Today's Defense Pulse
U.S. Treasury expands sanctions on Iran-linked shipping network
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control announced a new sanctions round targeting a global network of shipping firms, tanker operators and intermediaries tied to Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical trades. Entities in Hong Kong, the UAE, India, Qatar, Singapore, China, Liberia and the Marshall Islands were added to the Specially Designated Nationals list.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Disciplined Growth Acquisition Corp raises $150M in IPO
The US and Cuba Are Talking
Mexico's president helped broker the first confirmed talks between the United States and Cuba, with Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel confirming a dialogue aimed at resolving long‑standing bilateral differences. The discussions are in an early phase and follow reports that the Trump administration is preparing an economic package that could relax travel restrictions and ease some sanctions. Cuba has gone three months without fuel imports, adding urgency to the negotiations. Analysts note the talks echo Trump’s hard‑line diplomacy in Venezuela, but immediate market effects appear muted.
US War Prep Undermines Oil, Helium, and Alliances
Okay good, let's say the WH planned for Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz following the attack. 1. The U.S. sold off its helium reserve before waging a war that they knew would disrupt helium exports to allies, which make...
U.S. Army Tests Polaris Autonomous Ground Vehicles in Germany
The U.S. Army’s xTech|Edge Strike: Ground competition in Germany showcased autonomous variants of Polaris’s MRZR D4, RANGER XD 1500 and RZR XP 1000, integrated by Dataspeed, Forterra and Overland AI. The demonstrations focused on logistics, reconnaissance and casualty‑evacuation missions, proving that commercial off‑road platforms can be...
The Ukraine War and the Need for Active Protection Systems
The Ukraine‑Russia conflict has exposed the vulnerability of modern armored vehicles to ATGMs and one‑way effectors, prompting a surge in demand for active protection systems (APS). Hard‑kill solutions, especially Israel’s Trophy, dominate the market, while competitors like Iron Fist and emerging...
Goldman’s Shifting Forecasts Reveal War to Reopen Hormuz
Looking at Goldman Sachs Research gives a good timeline for thinking about the Strait of Hormuz * March 4, Hormuz flows would recover in 5 days. * March 9, they pushed that to 10 days * March 11, they extended it again...
Who Is MuddyWater?
MuddyWater is an Iranian state‑linked cyber‑espionage group active since at least 2017, targeting governments, energy, telecom and defense sectors worldwide. Recent campaigns, especially Operation Olalampo (2025‑2026), show a shift toward hybrid operations that combine intelligence gathering with disruptive tactics, employing...
AF Week in Photos
U.S. Air Force showcased a week of diverse operations, from F‑35A combat missions in the Middle East supporting Operation Epic Fury to Arctic F‑22 sorties defending North American airspace. Joint exercises highlighted B‑2, Navy F‑35C and F/A‑18E maritime strikes, while...
Daimler Truck 'Well Positioned for Defense Growth,' CFO Says
Daimler Truck Holding AG announced its strategy to capitalize on rising European defense spending, aiming to double its defense segment by 2030. CFO Eva Scherer highlighted the company's capability to quickly scale production, leveraging its experience managing cyclical markets. The...
Pentagon: Iran's Missiles, Not Mines, Pose Main Threat to Hormuz Shipping
The Pentagon has concluded that Iran’s missile arsenal, rather than naval mines, represents the chief danger to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts note that Iran’s short‑ and medium‑range ballistic missiles can reach vessels transiting the narrow waterway,...
Six Confirmed Deceased in Loss of U.S. KC-135 Over Iraq
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft crashed over western Iraq on March 12, 2026, killing all six crew members. The loss occurred during Operation Epic Fury and was confirmed not to be the result of hostile or friendly fire. The...
Rolls-Royce to Lead Powertrain Development for MGCS in Important Step for the Programme
Rolls‑Royce Power Systems has been appointed general contractor to develop the drive system for the Franco‑German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). The contract pairs its 1,400 kW MTU199 ten‑cylinder engine with ZF’s eLSG5000 electrified powershift steering transmission, creating the world’s first...
Episode 14: IP Address Investigations and Local OSINT
In Episode 14, host Jake Kreps walks listeners through OSINT Newsletter issues 97 and 98, focusing on IP address investigations and gathering local-source data. He explains the fundamentals of IP types, the limits of dynamic residential IPs, and how static...
Russia’s Relentless Interference Since Start of Ukraine War Has Failed to Break Moldova
Four years after Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine, Moldova has withstood Moscow’s destabilisation campaign and moved forward on its EU accession path. The country secured candidate status in 2022 and opened accession negotiations in 2024, while President Maia Sandu won...
Intercepting Shahed and Other Strike UAVs — a New Stage in the Evolution of Air Defense Technologies
Drone Fight Group, Bat Drones and Ukrainian maker PG Robotics have begun serial production of the Angel Spire interceptor drone, aimed at neutralising Shahed‑type loitering munitions and other hostile UAVs. The platform can cruise between 150 and 290 km/h and reach targets up...
