Analysis & Reports

The Defense Commissary Agency will begin charging customers for single-use bags starting April 6, 2026, with plastic bags costing 5 cents and paper bags 10 cents. This initiative aims to save at least $17 million in fiscal 2026 and encourages the use of reusable bags. The policy will not affect commissaries in Guam, Hawaii, California, and Washington due to local laws.

Raytheon completed a $115 million expansion of its missile integration facility in Huntsville, Alabama, increasing its capacity by over 50%. The new facility includes additional test cells and office space, and the company plans to enhance its mobile robot fleet to improve production efficiency. This expansion aims to meet rising production demands for military equipment.

Mail services to military post offices in the Middle East have been suspended, affecting the delivery of care packages. Troopathon has sent 1,000 boxes to the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford and 2,000 boxes to other troops. The U.S. Postal Service is holding packages for future delivery once suspensions are lifted, while various organizations continue to send care packages to support service members' morale.

U.S. and Israeli forces attacked a judicial institution in Larestan County, Iran, on March 18, resulting in 14 deaths and 50 injuries. Among the deceased are two judges and two staff members, as reported by the chief justice of Fars Province.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif condemned Israel's assassination tactics on March 18, 2023, urging the international community to hold Israel accountable. He highlighted a recent video by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu suggesting the assassination of Iranian officials. Zarif criticized the perceived double standards in international responses to Israel's actions compared to other nations, emphasizing the moral implications of such military operations.

Iran launched five ballistic missiles at Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar on March 18, 2023, resulting in a fire after one missile struck the facility. The Qatari defense forces intercepted four of the missiles, and no casualties have been reported. The attack has been condemned by Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a serious escalation.

On March 18, 2023, Saudi Arabian Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed 4 ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh. The attack triggered air defense alerts across the city, marking the first such alert since military actions against Iran commenced on February 28. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the area was declared safe by civil defense authorities shortly after the incident.

Iran's Speaker of Parliament announced a principle of retaliation against attacks on Iranian infrastructure, stating that such actions are akin to suicide. On March 18, 2023, Iranian oil facilities in Bushehr Province were reportedly attacked by the U.S. and Israel, prompting the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps to declare that related oil facilities will be targeted in response.

USS Gerald R. Ford is en route to Crete, Greece, for repairs following a fire that broke out in its main laundry spaces on March 12, 2023. More than 200 sailors were treated for smoke inhalation, and a sailor was medically evacuated due to injuries. The ship's deployment, which began in June 2022, may be extended until May 2023 to support ongoing operations against Iran.

Rep. Mike Bost initiated hearings to develop a comprehensive authorization process for the Department of Veterans Affairs, aiming to ensure accountability and oversight of VA programs. The Congressional Budget Office reported over $122 billion in expenditures at the VA with lapsed authorizations, highlighting the urgency for reauthorization. Bost stressed the need for Congress to modernize the VA and improve transparency, while VA officials raised concerns about potential disruptions from comprehensive legislation.

A domestic-related shooting occurred at Holloman Air Force Base on Tuesday evening, resulting in one death and one injury. The incident, which took place around 5:30 p.m., involved an active-duty service member and a military veteran. Base officials confirmed the scene was safe after a brief lockdown, stating it was an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the community.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking to develop small one-way attack drones for its Special Operations Command, with a Request for Information due on April 17. These drones are intended to enhance the capabilities of Special Tactics Teams, allowing them to conduct precision strikes and integrate into core mission sets. The drones should have a range of at least 10 kilometers and be equipped with advanced guidance systems.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking to develop small one-way attack drones for its Special Operations Command, with a Request for Information due by April 17. These drones are intended to enhance the capabilities of Special Tactics Teams, allowing them to conduct strikes from distances of up to 12 miles. The system will integrate advanced guidance and communication technologies, aiming for rapid deployment and operation by a single operator.

The UK Ministry of Defence's senior civil servant's presentation to the parliamentary defence committee did not proceed as intended. This incident highlights potential issues within the UK's defense governance structure.

The U.S. intelligence community's annual threat assessment excluded foreign threats to elections, marking a significant shift in focus under the Trump administration. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified about the Iran war and faced scrutiny from Senate Democrats over the omission of foreign election interference threats. The report underscores growing tensions between intelligence assessments and the administration's narrative regarding Iran.

The U.S. Army is developing the M1E3 Abrams tank, which will feature a hybrid-electric drivetrain and an unmanned turret, to address future warfare challenges. Initial prototypes are expected in 2026, with operational capability anticipated in the early 2030s. The Army Science Board has indicated that current M1 variants are too heavy for future combat scenarios, necessitating the transition to a lighter, more advanced platform.

The U.S. Air Force emphasizes the need for advanced F-35 variants and upgrades to maintain air superiority against China as its fighter inventory drops to 1,100. F-35s are actively deployed in Operation Epic Fury in Iran, demonstrating their value in modern air warfare. However, challenges with readiness and sustainment persist, necessitating a focus on quality over quantity in fighter procurement.

Droneshield has partnered with Robin Radar Systems to integrate advanced radar technology into its sensor ecosystem, enhancing detection capabilities for users. This collaboration aims to improve radar-based detection options, although specific details on implementation and timeline are not provided.

The Russian Army has withdrawn T-90M tanks from the front lines in Ukraine, with over 153 confirmed losses since the start of the conflict. Uralvagonzavod is ramping up production, aiming for 250-300 units by 2025, despite significant battlefield losses. The T-90M's design flaws have led to increased vulnerability, prompting a strategic shift in deployment.

U.S. intelligence assessed that China does not plan to invade Taiwan in 2027 and prefers to achieve control without force. The report highlights increased military pressure from China on Taiwan and notes the U.S. has provided significant military aid to Taiwan. Concerns were raised in Japan regarding U.S. support for Taiwan amid potential trade concessions to China.