Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy is evaluating the extension of Ohio-class SSGNs' service life due to a projected firepower gap as they prepare for retirement starting in 2026. The Navy recognizes the critical need for long-range precision strike capabilities, particularly with the ongoing conflict in Iran. Each Ohio-class SSGN can carry 154 Tomahawk missiles, and the transition to Virginia-class submarines with enhanced capabilities is underway, but may not be sufficient in time.

On March 3, 2026, U.S. Air Force B-52 bombers targeted Iranian ballistic missile and command-and-control posts as part of Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28, 2026. The operation has seen U.S. forces strike 2,000 targets in Iran, demonstrating the flexibility and capability of the B-52 in a non-stealth environment. The Air Force Global Strike Command is also prepared to restore nuclear capabilities to the B-52 fleet.

The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on Tehran on March 8, targeting the command center and ammunition depot of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. The strikes aimed to disrupt Iranian military capabilities, including surveillance activities against Israel. The operation involved multiple military targets within Iran.

Iranian Armed Forces announced the destruction of four U.S. THAAD radar systems on March 8. The radar systems were reportedly targeted and destroyed in precision strikes within a 24-hour timeframe at locations including Rubaie, Ruwis, Khalji, and Azraq.

The U.S. Army National Guard initiated a procurement effort on March 7, 2026, to acquire small unmanned aerial systems for training and operational support at the Volunteer Training Site in Smyrna, Tennessee. The Tennessee Army National Guard is seeking three types of drones that comply with the Blue UAS security certification requirements, including models like the Neros Archer and FlightWave Edge 130. This effort aims to enhance reconnaissance and training capabilities without relying on larger platforms.

Ukraine is sending a group of military specialists to the Arabian Gulf on March 9 to share expertise in countering unmanned aerial vehicles. This deployment aims to provide technical knowledge on detecting and destroying drones, reflecting growing international interest in Ukraine's counter-drone capabilities. The initiative includes training on practical methods used by Ukrainian forces during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The U.S. Navy destroyed significant portions of the Iranian Navy, including the frigate IRIS Dena and the drone carrier Shahid Bagheri, through air and missile strikes in the Indian Ocean. This action was part of a broader strategy to neutralize Iranian naval capabilities, which rely heavily on shore-based missiles and small boats. The Strait of Hormuz continues to be a volatile chokepoint for maritime transport.

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure on February 28, 2023, achieving broad air superiority. Eight Israeli drones and three U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones were confirmed destroyed, along with three F-15E Strike Eagles in a friendly-fire incident over Kuwait. Despite these losses, Iranian air defenses remain partially operational, indicating that the campaign has not fully neutralized their capabilities.

Iran launched a massive retaliatory campaign against Gulf states in March 2026, targeting the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and others with ballistic missiles and drones. The UAE intercepted 161 missiles but faced significant damage from 35 drones. This unprecedented assault has exposed vulnerabilities in Gulf air defenses and raised questions about the effectiveness of US military support. Gulf states are now reassessing their defense strategies and military relationships in light of these developments.

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Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced its capability to sustain high-intensity warfare for at least six months. The IRGC has equipped itself with various advanced weaponry, including heavy and long-range missiles, and plans to implement new attack strategies in the coming days.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted drone and ballistic missile strikes against a U.S. military helicopter base in Kuwait on March 8, causing significant damage to the facility.

Iran launched over 2,000 drones against Gulf states, significantly challenging their air defenses. On March 5, Iranian drones struck residential buildings in Manama, Bahrain, causing damage despite existing defenses. The UAE intercepted 541 drones and 165 missiles, while Kuwait engaged 283 drones. International military support is being mobilized, including Stinger missiles from Italy and fighter jets from the UK.

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Iran's drone attacks have compelled the U.S. and its allies to deploy costly interceptors, revealing a drone consumption trap. This situation mirrors Ukraine's experience with Russian drones, where low-cost systems challenge expensive defense measures. The U.S. is adapting its military strategy to address these threats, emphasizing the need for affordable defense solutions against drone warfare.

Iran has deployed thousands of Shahed-136 drones in the Persian Gulf for retaliatory actions against the US and its allies. These drones, known as 'poor man's cruise missiles', are cost-effective and designed to overwhelm enemy air defenses. Analysts note that Iran's strategy involves using these drones to exhaust costly interception resources, while retaining more advanced missile capabilities for future operations.

Ukrainian President Zelensky announced on March 5, 2023, that Ukraine will assist the U.S. in countering Iranian drone attacks in the Middle East. This cooperation is based on Ukraine's extensive experience in counter-drone operations. Zelensky also suggested that Gulf leaders should persuade Russia to declare a ceasefire in exchange for military support, while negotiations are underway for the procurement of intercept drones from Ukraine.

The Israel Defense Forces detected missiles launched from Iran towards Israel and activated alarms in multiple locations on October 8, 2023, early morning. This incident follows a previous detection of missile launches and interceptions by the IDF earlier that day.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has conducted missile strikes and drone operations against over 200 sensitive U.S. and Israeli targets in the Middle East over the past week. This includes the destruction of seven advanced radar systems, notably the FPS-132 at Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which is vital for U.S. air defense and monitoring capabilities. The actions have severely degraded U.S. operational capabilities in the region.

On March 7, Qatar intercepted 6 ballistic missiles and 2 cruise missiles during an attack involving 10 ballistic missiles and 2 cruise missiles. The missiles landed in Qatar's territorial waters and open areas, but no casualties were reported. The incident was confirmed by the Qatar Defense Ministry.

Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Larijani, stated that the country's missile reserves are adequate and ready for combat, refuting claims of their destruction. He emphasized that ongoing missile attacks on the U.S. and Israel demonstrate this capability. Larijani warned that both nations would face severe consequences for any actions against Iran's leadership.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted military operations on the evening of the 7th, launching drone and missile strikes against U.S. and Israeli military targets. The IRGC reported shooting down 13 drones and attacking a U.S.-flagged oil tanker in the Persian Gulf. Additionally, missiles were fired at the Haifa oil refinery in response to prior attacks on Iranian facilities. Israeli forces retaliated with airstrikes on military targets in Tehran.