Analysis & Reports

Elbit Systems is developing laser weapons for the Israeli Air Force to be installed on fighter jets and military helicopters. This initiative is part of Israel's ongoing military operation with the United States against Iran. The Iron Beam laser defense system is already operational, and the new airborne laser technology aims to enhance effectiveness against missile threats. The engineering work for this technology is at an advanced stage, with potential offensive applications.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on March 18, 2023. The strikes targeted launch sites, weapon storage points, and command centers following a Hezbollah attack on Israel. Additionally, the Israeli Navy engaged Hezbollah personnel in Beirut and struck a financial institution associated with Hezbollah.

Iran launched approximately 2,000 projectiles against Gulf states since February 28, 2026, prompting extensive defensive actions. The UAE intercepted 268 ballistic missiles, while Qatar and Bahrain reported significant interceptions as well. Saudi Arabia's air defenses also engaged multiple drones and missiles. The conflict has led Gulf states to reassess their military strategies and partnerships, highlighting vulnerabilities in their defense architectures.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

In March 2026, the U.S. transferred part of its THAAD missile systems from South Korea to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. North Korea launched about 10 ballistic missiles into the Japan Sea during U.S.-South Korea military exercises. Japan announced its intention to participate in the Golden Dome missile defense initiative and began deploying domestic long-range missiles, reflecting a shift towards greater defense autonomy in response to regional threats.

Tanaka TakashiWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

Iran launched a series of missile and drone attacks against the UAE, with the UAE successfully intercepting over 90% of the threats. As of March 12, 2023, the conflict has resulted in 6 deaths and 142 injuries. The intensity of the attacks on the UAE is comparable to those faced by Israel, highlighting its strategic importance to Iran. Despite the UAE's efforts to maintain normalcy, international banks have begun evacuating staff from Dubai due to the ongoing threat.

The U.S. Department of Defense plans to mass-produce the Lucas drone, a replica of Iran's Shahed suicide drone, for military operations against Iran. The drone has been deployed in the Middle East since late 2022 and has demonstrated effective performance. Improvements have been made to facilitate large-scale production, although the production costs remain undisclosed.

Iran employs its geographical terrain to enhance military strategy and control over the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps utilizes advanced systems like the Hunter-3G missile and drones to maintain maritime dominance. Despite losses, Iran effectively implements electronic warfare to disrupt shipping and project power asymmetrically.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on March 17 using multiple 5000-pound bunker busters against Iranian missile positions along the Strait of Hormuz. These strikes were aimed at mitigating threats posed by Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles to international shipping. President Trump has been urging European allies to join U.S. efforts in the region, but most NATO allies have indicated they will not participate in military actions against Iran.

The Pentagon's assessment revealed that the F-35 program delivered no new combat capability in 2024 due to significant issues with the TR-3 upgrade, which was found to be predominantly unusable. This delay in software and hardware upgrades poses readiness risks for over 800 F-35s currently in service, particularly as U.S. Marine Corps F-35s continue operations in Iran using older software. The Block 4 modernization is now expected to be delayed until 2031, raising concerns about the aircraft's future combat effectiveness.

China is reportedly nearing the finalization of a sale of CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles to Iran, which could significantly enhance Iran's naval capabilities against U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf. Despite Beijing's denials, multiple sources indicate that a contract for the missile is close to completion. The CM-302, an export version of the YJ-12 missile, poses a threat to U.S. naval assets due to its advanced capabilities.

U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers are conducting airstrikes against Iranian underground bunkers and weapons facilities using 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrators and GBU-28 bunker busters. These operations are ongoing and aim to penetrate Iranian air defenses, creating safe air corridors for additional strikes. The B-2's advanced stealth technology enables it to operate undetected in heavily defended areas.

U.S. forces are actively employing Patriot missile batteries to intercept increasing missile and drone attacks in the Middle East. The PAC-3 interceptor missiles, crucial for this defense, are costly, leading to concerns about supply and operational costs. The Patriot system is part of a broader layered air defense strategy, which includes THAAD systems for higher altitude threats.

U.S. forces are actively employing Patriot missile batteries to intercept missile and drone attacks in the Middle East. The PAC-3 interceptor missiles, crucial for this defense, are costly, leading to concerns about their availability against increasing threats. The Patriot system operates as part of a layered air defense strategy, complemented by THAAD systems.

The U.S. Air Force's B-52 Stratofortress is conducting active combat operations over Iran, demonstrating air superiority by targeting command centers and troop concentrations. The presence of the B-52 indicates that Iran's Russian-built S-300 and S-400 air defense systems have been neutralized, allowing for the use of advanced precision weaponry. The B-52 is equipped with upgraded systems that enhance its strike capabilities and intelligence-gathering functions.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted airstrikes against Iranian missile production sites and military infrastructure during Operation Epic Fury. Operating from RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom, nearly a dozen B-1B bombers utilized precision munitions, including GBU-31 JDAMs, to target key military assets in Iran. These operations aim to degrade Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and command-and-control networks.

U.S. Air Force B-52H bombers conducted airstrikes against Iranian ballistic missile production sites and command-and-control centers during Operation Epic Fury. The B-52H, known for its long range and payload capacity, continues to play a crucial role in U.S. military operations. Recent missions underscore its effectiveness in applying sustained pressure on distributed targets in contested environments.

The U.S. Navy has extended the service lives of the USS Ohio and USS Florida to maintain undersea strike capabilities amid delays in the Columbia-class submarine program. The USS Georgia successfully launched over two dozen Tomahawk missiles at Iranian nuclear sites during Operation Midnight Hammer, demonstrating the effectiveness of Ohio-class submarines. This extension aims to prevent a capability gap while the Navy evaluates the future roles of these submarines.

Iranian forces launched a massive campaign of drone and missile strikes against Gulf Cooperation Council states from February 28 to March 15, 2026, resulting in over 2,000 projectiles intercepted by Gulf air defense systems. The UAE engaged 165 ballistic missiles, 2 cruise missiles, and 541 drones in the first 24 hours, achieving an intercept rate exceeding 93 percent. This conflict has prompted significant military spending and a shift in regional security dynamics among GCC members, who are now more openly coordinating their defense efforts.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets in 2026, utilizing AGM-158 JASSM-ER standoff missiles to strike from over 1,000 kilometers away. This strategy allows the bombers to avoid Iranian air defenses while delivering precision strikes on ballistic missile facilities and command-and-control nodes.

The US military redirected critical assets from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East due to the ongoing war with Iran, withdrawing THAAD interceptors from South Korea and depleting munitions stockpiles. Approximately 140 US service members were wounded, and 6 were killed in action. This shift has raised concerns among US allies in the Indo-Pacific about America's commitment to regional security, as the Pentagon executes around 1,000 strikes daily.

Marcus ChenTue Mar 17 2026Loading...