Analysis & Reports

Iran launched over 800 missile and drone attacks against Gulf states beginning February 28, 2026. Gulf Cooperation Council states successfully intercepted more than 90% of these threats, demonstrating significant improvements in their military capabilities. However, some threats penetrated defenses, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The attacks have prompted a strategic shift towards indigenous defense production and raised concerns about the sustainability of current military operations.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

On March 9, 2026, Japan received modified Type 12 anti-ship missile launchers at Kumamoto. The U.S. is relocating THAAD systems from South Korea to the Middle East, raising concerns among regional allies. Japan plans to deploy Aegis destroyers to the Arabian Sea, while local officials express concerns over the secrecy of the missile deployment amid increasing Chinese military activities.

Tanaka TakashiWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

The global arms trade has increased by 9.2% over the past five years, driven primarily by European demand, particularly in response to the threat from Russia. European countries now account for 33% of global arms imports, with significant contributions from the U.S. and Germany. Germany has emerged as the fourth largest arms exporter, with a substantial portion of its exports directed to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia's arms exports have sharply declined due to the ongoing conflict and international pressure.

U.S. military forces destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying boats near the Strait of Hormuz on March 10, 2026, amid concerns over potential mine deployment by Iran. This action was confirmed by U.S. Central Command, which released a video of the strikes. President Trump had previously mentioned a lower number of boats destroyed, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat posed by Iran to maritime security.

Dassault Aviation is ramping up production of the Rafale fighter jets to 35 units annually by 2029-2030, addressing a backlog of 175 export units. The F5 standard will enhance capabilities with advanced radar and hypersonic missile integration. Ukraine plans to purchase 100 Rafales, while Serbia's order of 12 jets may provoke Russia. The upgrades aim to improve the aircraft's performance in modern combat scenarios.

Iran is deploying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz using small, difficult-to-track vessels as of March 10, 2026. U.S. intelligence has detected signs of this operation, which could significantly disrupt maritime traffic and global energy markets. The estimated number of mines ranges from 2,000 to 6,000, and the U.S. Navy may be forced to engage in complex mine-clearing operations.

The U.S. military has expended over 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles in the first 72 hours of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, prompting a shift to Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) to conserve high-end munitions for the Indo-Pacific. General Dan Caine warned that continued military operations could deplete U.S. munitions stockpiles, affecting commitments to allies. Lockheed Martin and RTX are ramping up production of precision munitions to address the crisis.

The U.S. military is actively targeting Iranian factories producing one-way attack drones and is conducting operations against mine-laying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This follows the initiation of air and missile strikes against Iran on February 28, 2023, as part of Operation Epic Fury. The U.S. aims to prevent Iran from using its estimated stockpile of 6,000 sea mines to threaten commercial shipping in the vital waterway.

U.S. military operations against Iran continue on day 11, with Defense Secretary Hegseth stating that strikes are intensifying. President Trump provided conflicting messages about the war's status, claiming significant military success while also indicating that operations are just beginning. The Pentagon's airstrikes have reportedly cost $5.6 billion, and Iranian officials assert their readiness for a prolonged conflict.

The U.S. military is on day 11 of its campaign in Iran, targeting missile capabilities and the navy. Over 5,000 targets have been struck, resulting in a 90% reduction in Iranian ballistic missile attacks. Defense Secretary Hegseth emphasized that the campaign is focused and not protracted, while the U.S. investigates claims of civilian casualties from Iranian actions.

The U.S. military is on day 11 of its campaign in Iran, targeting missile capabilities and the navy. Over 5,000 targets have been struck, resulting in a 90% reduction in Iranian ballistic missile attacks. Defense Secretary Hegseth emphasized that the campaign is focused and not open-ended, while the U.S. investigates claims of civilian casualties from missile strikes. The military continues to work alongside regional partners to intercept drone threats.

U.S. forces conducted intense airstrikes against over 5,000 targets in Iran on Tuesday, focusing on military and industrial capabilities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated this was the most intense day of strikes yet, while Iranian officials vowed not to seek a ceasefire and threatened retaliation. Reports indicate significant casualties in Iran since the conflict began, with ongoing missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. and Israeli interests in the region.

U.S. forces conducted intense airstrikes against Iranian targets on Tuesday, hitting over 5,000 locations, including military and industrial sites. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated this was the most intense day of strikes yet, while Iranian officials vowed to retaliate. Reports indicate that Iran has fired fewer missiles recently, and the conflict has resulted in significant casualties, including over 1,230 deaths in Iran.

The United States has begun relocating Patriot and THAAD missile defense systems from South Korea to the Middle East, with operations detected at Osan Air Base since February 28, 2025. This redeployment is in response to recent missile and drone attacks linked to Iran, raising concerns about U.S. military facilities in the region. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung confirmed the movement, acknowledging limitations in influencing U.S. military decisions.

In March 2026, Arab Gulf states successfully intercepted numerous Iranian drones and ballistic missiles, demonstrating their air defense capabilities. The UAE reported 541 drones and 165 missiles intercepted, while Kuwait neutralized 283 drones and 97 missiles. Qatar's defenses intercepted 98 ballistic missiles and 24 drones, along with 3 cruise missiles and 2 Su-24 aircraft. Saudi Arabia achieved an interception success rate of 85-90% against ballistic missiles, reflecting a significant military operational capability during the ongoing conflict.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted strikes against Iran on March 1, 2026, prompting NATO's Cold Response 2026 exercise in Norway starting March 9. European nations are grappling with defense spending increases, with commitments to reach 3.5% of GDP by 2035, while the Czech Republic plans to cut military funding. The European Sky Shield Initiative aims to improve collective air defense capabilities amid rising tensions.

Alexandra ReevesTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

Iran has developed a modified version of the Shahed-101 kamikaze drone featuring an electric propulsion system and structural changes. This new design may enhance its stealth capabilities and alter its deployment methods. The drone retains a fixed-wing airframe and includes a rocket booster for launch assistance, indicating advancements in Iranian drone technology.

Iran launched over 500 ballistic and cruise missiles and nearly 2,000 drones against Gulf states since February 28, 2026, in response to Operation Epic Fury. The UAE engaged 165 ballistic missiles, 2 cruise missiles, and 541 drones, achieving a 95% interception rate. Saudi Arabia's air defense network faced similar threats, while Iranian strikes damaged critical radar installations. Ukrainian military personnel are now assisting GCC forces in countering Iranian UAVs.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it now possesses more powerful and numerous missiles, directly targeting U.S. and Israeli bases. This statement was made by IRGC spokesperson Naini in Tehran on March 10, 2023, in response to U.S. President Trump's claims that Iran's military capabilities have diminished significantly. The IRGC emphasized that their missile strength has increased since the beginning of the conflict.

The Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on March 9 against a drone headquarters of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in Iran. The strikes targeted multiple infrastructure sites, aiming to disrupt Iran's missile production and drone capabilities. Iran has yet to confirm these airstrike reports.