Analysis & Reports

Estonian drone-maker Threod Systems announced a $6.6 million contract with the UK for drone launchers, highlighting a 350% growth in Estonia's defense industry since 2021. The Estonian military is a primary customer, with defense spending reaching $1.5 billion in 2024. This growth is driven by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the need for advanced military capabilities, including drones and electronic warfare systems. Estonia is also participating in key EU defense initiatives.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries is developing two types of collaborative unmanned aircraft in Japan, including a missile-like system and an aircraft-type platform. The missile-like variant is designed for rapid deployment from various launch platforms, while the aircraft-type variant aims for longer endurance and adaptability. This initiative is part of Kawasaki's broader strategy to enhance its capabilities in the defense sector, focusing on unmanned systems and collaborative operations.

Ukrainian forces liberated over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhia oblasts since late January 2026, significantly disrupting Russian operations. Russian forces, including the 39th Motorized Rifle Brigade, are likely withdrawing to defensive positions. The 656th Motorized Rifle Regiment was observed engaging Ukrainian forces after months in reserve. Russian command has redeployed several units to counter the Ukrainian counteroffensive, indicating a shift from offensive to defensive operations.

Dmitri VolkovWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries successfully conducted flight demonstrations of AI-powered mission autonomy for unmanned aerial vehicles in Inashiki District and Ota City, Japan, on November 7 and December 18, 2025. The ARMD UAV, weighing 20 kilograms, was integrated with the Hivemind AI system, allowing for advanced autonomous operations. This development emphasizes the importance of domestic production capabilities for Japan's future UAV operations.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force confirmed the first flight of the EC-2 electronic warfare aircraft, designed for stand-off jamming operations. This new platform aims to enhance Japan's capabilities in the electromagnetic domain while minimizing exposure to enemy air defenses. The EC-2, derived from the Kawasaki C-2 transport aircraft, is set to replace the older EC-1 model and reflects Japan's commitment to advancing its electronic warfare capabilities.

Chinese and Vietnamese navies engaged in joint patrols and cultural exchange activities in Fangchenggang, enhancing mutual trust. The activities included discussions on naval operations and sports events, showcasing teamwork. Following this, both navies will conduct joint patrols and training exercises in the Beibu Gulf.

Ukrainian President Zelensky announced the deployment of 201 military experts to the Middle East on February 17, 2023, to assist countries in countering Iranian-designed drones. An additional 34 personnel are ready for deployment, with operations currently underway in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Ukraine also claims the ability to produce 2000 intercept drones daily, offering to supply allies with half of that capacity.

Selected soldiers from a division of the Xinjiang Military District conducted training exercises in high-altitude conditions. The training focused on operational readiness, including the use of mortars and rocket launchers, and emphasized tactical coordination and emergency response. This exercise aimed to enhance the soldiers' combat skills and overall military effectiveness.

Israeli forces conducted an airstrike on March 17, killing Yahya Abu Labda, a commander in Hamas's logistics and supply department, in Jerusalem.

Israeli airstrikes targeted Beirut on March 18, resulting in at least 6 deaths and 24 injuries. The strikes hit central areas and southern suburbs of the city, with the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health confirming the casualties. Recovery efforts are underway to identify the deceased.

BAE Systems was awarded a contract by Robins Air Force Base in Georgia to support the AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System for the U.S. Air Force’s U-2 reconnaissance aircraft. This contract includes continuous field service support, repairs, and software updates to enhance the aircraft's electronic warfare capabilities. The AN/ALQ-221 system provides integrated radar warning and electronic countermeasures, enabling the U-2 to operate effectively in contested airspace.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the U.S. Air Force conducted an autonomy flight exercise in San Diego on February 24, 2026, showcasing the MQ-20 Avenger's capabilities in Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) operations. The demonstration highlighted the aircraft's use of infrared sensing and passive target localization, enabling stealthy operations without active radar emissions. This exercise is part of ongoing efforts to advance autonomous aircraft roles in future air combat.

Iran launched approximately 2,000 projectiles against Gulf states since February 28, 2026, prompting extensive defensive actions. The UAE intercepted 268 ballistic missiles, while Qatar and Bahrain reported significant interceptions as well. Saudi Arabia's air defenses also engaged multiple drones and missiles. The conflict has led Gulf states to reassess their military strategies and partnerships, highlighting vulnerabilities in their defense architectures.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

In March 2026, the U.S. transferred part of its THAAD missile systems from South Korea to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. North Korea launched about 10 ballistic missiles into the Japan Sea during U.S.-South Korea military exercises. Japan announced its intention to participate in the Golden Dome missile defense initiative and began deploying domestic long-range missiles, reflecting a shift towards greater defense autonomy in response to regional threats.

Tanaka TakashiWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in March 2023, escalating tensions in the region. The IRGC, with approximately 190,000 personnel, conducted attacks on vessels in the area, asserting its military capabilities. The organization also plays a crucial role in supporting pro-Iranian groups across the Middle East and has significant political influence within Iran's government.

European nations, including the UK, France, and Italy, are deploying military assets to the Middle East in March 2023 to respond to escalating conflicts. The UK has sent a destroyer and fighter jets to Cyprus, while France has dispatched around 12 naval vessels, including its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Italy has also contributed a missile frigate and air defense systems. These actions reveal both military capabilities and deficiencies in European defense readiness.

Iran launched a series of missile and drone attacks against the UAE, with the UAE successfully intercepting over 90% of the threats. As of March 12, 2023, the conflict has resulted in 6 deaths and 142 injuries. The intensity of the attacks on the UAE is comparable to those faced by Israel, highlighting its strategic importance to Iran. Despite the UAE's efforts to maintain normalcy, international banks have begun evacuating staff from Dubai due to the ongoing threat.

The U.S. Department of Defense plans to mass-produce the Lucas drone, a replica of Iran's Shahed suicide drone, for military operations against Iran. The drone has been deployed in the Middle East since late 2022 and has demonstrated effective performance. Improvements have been made to facilitate large-scale production, although the production costs remain undisclosed.

Iran employs its geographical terrain to enhance military strategy and control over the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps utilizes advanced systems like the Hunter-3G missile and drones to maintain maritime dominance. Despite losses, Iran effectively implements electronic warfare to disrupt shipping and project power asymmetrically.

On March 18, 2023, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched the 61st wave of Operation 'True Commitment-4', targeting over 100 military and security sites in Tel Aviv in retaliation for the assassination of Ali Larijani. The attack resulted in over 230 casualties, including Larijani and several officials. The missiles used included Bastion Destroyer, Imad, Khorramshahr-4, and Qader missiles, which struck without interference.