Analysis & Reports

U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) redeployed THAAD and Patriot PAC-3 missile defense systems to the Middle East, raising concerns about South Korea's air defense capabilities. This move, which includes the return of one THAAD launcher to Seongju, suggests a shift in U.S. strategic focus. In response, North Korea launched 12 short-range ballistic missiles, likely protesting the U.S.-South Korea military exercises.

Tanaka TakashiThu Mar 26 2026Loading...

On March 25, 2023, U.S. Central Command reported that it has attacked over 10,000 Iranian military targets, destroying 92% of Iran's large naval vessels. The frequency of Iranian missile and drone launches has decreased by over 90%. In response, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps initiated a counter-offensive against over 70 targets in Israel, including Haifa, Dimona, and Tel Aviv. The U.S. also denied claims of an F-18 being shot down by Iranian defenses.

The U.S. Air Force's B-1B Lancer is currently conducting high-value bombing missions over Iran while undergoing significant upgrades, including the integration of hypersonic missiles. These enhancements aim to increase the aircraft's lethality and operational capacity, with a reconfigured bomb bay allowing for a greater weapons load. The upgrades are part of a strategy to maintain the bomber fleet's effectiveness until the arrival of the new B-21 Raider.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that Israel will continue airstrikes against military targets in Iran as of March 25, 2023. The Israeli Defense Forces are focusing on military assets, including weapons production facilities, amid concerns that U.S. President Trump may abruptly end military operations. Israel's airspace remains restricted for commercial flights until April 16, 2023.

Turkey and the UK signed a training and support agreement for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon warplanes on March 25, 2025, in London. The deal includes the provision of spares, training simulators, and technical support for an initial three-year period. The total value of the Eurofighter deal is estimated at £8 billion, with Turkey paying £5.4 billion for the aircraft and related services.

The UK Government signed a defense agreement with Türkiye to provide training and support for Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. BAE Systems will deliver spares, training, and technical support for an initial three-year term. The contract aims to enhance the operational readiness of the Turkish Armed Forces, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2030. This agreement underscores the strategic partnership between the UK and Türkiye in defense capabilities.

In February 2026, the U.S. deployed at least 12 F-22 Raptors and dozens of F-35 Lightning IIs to the Middle East for operations over Iran. The F-35s conducted strike missions, while the F-22s secured airspace to ensure operational dominance. This deployment is part of a broader strategy to leverage advanced airpower capabilities in the region.

U.S. and Israeli Air Forces launched over 900 airstrikes against Iranian targets in Tehran at the end of February 2023, successfully eliminating over 40 members of Iran's senior leadership. The operation, named Epic Fury, rapidly dismantled Iran's military capabilities, including the destruction of significant naval assets and missile infrastructure, while maintaining air superiority with minimal losses. This aggressive campaign was executed in response to intelligence about a gathering of senior Iranian leaders.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the 81st wave of Operation 'Real Commitment-4' on the evening of the 25th, targeting over 70 locations in Israel, including Haifa, Dimona, and Tel Aviv, using precision-guided missiles such as Imad, Qiam, Khoramshahr-4, and Qader.

The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on March 24 against multiple military industrial targets in Isfahan, Iran, including an underwater research facility. This facility is reportedly involved in the design of submarines and the production of unmanned surface vessels. The strikes are intended to significantly restrict Iran's capabilities in developing new submarines and upgrading its existing fleet.

The U.S. Navy is prepared to deploy Triton Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicles (AUSVs) for mine counter-measures in the Strait of Hormuz. Triton, equipped with advanced detection and neutralization capabilities, has been evaluated since 2023 and is ready for immediate action. This deployment aims to enhance maritime security and ensure safe passage in a region threatened by Iranian activities.

Iran launched missile strikes on data centers near Abu Dhabi and Riyadh on March 23, 2026, prompting Bahrain and UAE to intercept multiple attacks using their air defense systems. The crisis has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global energy supplies and Gulf economies. Gulf states are navigating a complex security landscape while engaging in diplomatic efforts to stabilize relations with Iran.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Mar 25 2026Loading...

An Iranian-backed militia conducted a drone strike on Camp Victory in Iraq on March 24, 2025, targeting a U.S. Black Hawk helicopter. Video evidence shows the drone striking the helicopter, which may have been a medical evacuation variant. The U.S. military has not confirmed the extent of the damage or the operational status of the aircraft at the time of the strike.

Iran systematically disrupts the Strait of Hormuz, leveraging its control over this critical oil chokepoint to impose economic costs on adversaries. U.S. naval forces have destroyed 17 Iranian warships, while Iran continues to target commercial vessels, resulting in civilian casualties. The conflict has forced all Gulf Cooperation Council states into involvement, with significant economic repercussions across the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Mar 25 2026Loading...

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a relentless missile offensive against Israeli military positions in northern Israel and Gaza on March 25, 2023. Key locations targeted include Tel Aviv, Bnei Brak, and various military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. The operation, termed 'Real Commitment-4', involves sustained strikes using missiles and drones and is currently ongoing.

Emerging trends in warfare indicate a shift towards precision large-scale operations, particularly in Iran. By 2026, Iran is expected to enhance its precision warfare capabilities, utilizing low-cost drones and autonomous systems. The U.S. military is also adapting by deploying similar low-cost drone systems, reflecting a broader change in military strategy that prioritizes quantity and cost-effectiveness in military assets.

Iranian missiles struck the Israeli cities of Dimona and Arad on March 21, raising alarms due to the proximity of Dimona to a nuclear research facility. Israeli air defense systems failed to intercept at least two missiles, highlighting vulnerabilities in their defense capabilities. Experts noted a shortage of interceptors and challenges in detecting high-speed missiles, despite Israel claiming a 92% interception rate of Iranian missiles since the conflict began.

On March 24, the UAE Armed Forces intercepted 5 ballistic missiles and 17 drones launched from Iran. This action is part of ongoing defensive operations, with a total of 357 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1806 drones intercepted since February 28. The interceptions were carried out by the UAE's air defense systems.

Upgraded F-22 Raptors are currently testing over the Mojave Desert and are actively participating in Operation Epic Fury against Iran. The aircraft, equipped with new stealthy underwing fuel tanks, are part of a significant military campaign that includes operations in Israel. The U.S. Air Force is enhancing its capabilities with these upgrades to maintain air dominance in the region.

The U.S. Marine Corps is preparing for a potential assault on Kharg Island, Iran, utilizing 2,000 Marines and 20 F-35B fighter jets. The operation will be supported by the USS Tripoli and will incorporate modern amphibious warfare strategies, emphasizing speed and precision. This approach aligns with the Marine Corps' Force Design 2030, which focuses on advanced technologies and rapid deployment capabilities.