Analysis & Reports

On 25 March, the Brazilian Air Force unveiled the first Gripen E fighter aircraft produced in Brazil at Embraer’s facility in Gavião Peixoto. The event was attended by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Swedish officials, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between Brazil and Sweden. The Gripen E is intended for various military roles and is part of a contract for 36 aircraft.

Leonardo acquired Iveco Defence Vehicles for €1.7 billion ($1.9 billion) to enhance its defense capabilities. This acquisition is part of Leonardo's strategy to strengthen its position as a leading Original Equipment Manufacturer in the land defense sector. The deal is expected to leverage the complementary strengths of both companies in providing integrated defense solutions across various platforms.

The Pentagon released the 2026 National Defense Strategy, emphasizing deterrence by denial in the Indo-Pacific. The strategy calls for increased defense spending from allies and outlines plans for enhanced military presence, including rotational deployments and advanced weapon systems. However, it notably omits explicit commitments regarding Taiwan, raising concerns about deterrence credibility. Allies are responding with increased defense budgets, while the U.S. seeks to balance its commitments between the Indo-Pacific and the Western Hemisphere.

Marcus ChenSun Mar 15 2026Loading...

The U.S. Armed Forces redeployed military assets, including THAAD interceptors and a carrier strike group, from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East amid the ongoing Iran war. This shift has raised concerns among regional allies about American commitment to their security, as military operations in Iran and Venezuela have prioritized resources away from Asia. The financial burden of these operations has also strained U.S. military support for Taiwan and Japan, while China intensifies its military activities in the region.

Marcus ChenSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

The United States unveiled a new defense strategy focusing on deterring China in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the first island chain. This strategy demands greater defense contributions from allies, particularly Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, while China continues its military modernization. The U.S. aims to maintain military superiority through forward-deployed forces and allied contributions, but faces challenges in ensuring commitment and reliability among regional partners.

Marcus ChenThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

China is deterred from invading Taiwan due to U.S. military operations in Iran and the enhanced capabilities of Japan and Australia. The U.S. Navy's USS Abraham Lincoln has been redeployed to Iran, impacting its presence in the Indo-Pacific. Japan's acquisition of over 150 F-35 fighters contributes to regional deterrence. Upcoming political summits and arms deals will further influence China's strategic calculations regarding Taiwan.

The U.S. military has been reported to extensively use AI tools in military operations against Venezuela and Iran, raising significant ethical concerns regarding warfare. China's defense ministry has expressed opposition to the unrestricted militarization of AI, emphasizing the need for human oversight in military applications. The U.S. Secretary of Defense has been advocating for an 'AI-first' combat force, which has prompted discussions about the implications of AI on military ethics and sovereignty.

The U.S. military has adjusted its strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific, prioritizing homeland defense while increasing demands for regional allies to enhance their defense spending. This has led to concerns among allies about the reliability of U.S. security guarantees, especially as military assets are redeployed to other regions. China is responding by bolstering its military capabilities, indicating a shift in regional dynamics and security partnerships.

Marcus ChenTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

U.S. and Israeli forces continued military strikes against Iran, marking the 11th day of conflict. President Trump announced plans to lift some oil sanctions to stabilize prices and discussed the situation with President Putin. Israel conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities in Tehran. France is considering military deployment in the Hormuz Strait to ensure regional security.

The U.S. is implementing the Trump Doctrine, which focuses on replacing anti-American elites in rogue states like Iran and Venezuela. This strategy aims to eliminate these leaders without pursuing full regime change, as demonstrated in recent operations. The U.S. military is preparing for potential actions in Iran, following successful elite replacement in Venezuela. Future targets may include Cuba.

U.S. Southern Command and Ecuadorian forces launched joint military operations against narco-terrorist groups in Ecuador on March 3, 2026. This operation marks the first ground action in South America since the U.S. military returned to a former base in Ecuador. The mission aims to combat drug trafficking and violence inflicted by designated terrorist organizations.

Spain's Prime Minister Sanchez decided to prevent the United States from using military bases in Rota and Morón for involvement in the conflict with Iran on March 3, 2023. The Spanish government denied any assistance to the U.S. in attacking Iran, emphasizing non-involvement in the conflict.

SIATT Engenharia and the Brazilian Navy signed a Memorandum of Understanding on February 23, 2026, in Rio de Janeiro to collaborate on the development of two Air-to-Surface Anti-Ship Missile systems, known as MARSUP. This initiative aims to enhance Brazil's Naval Power by creating domestically developed missile systems, leveraging technology from the existing MANSUP program.

Spain refused to support U.S. military actions against Iran, leading to the withdrawal of 10 KC-135 refueling aircraft from Morón and Rota bases on March 2, 2023. Spanish Defense Minister Robles emphasized that military cooperation must operate within international law, and the unilateral actions by the U.S. lack backing from the UN, NATO, or the EU.

The Pentagon announced a ban on military members attending universities such as Columbia, Yale, and Harvard, citing concerns over anti-American sentiments and 'wokeness'. This policy, announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, will take effect next school year and aims to sever ties with institutions perceived as undermining military values. The decision follows previous actions against Harvard and reflects ongoing tensions between the military and certain educational institutions.

Recent incidents have underscored the vulnerabilities of critical underwater infrastructure (CUI) in the Baltic Sea and off Taiwan, prompting NATO and the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force to enhance protective measures. The Russian Navy's RFS Yantar is reportedly mapping subsea cables, raising concerns about potential future attacks. Technological advancements are being implemented to improve surveillance capabilities, while international cooperation is increasing to address these threats effectively.

USS Gerald R. Ford is currently deployed in the Mediterranean Sea for over 246 days, preparing for potential combat operations against Iran. The carrier's crew faces challenges, including mechanical issues and morale concerns due to clogged toilets. In contrast, USS New Jersey maintained combat readiness for 14 months during WWII, showcasing the endurance of naval forces in prolonged deployments.

The U.S. Air Force awarded a $33 million contract to Top Aces Corp. for F-16 instructor pilot training in Argentina, expected to continue through June 30, 2029. This program aims to enhance local fighter aviation proficiency and operational capability without relying on overseas training. The training will focus on F-16 operations and is part of Foreign Military Sales to Argentina, allowing pilots to develop skills in their regional environment.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) has been deployed for over 230 days, transitioning from operations in Venezuela to the Middle East. This extended deployment raises concerns about the mental health of the crew, with research indicating a link between long deployments and issues such as PTSD and anxiety. The ship may remain at sea for up to 300 days, potentially supporting military operations against Iran.

The report highlights the necessity of integrating the U.S. Coast Guard into maritime strategy to achieve maritime dominance. It emphasizes that the Coast Guard's law enforcement capabilities are essential for enforcing sovereignty and competing strategically, particularly against rivals like China. The report calls for a reassessment of fleet architecture to include Coast Guard assets as integral components of U.S. maritime power.