Analysis & Reports

The report highlights the increased strategic friction in Iran following the transition of power to Mojtaba Khamenei. It identifies the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij paramilitary as critical centers of gravity in the ongoing conflict. The analysis emphasizes the challenges posed by modern warfare tactics, including the use of drones and ballistic missiles, which hinder traditional military objectives of enemy overthrow.

The U.S. is recalibrating its military posture in the Indo-Pacific to address fiscal constraints and enhance deterrence against China. This includes deploying missile systems to the Philippines and increasing defense spending commitments from Japan and South Korea. The AUKUS partnership is advancing operational integration among U.S. and Australian forces, while China continues to expand its military presence in the region. The 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes a shift towards burden-sharing with allies.

Marcus ChenThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

The USS George H.W. Bush is set to deploy to the eastern Mediterranean, joining the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln in operations against Iranian military infrastructure. This deployment enhances U.S. naval capabilities in the region, allowing for hundreds of strike sorties daily and increasing deterrence against Iranian actions, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.

Several NATO member nations withdrew military hardware from the Cold Response 2026 exercise in Hamnvik, Norway, amid rising tensions from the Iran conflict. The Italian destroyer Andrea Doria and a squadron of U.S. F-35B Joint Strike Fighters were notably absent. Additionally, the French Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group was redirected to the Eastern Mediterranean instead of participating in the exercise.

Ukrainian forces liberated over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in March 2026, disrupting Russian offensive preparations. The Russian military command redeployed elite units to counter these gains, reflecting operational vulnerabilities. Additionally, Ukrainian strikes against Russian logistics and command infrastructure have intensified, further degrading Russian capabilities.

Dmitri VolkovThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

NATO conducted the 'Cold Response' military exercise from March 9 to March 20, involving 25,000 personnel from 14 member countries in Norway and Finland. The alliance confirmed the establishment of a permanent joint air operations center in the Arctic. Concurrently, Russia is increasing its military capabilities in the region, aiming to deter NATO activities, particularly in light of U.S. interests in Greenland.

Ukrainian forces liberated over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast since late January 2026, disrupting Russian military operations. They advanced 10-12 kilometers in two drives, liberating settlements and revealing vulnerabilities in Russian defenses. Russian forces are facing significant casualties and logistical challenges, with reports of 1.315 million killed and wounded. The situation indicates a strategic setback for Russia as Ukrainian counterattacks continue to gain momentum.

Dmitri VolkovThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

U.S. Navy destroyers deployed to the Arabian Sea to support operations against Iran, while Patriot and THAAD systems were relocated from Japan and South Korea. Joint military exercises 'Freedom Shield 2026' began on March 10, involving 18,000 troops from the U.S. and South Korea. Japan is enhancing its defense capabilities, including the development of long-range missiles, amid concerns over regional security.

Tanaka TakashiThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

U.S. air defense systems, including THAAD, may be relocated from South Korea to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran escalates. South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung stated that the U.S. could dispatch these systems abroad, although he emphasized that South Korea's defenses are adequate against North Korea. Reports indicate that military transport aircraft have been moving to and from the region, highlighting the ongoing adjustments in U.S. military deployments.

The U.S. Army may relocate THAAD air defense systems from South Korea to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran escalates. President Lee Jae Myung stated that while South Korea cannot prevent the U.S. from moving its assets, the country's defenses remain adequate against North Korea. Reports indicate that military transport aircraft have been seen departing for the region, and the U.S. THAAD inventory is being tested amid ongoing operations.

The USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is deploying to the Central Command area in February 2026 to support Operation Epic Fury and relieve the USS Gerald R. Ford. This deployment follows a successful Composite Training Unit Exercise, enhancing the U.S. Navy's operational readiness. The carrier, capable of launching over 90 aircraft, aims to deter threats from Houthi forces in the region.

ECOWAS is set to deploy 2000 soldiers by the end of 2026 to combat terrorism in the Sahel, while the Sahel States Alliance, comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, aims to establish a joint force of 5000-6000 fighters. This dual military architecture arises amid rising terrorist threats and significant humanitarian crises, with Nigeria's economic challenges limiting its support for ECOWAS operations.

Marie DuboisWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

The F-117 Nighthawk has been deployed by the U.S. Air Force at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea, with 300 Airmen supporting its operations. The aircraft will serve as a training platform and technology demonstrator, simulating adversarial roles against modern fighters like the Su-57 and J-20. It is expected to remain operational until 2034, showcasing its continued relevance in military training exercises.

Ukrainian forces achieved significant territorial gains, liberating over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast since late January 2026. The counteroffensive disrupted Russian spring-summer offensive plans, forcing the redeployment of elite units. Ukrainian forces advanced 12 kilometers into Russian positions, while Western military support included the delivery of PAC-3 Patriot missiles. Russian casualties are reported at 1.315 million since the invasion began.

Dmitri VolkovWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force plans to deploy 36 F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets to bases in the Indo-Pacific starting in spring 2026 as part of a strategic shift to deter China. The 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes defending the U.S. homeland and enhancing military presence in the region, with significant funding allocated for surveillance and military readiness. Allies are expected to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, reflecting a new burden-sharing approach.

Marcus ChenWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

Australia deployed an E-7A Wedgetail early-warning aircraft and 85 troops to the Middle East on March 10, 2023, to bolster airspace security amid Iranian attacks. The deployment includes replenishing the United Arab Emirates' stocks of AIM-120 air-to-air missiles. The aircraft will operate for an initial four-week period, likely from Al Minad Air Base near Dubai, enhancing regional defenses against Iranian drones and missiles.

Thales launched the SkyDefender air and missile defense system on March 11, 2026, providing comprehensive protection against various air threats globally. The system features advanced sensors, a command and control system, and is compatible with existing defense architectures. It addresses evolving threats, including drones and hypersonic missiles, ensuring operational superiority and proactive defense capabilities.

In March 2026, Russia expanded its military personnel to 2,391,770 and redeployed units to the Hulyaipole direction in response to Ukrainian advances. Ukrainian forces liberated 244 square kilometers while conducting deep-strike operations against Russian logistics. The conflict continues to evolve, with NATO enhancing its military readiness along its eastern flank.

Dmitri VolkovWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

Thousands of U.S. troops are currently deployed to U.S. Central Command, engaged in maintaining vehicles and launching and recovering aircraft. The report highlights the ongoing actions against Iran and encourages service members to share their stories and concerns. Anonymity is offered for those who contribute insights.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is adjusting its AI strategy in response to the unavailability of Anthropic's Claude model. The command is accelerating efforts to become more model-neutral in its AI applications. President Trump has directed federal agencies to cease using Anthropic's tools, leading to the company's lawsuit against the Pentagon for alleged retaliation. Concerns regarding the trust in AI for military operations were also discussed at the Pacific Operational Science & Technology conference.