Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on March 3 at 11:01 p.m. Pacific Time. The missile, equipped with two test reentry vehicles, traveled to a target area near Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. This launch is part of a long-running evaluation program to verify the performance and reliability of the Minuteman III system, a key component of the U.S. nuclear deterrent.

The U.S. Marine Corps awarded a $22.8 million contract modification to BlueHalo Labs for additional Titan SV MPv3 counter-drone systems to enhance air self-defense capabilities against small unmanned aircraft threats. The work will be performed in Loudon, Virginia, with delivery scheduled on or before July 1, 2026.

The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on military targets in Isfahan and Shiraz from the night of the 3rd to the early hours of the 4th. The strikes successfully hit over 20 targets, including facilities storing Qader missiles, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, resulting in the destruction of dozens of these munitions.

The U.S. Air Force awarded a $1.9 billion contract to Lockheed Martin for the C-130J Maintenance and Training System. This contract includes production and support for training systems used by crews and maintenance personnel operating the C-130J Super Hercules. Work will occur at various U.S. and international locations, with the contract expected to last until February 28, 2039.

Ukrainian drones struck the Kirovo-Chepetsk Chemical Combine in Russia's Kirov region during the night, targeting the ammonia production section. The attack, involving multiple kamikaze drones, occurred over 1,300 kilometers from the Ukrainian border and resulted in reported casualties among plant workers. Local sources indicated explosions in the industrial zone, but the Russian Ministry of Defense has not confirmed the incident.

U.S. military operations against Iran escalated from March 2-4, 2023, resulting in six U.S. personnel killed and 18 injured. President Trump indicated the possibility of deploying ground troops if necessary. Iran retaliated with over 700 drone and missile attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets, leading to significant military losses for the U.S. and prompting evacuation orders for American citizens in the Middle East.

An Israeli F-35I fighter jet shot down an Iranian Yak-130 aircraft during an aerial engagement over Tehran on Wednesday. This incident marks the first fighter-to-fighter engagement in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The Yak-130 was reportedly conducting patrol missions and was armed with short-range air-to-air missiles. Israeli forces have been actively targeting Iranian military capabilities in recent days.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have destroyed three U.S. THAAD missile defense systems at Muwaffaq Salti Base in Jordan. In retaliation, Iran launched over 500 ballistic missiles and deployed more than 2000 drones against U.S. and Israeli targets. U.S. Central Command reported extensive military operations, striking nearly 2000 Iranian targets and resulting in significant casualties, including six U.S. service members killed.

French President Macron announced on March 2, 2023, plans to expand France's nuclear arsenal and allow temporary deployment of nuclear-capable aircraft to allies. This strategy aims to enhance European independence amid concerns over U.S. commitments to NATO. France will also conduct joint nuclear exercises with Germany and other European nations, marking a significant shift in its nuclear policy since 1992.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched over 40 missiles targeting U.S. and Israeli positions in Iran's latest operation, named 'Real Commitment-4'. This attack occurred hours ago and marks the 17th wave of strikes against these targets.

Iran launched two ballistic missiles at Qatar on March 3, 2023, with one missile striking the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base. Qatar's defense system successfully intercepted the second missile, and there were no reported casualties from the attack.

Iran launched over 1,200 projectiles at Gulf states, including 332 drones and 28 ballistic missiles targeting the UAE on March 1, 2026. The UAE successfully intercepted 165 ballistic missiles and 541 drones, while Kuwait reported similar interceptions. This unprecedented aerial assault has tested regional air defense systems and prompted a reevaluation of security alignments among Gulf nations. The conflict has also led to a temporary diplomatic unity among previously divided Gulf monarchies in response to the Iranian threat.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Mar 04 2026Loading...

The U.S. military is concerned about the depletion of air defense interceptors amid ongoing conflicts with Iran. On February 28, 2024, the U.S. and Israel conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets to weaken Iran's missile and drone retaliation capabilities. The Pentagon is focused on replenishing stocks of Patriot and Standard missiles, while Israel faces its own ammunition supply issues. If the conflict persists, the U.S. may utilize stocks from the Pacific region.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched Qader-380 missiles, striking a U.S. destroyer and an oil tanker in the Indian Ocean on March 4, 2025. The attack occurred while the oil tanker was refueling the destroyer, resulting in a fire on both vessels. The Qader-380 missile, which has a range exceeding 1000 km, was publicly revealed by the IRGC earlier this year.

U.S. Central Command has initiated military operations against Iranian targets, striking nearly 2,000 locations as of March 4, 2023. Over 50,000 U.S. troops, 200 aircraft, and two aircraft carriers are involved in these operations. Iran has retaliated with over 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones. The U.S. is actively seeking to neutralize Iran's remaining missile capabilities.

China is accelerating its military modernization efforts under the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), focusing on quantum sensing, artificial intelligence, and hypersonic countermeasures. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is expected to showcase advanced military capabilities by 2027, aligning with its strategic goals. This modernization effort aims to integrate military advancements with broader national objectives, emphasizing technological self-sufficiency and innovation.

Li MinghuiWed Mar 04 2026Loading...

China is accelerating its military modernization efforts as part of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), focusing on quantum sensing, artificial intelligence, and hypersonic countermeasures. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is expected to showcase advanced military capabilities by 2027, aligning with national strategic goals. This modernization effort aims to position China as a world-class military power by 2049, with significant investments in technology and talent development.

Li MinghuiWed Mar 04 2026Loading...

The Israeli Air Force has conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets, destroying approximately 300 missile launchers since the start of military operations. In total, around 4000 bombs were dropped, and over 1600 aircraft sorties were executed, targeting facilities of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran and Lebanon.

Hezbollah attacked an Israeli military base in Metula on March 3, hitting a Merkava tank with a guided missile. This action was in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanese towns, including areas near Beirut. Additionally, Hezbollah launched rockets and drones at an Israeli missile defense base south of Haifa, responding to the killing of Iranian leader Khamenei and ongoing Israeli aggression.

The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on the Iranian presidential palace and other significant government buildings in Tehran on the night of October 3. Approximately 100 fighter jets dropped over 250 bombs, destroying the circular roof of the presidential palace and targeting the headquarters of the Iranian National Security Council among other sites.