Analysis & Reports

On March 4, the U.S. Navy sank the Iranian frigate 'Dena' with torpedoes, killing 104 personnel. The U.S. subsequently employed GBU-72 bunker buster bombs against Iranian missile sites on March 17. Iran retaliated by launching missiles at Diego Garcia on March 20 and claimed to have intercepted a U.S. F-35 on March 19, marking a significant escalation in military engagements between the U.S. and Iran.

Houthi forces launched a ballistic missile from Yemen towards Israel on March 28, 2023, which was intercepted by Israeli defense forces. This incident marks the first missile attack by the Houthis against Israel amid escalating tensions in the region. The Houthi group has indicated conditions for possible military involvement in the ongoing conflict.

The Israeli military detected a missile launched from Yemen on March 28, 2023. The missile was reportedly fired by Houthi forces, who warned of potential military actions if regional tensions escalate. This incident highlights ongoing military activities in the region.

On March 28, the Israel Defense Forces reported that a missile was launched from Yemen towards Israel. The missile was intercepted successfully by Israeli defense systems.

The U.S. Army is developing cost-effective methods to counter drone threats using existing ammunition, while Ukraine has integrated shotguns and specialized rounds for anti-drone defense. Israel's Iron Beam laser system provides a low-cost solution for intercepting drones. These developments reflect a shift in military strategy to address the increasing use of drones in conflicts across Iran, Israel, and Ukraine.

Russia began supplying drones and intelligence to Iran in early March 2026, following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian military sites. The drones, primarily Geran-2 systems, are part of a strategic partnership aimed at reinforcing Iran's military capabilities. Russia's production capacity allows it to sustain its own operations while supporting Iran, which has faced significant disruptions in its drone manufacturing due to external attacks.

An Iranian missile struck Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 27, damaging multiple U.S. refueling aircraft. The attack also involved the use of drones, marking a continuation of Iranian hostilities towards the base.

Iran is negotiating with China to acquire advanced military hardware, including CM-302 anti-ship missiles and HQ-9B surface-to-air missile systems, following significant losses in its military capabilities due to U.S.-Israeli air campaigns. The Iranian military seeks to bolster its defenses and capabilities post-war, with discussions reportedly led by Deputy Defense Minister Massoud Oraei. This potential acquisition includes various advanced weapon systems aimed at enhancing Iran's military strength against regional adversaries.

The Iran war has significantly depleted U.S. and Israeli missile stockpiles, with Israel nearing exhaustion of Arrow Interceptors and the U.S. having used 40% of its THAAD interceptors since February 28, 2023. The conflict has led to the expenditure of over 11,000 munitions in just 16 days, revealing vulnerabilities in U.S. military readiness against Iran's production capabilities.

Brazil announced the return of 17 M60A3 tanks to operational service in January 2025, citing modernization delays. Taiwan is upgrading 40 of its M60A3 tanks, while Egypt and Turkey continue to enhance their M60 fleets. The M60A3 remains relevant due to its adaptability and ongoing upgrades, showcasing its effectiveness in various operational contexts.

Ukraine deployed 228 counter-drone specialists to Gulf partners, including Jordan, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, to assist in intercepting drone threats. In exchange, Ukraine is seeking Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles, emphasizing a trade of capabilities amid increasing demand for air defense due to the Iran conflict. This strategy aims to leverage Ukraine's drone production capacity while addressing its own missile shortages.

Ukraine deployed 228 counter-drone specialists to Gulf partners, including Jordan, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, to assist in intercepting drone threats. In exchange, Ukraine is seeking Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles, emphasizing a trade of capabilities amid rising demand for air defense due to the Iran conflict. This strategic move aims to bolster Ukraine's defense while addressing shortages in advanced missile systems.

Hezbollah escalated its attacks on Israeli forces, launching 600 rockets in a 24-hour period. In response, the Israel Defense Forces conducted airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, killing 700 Hezbollah fighters since March 2, 2024. Israel is establishing a security zone south of the Litani River, displacing 1.2 million people. Hezbollah has adopted new guerilla tactics, destroying or disabling 20 Israeli tanks.

The U.S. military has fired over 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles in four weeks of war with Iran. Pentagon officials express concern over the rapid depletion of these precision weapons. President Trump emphasizes the need for increased production of American-made weapons to support military operations.

The U.S. military has fired over 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles in four weeks of war with Iran. Pentagon officials expressed concern over the rapid depletion of these precision weapons. President Trump emphasized the need for defense contractors to expedite the production of American-made weapons. The Department of War stated it has all the resources required to execute military missions as needed.

China is mass-producing tens of thousands of advanced drones, adapting its military doctrine to incorporate drone swarms, which poses a significant challenge to U.S. military capabilities. Iran has developed a fleet of 88,000 kamikaze drones, demonstrating effective low-cost drone warfare. Both nations are enhancing their military capabilities through advanced technologies, creating a potential imbalance in future conflicts with the U.S.

The U.S. Department of State approved over $16.5 billion in arms sales to the UAE, Kuwait, and Jordan in March 2026, enhancing their air defense capabilities amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. The UAE is set to receive advanced missiles and precision munitions, while Kuwait will upgrade its missile defense infrastructure. These transactions signify a strategic transformation in Gulf military capabilities, moving towards integrated defense systems capable of independent operations.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Mar 27 2026Loading...

Israel has received approximately 8000 tons of military equipment, weapons, and ammunition since launching large-scale military operations against Iran. As of March 26, 2023, 200 aircraft have delivered military supplies to Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces are expanding their defense industrial base and accelerating production to address the rapid depletion of air defense interceptors and precision strike weapons.

Iran is using Russian drone-warfare tactics to target U.S. forces and other operations in the Middle East. The Iranian military has shifted to launching smaller numbers of drones and missiles at a wider variety of targets, including civilian infrastructure. This new strategy mirrors the attrition tactics used by Russia against Ukraine, aiming to impose economic and political costs. Ukrainian military personnel reported these developments during a meeting in Washington D.C.

Iran launched a large-scale missile and drone campaign against Gulf states, including 357 ballistic missiles and over 1,800 UAVs, significantly impacting regional stability. The IDF responded with over 600 strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure since late February 2026. Hezbollah also intensified its attacks against Israel, conducting 54 strikes in two days. Gulf states are now advocating for military operations to degrade Iran's capabilities, marking a significant shift in their security policy.

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