Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army concluded the xTech|Edge Strike: Ground competition in Vilseck, Germany, on March 13, where three companies tested unmanned ground systems based on Polaris vehicles. The event evaluated technologies for military logistics, reconnaissance, and casualty evacuation, showcasing the integration of autonomy into tactical mobility platforms. The MRZR D4, RANGER XD 1500, and RZR XP 1000 were among the vehicles tested.

Heavy armored vehicle losses have underscored the necessity for active protection systems (APS) among NATO and other military forces. This need arises from the ongoing conflict dynamics, emphasizing the importance of enhancing vehicle survivability in combat situations.

USS Florida (SSGN-728) completed a historic 727-day deployment from 2022 to 2024, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's operational capabilities. The submarine, equipped with 154 Tomahawk missiles, utilized a dual-crew rotation system and nuclear propulsion to maintain a forward presence across multiple regions, including Guam, Greece, and Diego Garcia. This deployment underscores the strategic importance of sustained naval operations in global security.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Iran's defense industrial base is functionally defeated, with a 90% reduction in missile attacks and a 95% reduction in drone strikes. The U.S. Armed Forces are actively targeting Iranian military production facilities. Additionally, four aircrew members were confirmed dead following a KC-135 tanker crash in Iraq.

All six crew members of a U.S. KC-135 aerial tanker were confirmed dead following a crash in western Iraq on March 12, 2026, during Operation Epic Fury. The incident occurred in friendly airspace and was not the result of hostile or friendly fire. U.S. Central Command announced the fatalities, and the identities of the crew members will be withheld until next of kin are notified.

The Department of Defense is set to resume billing approximately 137,000 civilians for medical care received at military treatment facilities since June 21, 2023. This follows a pause to develop a new Military Health System Modified Payment and Waiver Program aimed at providing financial relief to those facing hardship. The program allows for sliding fee scales and payment plans, with applications evaluated based on federal poverty guidelines.

The U.S. military remains engaged in the Middle East while attempting to pivot to Asia, facing challenges due to domestic politics and ally vulnerabilities. The USS Nimitz is currently deployed in the Arabian Gulf for maritime security operations. The report emphasizes the influence of the evangelical community on U.S. policy towards Iran and warns of increasing strategic challenges from China, particularly regarding Taiwan.

Iran launched hundreds of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones over the last ten days, prompting the US to strike over 6,000 targets in Iran. The Pentagon reported a significant reduction in Iranian missile fire due to these strikes, but concerns about munitions sustainability and the need for congressional action on funding have arisen. The US military is ramping up production of various missile systems to meet future demands, particularly in light of potential conflicts with China.

The U.S. Navy is transitioning the design of America-class amphibious assault ships to restore the well deck, enhancing amphibious operations by 2026. This change addresses previous design criticisms that favored aviation capabilities over logistical support for heavy equipment. The USS Bougainville (LHA-8) will lead this transition, reflecting a balanced approach to modern expeditionary warfare.

The Dalian Maritime Safety Administration issued a navigation warning prohibiting access to the Bohai Strait and northern Yellow Sea due to military operations scheduled from March 15 at 16:00 to March 29 at 16:00.

The U.S. Navy's Blue Ridge-class command ships, USS Blue Ridge and USS Mount Whitney, serve as vital command-and-control platforms for fleet commanders in the Western Pacific and Mediterranean. These ships, equipped with advanced communications systems, are set to remain in service until 2039, reflecting their unique operational capabilities. They play a crucial role in directing large-scale naval operations, despite their age.

Six U.S. airmen were killed when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on March 12 during Operation Epic Fury. The crash occurred while the crew was on a combat mission, and it has been confirmed that it was not due to hostile or friendly fire. This incident is part of ongoing combat operations against Iran, marking the fourth U.S. aircraft loss this month.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on March 12, killing all six crew members aboard during combat operations. The crash occurred during Operation Epic Fury, and it has been confirmed that it was not the result of hostile or friendly fire. This incident is the fourth loss of a manned U.S. aircraft this month amid ongoing combat actions.

Four U.S. service members were killed when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on March 12, 2023, during combat operations. Two crew members remain unaccounted for, and the incident is under investigation. U.S. Central Command confirmed that the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, and it marks the fourth U.S. aircraft loss this month amid ongoing operations against Iran.

Four U.S. service members were killed when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on March 12, 2023, during combat operations. Two crew members remain unaccounted for, and the incident is under investigation. U.S. Central Command confirmed the crash was not due to hostile fire, and the military is treating the situation as an active rescue.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) established the 96th Division in June 2025 to enhance security in the Jordan Valley. This division coordinates responses to threats and oversees existing military units. The IDF is refurbishing old outposts and preparing for potential incidents, including drone smuggling and terrorist attacks. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Israel's military capabilities along its borders.

Iran launched a large-scale missile and drone assault on Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, since late February 2026. Gulf states demonstrated significant defensive capabilities, intercepting hundreds of missiles and drones. The conflict has revealed a profound military transformation in these nations, enabling them to sustain complex defense operations without immediate external intervention.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

The Daqing ship of the Chinese Navy's 48th Escort Task Force conducted live-fire exercises in the Gulf of Aden, responding to simulated pirate boat attacks. The crew executed rapid maneuvers and utilized both main and secondary guns to successfully engage targets. This operation aimed to enhance the ship's escort capabilities and readiness for real-world threats.

Leonardo S.p.A. has transformed its operations from 2022 to 2025, increasing its workforce and expanding its product portfolio across various domains. The company reported a 38% rise in orders and a significant increase in market capitalization, driven by strategic partnerships and a focus on cybersecurity and digitalization. The launch of the Michelangelo Dome in November 2025 marks a key development in their defense capabilities.

The People's Liberation Army Navy recently commissioned the Dongguan and Anqing 055 destroyers, bringing the total to ten. These ships conducted their first real combat training in the East China Sea, engaging in joint operations that included anti-surface strikes and maritime resupply. The Anqing acted as the command ship for coordinated exercises involving multiple destroyers.