Analysis & Reports

Capt. Robert A. Lewis recorded his experiences as co-pilot of the B-29 Enola Gay during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945. His account details the moments leading up to and following the bombing, which resulted in the immediate deaths of approximately 70,000 people. The notebook, containing his reflections and sketches, is now for sale for $950,000, emphasizing its historical importance.

Julius Caesar conducted military campaigns in Gaul from 58 to 50 BCE, employing advanced tactics and engineering to defeat various Gallic tribes. His notable victories, including the Battle of Alesia, solidified Roman control over the region and facilitated the Romanization of Europe. These campaigns significantly impacted Roman politics, contributing to the rise of Caesar's dictatorship and the onset of the Roman Civil War.

Norwegian F-35A Lightning II fighters intercepted a Russian Il-20M reconnaissance aircraft near Finnmark, Norway, on March 10 and 11, 2026, during Exercise Cold Response. The aircraft was tracked without an active transponder, prompting the Royal Norwegian Air Force to respond under NATO's Quick Reaction Alert procedures. This incident highlights the ongoing surveillance activities by Russian forces in the region.

NATO is transforming its defense strategy, focusing on integrated air and missile defense plans in response to hybrid threats, particularly from Russia. Operation Eastern Sentry was activated due to Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, showcasing NATO's shift in military priorities. By 2035, Europe aims to take a leading role in its conventional defense, supported by increased defense spending and strategic initiatives from the EU. Discussions are ongoing about establishing a permanent NATO mission in Greenland.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

The United Arab Emirates is facing a disproportionate number of Iranian attacks, with 1,422 UAVs detected and 1,342 intercepted as of March 8, 2023. The UAE has shifted its information sharing regarding interception rates, now only reporting engaged munitions. The attacks have resulted in six fatalities, and the UAE's air defense systems, including THAAD and Patriot, are under significant strain due to the high volume of threats.

The Russian Navy's Amur-class submarines, including the Amur-1650 and Amur-950 variants, are advanced diesel-electric vessels designed for stealth and combat effectiveness. Equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) and advanced sonar systems, they can perform anti-submarine warfare and reconnaissance missions. These submarines are capable of carrying cruise missiles and heavyweight torpedoes, enhancing their role in coastal defense and sea denial operations.

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) formed a unified military force of 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers in Ouagadougou on February 25-26, 2026, to combat jihadist groups. This initiative comes amid the withdrawal of French and U.S. forces and aims to enhance military coordination among Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Concurrently, the CEDEAO announced plans for a joint anti-terrorist force of 260,000 soldiers, highlighting the escalating military response to regional terrorism.

Marie DuboisFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

Saab is consolidating its naval operations into a new business area called Naval, effective April 1, 2026. This reorganization aims to enhance efficiency and innovation in its offerings, with Mats Wicksell appointed as the head. The consolidation merges operations from the Kockums business area and the Naval Combat Systems unit, which will now operate under one organization.

U.S. forces conducted intense bombing operations against Iran, resulting in the wounding of Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. A KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq, killing all six service members aboard, raising the total U.S. casualties in the operation to at least 13. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. would escalate its bombing campaign further.

KNDS CBRN signed three orders for new CBRN detection and decontamination equipment from the French Defense Procurement Agency in Brussels on March 13, 2026. This includes the new TGM48 gas mask and two decontamination systems from the ESSENTIAL DECON range, which will enhance the capabilities of the French armed forces. The first deliveries are expected by early 2028.

KNDS CBRN signed three orders for new CBRN equipment from the French Defense Procurement Agency in Brussels on March 13, 2026. The orders include the TGM48 gas mask and two decontamination systems from the ESSENTIAL DECON range, with 21 L-01 systems set to be deployed by the French Army by 2028.

The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is on its final deployment, set for decommissioning in May 2026, which will reduce the U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier fleet to 10. The Navy faces a $1.8 billion maintenance backlog and an overtaxed operational tempo, leading to crew fatigue and technical issues. The fleet's size is at its smallest since WWI, complicating its ability to meet global demands, particularly against the Chinese Navy.

Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was killed in a shooting at Old Dominion University on Thursday, with two others wounded. The shooter, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, who had previously attempted to aid the Islamic State, was subdued and killed by ROTC students. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, and the firearm used had an obliterated serial number.

Six U.S. service members died when their KC-135 refueling tanker crashed in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury on Thursday. This incident raised the U.S. death toll in the ongoing conflict to 13, alongside numerous injuries. The crash was confirmed to be an accident, not caused by hostile actions. The U.S. Navy is considering escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz due to heightened risks.

Iranian forces attacked 16 tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf in March 2026, leading to a surge in oil prices over $100 per barrel. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) utilized suicide drone speed boats in these attacks, while U.S. leadership is advised to adopt long-term strategies to counter Iran's military threats. The Gulf Cooperation Council is also considering drone operations against the IRGC's naval capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force awarded two contracts to Boeing for the development of the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, totaling over $5 billion. This decision follows congressional directives to continue the program after previous attempts to cancel it. The contracts will support the transition to the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase, allowing for system design maturation and testing. The E-7 is also being utilized in current operations, including deployments to assist in missile detection.

IS-Sahel launched an unprecedented attack on Niamey International Airport on January 29, deploying 30 fighters equipped with armed drones and mortars. The assault targeted both civilian facilities and the military base, resulting in the elimination or capture of all attackers after two hours of combat. This operation highlighted the group's ability to strike key locations despite increased counter-terrorism efforts in the region.

Marie DuboisFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

All six airmen aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft were confirmed dead following a crash in Western Iraq on Thursday. The incident, which occurred during a combat mission, was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. An active search was underway for two additional airmen. This crash adds to the total of 13 U.S. servicemember deaths reported since the beginning of combat operations in the region.

The Russian Navy's Oscar II-class submarines are designed to target and destroy aircraft carriers, equipped with advanced missile systems including 24 P-700 Granit missiles. These submarines utilize nuclear propulsion for long-range operations and feature a double-hull design for enhanced survivability. Despite lacking stealth compared to newer classes, their firepower and capabilities make them a formidable threat to NATO naval forces.

A KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq on March 13, resulting in the deaths of all 6 personnel on board. The incident was confirmed by the U.S. Central Command.