Analysis & Reports

Israeli Defense Forces bombed the Qasmiya Bridge on the Litani River on March 22 to prevent Hezbollah from transporting personnel and weapons in southern Lebanon. This action follows warnings issued by the IDF and directives from Israeli officials to target all bridges used for terrorist activities. The Litani River is a critical resource, and the attack is part of a broader strategy to isolate southern Lebanon from the rest of the country.

French forces completed their withdrawal from Mali between 2022 and 2025, leaving a security vacuum exploited by jihadist groups like Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Mouslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS). The security situation has worsened, with increased attacks on national forces and over 2.5 million internally displaced persons. The dissolution of the UN mission in Mali in December 2023 further complicates stabilization efforts.

Marie DuboisSun Mar 22 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy's Essex-class aircraft carriers, with 24 operational vessels, played a pivotal role in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Notably, none were lost to enemy action, showcasing their legendary survivability. The USS Lexington, the last of the class, was decommissioned in 1991, while four Essex-class carriers remain as floating museums in the United States.

The Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on multiple Iranian military facilities and command centers on March 22. Targets included a training base, weapon production facilities, and command centers associated with the Iranian military and intelligence. This operation is described as part of a broader strategy to weaken the Iranian regime's core systems.

The USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) is undergoing an extended overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding, now projected to last 5.5 years due to deep-seated corrosion and labor shortages. Originally expected to complete in August 2025, the carrier's return to service is now anticipated in late 2026, with full operational capability not expected until 2027. This situation highlights significant logistical and industrial challenges facing the U.S. Navy's maintenance capabilities.

The ZEUS unmanned aerial vehicle, developed by Ekolot Aerospace & Defense in collaboration with UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía, successfully completed its first flights in Poland. This UAV is designed for both vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) operations, making it suitable for deployment in areas lacking prepared airstrips. It features advanced navigation systems to operate effectively in environments where satellite signals may be compromised.

The Zhuhai Maritime Safety Administration announced live-fire exercises in the South China Sea from March 24 to 27, prohibiting entry into the designated areas daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.

The Israeli Air Force conducted strikes on Iranian Navy assets in Bandar Anzali on March 19, 2026, resulting in the destruction of at least two Sina-class missile boats and one Hamzeh vessel. This operation, part of the 'Roar of the Lion' campaign, targeted missile-equipped vessels while docked, significantly impacting Iranian naval capabilities in the Caspian Sea.

The U.S. Navy is conducting a Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in the Atlantic Ocean, which involves extensive upgrades and refueling of its nuclear reactors. This process is expected to take 4 to 6 years and is part of the Navy's strategy to maintain a fleet of 11 aircraft carriers for global power projection. The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is also operational in the Atlantic as part of the carrier strike group.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the 74th wave of Operation 'True Promise-4' on March 22, 2023, targeting U.S. military bases in Saudi Arabia and Israeli military installations in cities like Tel Aviv and Petah Tikva. The operation utilized various missile systems and drones, causing significant damage to the targets. Iran warned of severe retaliation if its population centers or energy infrastructure were attacked.

The Israel Defense Forces conducted large-scale airstrikes against Hezbollah infrastructure in Southern Lebanon on March 22. This operation marks a significant military action in the region.

U.S. Central Command conducted a strike on the Kuh-E Barjamali ballistic missile assembly facility in Iran on March 7, 2023, following imagery from March 1 showing the site intact. The strike aimed to degrade Iran's missile manufacturing capabilities, resulting in significant damage to the facility, which is linked to Iran's missile development network.

Israeli Defense Forces announced the killing of Abu Khalil Barji, a senior commander of Hezbollah's Radwan Unit, in an airstrike on March 21 in Southern Lebanon.

EOS Defense Systems USA conducted counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) testing of its Slinger system at N2L Range in Huntsville, Alabama. The Slinger system, designed for kinetic defense against drone threats, integrates radar and weaponry to engage targets at distances over 800 meters. This testing validates the system's performance and readiness for evolving drone threats, with positive reports from Ukrainian operators using the system in military engagements.

Canada's Defence Investment Agency awarded a contract to Colt Canada for 65,402 new assault rifles under the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR) program. The CMAR will replace the aging C7 and C8 rifles, with the first phase delivering 30,000 General Service rifles over three years. The program aims to modernize the Canadian Armed Forces' small arms and includes a commitment to maintain high Canadian content in production.

The Russian Army plans to expand its Unmanned Systems Forces to 101,000 personnel by April 1, 2026, amid a significant increase in oil revenue due to temporary US sanctions relief. Russian forces conducted reinforced assaults near Shandryholove and targeted Ukrainian logistics and artillery. Ukrainian forces successfully disrupted Russian operations through targeted strikes. Additionally, Russia launched missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure on March 12-13, 2026.

Dmitri VolkovSun Mar 22 2026Loading...

A naval task force from the Eastern Theater Command conducted realistic training exercises in a sea area, focusing on naval gunfire, resupply operations, and air defense. The exercises involved multiple vessels, including frigates and missile boats, and included the deployment of drones for reconnaissance. Coastal missile units were also activated to enhance combat readiness.

Ukrainian M1A1 Abrams tanks are being destroyed by Russian forces in Ukraine using drones and Kornet anti-tank missiles. This ongoing situation is being closely monitored by China's military, which is analyzing the effectiveness of these tactics for potential future conflicts. The losses of these tanks highlight vulnerabilities in modern armored warfare and have implications for U.S. military strategy, particularly regarding Taiwan.

A French sailor revealed the location of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle while logging a run on a fitness app on March 13. The carrier was located approximately 100 kilometers south of Turkey and west of Cyprus, heading to the Middle East. This incident highlights ongoing security risks associated with fitness tracking applications for military personnel.

Chinese scientists identified potential aerodynamic and radar-signature vulnerabilities in the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, which could significantly impact U.S. military strategy. The People's Liberation Army Air Force is closely monitoring these developments, as the B-21 is vital for penetrating Chinese air defenses. If these vulnerabilities are confirmed, it may necessitate a reevaluation of U.S. air power in the Pacific.