Analysis & Reports

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in Tehran on February 28, 2023, resulting in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei. The operation involved hundreds of intelligence agents and advanced AI for tracking. A U.S. F-15 crashed in Kuwait, and the B-2 stealth bomber targeted Iranian military facilities. The Strait of Hormuz is closed, affecting global oil transport.

The U.S. military confirmed the use of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) in combat for the first time during Operation Epic Fury. This marks the operational debut of the missile, which is designed to replace the aging ATACMS system and extend strike capabilities. The PrSM can engage targets at distances of up to 310 miles and is launched from existing artillery platforms such as HIMARS and MLRS.

Iranian drones attacked Nakhchivan International Airport and other civilian infrastructure in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on March 5, 2026. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense confirmed that the attack originated from Iranian territory, targeting civilian facilities rather than military installations. Azerbaijan condemned the incident, asserting that Iran bears full responsibility for the attack.

Iranian kamikaze drones struck Nakhchivan International Airport, injuring two people and damaging infrastructure. The incident involved two separate drone impacts, with one hitting the terminal and the other landing near a school. The drones, identified as Arash-2, are designed for long-range strikes and have been previously used in attacks in the Middle East. Azerbaijan's government condemned the attack, warning of escalating tensions in the region.

On November 5, 2025, the People's Liberation Army Navy commissioned the Fujian aircraft carrier in Fujian, marking a significant advancement in China's naval capabilities. This carrier, equipped with an electromagnetic launch system, represents a strategic shift towards blue-water operations. Concurrently, China is expanding its nuclear submarine fleet and modernizing its military with a focus on advanced technologies and increased defense spending.

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Iran launched a total of 541 drones and 165 ballistic missiles at the United Arab Emirates as of March 5, 2026, testing the air defense systems of Gulf Cooperation Council states. Kuwait intercepted 283 drones and 97 missiles, while Bahrain engaged hundreds of threats. The attacks have successfully penetrated defenses, striking civilian infrastructure and raising concerns about the effectiveness and sustainability of Gulf air defense strategies.

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Interceptor drones are being deployed by the Ukrainian Air Force to effectively counter Russian aerial threats, achieving over 70% of Shahed downings in February 2025. Ukraine produced 100,000 interceptor drones in 2025, with frontline units receiving over 1,500 drones daily. The Lazar's Group has played a significant role in this effort, destroying over $15 billion in Russian military equipment since the invasion.

Interceptor drones are now a critical component of Ukraine's air defense, successfully destroying over 70% of Shahed drones in February 2025. Ukraine produced 100,000 interceptor drones in 2025, with frontline units receiving over 1,500 drones daily. These drones flew approximately 6,300 sorties, resulting in the destruction of more than 1,500 Russian UAVs, significantly altering the air defense landscape in Ukraine.

Turkey's President Erdogan warned on March 4 against allowing Iranian missiles to cross Turkish airspace again, stating that necessary precautions are being taken in coordination with NATO allies. Earlier that day, a ballistic missile launched from Iran was intercepted by NATO defense systems after flying over Iraq and Syria, with no casualties reported. The missile was reportedly aimed at a base in Cyprus but deviated from its intended path.

China's Navy is transforming its submarine fleet, increasing the number of nuclear-powered submarines significantly. By 2027, the fleet is projected to reach around 70 submarines, with a substantial portion being nuclear. The development of the 096 ballistic missile submarine will enhance China's nuclear deterrent, allowing it to strike from protected waters. Concurrently, China is establishing a comprehensive underwater surveillance network to monitor foreign submarine activities in critical regions.

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Leopard 2 tanks are struggling in Ukraine due to logistical challenges and the threat from Russian Kornet missiles. The lack of combined-arms support and the rise of drone warfare have complicated their deployment. Ukrainian forces received these tanks in 2023, but operational difficulties have limited their effectiveness on the battlefield.

Iran launched coordinated attacks on Israel using drones and missiles, marking the first deployment of the Hadid-110 drone. The US has struck over 2000 Iranian targets, resulting in at least 1045 Iranian casualties and 6 US soldiers killed. Israel conducted airstrikes on military facilities in Tehran, with over 5000 bombs dropped since the conflict began. US officials estimate the conflict could last up to eight weeks, with significant military operations ongoing in the region.

North Korea transferred missile technology, including an 80-ton rocket booster, to Iran, enhancing its ICBM capabilities. The Hwasong-15 ICBM, developed with North Korean assistance, can target the continental United States. U.S. sanctions have been imposed on individuals and companies involved in this proliferation.

On March 4, 2026, an Israeli F-35I Adir fighter shot down an Iranian Yak-130 over Tehran, marking the first air-to-air kill for the F-35. The engagement utilized beyond-visual-range missiles, demonstrating the tactical superiority of the F-35I over the subsonic Yak-130, which was likely patrolling for drones. Visual evidence confirmed the incident, with both crew members ejecting from the Yak-130.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched hypersonic missiles and attack drones, striking the Israeli Defense Ministry building and Ben Gurion International Airport on the 5th. The attack resulted in the destruction of 7 advanced radar systems, leaving U.S. and Israeli forces 'blind' in the region. The IRGC announced that reconnaissance and strikes against aggressors will continue, with an increase in attack intensity and scope expected in the coming days.

On October 4, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran utilized the Hadid 110 high-speed drone for the first time in the ongoing conflict. The Hadid 110 is a new suicide drone that can reach speeds of up to 500 km/h, making it the fastest of its kind in Iran.

President Trump convened defense industry executives on Friday to discuss rapidly replenishing U.S. munitions and weapons stockpiles used in the war against Iran. The meeting follows significant military actions under Operation Epic Fury, which has seen nearly 2,000 targets struck. Six U.S. service members were killed in a recent Iranian drone attack in Kuwait, highlighting the ongoing conflict.

The U.S. military has attacked or sunk over 20 Iranian vessels in the Indian Ocean on March 3, 2024. This operation involved the use of precision-guided missiles and submarine-launched torpedoes, marking a significant escalation in U.S.-Iran naval engagements. A video released by U.S. Central Command shows an Iranian warship ablaze after being struck.

US Central Command confirmed the first combat use of Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs) during Operation Epic Fury in late 2023. The missiles, launched from M142 HIMARS, provide a deep strike capability, hitting targets over 500 kilometers away. Other US weapons employed in the operation include B-2 bombers and F-35 fighter jets.

USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) successfully integrated the Conventional Prompt Strike system and is now operational in San Diego as of January 2026. This modernization allows the destroyer to launch hypersonic missiles, marking a significant shift from its previous land-attack capabilities. The Zumwalt-class is set to enhance the U.S. Navy's strike capabilities with its new 12-round hypersonic battery.