Analysis & Reports

Israeli Defense Forces announced plans to bomb the Al-Dalafa Bridge on the eastern bank of the Litani River to prevent Hezbollah from transporting personnel and weapons to southern Lebanon. This follows a prior attack on the Kasmiya Bridge the day before.

The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes targeting infrastructure in Tehran on the afternoon of the 23rd, as announced by the Israeli Defense Forces.

Ukrainian drones attacked the Russian oil ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga between March 22 and 23, 2023, leading to the suspension of oil export operations. The attacks caused fires at fuel storage tanks in Primorsk, and over 70 drones were intercepted by Russian air defenses. This incident raises concerns about increased global energy supply tensions amid ongoing conflicts.

Russia's Amur-class submarine program is stalled, with no hulls completed by 2026 due to technical failures and sanctions. Potential buyers like India and Morocco are seeking alternatives, as the program has faced significant delays and dissatisfaction. The Rubin Central Design Bureau's design promises advanced capabilities, but the lack of progress raises concerns about its viability.

The British Army has begun the process of retiring its Land Rover vehicles after 70 years of operational use. Plans are now in place to identify a next generation of light mobility vehicles to replace them.

The Fujian Coast Guard conducted routine law enforcement patrols near Kinmen on March 23. These patrols are part of ongoing efforts to enhance control over the maritime area and protect the rights and safety of Chinese fishermen, including those from Taiwan.

The Defense Health Agency and Department of Veterans Affairs are developing clinical guidance for treating individuals exposed to jet fuel in Hawaii in 2021. Approximately 93,000 people were affected by the contamination of drinking water at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Aliamanu Military Reservation. The report highlights the need for further research on long-term health effects and the establishment of registries for affected individuals.

China is analyzing U.S. military strategies in the ongoing Iran War to inform its potential blockade of the Taiwan Strait. The U.S. Armed Forces are contemplating troop deployments to the Middle East, reflecting concerns over regional stability. A blockade of the Taiwan Strait could severely impact global trade and semiconductor supply, with significant economic repercussions for the U.S.

A U.S. Patriot missile battery fired an interceptor missile that caused an explosion in the Mahazza neighborhood of Bahrain on March 9, injuring 32 civilians. The Bahraini government acknowledged the missile's involvement, attributing the incident to an Iranian drone attack. Analysis indicates the missile likely detonated mid-air, raising concerns about the safety of intercept attempts in residential areas.

A U.S.-operated Patriot missile intercepted an Iranian drone over the Mahazza neighborhood in Bahrain on March 9, 2023, causing an explosion that injured 32 civilians. The blast resulted from the missile's detonation mid-air, contributing to significant property damage. Both Bahrain and the U.S. blamed the incident on an Iranian drone attack, although evidence for this claim remains unverified.

The Netherlands will add 1,000 to 1,200 specialized drone operators and counter-drone units to its combat brigades starting in April. This move aims to enhance drone warfare capabilities, which have become crucial in modern conflicts, particularly highlighted by the war in Ukraine. The Dutch Armed Forces are adapting to the evolving nature of warfare, emphasizing the need for continuous modernization of unmanned systems.

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd launched the GENSS tactical communications system at the Satellite Show in 2024. The system is designed for secure and reliable communications in contested environments, supporting L-Band tactical satellite networking and beyond-line-of-sight communications. It has already attracted interest from NATO-aligned users and is built to evolve with operational requirements.

AM General showcased a new Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) at the AUSA Global Force Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama, scheduled for March 24–26, 2026. The UGV is designed for autonomous logistics, capable of transporting supplies without direct human control. It features a turbocharged 6.5-liter V8 engine and will carry the FireAnt small unmanned ground vehicle for enhanced operational support.

Russia maintains high-intensity military operations in Ukraine as of March 2026, recruiting 30,000 to 35,000 personnel monthly despite suffering 30,000 to 40,000 casualties. The Kremlin's defense spending reached $186 billion in 2025, enabling sustained offensive pressure and modernization of military capabilities, including the development of advanced drones. This situation poses significant challenges for NATO and European security.

Dmitri VolkovMon Mar 23 2026Loading...

Russian forces conducted 619 assault operations between March 17 and March 20, 2026, but failed to breach Ukrainian defenses, suffering over 6,090 personnel killed or wounded. The main efforts were concentrated in the Pokrovsk and Oleksandrivsk directions, with significant combat also reported near Kostiantynivka and other sectors. Ukrainian forces successfully reinforced their positions, leading to a total of approximately 8,710 Russian personnel losses for the week.

Hawaii National Guard members conducted extensive search and rescue operations across Hawaii in response to severe flooding caused by a winter storm. As of March 21, 2026, approximately 200 National Guard members, along with Coast Guard and Navy personnel, rescued over 200 individuals. The flooding prompted evacuation orders for about 5,500 residents, with significant damage reported across the state.

The U.S. Air Force is developing the F-47 and Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) to penetrate and dismantle advanced air defense systems like Russia's S-400. This new capability focuses on dynamic targeting of mobile threats, allowing for rapid engagement within contested airspace. The integration of these systems is expected to significantly alter U.S. military operations and air defense strategies.

U.S. military operations in Iran in 2025 serve as a testing ground for strategies applicable to a potential conflict with China. The effectiveness of precision strikes against hardened targets has been demonstrated, while the rapid depletion of Tomahawk missiles raises concerns about readiness. Additionally, lessons learned from missile defense against drone swarms highlight vulnerabilities in U.S. logistics and supply chains.

On March 22, a civilian named Ofer Moskowitz was killed by friendly fire from the Israel Defense Forces in Misgav Am. Initial reports mistakenly claimed he was struck by a Hezbollah rocket. An investigation revealed that operational errors led to artillery shells landing on the Israeli side, prompting the IDF to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident.

Ukrainian operators from the STRIX unit intercepted and destroyed a rare Russian Skat-450M reconnaissance drone in Ukraine. This drone, used for deep aerial reconnaissance and guiding Iskander missile strikes, is considered a high-value target due to its role in long-range strike operations. The destruction of this drone contributes to degrading the effectiveness of Russian missile attacks.