Analysis & Reports

Gulf countries are reassessing their defense capabilities in response to the ongoing conflict with Iran, focusing on restocking AMD inventories and exploring new defense technologies. The conflict has revealed a split between Gulf nations and the US regarding military preparedness. Economic costs from Iranian attacks have prompted a strategic shift in defense procurement and alliances, with the GCC likely evolving its security functions post-conflict.

France delivered 39 armoured personnel carriers (VABs) to the Lebanese Armed Forces in a ceremony held at Beirut Port, Lebanon.

U.S. military operations against Iran are set to intensify over the next 2-3 weeks, aiming to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and dismantle its military capabilities. President Trump stated that core strategic objectives are nearing completion, including the destruction of Iran's navy and air force. The U.S. will continue to target Iran's military infrastructure and support for proxy groups to stabilize the region.

The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on multiple financial headquarters of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in Tehran on April 1, 2023. These headquarters manage funds for Iranian security agencies and support military and terrorist activities globally. The operation aims to disrupt funding for Iranian military forces and their proxy organizations in the Middle East.

The F-15EX Eagle II has not been deployed in Operation Epic Fury due to insufficient numbers, with only 27 delivered to the U.S. Air Force as of April 2026. It is primarily utilized for training and homeland defense, while the F-15E Strike Eagle continues to serve as the main combat aircraft in CENTCOM operations. The F-15EX is designed for future conflicts, enhancing the U.S. Air Force's capabilities.

ST Engineering secured a six-year subcontract to design and supply systems for eight Missile Gun Boats for the Kuwaiti navy. The contract, valued at 600 million Singapore dollars, includes building three vessels in Singapore. The first vessel is expected to be delivered in mid-2027, following a previous deal for eight offshore patrol vessels between EDGE Group and the Kuwaiti government.

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes in Iran targeting an Iranian Shahed-171 Simorgh stealth drone as part of Operation Epic, now in its fifth week. The strikes reportedly destroyed the drone at a military site, contributing to the degradation of Iran's military capabilities, including its air and missile defense systems. U.S. Central Command stated that they are making undeniable progress in the operation.

The U.S. Army awarded a contract worth approximately $41 million to Colt's Manufacturing for the production of M4 and M4A1 carbines for Foreign Military Sales to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, North Macedonia, and Tunisia. The contract is set to run through March 31, 2031, supporting interoperability with U.S. and NATO-aligned forces and contributing to the modernization of ground forces in the recipient countries.

Iran launched missiles towards Israel on April 2, which are being intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces. This action occurred shortly after President Trump's speech, where he stated that the U.S. strategy against Iran is nearing completion and that Iran's military capabilities have been significantly weakened.

U.S. President Trump announced plans for a rapid withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iran while discussing ceasefire conditions linked to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran maintains it has full control over the Strait and continues military operations, including missile strikes against Israeli targets. Concurrently, Israel has conducted airstrikes on numerous Iranian military sites, escalating tensions in the region.

On April 1, the Iranian military conducted drone strikes against the Israeli defense company Rafael, targeting its weapon production and R&D centers. The attacks resulted in fires and damage to the facilities, highlighting ongoing military tensions between Iran and Israel.

The U.S. is deploying 18 A-10 attack aircraft to the Middle East, doubling their existing presence. These aircraft will transit through Lakenheath Royal Air Force Base in the UK and may support ground operations near the Strait of Hormuz and Khark Island. This deployment indicates a strategic response to perceived threats from Iran.

The Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes against approximately 400 Iranian targets over two days, including 15 weapons manufacturing bases. On April 1, Iran launched about 10 ballistic missiles at Israel, with most being intercepted by Israeli air defense systems. No casualties have been reported from these missile attacks.

The United States launched at least 850 Tomahawk missiles in Operation Epic Fury against Iran, raising concerns about the depletion of its missile stockpile. The U.S. is estimated to have around 3,000 Tomahawk missiles remaining, which are crucial for maintaining military readiness in various global theaters, particularly against threats from China. The Pentagon is working to increase production rates to replenish the stockpile over the next two to three years.

The United States launched at least 850 Tomahawk missiles in Operation Epic Fury against Iranian targets, with approximately 3000 remaining in its arsenal. Concerns have been raised regarding the depletion of missile inventories and its impact on U.S. military capabilities in other regions, particularly in countering threats from China. The Tomahawk's long range and precision make it a vital asset in current military operations.

The U.S. Navy has launched over 850 Tomahawk missiles in military operations against Iran, significantly depleting its missile stock in the Middle East. This operation has been ongoing for over a month, with the U.S. military also consuming at least 2400 intercept missiles. Concerns have arisen regarding the sustainability of U.S. missile inventories, as the remaining stock can only support operations for about 3.7 months at the current rate.

Iranian missile and drone strikes targeted U.S. military infrastructure at Prince Sultan Air Base and other locations in the region, damaging multiple aircraft and radar systems. The attacks, which began on February 28, 2023, have systematically focused on critical components of U.S. air operations, including communications and refueling capabilities. By late March, the Iranian strikes had significantly impacted the operational readiness of U.S. forces in the Middle East.

Iran launched missile and drone attacks on U.S. military infrastructure, including the E-3 Sentry at Prince Sultan Air Base, on March 27, 2023. The strikes targeted radar systems and refueling aircraft across multiple U.S. bases in the region, significantly impacting U.S. air operations. The U.S. Air Force's E-3 fleet is already under strain, with only 16 aircraft remaining and operational availability at 55.68%.

The U.S. military has lost 16 MQ-9 Reaper drones in operations against Iran, with two additional losses reported near Isfahan on April 1, 2023. Iranian forces claimed to have shot down one of these drones in the same area.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy conducted multiple strikes against various targets in the Strait of Hormuz on April 1, 2023, claiming complete control over the situation. The strikes involved ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, targeting U.S. radar facilities and an Israeli oil tanker. The IRGC emphasized that the Strait will not be opened to adversaries due to U.S. actions.