to enhance its missile capabilities.

U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure starting February 28, 2026, striking over 1,700 targets, including missile bases and command centers. The B-2 Spirit bomber played a crucial role in targeting hardened facilities, while the F-22 Raptor ensured air superiority. Iran primarily responded with missile and drone attacks against Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.

Concerns arise over the U.S. missile stockpile depletion amid ongoing conflicts, prompting the Trump administration to order defense contractors to accelerate production. The U.S. Department of Defense is focusing on increasing the production of precision-guided munitions and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to meet high demand. HII plans to enhance UUV testing efficiency by 75% to improve military capabilities.