Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy's counter-mine ships, including three Independence-class littoral combat ships, are facing significant reliability issues in mine warfare as of 2025. Despite being declared operationally capable, the MCM mission package has not proven effective in combat scenarios, raising concerns among military experts. Iran continues to pose a mine warfare threat in the Strait of Hormuz, complicating U.S. naval operations in the region.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers conducted long-range strikes against Iranian ballistic missile and command targets on March 2, 2026. These operations utilized the B-1B's significant payload capacity, delivering precision-guided munitions effectively. The strikes were part of an ongoing campaign to establish air superiority and deliver rapid firepower in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that Israel will persist with airstrikes against Iran and Lebanon. On March 23, Trump suggested a potential agreement to achieve war objectives against Iran, emphasizing U.S.-Israeli interests. Netanyahu also revealed that Israel had recently eliminated two Iranian nuclear scientists.

A KC-135 aircraft crashed in Iraq on March 12, 2023, prompting calls from former Air Force leaders for urgent upgrades to the aircraft's communication systems. The crash, which was not caused by enemy fire, highlighted the need for improved situational awareness and connectivity for aircrews. The U.S. Air Force has requested significant funding for these upgrades to enhance operational safety and effectiveness in contested environments.

On March 12, a KC-135 crashed in Iraq, killing six airmen, while another landed safely in Israel. This incident has prompted calls from former Air Force leaders for urgent upgrades to the KC-135's communication systems to enhance battlespace awareness. The crash is noted as the deadliest for the KC-135 in over a decade, highlighting ongoing concerns about the aircraft's operational safety and communication capabilities.

U.S. and Israeli airstrikes have resulted in 636 deaths and 6848 injuries in Tehran Province since February 28, 2023. A total of 430 locations in the area have been targeted during this military operation.

Iranian armed forces stated they do not need to lay mines in the Persian Gulf, asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz. They emphasized their capability to ensure security in the region and their readiness to cooperate with neighboring countries. The statement was made by a military spokesperson on March 23, 2023.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the 77th wave of Operation 'True Commitment-4' on March 23, 2023, targeting various locations in Israel and U.S. military bases in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE with missiles and drones. The operation demonstrates Iran's military capabilities and resolve against perceived aggressors.

A military transport aircraft operated by the Colombian Armed Forces crashed in Putumayo on March 23, 2023, carrying 125 individuals. The crash involved 114 military personnel and 11 crew members, with 48 injured individuals successfully rescued so far.

USS Gerald R. Ford docked at Souda Bay, Greece, for maintenance following a fire on March 12, 2025, which injured two sailors. The carrier, part of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, continues its overseas deployment and remains fully mission capable. Over 600 service members were affected by the fire, leading to logistical challenges in berthing.

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted a military operation against Iran on February 27-28, 2024, targeting Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei and his key lieutenants in Tehran. The operation, approved by President Trump, was influenced by intelligence indicating a vulnerable meeting of Iranian leaders. The first bombs struck on February 28, leading to Khamenei's death and significant military implications for Iran.

The Space Force plans to issue contracts for the Kronos project in April 2024 to modernize command and control software for space operations. This initiative follows the separation of Kronos from the troubled Advanced Tracking and Launch Analysis System (ATLAS), which is still not operational. The Space Force aims to enhance its capabilities in operational command, control, and space battle management.

Texelis Defense is accelerating its military mobility programs in 2026, focusing on the development of the Serval and Celeris vehicles, and entering the tracked vehicle market with the TED for the VECTOR. The company aims to deliver 2,038 vehicles by 2035, with significant export contracts anticipated. Texelis is also expanding into the 8×8 vehicle market, leveraging partnerships and local production capabilities.

Anduril Industries has commenced production of the Fury autonomous combat drone at its Arsenal-1 facility in Columbus, Ohio, with plans to expand to other military systems by the end of the year. The factory, which will employ 4,000 workers, aims to produce 150 aircraft annually at full capacity. Anduril's approach emphasizes low-cost, highly producible weapons for the US military, contrasting with traditional defense contractors.

Russian forces launched a spring offensive in eastern Ukraine, focusing on Lyman, Slavyansk, and Kostyantynivka. The offensive has seen over 1,300 attacks on Ukrainian positions in the past week, with significant use of tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, and drones. Ukrainian military officials reported approximately 1,275 personnel losses during this period, indicating a substantial escalation in hostilities.

The Cheyenne Mountain Complex functions as a backup command center for NORAD and USNORTHCOM, ensuring national defense readiness against nuclear attacks and other emergencies. Located in Colorado, this underground facility was designed in the 1960s to withstand significant destructive forces and remains operational today, supporting military functions and strategic decision-making.

Japan's Self-Defense Forces are reorganizing, establishing a new 'Maritime Fleet' to enhance offensive capabilities, with plans to increase destroyers to 54 by 2033. This shift, aimed at countering regional threats, includes acquiring advanced weaponry such as Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles. The reorganization reflects a significant change in Japan's military posture towards a more proactive defense strategy.

U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthogs are currently engaged in Operation Epic Fury, targeting Iranian fast-attack boats in the Strait of Hormuz. Utilizing their GAU-8/A Avenger cannons and AGM-65 Maverick missiles, the A-10s are conducting airstrikes to neutralize threats to commercial shipping. The operation involves 103 A-10s, with ongoing sorties reported daily.

U.S. military operations in the Middle East involve tens of thousands of troops and advanced missile defense systems to counter threats from Iranian missiles and drones. Recent attacks have targeted key radar systems in Jordan and Qatar, prompting the U.S. to enhance its defenses. The U.S. employs a layered detection network, including satellites and ground-based radars, to provide early warnings and track incoming threats.

U.S. military operations in the Middle East involve tens of thousands of troops and a layered missile defense system to detect Iranian missile and drone threats. Recent attacks have targeted U.S. radar systems in Jordan and Qatar, degrading defense capabilities. The U.S. employs satellites, ground-based radars, and naval assets to maintain surveillance and response readiness against these threats. Drones present unique challenges due to their minimal heat signatures and low flight profiles.