Analysis & Reports

Sun Wantong, a female special police officer in Hohhot, has trained extensively with 50,000 rounds of ammunition over 11 years. In September 2023, she successfully led a team to capture a suspect at a complex construction site. Sun is also a police training instructor, having trained over 10,000 officers in tactical operations and firearms.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched the 61st wave of Operation 'True Commitment-4' on March 18, 2023, in retaliation for the assassination of Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. This operation signifies a direct military response to perceived threats against Iranian leadership.

North Korea launched approximately 10 ballistic missiles from the Sunan area near Pyongyang towards the Sea of Japan on March 14, 2026. The missiles flew about 350 kilometers before landing outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. This launch coincided with U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises, marking North Korea's third missile test of the year.

Tanaka TakashiWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

Iran launched a missile strike on Israel on March 18, 2023, resulting in two fatalities and damage to several buildings. The Israeli Defense Forces reported that air raid sirens were activated in multiple locations, including Jerusalem, as interceptors were deployed. Debris from the missiles struck a train station in Tel Aviv, causing further damage.

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was attacked multiple times on March 18, with a drone crashing near the facility. This incident highlights ongoing threats to U.S. diplomatic missions in Iraq.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on March 17 using multiple 5000-pound bunker busters against Iranian missile positions along the Strait of Hormuz. These strikes were aimed at mitigating threats posed by Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles to international shipping. President Trump has been urging European allies to join U.S. efforts in the region, but most NATO allies have indicated they will not participate in military actions against Iran.

French President Emmanuel Macron ordered the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to redeploy from the Baltic Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean on March 3, 2026, to protect allied assets from Iranian missile and drone attacks. The carrier, accompanied by the frigate Languedoc, aims to secure maritime routes near Cyprus amidst escalating tensions in the region. This deployment underscores France's reliance on its single aircraft carrier as it prepares for future naval capabilities with the upcoming PANG program.

Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) deployed Type-12 anti-ship missiles in Kumamoto, marking a significant shift towards offensive military capabilities. The upgraded missile system, featuring advanced radar and guidance technology, has a range of 1,000 kilometers, allowing it to target Chinese naval assets in the East China Sea. This deployment reflects Japan's strategic pivot in response to rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Eastern Theater Command Air Force conducted flight training exercises in Eastern China during early spring, involving multiple fighter jets. The exercises included simulated combat scenarios where Red and Blue forces engaged in tactical maneuvers. Ground support personnel ensured aircraft readiness for subsequent missions, while pilots analyzed and improved their tactics after the exercises.

The USS Ford aircraft carrier is temporarily docking at Souda Bay, Crete, for repairs following a fire that occurred during military operations against Iran. The fire, which lasted several hours, affected approximately 200 crew members, with one requiring evacuation. The carrier remains operational and is currently located in the Red Sea.

The U.S. Air Force is upgrading the B-52H Stratofortress with new Rolls-Royce F130 engines and advanced Raytheon AN/APQ-188 radar systems. These upgrades will restore the aircraft's nuclear capabilities and enhance its operational effectiveness. The B-52H has been a vital part of U.S. strategic bombing since its introduction in 1960, demonstrating its importance in maintaining regional stability and deterrence.

An airstrike in Tehran on March 18 resulted in the deaths of Ali Larijani, secretary of the Iranian National Security Council, his son Morteza Larijani, and deputy Ali Reza Bayat. The Iranian National Security Council confirmed the casualties in an official statement.

Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was confirmed dead following attacks attributed to the U.S. and Israel. The announcement was made on March 18 via his social media account, indicating the incident's significance in the context of Iranian national security.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to temporarily pull into Souda Bay, Crete, after a fire on board resulted in nearly 200 sailors being treated for smoke-related injuries. The fire, which occurred in the ship's main laundry area, took hours to control and affected approximately 100 sleeping berths. The carrier, with over 5,000 sailors and 75 military aircraft, has been deployed for nine months, participating in operations against Iran and Venezuela.

During a recent hearing on Capitol Hill, U.S. Southern Command leaders addressed questions regarding military orders related to 'no quarter' in the context of strikes against alleged drug traffickers. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's comments on the U.S. war on Iran raised concerns about legality, with military leaders asserting they would not follow unlawful orders. The hearing highlighted ongoing debates about the legality of military actions and the adherence to the Law of Armed Conflict.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan was killed in a drone attack in Kuwait on March 1, along with five other soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command. Marzan was a significant mentor to many in his unit, prompting fundraising efforts to support those attending his funeral in California. The attack, which involved an Iranian drone, is under investigation.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan was killed in a drone attack in Kuwait on March 1, along with five other soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command. Marzan was known as a mentor and father figure to many in his unit, prompting fundraising efforts to assist those wishing to attend his funeral. The attack, which involved an Iranian drone, is under investigation.

The U.S. Navy is currently enhancing Virginia-class submarines with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), which adds 28 Tomahawk missiles per submarine. However, workforce shortages and a convoluted acquisition process prevent the expansion needed to match the Ohio-class SSGNs' capacity of 154 Tomahawk missiles. The USS Arizona (SSN 803) is the first Block V submarine under construction, aimed at supporting special operations and strike missions.

China has developed a comprehensive anti-access/area-denial strategy over the past three decades, focusing on long-range anti-ship weapons and enhanced reconnaissance capabilities. This strategy aims to limit the operational effectiveness of U.S. aircraft carriers by forcing them to operate at greater distances from Taiwan. Key systems include the DF-21D and DF-26 missiles, supported by advanced surveillance and targeting networks.

The U.S. Marine Corps is hosting a weeklong celebration from June 1 to 4, 2023, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, to honor the legacy of the Harrier aircraft as it nears the end of its service life. The AV-8B Harrier II+ will be deactivated in September, and the Corps is transitioning to the F-35B Lightning II aircraft, aiming for a full fifth generation fleet by 2030. Events will include a social, picnic, and sundown ceremony, with some requiring payment for attendance.