Analysis & Reports

On March 27, an Iranian missile struck Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, destroying an E-3 AWACS aircraft valued at $500 million. This incident has intensified discussions regarding the need for enhanced U.S. air base defenses, particularly hardened shelters, as adversaries like China have made significant investments in such infrastructure. The Pentagon is responding by seeking immediate and long-term solutions for base hardening.

Israel will supply PULS rocket artillery systems to Greece for $750 million. The deal includes dozens of launchers and rockets with ranges of 25 to 186 miles and is part of a growing defense cooperation between the two nations. The PULS systems are expected to be delivered over the next four years, along with support and maintenance services from Elbit Systems.

The U.S. Navy is preparing for potential mine countermeasures in the Persian Gulf amid concerns over Iranian mine deployment. As of March 2026, the Navy has decommissioned its Avenger-class minesweepers and replaced them with Independence-class littoral combat ships (LCSs) equipped for mine warfare. However, there are significant concerns regarding the operational effectiveness of these systems in a contested environment.

Greece formally acquired the PULS rocket artillery system from Israeli defense firm Elbit in a $750 million deal. The agreement, signed by the Israeli and Greek defense ministries, includes launchers, precision-guided rockets, and loitering munitions, and reflects a strengthening of military cooperation between the two nations. The contract also involves a ten-year support period and local production collaboration with Greek industries.

The U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthog is actively engaged in combat operations against Iranian Fast-Attack Craft in the Straits of Hormuz. This mission supports longer-range strikes by F-15E, F/A-18, and F-35 aircraft. Despite plans to retire the A-10 by 2026, its effectiveness in the current air campaign has led to an extension of its service life.

The Israeli Air Force struck Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps helicopters at Fat’h Heliport in Karaj, Iran, using Delilah cruise missiles. The strikes destroyed Mi-17V-5 and Mi-171E helicopters, including at least one that was non-operational. This operation demonstrates Israel's capability to target military assets deep within Iranian territory, impacting the IRGC's rotary-wing capacity.

Fire Point is developing a new low-cost air defense system and two supersonic ballistic missiles, aiming for deployment by 2027. The company is in discussions with European firms for collaboration and is awaiting government approval for a significant investment from a Middle Eastern conglomerate. Fire Point's innovations are driven by battlefield experience and aim to provide alternatives to existing systems like the Patriot.

Fire Point is developing a new air defense system aimed for launch by 2027, targeting a cost reduction for intercepting ballistic missiles. The company is also advancing its missile production, including the FP-7 and FP-9, while seeking investment from a Middle Eastern firm. This initiative is part of Ukraine's broader strategy to enhance its defense capabilities amid ongoing conflicts.

Airmen from the 39th Security Forces Squadron completed CROWS certification training at Aviano Air Base on March 26, 2026, adding ten qualified operators to Incirlik Air Base's defense network. This training enhances the unit's combat readiness and allows for improved engagement of threats from a protected position. The CROWS system increases the lethality and survivability of security forces, addressing evolving threats, including small unmanned aerial systems.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the 98th wave of Operation 'True Promise-4' on April 6, targeting U.S. and Israeli military infrastructure in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Beersheba. The operation included missile strikes that hit an Israeli container ship, causing a fire, and forced a U.S. amphibious assault ship to retreat to the southern Indian Ocean.

Iran threatens to mine the Persian Gulf and potentially the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, leveraging its stockpile of 5,000 to 6,000 sea mines. The Iranian Armed Forces and Houthi militants are involved in these operations, which could significantly disrupt maritime traffic in the region. The threat is heightened by the use of various mine types, including ground influence and tethered mines, deployed from numerous boats and submarines.

U.S. and Israeli forces are actively engaged in military operations against Iranian missile and drone capabilities in the Middle East. Between April 1 and April 5, 2023, U.S. forces reported the loss of 12 aircraft due to Iranian defenses. Despite claims of significant Iranian losses, U.S. intelligence indicates that Iran still possesses a substantial number of operational missile launchers and drones. The conflict has seen a rapid depletion of precision-guided munitions by U.S. and Israeli forces.

Iran has launched a sustained missile and drone campaign against Gulf states since February 2026, with the UAE intercepting 92% of ballistic missiles and 94% of drone attacks. Kuwait has faced 950 strikes, while Saudi Arabia intercepted 21 drones and 3 ballistic missiles. The campaign has also targeted US military assets, damaging radar systems and aircraft.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Apr 06 2026Loading...

The U.S. Armed Forces have deployed thousands of soldiers to the Middle East since February 2026, testing new offensive weapons such as LUCAS drones and ATACMS missiles. The Pentagon is preparing for a potential ground invasion of Iran, indicating a shift in military strategy. Recent operations also include the use of a disruptor weapon system in Venezuela, showcasing the U.S.'s intent to redefine warfare with advanced technologies.

Iran launched three rounds of missiles towards Israel on the 6th, with at least 10 missiles reported to carry cluster munitions. The Iranian Armed Forces conducted this attack, targeting Israeli territory.

In January 1991, the USS Spruance and USS Fife launched a total of 112 Tomahawk missiles at targets in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. The USS Fife alone accounted for 60 of these launches, marking it as the most prolific platform in this operation. The Spruance-class destroyers were integral to U.S. naval operations, showcasing their capabilities in both anti-submarine warfare and strike missions.

Iranian military conducted drone strikes on Israeli petrochemical facilities near Dimona and U.S. military installations on Bubiyan Island, Kuwait, on April 5. The strikes targeted critical energy infrastructure and military assets, marking a significant response to perceived threats from U.S. and Israeli forces. The Iranian announcement emphasized the importance of these facilities for regional energy needs.

China delivered five shipments of sodium perchlorate to Iran in April 2023, aiding the Islamic Republic's missile program. The shipments, critical for solid rocket fuel production, were tracked by Chinese firms using AI to monitor US military activities. This support from China represents a significant escalation in military cooperation with Iran amid ongoing tensions with the US.

Iran's ballistic missiles achieved high precision in strikes against a liquefied natural gas facility in Qatar and a U.S. early warning aircraft in Saudi Arabia. This capability is attributed to advanced navigation technologies and a long history of missile development, including collaboration with North Korea. The strikes occurred on April 5, 2023, demonstrating Iran's enhanced military capabilities in the region.

Iran launched extensive drone and missile attacks against Gulf countries, including 1,914 drones and 429 missiles targeting the UAE and 766 drones and 66 missiles against Saudi Arabia. In response, Gulf nations are increasing their defense budgets and enhancing military capabilities, with Saudi Arabia becoming the largest customer of the Patriot air defense system. The military presence in the region is significant, with over 600,000 Iranian soldiers and substantial forces from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar.