Analysis & Reports

On March 14, 2026, new recruits were ceremonially sent off in Jieyang, Guangdong, and Mao County, Sichuan, with cultural performances and symbolic gifts. In Liling, Hunan, recruits participated in activities to honor their military commitment. The events celebrated the recruits' transition into military service, highlighting their dedication to national defense.

UN peacekeepers were shot at three times during a patrol in southern Lebanon on March 15. The attacks, likely carried out by non-state armed groups, prompted the peacekeepers to return fire in self-defense. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the peacekeepers.

On March 15, 2023, around 19:00 local time, a rocket attack targeted Baghdad International Airport, injuring 5 individuals, including 4 airport staff and 1 engineer. Iraqi Security Forces responded by conducting a search operation, discovering a rocket launcher in a vehicle in the Radwaniyah area. Security measures have been heightened in the affected region.

Six new soldiers from the 72nd Group Army participated in rigorous training at the Southeast training ground, focusing on artillery operations. They were awarded commendations for their performance, with one soldier injured during training. The unit was recognized as a 'Model Rocket Artillery Company', and the soldiers chose to extend their service beyond their mandatory term.

Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on over 200 targets in Western and Central Iran on March 16. The targets included command centers, air defense systems, and weapons storage and production facilities associated with Iranian personnel activities. The Israeli Defense Forces released videos of the operations on social media.

The Southern Theater Command Navy conducted realistic training exercises in the South China Sea, involving multiple vessels performing high-speed maneuvers and live-fire drills. The exercises included target acquisition, deployment of interference munitions, and logistical operations with a simulated supply ship. This training emphasized coordination and emergency response in complex battlefield environments.

Guo Tiantian, a female major, serves as an instructor in the male soldier battalion of the Sanya Detachment of the Armed Police Hainan Corps. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership and operational effectiveness, leading her unit to significant achievements and recognition. Guo emphasizes high standards and gender equality in her command, earning multiple awards for her contributions to military training and performance.

The Russian Navy's Su-33 fighter has struggled operationally since its introduction in 1998, leading to a shift towards the MiG-29K Fulcrum-D for better cost-efficiency and strike capabilities. The Su-33's limitations in carrying heavy munitions have been highlighted, and it has been involved in limited combat operations, including airstrikes in Syria. The Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, intended for launching the Su-33, has been inactive since 2017 due to ongoing issues.

The U.S. Air Force's F-47 NGAD integrates the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) to enhance air superiority and suppress enemy defenses. This capability is designed for Operation Epic Fury in 2026, allowing the F-47 to target advanced air defense systems effectively. The SiAW's internal carriage within the F-47's stealth bays enables close-in strikes, improving responsiveness against mobile threats.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps warned of targeting logistics for the USS Ford aircraft carrier as U.S. plans to form a maritime coalition in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has reportedly destroyed four U.S. missile defense systems and launched around 700 missiles and 3600 drones against U.S. and Israeli targets. Meanwhile, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have resulted in 850 deaths since March 2.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported the destruction of four U.S. missile defense systems and the launch of approximately 700 missiles and 3600 drones targeting U.S. and Israeli assets. The IRGC has identified logistics supporting the USS Ford aircraft carrier as a target, amid ongoing military operations in the Red Sea.

The Russian Armed Forces shot down 54 drones heading to Moscow on March 15. Between 22:49 and 00:00, an additional 8 drones were intercepted. Following these incidents, temporary air traffic control measures at Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, and Domodedovo airports were lifted.

On March 15, 2023, the UAE reported 6 deaths and 142 injuries due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The UAE Armed Forces intercepted 298 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1606 drones since the onset of the conflict. On the same day, they successfully intercepted 4 ballistic missiles and 6 drones, preventing further damage.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Kandahar on the night of the 14th to the early morning of the 15th, targeting terrorist hideouts linked to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan. The strikes resulted in at least 6 deaths and several injuries. This action followed the interception of two Afghan drones that approached Islamabad, which caused injuries to 4 civilians. The ongoing military conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has intensified, with both sides engaging in cross-border attacks since late February.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishi Nobuo plans to visit the U.S. on the 19th to discuss strengthening defense capabilities and deepening alliances amid increasing regional security threats. Kishi highlighted the need for new combat strategies, including the use of drones, and intends to modify Japan's national security strategy. The visit aims to clarify Japan's position in U.S.-China relations and prevent being sidelined in regional diplomacy.

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in Iran, utilizing AI systems for intelligence analysis and target selection. Over 20,000 U.S. military personnel are currently using these AI systems, which have raised ethical concerns regarding their impact on civilian casualties. The conflict has also seen AI infrastructure targeted by Iranian forces.

Japan officially received 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles and JSM missiles for its Self-Defense Forces on November 13, 2023. This acquisition marks Japan's first deployment of foreign offensive missiles, enhancing its military capabilities amid regional security concerns. The Tomahawk missiles will be equipped on Aegis destroyers, while the JSM missiles will be integrated with F-35A stealth fighters. Japan aims to strengthen its counterattack capabilities in response to a deteriorating security environment.

The U.S. military launched airstrikes on Khark Island on October 13, 2023, targeting Iranian military assets while deploying 2,200 Marines to the Middle East. This deployment is part of a broader strategy to counter Iranian threats in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. aims to control Khark Island, a vital oil export hub for Iran, amidst escalating tensions in the region.

MKE's BORAN 105 mm howitzer was inducted into the Turkish Armed Forces in 2021 and exported to Bangladesh in 2024. It demonstrated superior performance during live-fire trials in Malaysia, achieving 12 rounds in 46 seconds, and received full marks in North Macedonia in 2025. Ongoing negotiations are in place for further procurement by the Malaysian Army.

Three autonomy companies showcased Polaris vehicles at the U.S. Army’s xTech|Edge Strike: Ground competition in Vilseck, Germany, from March 3-13, 2026. The vehicles included the MRZR D4, RANGER XD 1500, and RZR XP 1000, designed for military applications. This event aimed to identify innovative autonomous ground systems to enhance military operations.