Analysis & Reports

AVIC is expanding its aircraft production capacity to 300-400 units annually by 2026, with new facilities in Chengdu and Shenyang. This expansion includes the production of J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters, potentially making the PLA Air Force the largest modern fighter force by 2029. The developments indicate a significant shift in global air power dynamics as China prepares for potential military operations, including scenarios involving Taiwan.

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Iran employs its geographical terrain to enhance military strategy and control over the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps utilizes advanced systems like the Hunter-3G missile and drones to maintain maritime dominance. Despite losses, Iran effectively implements electronic warfare to disrupt shipping and project power asymmetrically.

On March 18, 2023, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched the 61st wave of Operation 'True Commitment-4', targeting over 100 military and security sites in Tel Aviv in retaliation for the assassination of Ali Larijani. The attack resulted in over 230 casualties, including Larijani and several officials. The missiles used included Bastion Destroyer, Imad, Khorramshahr-4, and Qader missiles, which struck without interference.

The People's Liberation Army has officially issued and activated the 'People's Liberation Army Reserve Personnel Certificate' to identify reserve personnel. This certificate features advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies and replaces the previous reserve officer certificate. Reserve personnel are required to carry this certificate during military training and operations.

Sun Wantong, a female special police officer in Hohhot, has trained extensively with 50,000 rounds of ammunition over 11 years. In September 2023, she successfully led a team to capture a suspect at a complex construction site. Sun is also a police training instructor, having trained over 10,000 officers in tactical operations and firearms.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched the 61st wave of Operation 'True Commitment-4' on March 18, 2023, in retaliation for the assassination of Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. This operation signifies a direct military response to perceived threats against Iranian leadership.

North Korea launched approximately 10 ballistic missiles from the Sunan area near Pyongyang towards the Sea of Japan on March 14, 2026. The missiles flew about 350 kilometers before landing outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. This launch coincided with U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises, marking North Korea's third missile test of the year.

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Iran launched a missile strike on Israel on March 18, 2023, resulting in two fatalities and damage to several buildings. The Israeli Defense Forces reported that air raid sirens were activated in multiple locations, including Jerusalem, as interceptors were deployed. Debris from the missiles struck a train station in Tel Aviv, causing further damage.

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was attacked multiple times on March 18, with a drone crashing near the facility. This incident highlights ongoing threats to U.S. diplomatic missions in Iraq.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on March 17 using multiple 5000-pound bunker busters against Iranian missile positions along the Strait of Hormuz. These strikes were aimed at mitigating threats posed by Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles to international shipping. President Trump has been urging European allies to join U.S. efforts in the region, but most NATO allies have indicated they will not participate in military actions against Iran.

French President Emmanuel Macron ordered the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to redeploy from the Baltic Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean on March 3, 2026, to protect allied assets from Iranian missile and drone attacks. The carrier, accompanied by the frigate Languedoc, aims to secure maritime routes near Cyprus amidst escalating tensions in the region. This deployment underscores France's reliance on its single aircraft carrier as it prepares for future naval capabilities with the upcoming PANG program.

Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) deployed Type-12 anti-ship missiles in Kumamoto, marking a significant shift towards offensive military capabilities. The upgraded missile system, featuring advanced radar and guidance technology, has a range of 1,000 kilometers, allowing it to target Chinese naval assets in the East China Sea. This deployment reflects Japan's strategic pivot in response to rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Eastern Theater Command Air Force conducted flight training exercises in Eastern China during early spring, involving multiple fighter jets. The exercises included simulated combat scenarios where Red and Blue forces engaged in tactical maneuvers. Ground support personnel ensured aircraft readiness for subsequent missions, while pilots analyzed and improved their tactics after the exercises.

The U.S. Air Force is evaluating the SR-72 hypersonic aircraft, designed to achieve Mach 6 speeds for reconnaissance and strike missions in the Indo-Pacific region by 2026. This aircraft aims to bypass advanced enemy air defenses, but concerns about its high development costs and engineering challenges persist. The SR-72 could potentially restore U.S. air dominance lost with the retirement of the SR-71.

The USS Ford aircraft carrier is temporarily docking at Souda Bay, Crete, for repairs following a fire that occurred during military operations against Iran. The fire, which lasted several hours, affected approximately 200 crew members, with one requiring evacuation. The carrier remains operational and is currently located in the Red Sea.

Napoleon Bonaparte's leadership flaws, characterized by an overreliance on his ego and a rejection of dissent, led to significant strategic failures in military operations. His implementation of the Continental System strained resources and his autocratic style diminished flexibility in command. The installation of family members in key positions resulted in rebellion and guerrilla warfare, further complicating French military efforts.

France is set to begin construction of the PANG nuclear aircraft carrier in Saint-Nazaire in 2026, with an expected service entry in 2038. This carrier will be the largest warship in Europe, featuring advanced technologies such as EMALS and AAG, and will be powered by two K22 nuclear reactors. The PANG is designed to support a diverse air wing, including next-generation combat aircraft, reinforcing France's military capabilities and strategic autonomy.

The U.S. Air Force is upgrading the B-52H Stratofortress with new Rolls-Royce F130 engines and advanced Raytheon AN/APQ-188 radar systems. These upgrades will restore the aircraft's nuclear capabilities and enhance its operational effectiveness. The B-52H has been a vital part of U.S. strategic bombing since its introduction in 1960, demonstrating its importance in maintaining regional stability and deterrence.

The Pentagon's acting chief financial officer announced that $153 billion has been allocated from the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, with a $1.5 trillion defense spending proposal for 2027 under consideration. The funding will focus on essential military needs and readiness, with discussions ongoing about a $50 billion supplemental for U.S. strikes on Iran. The DOGE entity is assisting in budget management to eliminate unnecessary expenditures.

An airstrike in Tehran on March 18 resulted in the deaths of Ali Larijani, secretary of the Iranian National Security Council, his son Morteza Larijani, and deputy Ali Reza Bayat. The Iranian National Security Council confirmed the casualties in an official statement.