Analysis & Reports

The United States launched at least 850 Tomahawk missiles in Operation Epic Fury against Iran, raising concerns about the depletion of its missile stockpile. The U.S. is estimated to have around 3,000 Tomahawk missiles remaining, which are crucial for maintaining military readiness in various global theaters, particularly against threats from China. The Pentagon is working to increase production rates to replenish the stockpile over the next two to three years.

The United States launched at least 850 Tomahawk missiles in Operation Epic Fury against Iranian targets, with approximately 3000 remaining in its arsenal. Concerns have been raised regarding the depletion of missile inventories and its impact on U.S. military capabilities in other regions, particularly in countering threats from China. The Tomahawk's long range and precision make it a vital asset in current military operations.

Sailors aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford are facing significant hardships due to a fire that destroyed their mattresses, forcing them to sleep on floors and tables. The ship has been deployed since June 24, 2025, and is currently in Split, Croatia. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle has raised concerns about the extended deployment and its impact on crew morale, especially as 200 sailors were treated for smoke inhalation following the incident.

The U.S. Navy has launched over 850 Tomahawk missiles in military operations against Iran, significantly depleting its missile stock in the Middle East. This operation has been ongoing for over a month, with the U.S. military also consuming at least 2400 intercept missiles. Concerns have arisen regarding the sustainability of U.S. missile inventories, as the remaining stock can only support operations for about 3.7 months at the current rate.

William Weaver was ejected from the SR-71 Blackbird during a test flight on January 25, 1966, at Edwards Air Force Base. The aircraft disintegrated at Mach 3.2 and 78,000 feet, resulting in Weaver falling approximately 15 miles before his parachute deployed. He survived due to a pressure suit, while his co-pilot, Jim Zwayer, was killed in the incident.

Iranian missile and drone strikes targeted U.S. military infrastructure at Prince Sultan Air Base and other locations in the region, damaging multiple aircraft and radar systems. The attacks, which began on February 28, 2023, have systematically focused on critical components of U.S. air operations, including communications and refueling capabilities. By late March, the Iranian strikes had significantly impacted the operational readiness of U.S. forces in the Middle East.

Iran launched missile and drone attacks on U.S. military infrastructure, including the E-3 Sentry at Prince Sultan Air Base, on March 27, 2023. The strikes targeted radar systems and refueling aircraft across multiple U.S. bases in the region, significantly impacting U.S. air operations. The U.S. Air Force's E-3 fleet is already under strain, with only 16 aircraft remaining and operational availability at 55.68%.

The U.S. has conducted airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure, achieving tactical success but facing strategic challenges regarding its presence in the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing conflict raises questions about the U.S. commitment and the potential for Iran to leverage the Strait in negotiations. The situation reflects a shift from punitive actions to managing Iran's influence in the region.

The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) has deployed to the Middle East, while the 11th MEU is en route to support U.S. military operations against Iran. These self-sustaining units, consisting of around 2,200 Marines, are designed for rapid response to crises and can conduct both combat and humanitarian missions. Recent discussions suggest a potential mission involving Kharg Island, a key site for Iran's oil exports.

The USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group departed for a scheduled deployment in April 2023, potentially targeting Iran. The carrier group, consisting of approximately 4,000 personnel, is heading to the Central Command area, where it may support military operations. This deployment follows the extended deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, raising concerns among U.S. senators about escalating military presence in the region.

USS Gerald R. Ford is undergoing maintenance in Croatia after a fire incident and is expected to achieve a record deployment of 11 months. The carrier was previously stationed in the Red Sea supporting Operation Epic Fury. USS George H.W. Bush has also departed for deployment, potentially to replace or support the Ford in the region.

The U.S. Navy reactivated and modernized its four Iowa-class battleships during the Korean War and again in the 1980s to counter the Soviet naval threat. These ships, equipped with advanced weaponry including Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles, played crucial roles in naval operations. Following the Cold War, they were permanently decommissioned and converted into museum ships to preserve their legacy.

Iranian missile and drone strikes targeted U.S. military assets at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, destroying an E-3 Sentry and damaging several KC-135 Stratotanker refuelers. The attack occurred despite U.S. efforts to maximize defensive capabilities, resulting in injuries to a dozen U.S. troops. The U.S. Air Force is adapting its strategies, including Agile Combat Employment, to mitigate such threats.

U.S. troops deployed for Operation Epic Fury are now eligible for combat pay of up to $225 per month, depending on their location and exposure to hostile fire. The Pentagon updated its list of eligible locations, which includes Qatar, the UAE, and several other countries in the Middle East. This pay structure is part of the ongoing military operations against Iran, effective from March 10, 2023.

The U.S. military has lost 16 MQ-9 Reaper drones in operations against Iran, with two additional losses reported near Isfahan on April 1, 2023. Iranian forces claimed to have shot down one of these drones in the same area.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy conducted multiple strikes against various targets in the Strait of Hormuz on April 1, 2023, claiming complete control over the situation. The strikes involved ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, targeting U.S. radar facilities and an Israeli oil tanker. The IRGC emphasized that the Strait will not be opened to adversaries due to U.S. actions.

Iran launched multiple missile attacks on Israel, with air raid sirens sounding across Central Israel on April 1. The Israeli Defense Forces reported intercepting many of the missiles, while explosions were heard in various locations, including Tel Aviv. Concurrently, Hezbollah initiated rocket attacks on Northern Israel. This incident marks the largest missile assault on Israel in the last three weeks.

The Russian Air Force's MiG-31K aircraft is actively firing Kinzhal hypersonic missiles in Ukraine, enhancing its offensive capabilities. The Kinzhal can reach speeds of Mach 10 and has a range of 1,250 miles, posing a significant threat to Ukrainian air defenses. This development marks a transformation of the MiG-31 from a defensive interceptor to a potent strike platform in modern warfare.

The U.S. Navy commissioned the USS Massachusetts (SSN-798) in Boston Harbor, enhancing its submarine fleet with advanced capabilities. This Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine is armed with Tomahawk missiles and Mk-48 torpedoes, measuring 377 feet in length and displacing around 8,000 tons. The commissioning ceremony took place over the past weekend, marking a significant milestone in the Navy's efforts to maintain undersea dominance.

China's People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has surpassed 370 ships, rapidly modernizing and expanding its capabilities, particularly in the Western Pacific. The U.S. Navy, while still superior in certain aspects, is projected to decline to 287 ships by FY2026, facing challenges in shipbuilding capacity. This shift poses significant strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region as China enhances its naval power projection.