Analysis & Reports

On March 15, 2023, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a coordinated attack using solid-fuel ballistic missiles and drones against U.S. and allied forces in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. This operation exposed vulnerabilities in U.S. missile defense systems, which struggled to effectively intercept the incoming threats. Iran claimed to have successfully targeted key U.S. missile defense installations, significantly impacting U.S. early warning capabilities.

Lockheed Martin conducted the first flight test of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 2 in Washington, successfully demonstrating its capability to target moving maritime threats. The missile, launched from a HIMARS system, has a range of 500 km and is currently in the technology-maturation phase. Additional flight tests are planned for later this year as the program progresses towards operational capability.

An Iranian missile strike damaged five U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The aircraft were on the ground during the attack but were not destroyed. Repairs are underway, and the aircraft are expected to return to service soon. No U.S. personnel were killed in the incident, which has drawn conflicting reports from officials and President Trump.

An Iranian missile strike damaged five U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The aircraft were on the ground during the attack but were not destroyed. Repairs are underway, and the aircraft are expected to return to service soon. No U.S. personnel were killed in the incident, although President Trump contested the reported damage.

The U.S. Army plans to establish a research and manufacturing center at Blue Grass Army Depot, Kentucky, to enhance the production of explosives, specifically RDX and HMX. The facility is expected to be completed before 2031 and may adopt either an integrated or distributed model. This initiative is driven by the urgent need to supply explosives to U.S. allies amid ongoing global conflicts.

OCCAR awarded a £53m contract to Artec for the production of 37 RCH 155 artillery systems for the British Army. This contract represents a significant investment in new military equipment. The total value of the contract is approximately $70m.

France has initiated joint nuclear deterrence negotiations with eight European countries, including Estonia, Romania, and Poland. Russia has warned that nations deploying French nuclear warheads could become targets and emphasized the risks of nuclear proliferation. Sweden and Norway have expressed a willingness to collaborate with France while maintaining their current nuclear policies. In response, Russia plans to bolster its military presence in the Black Sea region.

The US Army has entered into a contract with Anduril, valued at up to $20 billion, for technology procurement over the next decade.

The U.S. Navy redirected the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group from the South China Sea to the Middle East as military operations against Iran intensified. On March 10, 2023, the U.S. conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, utilizing B-2 stealth bombers. The financial cost of the operations has surpassed $11.3 billion within the first week, highlighting the logistical challenges of sustaining military efforts far from established bases.

Marcus ChenMon Mar 16 2026Loading...

Norwegian elite soldiers utilize quinzhees for concealment from drones while conducting surveillance missions in Setermoen, Norway. They are experimenting with various winterized surveillance drones, including the American-made Skydio. The Norwegian Army is actively involved in NATO's Cold Response 2026 exercise, highlighting the importance of drones in Arctic warfare. Recent trials confirmed the effectiveness of the Mobile Camouflage System in reducing detectability.

Norwegian elite soldiers utilize quinzhees for concealment from drones in Setermoen, Norway, while training with U.K. Royal Marines and Canadian Special Operations Forces. They are experimenting with winterized surveillance drones to enhance operational capabilities. Drones are integral to NATO's Cold Response 2026 exercise, highlighting their importance in Arctic warfare.

NATO is overhauling its integrated air and missile defense planning in response to evolving threats, with a new plan set for completion by summer 2026. The initiative follows lessons from the Ukraine conflict and recent drone incursions into Poland. NATO successfully engaged Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at Turkey, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrated air defense systems. The Cold Response 2026 exercise involved 25,000 troops from 14 countries, highlighting ongoing military readiness and cooperation.

Alexandra ReevesMon Mar 16 2026Loading...

Six U.S. service members were killed in a military aircraft crash in Iraq last week while supporting operations against Iran. The crash involved a KC-135 refueling plane and is currently under investigation by U.S. Central Command. Among the deceased was Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, who had nearly 900 combat flight hours. The incident highlights the risks faced by military personnel during operations in the region.

President Trump demanded that approximately seven countries send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to ensure its security amid rising oil prices due to the Iran war. He emphasized that these countries should protect their own territory, as the U.S. has minimal reliance on oil from the strait. Iran's Foreign Minister stated that Tehran has been approached by several countries regarding safe passage for vessels, while discussions continue among nations about coalition efforts to secure the waterway.

Baykar unveiled the K2 Kamikaze UAV, which successfully completed swarm autonomy tests with five UAVs over the Gulf of Saros. The new drone features advanced AI capabilities and is part of Baykar's strategy for cost-effective defense solutions. This development comes amid increasing demand for loitering munitions in military conflicts.

President Trump demanded that approximately seven countries send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to ensure its security amid rising oil prices. He indicated that these countries should protect their own territory, as the U.S. has minimal reliance on oil from the strait. Iran's Foreign Minister noted that Tehran has been approached by various nations regarding safe passage for vessels. Discussions with countries like China and Britain are ongoing, but no commitments have been made yet.

European nations are undergoing a significant transformation in defense policy, marked by a joint declaration on nuclear deterrence by President Macron and Chancellor Merz in March 2026. NATO has raised its defense spending target to 5% of GDP by 2035, reflecting a shift towards greater European strategic autonomy. Germany plans to invest over 500 billion euros in defense from 2025 to 2029, while the European Council approved a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine's military and civilian needs.

Dr. Klaus WeberMon Mar 16 2026Loading...

In February 2026, ECOWAS announced the deployment of 2,000 soldiers to combat escalating jihadist violence in the Sahel, while the Sahel Alliance, comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has 6,000 troops. IS-Sahel attacked Niamey's airport, exposing security weaknesses, and JNIM has conducted over 500 attacks in Burkina Faso, controlling significant territory. The U.S. has intensified its military support in the region.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 16 2026Loading...

David Goggins reenlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 51 and is currently undergoing special operations training with the Special Warfare Training Wing. His return to active duty has generated discussion within veteran communities, particularly regarding his attempt to become a pararescueman after previously dropping out of training. Goggins is recognized for his unique fitness challenges and motivational speaking career.

Japan is reviewing its defense budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which exceeds 9 trillion yen, and is considering acquiring Ukrainian-made drones to strengthen its defense capabilities. The country plans to enhance military cooperation with the U.S. by expanding information sharing and collaborating on missile production, including the Patriot 3 system. Concerns have been raised domestically regarding the implications of Japan's military expansion on regional peace.