Analysis & Reports

Six U.S. Air Force service members were killed in a KC-135 crash in Iraq on March 12 during combat operations against Iran. The deceased included members from the 6th Air Refueling Wing and the 121st Air Refueling Wing. This incident marks the fourth U.S. aircraft loss this month amid ongoing operations, with a total of 13 service members killed in combat actions during Operation Epic Fury.

Iranian Armed Forces stated that an 'enemy' has replicated its Shahed-136 drones to conduct attacks on innocent targets in Turkey, Kuwait, and Iraq, aiming to frame Iran and create disputes with its neighbors. The Iranian military emphasized that it only targets U.S. and Israeli-related objectives and will officially claim responsibility for any such actions.

North Korea launched over 10 ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan on March 14, 2026, prompting Japan to restructure its Maritime Self-Defense Force, with a new 'Fleet Surface Force' set to be established on March 23. Japan plans to deploy medium-range surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island by March 2026, enhancing its defense capabilities amid rising tensions in the region. Concurrently, Japan and South Korea are deepening defense cooperation, including joint naval exercises.

Tanaka TakashiSun Mar 15 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy has extended the service life of the Nimitz aircraft carrier until March 2027, delaying its retirement from May 2026. This decision is made in the context of ongoing tensions with Iran, and the Nimitz recently completed a 9-month deployment, including operations in the Hormuz Strait.

The USS Blue Ridge and USS Mount Whitney, the U.S. Navy's amphibious command ships, are actively engaged in naval operations and diplomatic missions in the Black Sea, Italy, and Japan. They are set to achieve operational milestones in Libya and New Zealand by 2025. Both ships play critical roles as flagships for their respective fleets and have been extended in service until 2039 due to their advanced command and control capabilities.

In mid-March, the Chinese and Vietnamese Armed Forces will conduct the 10th border defense friendly exchange event in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Quang Ninh Province, and the Beibu Gulf. Activities will include joint naval patrols, training, medical services, cultural events, and wreath-laying at memorials, aimed at strengthening military cooperation and trust between the two nations.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces deployed 18 Leopard 2 tanks in 2023 to combat Russian forces in Ukraine. Despite being touted as one of the most effective tanks, the Leopard 2 has faced a 20% loss rate due to vulnerabilities to drone strikes and operational challenges. The complexity of the tank requires extensive training, contributing to its underperformance in the ongoing conflict.

Iran launched the 51st wave of attacks against U.S. military aircraft bases in Ha'il, Saudi Arabia, on the night of the 14th. The U.S. and allied nations are preparing to send warships to escort through the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia intercepted six ballistic missiles aimed at its territory. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant damage to civilian infrastructure in Iran due to U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, while Hezbollah engaged in direct clashes with Israeli forces near the border.

The U.S. Navy is decommissioning early models of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) due to significant mechanical issues and combat ineffectiveness. The program, which cost $22 billion, has been criticized for failing to meet operational requirements, leading to a reliance on the delayed Constellation-class frigate. The Navy has also canceled the Anti-Submarine Warfare module, further highlighting the program's shortcomings.

The U.S. Navy conducted live-fire testing of an electromagnetic railgun prototype at White Sands Missile Range in February 2025. This testing supports the development of hypersonic weapons, marking a revival of the railgun program that was shelved in 2021 due to technical issues. The railgun is now being utilized as a research tool for hypersonic materials and sensors.

The 075-class amphibious assault ship conducted a joint multi-service amphibious landing operation training off the coast of Anhui, China. The exercise involved numerous amphibious armored vehicles and Z-8 transport helicopters, focusing on rapid troop deployment and coordination among various military units. This operation highlights the capabilities of the Chinese Navy in executing complex amphibious assaults.

The Hainan amphibious assault ship group conducted a joint amphibious landing exercise involving multiple military branches, including the Air Force, Navy, Army, and Rocket Force. This exercise, held under simulated enemy threat conditions, focused on enhancing coordination and rapid deployment of troops and equipment. The 075 amphibious assault ship was central to the operation, demonstrating the military's capability to execute complex joint operations.

The Chinese Air Force is conducting multi-type flight training, showcasing various aircraft in an immersive training environment. This activity emphasizes the operational readiness and capabilities of the air force.

A United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) camp near Maysalun was attacked on the evening of the 13th, likely by machine gun fire, resulting in one peacekeeper being injured while seeking shelter. An investigation into the incident has been initiated, with a focus on ensuring the safety of peacekeeping personnel.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched an airstrike against a U.S. military aircraft base in Ha'il, Saudi Arabia, on March 14. The attack involved six ballistic missiles, all of which were intercepted and destroyed by Saudi defense forces. This operation is part of the ongoing military actions by Iran in the region.

Hezbollah fighters engaged in direct fire with Israeli forces near Shebaa, Lebanon, starting at 21:20 on March 14. The engagement involves the use of light and medium weapons, along with rocket-propelled grenades. Fighting is still ongoing.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the 50th wave of the 'Real Commitment-4' operation on March 14, attacking U.S. military bases in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan using suicide and precision drones. Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif called for neighboring countries to expel U.S. forces, criticizing U.S. security measures as ineffective.

On March 14, 2023, Russian air defense forces shot down 65 Ukrainian drones over Moscow. This incident is part of a larger operation where a total of 280 drones were intercepted across various locations in Russia. The attack represents one of the most significant drone assaults on the capital this year.

North Korean long-range artillery units conducted fire strike training on March 14, involving 12 600mm super precision multiple rocket launchers and two artillery battalions. The artillery successfully struck targets 364.4 kilometers away in the East Sea of Korea. Kim Jong-un observed the exercise, asserting that strong military capabilities are essential for achieving lasting peace.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18E fighter jet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87 is currently engaged in combat operations against Iran, launching from the USS Gerald R. Ford as part of Operation Epic Fury. This aircraft previously achieved the first U.S. air-to-air kill in the 21st century. The U.S. military is employing a range of air power in the region, targeting Iranian assets.