Analysis & Reports

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been granted authority to appoint legal guardians for veterans unable to make their own health care decisions, affecting around 700 veterans in VA facilities. This agreement, announced last week, aims to ensure appropriate care for veterans but has raised concerns about potential rights violations. VA officials emphasize that the process will include due process and court supervision to protect veterans' interests.

Two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers of the U.S. Navy survived a recent barrage of eight Houthi aerial systems, five anti-ship ballistic missiles, and three cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz, aided by F-35C aircraft. The engagement highlighted the high costs of missile defense, with each missile costing $2 million, while the threats posed by Iran's asymmetric warfare strategy continue to challenge U.S. naval operations.

Babcock International Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with S.A.F.E. to collaborate on international defense training opportunities. This partnership was announced at the Brussels European Defence Exhibition and Conference and aims to enhance training capabilities for NATO member nations, leveraging Babcock's international experience and S.A.F.E.'s regional expertise.

Rep. Rob Wittman discussed expectations for the fiscal 2027 budget and potential supplemental funding for military operations related to Iran at the McAleese & Associates conference. He indicated that the budget is expected to arrive in late April or early May, with ongoing discussions about its contents.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar are legitimate targets for strikes. This warning was issued on March 18, 2023, and local populations have been urged to evacuate the areas in preparation for potential attacks.

The U.S. Army is redesigning the M1E3 Abrams tank, aiming for a lighter, faster, and quieter vehicle suitable for modern warfare. The new design focuses on modularity and incorporates a hybrid powertrain to enhance survivability in drone-dominated environments. This tank is intended to support ground forces rather than lead assaults, reflecting a shift in military strategy.

Iranian Basij militia commander Soleimani was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on March 17. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed his assassination, highlighting the significant role of the Basij militia in combat against U.S. and Israeli forces. In response, Iran launched multiple missile and drone strikes targeting U.S. and Israeli assets in the region.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched the 62nd wave of the 'Real Commitment-4' operation on March 18, targeting U.S. military bases and Israeli military assembly points. The operation involved missile strikes using Qader, Khoramshahr, and Imad missiles, hitting locations including Acre, Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Beersheba.

Gulf states, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, successfully intercepted numerous Iranian drones and ballistic missiles on March 14, 2026, demonstrating the effectiveness of their air defense systems. Despite Iranian attacks on civilian infrastructure in Dubai and Fujairah, Gulf states maintained a defensive posture, avoiding escalation into direct conflict. The operational success of their defense systems has limited damage and casualties, reflecting a significant strategic development in the ongoing regional conflict.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted drone strikes on Iranian gas facilities in South Pars, Bushehr Province on March 18. The strikes targeted the largest gas facility in Iran, which processes 40% of the country's gas supply. This operation was reportedly coordinated with U.S. officials, according to Israeli sources.

Sisu Auto is ramping up production of SISU GTP vehicles to five per week, responding to strong demand from Finland and Sweden, which have ordered over 700 units. The company aims to deliver the next 200 vehicles by the end of the year and reach a total of 1000 vehicles by spring 2028. The vehicles are designed for high mobility and protection, with 74% domestic content, highlighting Finland's defense industry capabilities.

On 12 March 2023, the Netherlands signed a contract for three Damen Stan Patrol 5009 vessels to enhance the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard's capabilities. The new vessels will replace older models and are expected to be delivered by early 2029. Additionally, four Interceptors 1102 will be provided to support anti-smuggling operations and improve maritime surveillance.

NATO is deploying an additional Patriot missile defense system in southeastern Turkey to enhance airspace protection amid rising regional tensions. The system is being relocated from Germany's Ramstein Air Base to Adana, complementing an existing system from Spain. Previously, NATO forces intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran, which Iran has denied.

Ursa Major successfully demonstrated a hypersonic missile powered by its Draper storable liquid engine in the United States. The Air Force's Affordable Rapid Missile Demonstrator (ARMD) program achieved its first flight in under a year, showcasing the engine's capabilities for both endo- and exo-atmospheric flight. The initiative focuses on affordability and rapid development, with Ursa Major integrating the entire vehicle system for the first time.

On March 12, 2023, a fire broke out in the main laundry spaces of the USS Gerald R. Ford while operating in the Red Sea, displacing over 600 sailors. The ship is now en route to Crete for repairs, as its laundry facilities remain inoperable. Two sailors were treated for injuries, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has declared the carrier strike group a military target.

On March 13, 2026, U.S. military assets remained in the Philippines, with over 500 planned military activities for the year. The Typhon Mid-Range Capability launchers were permanently stationed, enhancing U.S. deterrence against China. The Mahatao base on Batan Island was assessed for improved maritime capabilities, while U.S. troop focus shifted due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Marcus ChenWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

The United Kingdom and Ukraine signed the Enhanced Security and Defence Industrial Collaboration Declaration in London on 17 March 2026, enhancing military cooperation. Concurrently, the UK updated its defense framework with Ireland to address subsea infrastructure protection and cyber threats. These agreements reflect a strategic shift in European security cooperation, particularly in response to Russian hybrid threats.

Alexandra ReevesWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

Milrem Robotics and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance defense cooperation between Estonia and Poland. The agreement focuses on developing advanced defense technologies, particularly unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and integrating autonomous systems into PGZ's vehicles. This collaboration aims to strengthen regional security capabilities and foster innovation in the defense sector.

EURENCO and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) announced an acceleration in their industrial cooperation during a visit by PGZ's Management Board to EURENCO's site in Bergerac, France, on March 18, 2026. They confirmed strategic milestones for a joint venture focused on producing 155mm artillery propellants and Bi-Modular Charge Systems (BMCS) in Poland. The project aims to replicate EURENCO's successful production model in Pionki by 2028, enhancing European autonomy in energetic materials.

BAE Systems is developing a new anti-drone system called BATS to eliminate hostile drones, with work starting in October 2025. The system is expected to be ready for testing in April 2026 and aims to protect key civilian and military infrastructure from drone threats. BATS will utilize smart software and electronic warfare to reduce reliance on costly missiles.