Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Department of Defense reported spending approximately $11 billion on military operations against Iran last week. Democratic lawmakers argue that the actual costs are likely much higher, with expectations for an additional funding request of at least $50 billion. The Pentagon is preparing to submit this request to the White House and Congress in the coming days.

Ukrainian military commander Alexander Syrski reported that Russia is rapidly expanding its specialized drone force, capable of producing over 19,000 FPV drones daily. This development is part of a new phase in the conflict, emphasizing technological warfare. The size of the Russian drone force is expected to reach 101,000 personnel by early April, prompting Ukraine to establish drone interception units equipped with electronic warfare capabilities.

Iran launched a significant missile and drone offensive against Gulf states starting February 28, 2026, prompting extensive air defense operations by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. The UAE reported intercepting over 800 projectiles, while Qatar and Bahrain also achieved high interception rates. Despite the effectiveness of Gulf air defenses, the economic burden of sustaining these operations is raising concerns about long-term sustainability and prompting requests for alternative technologies.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Mar 15 2026Loading...

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched the 53rd wave of Operation 'True Commitment-4' on March 15, attacking the Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates with hypersonic missiles and drones. This operation is part of a broader campaign of sustained strikes against U.S. and Israeli interests.

North Korea launched approximately 10 ballistic missiles from around Pyongyang towards the Sea of Japan on March 14, 2026. The missiles landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, coinciding with U.S.-South Korea military exercises. This action is seen as a significant political message and a demonstration of military capability amid rising tensions in Northeast Asia.

Tanaka TakashiSun Mar 15 2026Loading...

Iran launched missile strikes against U.S. military bases in Saudi Arabia on October 14, 2023, as part of its 'Real Commitment - 4' operation. Concurrently, U.S. President Trump made ambiguous statements about potential naval escorts in the Strait of Hormuz. Hezbollah engaged in direct fire with Israeli forces near the Lebanon-Israel border. U.S. and Israeli airstrikes have reportedly damaged thousands of civilian facilities in Iran.

The commissioning of the Fujian aircraft carrier (CV-18) on November 5, 2025, marks a significant advancement in the People's Liberation Army Navy's capabilities. Equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system, the Fujian enhances China's ability to deploy a diverse range of carrier-based aircraft, thereby strengthening its strategic position in the Western Pacific. This development is part of a broader plan to expand China's naval fleet to 395 vessels by 2025 and 435 by 2030, reflecting a shift towards a more capable and modern naval force.

Li MinghuiSun Mar 15 2026Loading...

Six airmen were killed when their KC-135 refueling plane crashed in Iraq on Thursday during Operation Epic Fury. The aircraft went down in friendly airspace, and despite rescue efforts, all six onboard were confirmed dead. The incident is under investigation, and it has been confirmed that it was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.

On October 14, 2023, the People's Liberation Army Navy commissioned two Type 055 destroyers, Dongguan and Anqing, which immediately commenced naval training exercises in the East China Sea. This deployment is part of China's strategy to deter Taiwanese independence movements and enhance its maritime security capabilities. The new destroyers represent a significant upgrade in naval technology and operational readiness.

U.S. President Trump indicated a possibility of U.S. military escort in the Strait of Hormuz during an interview on March 14, 2023. He is seeking assistance from multiple countries to ensure security in the region, with several nations committing to help. However, he did not disclose which countries are involved, and it remains uncertain if Iran has deployed mines in the area.

Six U.S. Air Force service members were killed in a KC-135 crash in Iraq on March 12 during combat operations against Iran. The deceased included members from the 6th Air Refueling Wing and the 121st Air Refueling Wing. This incident marks the fourth U.S. aircraft loss this month amid ongoing operations, with a total of 13 service members killed in combat actions during Operation Epic Fury.

Iranian Armed Forces stated that an 'enemy' has replicated its Shahed-136 drones to conduct attacks on innocent targets in Turkey, Kuwait, and Iraq, aiming to frame Iran and create disputes with its neighbors. The Iranian military emphasized that it only targets U.S. and Israeli-related objectives and will officially claim responsibility for any such actions.

North Korea launched over 10 ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan on March 14, 2026, prompting Japan to restructure its Maritime Self-Defense Force, with a new 'Fleet Surface Force' set to be established on March 23. Japan plans to deploy medium-range surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island by March 2026, enhancing its defense capabilities amid rising tensions in the region. Concurrently, Japan and South Korea are deepening defense cooperation, including joint naval exercises.

Tanaka TakashiSun Mar 15 2026Loading...

The USS Blue Ridge and USS Mount Whitney, the U.S. Navy's amphibious command ships, are actively engaged in naval operations and diplomatic missions in the Black Sea, Italy, and Japan. They are set to achieve operational milestones in Libya and New Zealand by 2025. Both ships play critical roles as flagships for their respective fleets and have been extended in service until 2039 due to their advanced command and control capabilities.

In mid-March, the Chinese and Vietnamese Armed Forces will conduct the 10th border defense friendly exchange event in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Quang Ninh Province, and the Beibu Gulf. Activities will include joint naval patrols, training, medical services, cultural events, and wreath-laying at memorials, aimed at strengthening military cooperation and trust between the two nations.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces deployed 18 Leopard 2 tanks in 2023 to combat Russian forces in Ukraine. Despite being touted as one of the most effective tanks, the Leopard 2 has faced a 20% loss rate due to vulnerabilities to drone strikes and operational challenges. The complexity of the tank requires extensive training, contributing to its underperformance in the ongoing conflict.

Iran launched the 51st wave of attacks against U.S. military aircraft bases in Ha'il, Saudi Arabia, on the night of the 14th. The U.S. and allied nations are preparing to send warships to escort through the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia intercepted six ballistic missiles aimed at its territory. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant damage to civilian infrastructure in Iran due to U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, while Hezbollah engaged in direct clashes with Israeli forces near the border.

The U.S. Navy is decommissioning early models of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) due to significant mechanical issues and combat ineffectiveness. The program, which cost $22 billion, has been criticized for failing to meet operational requirements, leading to a reliance on the delayed Constellation-class frigate. The Navy has also canceled the Anti-Submarine Warfare module, further highlighting the program's shortcomings.

The U.S. Navy conducted live-fire testing of an electromagnetic railgun prototype at White Sands Missile Range in February 2025. This testing supports the development of hypersonic weapons, marking a revival of the railgun program that was shelved in 2021 due to technical issues. The railgun is now being utilized as a research tool for hypersonic materials and sensors.

The 075-class amphibious assault ship conducted a joint multi-service amphibious landing operation training off the coast of Anhui, China. The exercise involved numerous amphibious armored vehicles and Z-8 transport helicopters, focusing on rapid troop deployment and coordination among various military units. This operation highlights the capabilities of the Chinese Navy in executing complex amphibious assaults.