Analysis & Reports

Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Marine Corps will conduct the 'Resolute Dragon' joint military exercise in Kyushu and Okinawa from June 20 to June 30, 2023. Approximately 10,000 personnel will participate, including 7,300 from Japan and 2,300 from the U.S. The exercise will feature the deployment of Osprey transport aircraft and transport ships, focusing on island defense and disaster response training.

Russia has conducted three strikes using the 'Hazel' missile against Ukraine, with the latest occurring on May 23, 2026. This missile, capable of high speeds and designed for nuclear payloads, was first revealed in November 2024. It can target locations within a range of 3000 to 5500 kilometers and is reported to have multiple warheads, enhancing its strike capabilities.

The Fujian Coast Guard conducted routine law enforcement patrols near Kinmen on May 27. These patrols are part of ongoing efforts to enhance control in the area, ensuring the safety and rights of fishermen and maintaining order in maritime operations.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Mujtaba Khamenei, is currently hiding in a secret location, making communication with him extremely difficult. U.S. officials report that this situation complicates potential agreements between the U.S. and Iran, as responses to proposals are delayed. Most Iranian leaders are also in hiding, taking extreme precautions to avoid detection during ongoing conflicts.

The U.S. plans to significantly reduce its military forces available to NATO, cutting fighter jets by one-third and strategic bombers by half. No submarines will be provided, and the number of destroyers will also decrease. Europe will need to supply its own unmanned reconnaissance drones, with further details expected in a June meeting. This shift indicates a reduced U.S. commitment to NATO's military readiness during crises.

Greece plans to purchase two Italian Bergamini-class frigates to enhance its naval capabilities, as announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on May 24, 2023. The Greek defense committee also approved the modernization of existing MEKO frigates. This move is part of Greece's efforts to strengthen its armed forces amid ongoing regional security challenges.

Global peacekeeping personnel numbers have dropped to 78,633 by December 2025, marking a 25-year low, primarily due to funding crises and geopolitical tensions. The United Nations remains the main organizer of peacekeeping efforts, leading 18 missions, while regional organizations struggle with capacity and funding issues. The US has taken significant actions questioning the future of several UN missions, exacerbating the situation.

The House Armed Services Committee is awaiting a budget amendment for the E-7 Wedgetail funding, which the Pentagon plans to include in its $1.5 trillion budget. The Air Force intends to procure five additional Wedgetails in FY 2027, alongside two prototypes already contracted. A $55 million facility for E-7 operations is planned at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma.

DARPA is developing robotic medics to assist with battlefield casualty treatment and evacuation during heavy combat. The initiative aims to create autonomous systems capable of dragging injured personnel and providing medical interventions. This project addresses the limitations of current medical systems in handling large-scale combat operations. Proposals are due by June 3, 2023.

Israeli airstrikes on May 26, 2023, targeted multiple locations in southern and eastern Lebanon, resulting in at least 31 deaths and 40 injuries. The Ghaloun Dam, a vital infrastructure for water security, was hit during these strikes. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched drones and rockets at Israeli military positions. Since the resumption of hostilities on March 2, the conflict has caused over 3,200 deaths in Lebanon.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on May 26, 2023, resulting in at least 8 Palestinian deaths and several injuries. The strikes targeted a vehicle in Khan Younis and the Maqazi Refugee Camp, among other locations. Hamas condemned these actions as violations of ceasefire agreements and escalations of military operations.

On May 26, 2023, the Israel Defense Forces conducted an airstrike in Gaza City targeting Hamas military leader Muhammad Awad, who was implicated in the planning of the October 7 attack on Israel. The strike resulted in two deaths and ten injuries. Israel has stated its intention to continue pursuing individuals involved in the attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that the Israeli Defense Forces are intensifying military operations in Lebanon, occupying strategic locations and preparing for airstrikes against Hezbollah. Warnings were issued to 13 villages in southern Lebanon as part of these operations. The IDF is also developing solutions to counter drone threats from Hezbollah, having crossed the 'Blue Line' established by a previous ceasefire agreement.

The Office of Personnel Management proposed requiring all federal employees to sign a nondisclosure agreement to prevent unauthorized disclosures of confidential information. Experts warn that this move may violate First Amendment rights and whistleblower protections, potentially silencing federal workers. The proposal is set for publication in the Federal Register and has drawn criticism for its implications on transparency and employee rights.

The Space Force awarded SpaceX a $2.29 billion contract to accelerate the development of a low Earth orbit data transport constellation for the Space Data Network. This network will serve as a core communications layer for U.S. Space Force operations, ensuring continuous and secure connectivity for military sensors and shooters. A fully operational prototype is expected by the end of 2027.

U.S. lawmakers are addressing the significant increase in aviation fuel costs due to the Iran war as they prepare the fiscal year 2027 defense budget. The U.S. Air Force has requested funding for 1.1 million flying hours, anticipating a 10% increase in costs. Lawmakers highlighted that aviation fuel prices have surged by about 50% since the conflict began, impacting both military and civilian sectors.

The House Armed Services Committee is delaying the U.S. Navy's contract for the Trump-class battleship until the Secretary of the Navy provides detailed design information. The Navy plans to acquire 15 battleships over the next 30 years, with the first expected delivery in 2036. Lawmakers have expressed concerns about the costs and the maturity of the technologies proposed for the ship, which includes hypersonic weapons and laser-based systems.

The House Armed Services Committee unveiled a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill aimed at enhancing weapons production and addressing industrial base challenges. The bill includes multiyear procurement authority for critical munitions and military equipment, alongside requirements for reports on force structure changes in Europe. It also seeks to mitigate risks from adversary funding within the defense sector.

Raytheon and Lockheed Martin delivered the first Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU) to the U.S. Army in Washington. The LWCLU, designed to replace the legacy Javelin launcher, features modern infrared technology and is expected to enhance target detection capabilities. Urgent fielding of the LWCLU is anticipated to begin in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, following the resolution of previous software issues.

U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is set to introduce the MK24 Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault rifle, which can fire both 7.62mm and 6.5mm Creedmoor rounds, as a replacement for the MK17 SCAR-H. The new rifle features a quick-change barrel and is expected to be fielded to multiple SOF components later this fiscal year. The MK24 aims to enhance operational capabilities with improved range and reduced recoil compared to its predecessor.