Analysis & Reports

USS Nimitz will remain in service until 2027 due to the ongoing war in Iran, which has strained the U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier fleet. USS Gerald R. Ford is currently deployed in the Red Sea for over ten months, while USS Abraham Lincoln operates in the Gulf of Oman. An international coalition is being formed to escort commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with the U.S. Navy playing a key role in these operations.

The USS Ford's deployment is likely extended until May 2023, following a fire incident on March 12 that affected over 600 crew members. Two personnel were treated for injuries, and many suffered from smoke inhalation. Currently in its 10th month of deployment, the USS Ford may set a record for the longest single deployment since the Vietnam War if it remains at sea past mid-April.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was killed in an Israeli military strike on March 17 in Jerusalem, Israel.

The U.S. Navy has extended the service lives of the USS Ohio and USS Florida to maintain undersea strike capabilities amid delays in the Columbia-class submarine program. The USS Georgia successfully launched over two dozen Tomahawk missiles at Iranian nuclear sites during Operation Midnight Hammer, demonstrating the effectiveness of Ohio-class submarines. This extension aims to prevent a capability gap while the Navy evaluates the future roles of these submarines.

The U.S. Navy is retiring Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Ohio-class SSGNs, significantly reducing missile launch capacity in the Pacific Ocean. Each Ticonderoga-class cruiser has 122 VLS cells, while the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer has only 96. This retirement creates a long-range strike gap at a critical time for U.S. military operations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where missile capabilities are essential for deterrence against China.

A Russian analysis compares the cost of heavy FPV drones to various armored vehicles, revealing that a BTR-82A can be exchanged for 300 drones, while a T-90M can be traded for 3,200 drones. This highlights the increasing significance of low-cost unmanned systems in modern warfare. The report suggests that traditional armored vehicles are becoming less effective in mechanized assaults.

Elbit Systems of America secured a contract to deliver Head-Up Displays (HUDs) for the Army’s Air Soldier System. This contract indicates a commitment to enhancing the Army's capabilities with new technology. The specific details regarding the contract's value or timeline were not disclosed.

Swedish pilots and officers are conducting an air policing mission in Iceland, utilizing fighter jets. The mission is part of NATO operations, highlighting Sweden's involvement in regional security efforts.

The United States Marine Corps announced that Marines can now complete handgun qualifications using M17 Romeo red dot optics, provided they are issued by their unit. This policy change is part of a broader initiative to enhance marksmanship training and combat effectiveness. Additionally, select Marines may qualify with Glock pistols instead of the standard M17 or M18 handguns.

Rheinmetall conducted a live-fire demonstration of its 120mm Ragnarok mortar system and Mortar Mission Module in Rena, Norway, showcasing the system's capabilities under Arctic conditions. The event highlighted the system's high target accuracy and rapid response capability, emphasizing its 'shoot-and-scoot' feature to reduce vulnerability. Military and industry representatives from Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, and Germany attended the demonstration, which aimed to validate the system's reliability for northern European forces.

Speculation surrounds a potential coup against President Vladimir Putin as military failures and corruption scandals emerge. Former Defense Minister Ruslan Tsalikov faces serious fraud charges, contributing to a climate of distrust. Recent internet blackouts in Moscow and censorship of Telegram suggest heightened fears within the regime. Analysts express concern over the deteriorating capabilities of the Russian military, indicating a possible crisis ahead.

Ukrainian long-range drones now threaten the Ural region of Russia, according to Sergei Shoigu. He stated that the effectiveness of these drones has changed the security environment, with the Ural region, previously considered safe, now in the zone of immediate threat. This area is vital for Russia's defense and economic infrastructure, prompting a reassessment of air defense strategies.

At least 200 U.S. service members were wounded during Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28, 2023. The majority of the wounded have returned to duty, but 10 have serious injuries. Combat operations continue in the Middle East, with U.S. forces engaged in strikes and Iran retaliating against U.S. bases in multiple countries. Thirteen American service members have died since the conflict began, with ongoing investigations into the causes of these casualties.

Diehl Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ripo Remonta Centrs to establish a service hub in Latvia for the maintenance and repair of ground-based air defense systems. This hub will support customers in Latvia and Estonia, who utilize the IRIS-T SLM system, and will enhance logistical capabilities for the German Armed Forces brigade being deployed in Lithuania.

Pegasus Arms is collaborating with Rohde & Schwarz to develop new airborne reconnaissance and electronic support systems for military drones in Ukraine. This partnership aims to enhance the capabilities of over 1,500 heavy drones currently deployed, allowing them to perform reconnaissance tasks and improve situational awareness. The integration of advanced technologies is expected to expand the operational role of these drones beyond logistics and strike missions.

Ireland's government pledged to increase defense spending to €1.5 billion by 2028, enhancing the Irish Air Corps' capabilities. The Air Corps is expanding into a fully-fledged Air Force by 2027, focusing on air surveillance and training new pilots. Recent acquisitions include Airbus C295 aircraft and H145M helicopters, while challenges in personnel retention are being addressed.

Iranian forces launched a massive campaign of drone and missile strikes against Gulf Cooperation Council states from February 28 to March 15, 2026, resulting in over 2,000 projectiles intercepted by Gulf air defense systems. The UAE engaged 165 ballistic missiles, 2 cruise missiles, and 541 drones in the first 24 hours, achieving an intercept rate exceeding 93 percent. This conflict has prompted significant military spending and a shift in regional security dynamics among GCC members, who are now more openly coordinating their defense efforts.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets in 2026, utilizing AGM-158 JASSM-ER standoff missiles to strike from over 1,000 kilometers away. This strategy allows the bombers to avoid Iranian air defenses while delivering precision strikes on ballistic missile facilities and command-and-control nodes.

The U.S. Navy sent the dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) to sea trials from Naval Station Norfolk, marking its first time underway since 2014. The trials aim to verify the ship's upgraded systems and combat readiness following a multi-year modernization program. The vessel's certification for operational deployment will depend on the successful completion of these tests.

The US military redirected critical assets from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East due to the ongoing war with Iran, withdrawing THAAD interceptors from South Korea and depleting munitions stockpiles. Approximately 140 US service members were wounded, and 6 were killed in action. This shift has raised concerns among US allies in the Indo-Pacific about America's commitment to regional security, as the Pentagon executes around 1,000 strikes daily.

Marcus ChenTue Mar 17 2026Loading...