Canada Announces $40 Billion Plan to Strengthen Arctic Security, Infrastructure, and Development
Canada announced a $40 billion Arctic strategy, allocating over $35 billion in federal funds to boost security, infrastructure, and economic development. The plan earmarks $32 billion for forward operating locations in Yellowknife, Inuvik and Iqaluit, plus $2.67 billion for new support hubs and nodes....
Vietnam and the Geopolitics of Critical Minerals
Vietnam has tightened restrictions on raw rare‑earth exports to force domestic refining, positioning itself as a niche superpower in critical minerals. Meanwhile, the United States is building a broad coalition of more than 50 partners through initiatives like the Critical...
Iran Conflict Won’t Boost China; US Needs Rare Earths
How the War in Iran Could Help China and Change Asia Sorry but pretty superficial analysis here of the obvious. Not clear that China somehow benefits or that the US is distracted. Taiwan is a much more complex issue than...
U.S. Targets Iran’s Mine‑Laying Threat in Hormuz
Separate messages today from Secretary Hegseth and Gen. Caine about the Strait of Hormuz. Hegseth disputed recent reporting that administration officials had underestimated the war’s likely impact on the strait, saying Iran “always” tries to hold the waterway “hostage.” “As the world...
High-Density Thick Film Substrates
Remtec announced its high‑density thick‑film multilayer ceramic substrates, targeting military, avionics, space and industrial markets. The product line offers 6‑8 conductor layers on alumina, aluminum nitride or beryllia, with either gold or low‑cost silver interconnects delivering 1‑3 mΩ/sq conductivity. Features include...
Russian Assassin Arrested in Bogotá Thanks to Google Translate
Denis Alimov, FSB Alfa veteran and senior operative of Russia's new and "most secretive" assassination unit, walked into El Dorado Airport in Bogotá on Feb 24 looking like a tourist heading to Cartagena. He walked out in handcuffs. He was undone...
Nine Years Later, Tanker Crews Still Fly Together
From 2017, riding on a KC-135 over Iraq. Nine years later they are still at it. Active, Guard and Reserve tanker crews have been the most open and welcoming to me throughout my career covering military aviation. Horrible days for a...
PrSM Increment 2 Takes Flight and Advances Army’s Moving-Target and Maritime Capability
Lockheed Martin announced the successful first flight test of the Precision Strike Missile Increment 2 on March 12, 2026, launching from a HIMARS and flying 350 km. The test demonstrated a new multi‑mode seeker capable of locking moving maritime targets, expanding the missile’s mission...
Strait Closure Likely if Conflict with Iran Escalates
Closure of the strait is one of the most obvious possible consequences of conflict with Iran...
Gulf Ship Attacks Lack Western Target Pattern, Disrupt All Vessels
Gulf Ship Attacks Show No Pattern of Western Targeting as Strikes Spread Beyond Hormuz. Any ships attacked bring things to a standstill. https://t.co/h4vsx1OV11
Police Sinkholes 45,000 IP Addresses in Cybercrime Crackdown
Operation Synergia III, an Interpol‑led crackdown from July 2025 to January 2026, sinkholed roughly 45,000 malicious IP addresses and seized 212 servers across 72 countries. The operation resulted in 94 arrests, with another 110 suspects under investigation, and uncovered over 33,000 phishing and fraudulent...
New Cyber Strategy Emphasizes Deterrence for National Security
Cyber Focus: Cybersecurity, National Security, and Critical Infrastructure S3E10 - Deterrence and the New Cyber Strategy with White House National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross | McCrary Institute https://t.co/PmPdYTO5Zq
US Uses Mostly Air‑Launched Munitions, Standoff Missiles 1%
In presser this morning, @PeteHegseth says that "only 1 percent" of the munitions the U.S. is dropping on Iran today are "standoff munitions," meaning Tomahawk missiles and the like. They've shifted almost exclusively, he says, to munitions launched from aircraft...
China Owns Canada's Only Antimony Mine — Holding Canada's Trump Card
China’s state‑linked firm now controls the Beaver Brook Antimony Mine, Canada’s sole source of the critical metal used in aerospace, defense and electronics. The mine in Newfoundland has been idle for years, but its ownership gives Beijing a strategic foothold...
US May Approve Taiwan Weapons After Trump's China Visit
Exclusive: New US weapons for Taiwan could be approved after Trump's China trip, sources say https://t.co/cAFv0baooU
Japan’s Oil Move Exposes Vulnerability, Boosts China’s Leverage
Japan taps oil reserves as Iran war spreads. Could it give China leverage? With Tokyo and Beijing still at loggerheads over Taiwan, analysts warn Japan’s decision exposes its economic vulnerability Yet another "Iran war gives Beijing leverage' piece, short answer....no... https://t.co/nx95uxzmnh
NATO Intercepts Third Iranian Missile Heading Toward Turkey
On Friday, NATO’s eastern Mediterranean defense systems shot down a third ballistic missile launched from Iran that was heading toward Turkish airspace, marking the latest interception in just over a week. The alliance emphasized its vigilance in protecting all members,...
