Analysis & Reports

A missile strike by the U.S. military on an elementary school in Minab, Iran, on February 28, 2025, resulted in over 165 civilian deaths, primarily children, and nearly 100 injuries. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding civilian protection protocols, which were dismantled under the Trump administration. Human rights experts are calling for an investigation into potential violations of international law following the attack.

In mid-March 2026, the U.S. military deployed the amphibious assault ship Tripoli and over 2000 Marines from Sasebo, Japan, to the Middle East in response to escalating tensions with Iran. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is involved in this deployment, which raises security concerns for U.S. allies in Northeast Asia, particularly regarding missile defense systems being relocated from South Korea. Additionally, North Korea is reportedly increasing military cooperation with Russia.

Tanaka TakashiTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

The Lebanese government reported that the number of registered displaced persons in Lebanon has exceeded 1 million due to renewed conflict with Israel. This situation has arisen following a new round of clashes with Hezbollah.

Ukraine is deploying M-ACE systems to counter drone threats on the battlefield, utilizing 10,000 unsold Tesla Cybertrucks for enhanced operational capabilities. The U.S. has developed a cost-effective solution with 30mm chain guns mounted on these vehicles, which can operate remotely, providing safety from enemy fire. This adaptation aims to improve Ukraine's defense against drone attacks and enhance battlefield flexibility.

Ukraine is deploying M-ACE systems to counter drone threats on the battlefield. The U.S. has developed a solution involving 30mm chain guns mounted on civilian vehicles, including the Tesla Cybertruck, which could enhance operational safety and effectiveness. With over 10,000 unsold Cybertrucks available, they could be rapidly delivered to Ukraine, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional unmanned ground vehicles.

The U.S. Navy has frozen the decommissioning of the USS Nimitz to ensure operational readiness amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. This decision comes as the Navy faces resource shortages and must maintain a fleet of 11 aircraft carriers. The USS George H.W. Bush is being deployed to the CENTCOM area of responsibility to support U.S. operations against Iranian threats.

Seventeen nations, including Egypt, Turkey, and Taiwan, continue to rely on the M60 Patton main battle tank, particularly the M60A3 variant, which remains a strategic asset into 2026. The U.S. Marine Corps utilized the M60A3 effectively during Operation Desert Storm, achieving a significant kill ratio against enemy forces. Despite its retirement from U.S. service in 1997, the M60's legacy endures with various foreign military forces.

Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal died in a Dallas hospital after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for alleged fraud and theft. His family stated he was healthy before his detention, raising questions about his treatment in custody. U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson criticized ICE for its handling of Paktyawal's case, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding deaths in custody.

China is preparing to exploit the strategic vacuum created by U.S. military actions in Iran, potentially targeting Taiwan and Japan. The U.S. Navy is avoiding engagement in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to concerns about its operational capacity. Chinese forces have amassed around Taiwan, indicating a possible blockade or invasion strategy. Beijing is learning from the Iranian conflict to enhance its military readiness in the Indo-Pacific.

The Dongguan Ship, a 055-class destroyer, conducted its first real combat training in the East China Sea earlier this month. The exercises included anti-surface attacks, air defense, and anti-submarine operations. This event marks a significant milestone as the 055-class destroyer family has now expanded to ten ships, enhancing China's naval capabilities.

The Yanan Ship, a 055-class destroyer of the Chinese Navy, successfully drove away an external ship that attempted to scout the Shandong aircraft carrier formation. This action underscores the crew's readiness and the effectiveness of their training in defending national maritime interests.

Chinese scientists at the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre (CARDC) simulated the flight characteristics of the B-21 Raider, identifying potential aerodynamic weaknesses. This study utilized the PADJ-X digital modeling platform and reflects a growing trend in military aerospace design. The B-21 Raider is a critical component of U.S. military strategy, intended to replace older bombers, while China is concurrently developing its own stealth bomber, the Xi’an H-20.

On March 16, leaders from Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and Canada called for de-escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. They urged both parties to engage in meaningful dialogue to find a sustainable political solution and warned of severe humanitarian consequences if Israel undertakes a large-scale ground offensive. The leaders also stressed the importance of adhering to UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

The Chinese 24th Peacekeeping Force assisted Indonesian forces in Lebanon by detecting unexploded ordnance along patrol routes. This operation was completed in two and a half days, ensuring safety in the area amid ongoing tensions. The mission involved clearing a distance of over 4500 meters to establish safe patrol routes for Indonesian peacekeepers.

Defense analyst Isaac Seitz evaluated General George S. Patton's military legacy, highlighting his contributions to armored warfare and the integration of military tactics. Patton's early struggles with dyslexia forged his discipline, which he applied during World War II to lead successful campaigns in Europe. His experiences in World War I and athletic background shaped his strategic thinking and operational style.

U.S. forces destroyed Iranian naval mines and minelayers in the Strait of Hormuz and Kharg Island last week. The U.S. Navy is preparing to counter potential mine threats with its current assets, including four Avenger-class minesweepers and three Independence-class littoral combat ships. The U.S. Central Command reported the destruction of storage bunkers for naval mines and is increasing its naval presence in the region.

U.S. forces destroyed 16 Iranian minelayers and storage bunkers for naval mines in Kharg Island last week. The U.S. Navy is preparing to counter Iranian naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, deploying Avenger-class minesweepers and Independence-class littoral combat ships equipped with mine countermeasures. The USS Canberra, USS Santa Barbara, and USS Tulsa are currently in the region, with the USS Canberra operating in the Indian Ocean.

On March 5, 2026, Dominion Dynamics announced a $50 million investment to develop the Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP), an uncrewed aircraft designed to operate alongside the Royal Canadian Air Force's F-35 and Gripen jets. This initiative aims to enhance surveillance, electronic warfare, and strike capabilities while reducing risks to human pilots. Canada has already committed to purchasing 30 F-35A airframes, with the first deliveries expected soon at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes on military facilities in Kabul and Nangarhar Province on March 16, 2023. The strikes targeted technical equipment and ammunition depots, with the Pakistan Armed Forces emphasizing precision to avoid collateral damage. This action follows recent border clashes and escalates tensions between the two nations.

The U.S. military reported that approximately 200 troops have been wounded in the ongoing conflict against Iran as of March 16, 2023. Most injuries are minor, with 180 troops returning to duty, while 10 injuries are serious. The conflict has resulted in 13 U.S. troop fatalities since it began on February 28, with injuries occurring in several countries including Kuwait and Iraq. The U.S. has also targeted over 7,000 sites in Iran during the conflict.