Analysis & Reports

China is conducting extensive undersea mapping and monitoring operations across the Pacific, Indian, and Arctic oceans, utilizing the Dong Fang Hong 3 research vessel and numerous sensors. This effort aims to enhance its submarine warfare capabilities against the United States, focusing on strategically important areas such as Taiwan, Guam, and the Malacca Strait. The operation involves dozens of research vessels and is part of a broader military strategy to gather intelligence on underwater terrain and conditions.

China is conducting extensive undersea mapping and monitoring operations across the Pacific, Indian, and Arctic oceans using dozens of research vessels and hundreds of sensors. The Dong Fang Hong 3 has been active near Taiwan and Guam, gathering data crucial for submarine warfare against the U.S. and its allies. This initiative reflects China's military strategy to enhance its naval capabilities and gather intelligence on underwater conditions.

The USS Tripoli Expeditionary Strike Group is set to deploy to operational waters near Iran in the coming days, carrying 2500 Marines and advanced aircraft including F-35s. This movement follows the ship's recent navigation in the Indian Ocean and aims to enhance ground troop deployment capabilities in the region. The USS Tripoli's arrival is expected to significantly alter the battlefield dynamics.

Ukrainian forces launched a counteroffensive in Zaporizhzhia, recapturing over 400 square kilometers of territory since January 2026. This operation, particularly in the Oleksandrivka and Huliaipole directions, threatens Russian supply lines and reflects improved Ukrainian military coordination. Russian forces have redeployed units from Kharkiv Oblast to address these challenges, indicating strain on their operational reserves. The conflict remains characterized by mutual attrition warfare, with significant casualties on both sides.

Dmitri VolkovSat Mar 21 2026Loading...

The Afghan and Pakistani governments announced a temporary ceasefire during Eid al-Fitr, effective from midnight on the 18th to midnight on the 23rd. This decision was made in response to requests from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. Both nations emphasized their readiness to respond strongly to any cross-border attacks during this period. The international community has welcomed this development.

Sgt. 1st Class Christina Larson was awarded a Purple Heart on February 20, 2023, during her retirement ceremony at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, after suffering injuries from a car bomb in Kabul in 2015. The award was presented by Brig. Gen. Todd Traver, acknowledging her service and the long-overdue recognition of her traumatic brain injury and other medical issues resulting from the attack.

Sgt. 1st Class Christina Larson was awarded a Purple Heart during her retirement ceremony at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, on February 20, 2026, for injuries sustained from a car bomb attack in Afghanistan in 2015. The attack occurred while she was serving as a combat medic with the 911th Forward Surgical Team. Larson's injuries included a traumatic brain injury, leading to her medical retirement.

The Afghan government announced a ceasefire against Pakistan during Eid al-Fitr, effective from midnight on March 18, 2023. The Pakistani government confirmed it would halt attacks on Afghanistan during the same period. The ceasefire follows recent border clashes that escalated tensions between the two countries. Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Afghanistan begin on March 19, while Pakistan's are expected to start on March 21.

Military families are facing significant delays in shipping household goods and vehicles due to the ongoing U.S. military operations in the Middle East. The Pentagon has issued a stop movement order affecting shipments to several countries, with delays expected to last weeks for overseas moves. The Personal Property Activity is overseeing these logistics, and families are advised to prepare for extended wait times as the peak PCS season approaches.

Military families are facing significant delays in shipping household goods and vehicles due to the ongoing U.S. military operations in the Middle East. A stop movement order was issued for shipments to several countries, affecting over 1,000 service members during their Permanent Change of Station (PCS). The Pentagon has confirmed that these disruptions are caused by security risks and operational challenges in the region, with heightened security measures also impacting domestic moves.

Military families are facing significant shipping delays for household goods and vehicles due to the ongoing U.S. war with Iran. The Pentagon has issued a stop movement order affecting shipments to multiple countries in the region, impacting over 1,000 service members. Delays are expected to continue as heightened security measures and operational disruptions persist during the peak Permanent Change of Station season.

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) deployed 14 Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighters to Shigatse Air Base in Tibet, located less than 100 miles from India's Sikkim border. Recent satellite imagery confirms that six of these aircraft are covered with protective tarpaulins while eight are stationed openly. The J-20s may be armed with PL-15 missiles, enhancing China's aerial capabilities in the region and potentially escalating tensions with India.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul on the evening of the 16th, resulting in over 400 deaths and 250 injuries. The Pakistani military stated the strikes targeted Taliban facilities in response to provocations. Afghan officials condemned the attack, asserting that the center was a civilian facility and calling the action a violation of humanitarian principles.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes on military facilities in Kabul and Nangarhar Province on March 16, 2023. The strikes targeted technical equipment and ammunition depots, with the Pakistan Armed Forces emphasizing precision to avoid collateral damage. This action follows recent border clashes and escalates tensions between the two nations.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Kandahar on the night of the 14th to the early morning of the 15th, targeting terrorist hideouts linked to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan. The strikes resulted in at least 6 deaths and several injuries. This action followed the interception of two Afghan drones that approached Islamabad, which caused injuries to 4 civilians. The ongoing military conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has intensified, with both sides engaging in cross-border attacks since late February.

MKE's BORAN 105 mm howitzer was inducted into the Turkish Armed Forces in 2021 and exported to Bangladesh in 2024. It demonstrated superior performance during live-fire trials in Malaysia, achieving 12 rounds in 46 seconds, and received full marks in North Macedonia in 2025. Ongoing negotiations are in place for further procurement by the Malaysian Army.

Afghan forces conducted drone attacks on Pakistan, injuring at least four individuals, including two children, near Rawalpindi on the evening of the 13th. Pakistani security forces intercepted and shot down two drones involved in the incident.

The Afghan National Defense Ministry conducted a drone strike on a significant military center in Islamabad at 5 PM local time on the 13th, causing severe casualties and property damage. Pakistani security forces successfully intercepted two drones operated by a terrorist organization, resulting in minor damage from debris.

A U.S. Navy submarine sank the Iranian frigate Dena in international waters, resulting in 87 crew members killed and 32 rescued. The Dena had recently participated in India's Exercise Milan before being sunk during the ongoing conflict with the U.S. The presence of Australian sailors aboard the submarine did not implicate them in the engagement, as they were ordered to remain uninvolved. The incident has raised diplomatic concerns, particularly in New Delhi.

Lt. Col. Paul Anderson concluded his 36-year military career this month, achieving over 6,000 flight hours as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He served with the 305th Rescue Squadron, conducting combat search and rescue missions, including multiple deployments to Afghanistan and notable operations during Hurricane Katrina. Anderson is recognized for setting a record for the most flying hours among U.S. Air Force helicopter pilots.