Ukraine Shows Airpower's Limits for Iran Conflict
The limits of airpower - what are the lessons from #Ukraine in #Iran ? #avgeek #defence #Iranwar https://t.co/qhtkN3j2VB https://t.co/h0v6Nal4fT
France's Position in Middle East Is Defensive, Macron Says, After Attack on Its Soldiers
President Emmanuel Macron condemned a drone attack in northern Iraq that killed one French soldier and wounded six, calling it "unacceptable" and stressing France's defensive posture in the Middle East. He announced a request for a full military analysis of...
Hegseth Says US Military Has Designated Officer to Complete Probe on Iran School Strike
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that an officer outside of U.S. Central Command has been appointed to complete a command investigation into the strike on a girls' school in southern Iran. The investigating officer is a general officer, underscoring...
What Rob Jetten’s New Minority Government Means for Dutch and European Defense
Rob Jetten leads the Netherlands’ first minority coalition, formed by D66, CDA and VVD, holding only 66 of 150 parliamentary seats. The government’s agenda emphasizes a stronger European pillar within NATO, a 3.5% of GDP defence spending target, and joint...
Did the United States Just Bomb Ecuador?
The Trump administration reportedly conducted a joint airstrike in Ecuador on March 6 against a dissident FARC faction, partnering with Ecuadorian forces. The operation was announced via Southern Command and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s social‑media posts and later classified in a...
Pete Hegseth on Strait of Hormuz: 'Don't Need to Worry About It'
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters the United States is not worried about a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war, despite recent spikes in oil prices. He emphasized that the Pentagon already has contingency...
French Soldier Dies After a Drone Attack in Iraq
A drone strike on 12 March hit the French‑run Mala Kara base near Erbil, killing one French soldier and wounding several others. The attack, claimed by the pro‑Iranian Islamic Resistance Movement in Iraq, coincided with a simultaneous drone hit on an...
FN and Damen to Develop Next-Generation Maritime Defense Solutions
Damen Shipyards Group and FN Herstal have signed a memorandum of understanding at the BEDEX exhibition to jointly develop next‑generation maritime defence solutions. The partnership will integrate FN’s weapons and sensor technologies into Damen vessels, including unmanned surface vessels, to...
Nobel Laureate Warns Iran Conflict Will Have Grim Fallout
'That looks low to me': Nobel Prize winner issues grim warning on Iran war consequences https://t.co/NYGEg5JWU3
UAE's Defense Spend Dwarfs Iran's Attack Budget
Context matters Iran spent: Ballistic missiles: ~$165–330M Drones: ~$11–27M Total: ~$177–360M UAE spent: Ballistic missile defense: ~$1.2–1.52B Drone defense: ~$253–759M Total: ~$1.45–2.28B "UAE spent 5-10x more defending than Iran spent attacking" https://t.co/36WBaQgePE
Italy Weighs Options as Damaged Russian LNG Tanker Drifts in the Mediterranean
A Russian LNG tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, was struck by Ukrainian naval drones and left drifting in the Mediterranean between Italy and Malta. The vessel’s 30 crew were evacuated, and while the hull remains afloat, the amount of LNG on board...
U.S. Defense Secretary Says No Clear Evidence of Iranian Mines
US Defence Secretary Hegseth says there is "not clear evidence" that Iran is laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz
On Iran: True Analysis, Not Talking Points.
In this episode, host Joel Rubin and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joe Rubin discuss the escalating conflict with Iran, emphasizing the human cost and the need for post‑conflict planning. They critique the influence of partisan actors like Sen....
Mercury Systems Acquires SolderMask to Support Higher Rate Production
Mercury Systems announced the acquisition of SolderMask, Inc., securing its dry‑film solder mask technology, intellectual property, and a five‑person team. The deal, closed on March 3, 2026, integrates SolderMask’s capabilities into Mercury’s Huntington Beach site while a parallel line is built in...
EU Proposes Long‑overlooked Solution to Hormuz Crisis
EU has a solution for the Hormuz issue Why wasnt this considered before? @realDonaldTrump @WhiteHouse
Hegseth
At presser this morning, @PeteHegseth complained about CNN reporting that the war against Iran is intensifying. Then he and Gen. Caine both said more munitions would be dropped today than at any other time in the conflict.
US Sanctions on Rwanda’s Military Begin to Bite
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force and four senior officials on March 2, accusing them of actively supporting the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The sanctions have already...
Treasury, SEC Crack Down on Fake Charities Funding Terrorists
Treasury + @SecScottBessent have intel and are taking action on fake charities that send cash to Islamist terrorists. Hopefully nobody you know has given money to these + others.
UK Orders 37 Artillery Weapon Systems for RCH 155
Britain has awarded a £53 million contract to ARTEC GmbH for the long‑lead production of 37 Remote Controlled Howitzer (RCH) 155 weapon systems, the core artillery module for the Boxer‑based Mobile Fires Platform. The deal, administered by OCCAR, also earmarks £30 million for...