Analysis & Reports

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman approved the creation of the SF/S9 Force Design and Analysis staff group in Washington, set to be established on April 21. This new group will replace the Space Futures Command and will assist the Space Force chief in developing operational concepts and force design for the future operating environment. The SF/S9 will coordinate with various existing organizations within the Space Force.

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.

On March 31, 2026, the French Government ordered a fifth Defence and Intervention Frigate (FDI) from Naval Group to enhance the French Navy's capabilities. This order is part of a program initiated in 2017, with the first frigate delivered in October 2025. The FDI is designed for high-intensity combat and features advanced weaponry and technology for various operational domains.

WB GROUP established WB Romania on 2 April 2026, marking its first subsidiary in the EU outside Poland. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance its international presence and strengthen military cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly with Romania's role in NATO's eastern flank. The new entity will focus on developing unmanned systems and command support solutions.

KNDS France completed the acquisition of Texelis Defense on April 2nd, 2026, transforming it into KNDS Mobility. This strategic move enhances KNDS's capabilities in land mobility for military vehicles and strengthens the European defense sector. The integration will allow KNDS to offer a more comprehensive range of solutions and maintain ongoing projects as planned.

Donald Trump has indicated he is considering withdrawing the U.S. from NATO, which could undermine the alliance's effectiveness without formal withdrawal. Senator Thom Tillis emphasized that a president cannot unilaterally withdraw from NATO, but Trump could still weaken the alliance through actions like reducing U.S. troop presence in Europe. This situation raises concerns about NATO's credibility and cohesion, particularly in the context of Russian and Chinese assessments of U.S. commitment.

The U.S. defense industry is managing the effects of tariffs imposed by President Trump, primarily through national security exemptions. In 2025, the industry has been affected by reciprocal tariffs and Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, but large companies have adapted better than smaller firms. The process for seeking refunds related to these tariffs remains unsettled, with ongoing discussions about the financial impacts on defense contractors.

Aurora Flight Sciences has begun final assembly of the X-65 experimental aircraft in Virginia, integrating electrical, propulsion, and active flow control systems. Wing and tail production is ongoing in West Virginia. This aircraft, part of DARPA's CRANE program, aims to demonstrate maneuverability using air jets instead of conventional controls, with a target first flight in 2027.

MGI Engineering successfully completed the first flights of the TigerShark drone in the United Kingdom. This unmanned deep-strike platform is designed for long-range missions, capable of speeds up to 750 km/h and payloads of 300 kg. It features the ability to operate in environments where satellite navigation is unavailable, making it suitable for modern military operations.

Overland AI's ULTRA autonomous vehicles completed a month-long operational deployment with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The vehicles were utilized for logistics, reconnaissance, and counter-drone missions, significantly reducing supply distribution timelines. They also supported a resupply mission to a sniper team and demonstrated autonomous convoy operations, showcasing their evolving role in military operations.

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked a village in Mambasa, Ituri Province, on April 1, 2023, resulting in at least 70 fatalities. The assault caused panic among residents, prompting some to flee their homes. The ADF has been active in the region since the late 1990s, frequently targeting both local military forces and civilians. The security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo remains critical due to the presence of various armed groups.

BAE Systems delivered the final ACV-P amphibious vehicle to the United States Marine Corps. This vehicle is intended to replace the aging Assault Amphibious Vehicle fleet and serves as a primary carrier for Marine infantry during ship-to-shore operations. The ACV-P can carry 13 Marines and is designed for operations in various environments, enhancing the Marine Corps' capabilities for long-range expeditionary operations.

On April 2, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the third phase of the 'Real Commitment-4' military operation, targeting several sites including U.S. and Israeli air bases. Additionally, an Amazon cloud computing center in Bahrain was struck, linked to espionage activities.

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.

Israeli Defense Forces reported killing about 1000 Hezbollah militants in Lebanon since the conflict escalated, including hundreds from the elite Radwan Unit. On April 2, Hezbollah launched approximately 130 rockets into Israel, resulting in minor injuries and property damage, although most were intercepted or landed in open areas.

The 82nd Airborne Division cancelled All American Week at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, scheduled for May 18 to 21, 2023, due to the deployment of nearly 1,000 paratroopers to the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. This decision was confirmed by Army officials, who stated that the event will resume in 2027. The Pentagon has also initiated Operation Epic Fury, targeting over 12,300 sites in Iran.

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.

Austria's Defense Ministry rejected multiple U.S. requests to use its airspace for military operations against Iran on April 2, 2023. The decision was made to protect Austria's economic interests and promote global peace. This follows similar actions by Spain and Italy, which have also denied U.S. military access for operations in the region.

Edgewing has been awarded a £686 million contract for the design and development of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) in Belfast, UK, which will run until June 2026. This contract aims to accelerate the development of next-generation fighter aircraft and unmanned platforms, with a projected service entry in 2035. The project is a collaboration between the UK, Italy, and Japan, with other nations expressing interest in joining.

U.S. and Israeli forces attacked and damaged the Beik Highway Bridge in Karaj on April 2. This bridge, a significant engineering project in Iran, suffered structural damage, leading to road closures and power disruptions in the area. Local authorities have issued emergency warnings for residents to avoid the vicinity.