Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy is retiring its Ticonderoga-class cruisers, which will result in a loss of 1,220 missile launch cells critical for Tomahawk strikes. This reduction in capacity poses a strategic concern as the Navy transitions to smaller Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which carry fewer missiles. The ongoing conflict with Iran has highlighted the increasing demand for Tomahawk missiles, further complicating the Navy's operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes using 5,000-pound penetrator weapons against Iranian underground missile storage facilities, targeting coastal defense cruise missiles and related equipment. This operation is part of the ongoing Operation Epic Fury, which has seen over 7,000 targets struck across Iran since its inception on February 28. The GBU-72 Advanced 5K Penetrator was specifically utilized for its capability to penetrate hardened targets.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes using 5,000-pound penetrator weapons against Iranian underground missile storage facilities during the latest phase of Operation Epic Fury. This operation targeted coastal defense cruise missiles and related support equipment. U.S. officials confirmed that over 7,000 targets have been struck across Iran, with ongoing efforts to expand operations into Iranian airspace.

The U.S. Army deployed the Typhon Mid-Range Capability missile system to Luzon, Philippines, and Iwakuni, Japan, enhancing its ability to strike targets up to 1,200 miles away. This system includes Block IV Tomahawk missiles and SM-6 interceptors, significantly improving U.S. deterrence against Chinese naval forces in the South China Sea. The mobile nature of Typhon complicates Chinese targeting and strengthens U.S. military presence in the region.

On March 19, 2023, U.S. President Trump addressed media questions regarding troop deployments to the Middle East, asserting no plans to send forces. However, reports indicate that the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is being deployed, with the USS Tripoli en route to the region. The U.S. may occupy Halk Island to pressure Iran regarding oil exports.

Iran launched the 65th wave of the 'Real Commitment-4' operation on March 19, targeting oil refineries in Haifa and Ashdod, as well as U.S. bases in the Middle East. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) employed upgraded Nasrullah missiles during this operation. Israeli forces intercepted one missile, with debris falling in Haifa, but officials reported no major damage to infrastructure.

A U.S. F-35 fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing at a U.S. air base after being struck by an Iranian munition during a combat mission over Iran on Thursday. The pilot is reported to be in stable condition. This incident is currently under investigation by U.S. Central Command, which has previously reported multiple aircraft losses and casualties among U.S. service members in the region.

The U.S. military conducted extensive airstrikes against Iranian targets, utilizing approximately 2,600 munitions on nearly 2,000 sites. The Pentagon requested over $200 billion in emergency funding for these operations, with expenditures exceeding $12 billion in the initial weeks. Significant equipment losses were reported, including F-15E jets and drones, amid ongoing logistical challenges.

NATO launched its first Testing, Evaluation, Verification and Validation (TEVV) campaign for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS technologies at the Sēlija Military Training Area in Latvia from March 9 to 13, 2026. This initiative, part of NATO's Rapid Adoption Action Plan, involved defense industry companies from NATO member states and Ukraine. The next testing activity is planned for May 27, coinciding with the International Drone Summit in Riga.

On October 18, 2023, French President Macron announced the initiation of construction for a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier named 'Charles de Gaulle' in Nantes. The carrier is set to enhance France's naval capabilities and is expected to be operational by 2038, replacing the current carrier. It will incorporate advanced French technology and is historically significant, named after the WWII resistance movement.

The Afghan and Pakistani governments announced a temporary ceasefire during Eid al-Fitr, effective from midnight on the 18th to midnight on the 23rd. This decision was made in response to requests from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. Both nations emphasized their readiness to respond strongly to any cross-border attacks during this period. The international community has welcomed this development.

A U.S. F-35 fighter jet was damaged during a combat mission over Iran and made an emergency landing at a U.S. air base in the Middle East. The incident was confirmed by U.S. Central Command, which stated that the aircraft was struck by Iranian fire. This marks the first known instance of Iranian forces damaging a U.S. manned military aircraft during the ongoing conflict.

The USS Illinois (BB-65) was laid down by the United States Navy during World War II but was never completed and was scrapped in 1958. Originally designed as a Montana-class battleship, it was reclassified as an Iowa-class vessel to expedite production. Construction ceased in 1942, and the ship was formally canceled in 1945 after the atomic bombing of Japan.

Russian forces resumed offensive operations in eastern Ukraine, intensifying attacks on the Pokrovsk axis and advancing towards Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief reported that Russia plans to recruit 409,000 servicemen by 2026, indicating preparations for sustained military activity. The increase in operations coincides with improved weather conditions, allowing for more consistent offensive actions after months of positional fighting.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against over 90 targets on Kharg Island, Iran, as part of ongoing operations. The Pentagon has requested $200 billion to cover war costs, including replenishing munitions. Six airmen were killed in action during a recent incident involving a KC-135 Stratotanker.

The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on Iranian Navy assets in the Caspian Sea on March 19, 2026, marking the first such operation since the start of Operation 'Roar of the Lion'. The strikes targeted missile ships, patrol boats, and a central command facility, aiming to disrupt Iranian naval operations and capabilities in the region.

Ukraine has deployed the Bohdana-BG towed howitzer in frontline units, specifically operated by the 147th Separate Artillery Brigade in eastern Ukraine. This domestically produced 155mm artillery system has been in active service for at least a year and is designed to adapt to drone-heavy combat. The howitzer features a maximum firing range of 41 kilometers and emphasizes accuracy over rate of fire, with crews typically firing one to two rounds per minute.

U.S. National Intelligence Director Avril Haines stated that U.S. and Israeli military objectives regarding Iran differ. On March 18, Israel attacked a major gas facility in Bushehr, Iran, while President Trump claimed he was unaware of these actions. Haines noted that the U.S. aims to destroy Iran's missile capabilities, while Israel focuses on weakening Iranian leadership.

The U.S. military is deploying approximately 2200 troops from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East, potentially to seize Hark Island as leverage against Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. This deployment follows recent strikes on Hark Island's oil infrastructure, which is crucial for Iran's oil exports. Other nearby islands may also be targeted.

Iranian forces launched missile and drone attacks on energy facilities in multiple Middle Eastern countries on March 19, 2023. The attacks affected locations including Yanbu, Ahmadi, and Ras Laffan, causing fires and damage to infrastructure. Saudi Arabia reported a drone crash at the Samref refinery, while Kuwait's Ahmadi refinery was also targeted. In response, Saudi Arabia called for a multinational meeting to address the violations of sovereignty and international law by Iran.