Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military has extensively used Tomahawk cruise missiles in strikes against Iran during the ongoing conflict in 2026, leading to a critical shortage of these weapons. With an estimated pre-war stockpile of 4,000 missiles and production historically limited to 90 units annually, the U.S. faces significant challenges in replenishing its arsenal. RTX plans to increase production capacity to 1,000 missiles per year, but rebuilding the stockpile may take years due to complex supply chains and ongoing military demands.

U.S. President Trump stated that military operations against Iran are a 'short-term operation' conducted in collaboration with Israel. He emphasized that the U.S. aims to completely destroy Iran's drone and missile capabilities and will persist with military actions until the enemy is fully defeated.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers arrived at RAF Fairford from March 6 to 9, 2023, as part of intensified strike operations against Iran under Operation Epic Fury. The U.K. Ministry of Defence confirmed the base's use for defensive operations to prevent Iranian missile launches. B-1Bs have conducted airstrikes targeting missile sites deep inside Iran, with reports indicating nearly 200 targets hit.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers arrived at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, as part of intensified strike operations against Iran under Operation Epic Fury. The U.K. Ministry of Defence confirmed the base's use for defensive operations to prevent Iranian missile launches. B-1Bs have conducted airstrikes on missile sites in Iran, targeting nearly 200 locations in the first 72 hours of the operation. Additionally, three B-52H bombers joined the B-1Bs at Fairford.

The U.S. Navy is actively engaged in Operation Epic Fury against Iranian naval forces, achieving significant successes including the sinking of the IRGC drone carrier Shahid Bagheri and the frigate IRIS Dena. This operation marks the first U.S. submarine torpedo kill since World War II. The proposed Trump-class BBG(X) battleship is highlighted as a critical advancement in naval warfare capabilities.

Houthi rebels engaged U.S. Navy aircraft carriers in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden using loitering munitions and anti-ship missiles in 2024. The USS Harry S. Truman and USS Carl Vinson were deployed to counter these threats. The Houthis' asymmetric tactics created significant challenges for the Navy, raising concerns about future engagements. U.S. forces learned valuable lessons in naval warfare from these encounters.

The U.S. Navy faces a critical decision regarding the retirement of its four Ohio-class SSGNs, which carry a total of 616 Tomahawk missiles. Concerns over a potential strike capacity gap have led to a reversal of retirement plans for USS Ohio and USS Florida. The transition to Virginia-class submarines equipped with the Virginia Payload Module will not adequately replace the firepower until the 2030s, complicating U.S. deterrence efforts against adversaries like Iran.

NATO units intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile that entered Turkey's airspace on Monday. The missile was downed in Gaziantep province, with debris landing in empty fields and no reported damage or casualties. This interception marks the second such event since U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran on February 28. Turkey reiterated its resolve to protect its airspace and territory against threats.

NATO intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile that entered Turkey's airspace on Monday. The missile was downed by NATO units stationed in the eastern Mediterranean, with debris landing in empty fields in Gaziantep province. Turkey's defense ministry stated there were no damages or casualties and reiterated its commitment to defend its territory against threats.

Switzerland reduced its F-35 acquisition to 30 jets due to rising costs and confirmed plans to buy additional air defense systems. The Israeli Air Force achieved its first air-to-air kill with an F-35 over Tehran, while British F-35s shot down drones in Jordan. Canada is currently reviewing its F-35 purchase decision, considering alternatives like the Gripen.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy conducted an operation on March 9, using drones and cruise missiles to strike and destroy a U.S. military helicopter base in Kuwait. The attack targeted fuel tanks, helicopter ramps, and logistical support facilities, marking a significant retaliatory action following recent U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran.

On March 9, NATO air and missile defense systems intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran before it could reach Turkey. The missile was neutralized, with debris landing on unoccupied land in Gaziantep, resulting in no casualties. This incident highlights NATO's capability to track and engage missile threats in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Iran launched an unprecedented missile and drone campaign against Gulf Cooperation Council states in early March 2026, prompting extensive defensive engagements by the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The UAE neutralized 165 ballistic missiles and 541 drones, while Qatar reported a 97% interception rate of detected missiles. The attacks targeted both military and civilian infrastructure, raising concerns about the sustainability of Gulf air defense capabilities amid high consumption rates of interceptors.

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The Iranian military conducted drone strikes on September 9 against targets in Israel and a U.S. military base in Kuwait. The strikes hit a combat support unit in Israel and a radar station at the U.S. base, as well as U.S. assembly points and equipment warehouses in Kuwait.

The United Arab Emirates Armed Forces intercepted 1,342 Iranian kamikaze drones and other aerial threats, demonstrating their air defense capabilities. During the recent incident, 1,422 UAVs were detected, with 80 impacting land. Additionally, 8 cruise missiles and 221 ballistic missiles were intercepted, showcasing the UAE's readiness to counter aerial threats.

Between March 1 and March 4, 2026, Gulf Cooperation Council air defense systems engaged in a significant defense operation against Iranian missile and drone attacks, successfully intercepting a large number of threats. The UAE reported intercepting 161 ballistic missiles and 6 cruise missiles, while Qatar and Bahrain also confirmed substantial interceptions. This operation marks a pivotal moment in Gulf military history, showcasing the effectiveness of integrated air defense systems.

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Iran is currently engaged in a conflict with the United States and Israel, utilizing a strategy of mass missile and drone attacks. The conflict has been ongoing for six days as of March 9, 2023, with Iran reportedly possessing between 2500 and 6000 ballistic and cruise missiles. U.S. officials have warned that if the conflict continues, key military reserves may be depleted.

Iran may become a testing ground for new U.S. weapons as recent seismic activity near a secret base in Nevada raises concerns. The Pentagon confirmed the test launch of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, which is part of the U.S. nuclear triad. Military experts speculate that the seismic events could be linked to either nuclear tests or the testing of new non-nuclear weapons.

American defense firms showcased unmanned solutions, including Saildrone’s maritime drone and General Atomics’ aerial platform, at the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, just days before the Iran conflict began.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched the 30th round of Operation 'Real Commitment-4' on the night of the 8th, targeting U.S. military bases and northern Israel with Khoramshahr-4, Fateh, and Hezbollah Shekan missiles, as well as drones. This operation marks the first wave of missile attacks on Israel under the leadership of the new Supreme Leader Mujtaba Khamenei.