Analysis & Reports

Russia sold 24 advanced Su-35 fighters to China in 2019, completing a deal worth $2.5 billion that was agreed upon in 2015. This sale included spare engines and equipment, marking China as the first foreign buyer of the Su-35. The transaction was influenced by international sanctions on Russia following its annexation of Crimea.

NATO mobilized 25,000 soldiers for the Cold Response 26 exercise in Lithuania in March 2026, reflecting a significant increase in European defense spending. Germany's defense budget is projected to reach $136.8 billion, while the Czech Republic plans to reduce its defense spending below 2% of GDP. The European Defense Fund is allocating €1 billion for collaborative defense initiatives.

Dr. Klaus WeberSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has evolved significantly over its 50-year service, transitioning from a dogfighter to a multi-role aircraft. It features advanced systems like the AN/APG-83 AESA radar and the Angry Kitten electronic warfare suite. The aircraft is currently showcased by the U.S. Air Force at Shaw Air Force Base, demonstrating its combat capabilities. The latest models can operate for up to 12,000 hours, reflecting extensive upgrades and modernization efforts.

The U.S. Air Force is developing the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter, expected to have a combat radius of over 1,000 nautical miles and exceed Mach 2. The first flight is anticipated by 2028, with plans to acquire at least 185 units. This program is part of a broader effort to streamline military acquisitions and enhance air superiority capabilities.

On March 1, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone in southern Iran using an integrated air defense system. The drone was targeted and destroyed as part of a military operation.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that Iran is accelerating its missile production capabilities, posing a survival threat to Israel. The IDF previously prevented Iran from producing at least 1500 ballistic missiles and has noted a significant increase in production speed, with Iran aiming to produce around 8000 missiles by 2027. This situation has raised concerns regarding regional security.

Aggressor F-16s overwhelmed U.S. Air Force F-35s at Nellis Air Force Base during Red Flag 2017 using swarm tactics. The F-35 achieved a 20:1 kill ratio but faced vulnerabilities when forced into close-range engagements, where its limited missile capacity and stealth advantages were compromised. This incident highlights the effectiveness of saturation tactics in modern air combat.

Kuwait Air Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed 97 ballistic missiles and 283 drones since February 28. Some debris from the intercepted missiles caused minor damage in various areas. The military has advised residents to rely on official information to prevent the spread of rumors.

Boeing is developing the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter, set for its maiden flight in 2028, with production currently underway in St. Louis. The F-47 will replace the F-22, featuring advanced stealth, a combat radius of 1,000 nautical miles, and the capability to control AI-driven Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones. The program aims for operational fielding by the early 2030s, with a fleet goal of over 185 units.

The UAE reported three fatalities and 58 injuries due to missile and drone attacks from February 28 to March 1, 2023. The UAE Armed Forces intercepted 165 ballistic missiles and 541 drones, with 21 drones striking civilian targets. The casualties included citizens from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, while the defense systems mitigated further damage.

The U.S. Air Force issued a Request for Information on February 26, 2026, to identify contractors capable of sustaining life support systems for the U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. This initiative aims to maintain critical pilot survival equipment and ensure operational readiness across all deployment locations. Responses from interested companies are required by March 26, 2026.

The U.S. Air Force awarded a $32.4 million contract to KIHOMAC for logistics support of the AN/FPS-117 radar system on February 27, 2026. This contract, part of the Atmospheric Early Warning System program, includes maintenance and operational support to ensure the radar's functionality for air surveillance missions. KIHOMAC will deliver services over a five-year period, with an option for a six-month extension.

The U.S. Air Force's delivery of F-15EX Eagle II fighters to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa has been delayed due to a labor strike at Boeing's St. Louis facility. The first aircraft are now expected to arrive in spring 2024, impacting the Air Force's modernization efforts. Despite the strike, deliveries to the Air National Guard in Portland resumed in December.

Rostec promotes the Krasnopol-M2 guided artillery shell in Russia, claiming it surpasses Western equivalents in accuracy. The shell is designed for precision strikes against military targets and is used in counter-battery warfare. Production of the Krasnopol has increased significantly since the start of the military operation, reflecting a shift towards more effective artillery capabilities.

On February 28, 2023, U.S. and Israeli forces launched military strikes against Iranian targets in the Middle East, employing Tomahawk missiles and advanced fighter jets. Iran responded with counterattacks, utilizing ballistic missiles and suicide drones. The conflict marks a significant escalation from previous engagements, with both sides preparing for further military actions.

An Iranian drone crashed in the town of Hilbat Ghazaleh in Daraa province, Syria, on March 1. On the same day, loud explosions were heard in the city of Damascus.

The US military reduced its personnel at the Fleet Headquarters in Bahrain to fewer than 100 amid a significant military buildup in the Middle East, including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group. Iran conducted military exercises near the Strait of Hormuz, signaling its readiness for potential conflict. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are enhancing their defense capabilities in response to the escalating tensions with Iran. The situation reflects a complex balance of military readiness and diplomatic caution among regional powers.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

Israeli Air Force aircraft struck two Iranian fighter jets, F-4 Phantom II and F-5 Tiger II, at Tabriz airbase in western Iran. This operation aimed to degrade Iranian air and missile capabilities as part of a broader campaign against Iranian military infrastructure. The strike occurred shortly before the announcement, with the jets reportedly prepared for takeoff.

The U.S. Army launched a missile from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) during Operation Epic Fury, targeting Iranian military objectives. This event marks the operational debut of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), which is designed for long-range precision strikes. The missile can engage targets up to 500 kilometers away, enhancing the U.S. Army's strike capabilities against high-value targets.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are conducting mass air raids targeting Iranian military infrastructure, with over 200 aircraft involved in strikes across Iran, including a significant operation near Qom. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the continuation of these operations to degrade Iran's missile capabilities and maintain air supremacy. Since the conflict began, Israeli forces have dropped over 1,200 bombs on various targets.