Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy is preparing to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz due to heightened tensions with Iran following attacks since February 28, 2023. President Trump criticized U.S. allies for their lack of commitment to participate in these escort missions, revealing challenges in U.S. military capabilities. The situation is complicated by Iran's deployment of various threats, including mines and fast attack boats.

The U.S. Navy has contracted Gecko Robotics to enhance maintenance efficiency for 18 ships in the U.S. Pacific Fleet. This $54 million deal will utilize drones and robotic systems to identify and address maintenance issues, aiming to improve fleet readiness significantly. The initiative supports the Navy's goal of achieving 80% fleet readiness by 2027, addressing past challenges in maintenance delays.

U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers are conducting airstrikes against Iranian underground bunkers and weapons facilities using 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrators and GBU-28 bunker busters. These operations are ongoing and aim to penetrate Iranian air defenses, creating safe air corridors for additional strikes. The B-2's advanced stealth technology enables it to operate undetected in heavily defended areas.

U.S. forces are actively employing Patriot missile batteries to intercept increasing missile and drone attacks in the Middle East. The PAC-3 interceptor missiles, crucial for this defense, are costly, leading to concerns about supply and operational costs. The Patriot system is part of a broader layered air defense strategy, which includes THAAD systems for higher altitude threats.

U.S. forces are actively employing Patriot missile batteries to intercept missile and drone attacks in the Middle East. The PAC-3 interceptor missiles, crucial for this defense, are costly, leading to concerns about their availability against increasing threats. The Patriot system operates as part of a layered air defense strategy, complemented by THAAD systems.

The U.S. Air Force's B-52 Stratofortress is conducting active combat operations over Iran, demonstrating air superiority by targeting command centers and troop concentrations. The presence of the B-52 indicates that Iran's Russian-built S-300 and S-400 air defense systems have been neutralized, allowing for the use of advanced precision weaponry. The B-52 is equipped with upgraded systems that enhance its strike capabilities and intelligence-gathering functions.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul on the evening of the 16th, resulting in over 400 deaths and 250 injuries. The Pakistani military stated the strikes targeted Taliban facilities in response to provocations. Afghan officials condemned the attack, asserting that the center was a civilian facility and calling the action a violation of humanitarian principles.

European NATO allies rejected U.S. President Trump's demands for military assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force, emphasizing that they do not want to engage in the conflict with Iran. The Strait was closed to shipping by Iran on March 2, 2023, following U.S. and Israeli strikes. European leaders, including British Prime Minister Kier Starmer and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, stated that this is not Europe's war and called for diplomatic solutions instead of military involvement.

European NATO allies, including the UK and Germany, rejected U.S. President Trump's demands for military assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, stating they do not wish to engage in the conflict with Iran. Iran had closed the strait to shipping on March 2, 2023, following U.S. and Israeli strikes. European leaders emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions and expressed concerns over the implications of U.S. military actions in the region.

The UK deployed the HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, to the Mediterranean to enhance maritime security amid Iranian threats. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for commercial navigation. The Royal Navy's current capabilities are under scrutiny, with analysts noting a significant gap compared to the French Navy's readiness. The UK is also considering options to protect commercial shipping in the Strait.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted airstrikes against Iranian missile production sites and military infrastructure during Operation Epic Fury. Operating from RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom, nearly a dozen B-1B bombers utilized precision munitions, including GBU-31 JDAMs, to target key military assets in Iran. These operations aim to degrade Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and command-and-control networks.

Ukrainian forces have successfully thwarted a Russian offensive in the Donbas region, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This recent action highlights the ongoing military engagement in the area.

A fire aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford lasted over 30 hours, leaving over 600 service members without beds as they are forced to sleep on floors and tables. The fire, which originated in the main laundry room, caused non-life-threatening injuries to two sailors, while a third was flown off for treatment. The aircraft carrier remains fully operational and is currently stationed in the Red Sea.

Joe Kent, a top U.S. counterterrorism official, resigned, blaming Israel for influencing the U.S. into an unnecessary war with Iran. He stated that Iran posed no imminent threat and criticized the misinformation campaign that led to the conflict. Kent highlighted the casualties, noting at least 13 U.S. service members killed and over 200 wounded in the ongoing conflict. His resignation reflects deep personal convictions stemming from his military background and personal loss in previous conflicts.

President Donald Trump threatened military action against Kharg Island, Iran's key oil export terminal, claiming previous U.S. strikes had severely damaged it. He indicated that a physical seizure of the island might be necessary if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, which could significantly disrupt Iran's oil exports and military funding. Analysts warn that such actions could provoke severe retaliation from Iran and escalate tensions in the region.

U.S. Air Force B-52H bombers conducted airstrikes against Iranian ballistic missile production sites and command-and-control centers during Operation Epic Fury. The B-52H, known for its long range and payload capacity, continues to play a crucial role in U.S. military operations. Recent missions underscore its effectiveness in applying sustained pressure on distributed targets in contested environments.

General Patton's U.S. Seventh Army prioritized the capture of Palermo over a decisive encirclement at Messina during Operation Husky, allowing German forces to escape. In the Lorraine campaign, Patton's aggressive tactics led to high casualties in a challenging terrain, while the battle for Metz revealed his underestimation of fortified positions. Resource shortages during the Saar Offensive further complicated his operations, resulting in exhaustion among American forces before the Battle of the Bulge.

The Unified Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) operationalized in December 2025, comprising 5,000 to 6,000 troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, under General Daouda Traoré in Niamey. This initiative aims to address escalating security threats from al-Qaeda and ISIS-linked groups. The AES has distanced itself from French defense partnerships, seeking support from Russia, while facing significant operational challenges due to aging equipment and logistical limitations.

Marie DuboisTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

Rheinmetall Nordic showcased the 120 mm Ragnarok mortar system and Mortar Mission Module during a live demonstration in Rena, Norway, in Winter 2026. The demonstration highlighted the system's speed, precision, and reliability, even in adverse weather conditions. The Mortar Mission Module enables quick repositioning after firing, enhancing operational effectiveness for European armed forces. Rheinmetall emphasized the need for effective, user-oriented systems to meet current security demands.

USS Nimitz will remain in service until 2027 due to the ongoing war in Iran, which has strained the U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier fleet. USS Gerald R. Ford is currently deployed in the Red Sea for over ten months, while USS Abraham Lincoln operates in the Gulf of Oman. An international coalition is being formed to escort commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with the U.S. Navy playing a key role in these operations.