Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
JNIM and the Islamic State escalate violence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — 2,845 incidents in 2025 and already 2,145 in 2026
JNIM and the Islamic State have escalated violence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with 2,845 incidents reported in 2025 and 2,145 in 2026. The Sahel has become a permanent operational theater for jihadist groups, undermining state control and security. Despite international interventions, stability remains elusive, with over 9,000 fatalities reported in 2025.
S.WFri Sep 18 2026Loading...Paramount unveils the Mbada in South Africa — the South African armored vehicle targets irregular wars of 2026
Paramount Group presented the Mbada, a light armored vehicle, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2026 exhibition in Centurion, South Africa. The vehicle is intended for patrolling and escorting under the threat of IEDs, addressing the needs of forces operating in irregular warfare. However, details on its protection level and operational deployment remain unclear.
S.WFri Sep 18 2026Loading...Paramount unveils Mbada: a new generation of light protected armoured mobility at AAD 2026
Paramount unveiled the Mbada 4×4 light armoured modular vehicle in Pretoria on September 17, 2026, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition. The vehicle is designed for adaptability across multiple military missions, featuring significant protection and mobility capabilities. It is engineered to meet the evolving operational requirements of modern armed forces, with a focus on lightweight and agile performance.
Russian Media: Russia's Advanced Weapons Debut at the 2026 Africa Aerospace and Defense Exhibition
Russia will showcase advanced drones and loitering munitions at the 2026 Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition in Centurion, South Africa, which opened on September 16, 2023. The exhibition features 287 companies from 33 countries, with a focus on unmanned systems and military innovations. Notable equipment includes the Orlan-E drone, SKAT 350M reconnaissance drone, and RPG-29M anti-tank rocket launcher. The event will conclude on September 20, 2023.
The closure of Hormuz and the Houthis' control over Bab al-Mandab test the Gulf's ability to protect its exports in 2026.
Italy announced it will send warships to protect its commercial vessels through Bab el-Mandeb on September 18, 2026, while South Korea reiterated it will not send combat troops to the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi control of Bab el-Mandeb are testing the Gulf's ability to protect its exports. Saudi Arabia is resorting to ship-to-ship transfers to move oil due to threats from Houthi attacks.
S.WFri Sep 18 2026Loading...
Fierce Battles Near the Mandheling Strait, High Ground Changes Hands Several Times
Intense fighting occurred between Yemeni government forces and Houthi fighters near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait over the past 24 hours. At least 19 government soldiers and 25 Houthi fighters were killed, with many others injured. Saudi Arabia conducted multiple airstrikes to support government forces, while the conflict remains in a stalemate with no decisive breakthroughs.
The Shah of Iran bought 79 F-14 Tomcats from the United States in 1976, three years before the revolution; after 2006 they were the last of the type still flying, the Pentagon shredded its own so parts could not reach Tehran, and this March Israel said it had destroyed the remainder on the ground at Isfahan
In March 2023, the Israeli Air Force destroyed several Iranian F-14 Tomcats at Isfahan in Central Iran. These aircraft, originally sold to Iran in 1976, were believed to be the last operational F-14s globally. The U.S. had previously dismantled its own F-14s to prevent parts from reaching Iran.
ISWAP deploys 100 fighters to Mali and 50 to Nigeria — the African front of the Islamic State expands in 2026
ISWAP deployed 100 fighters to Ménaka, Mali, and 50 fighters to Nasarawa, Nigeria, in 2026. This movement reflects organized mobility between conflict zones, with Ménaka serving as a strategic location near the Mali-Niger border. The deployment aims to reinforce ISWAP's presence and adapt to military pressures in the region.
Marie DuboisThu Sep 17 2026Loading...Thales unveils HexaForce: AI-powered, sovereign command and control for NATO and allied nations
Thales launched HexaForce, an AI-powered command and control system, on 17 September 2026, designed for high-intensity warfare and capable of supporting over 100,000 personnel. The system enhances decision-making and operational efficiency across multiple domains, having been successfully tested during NATO CWIX 2026. HexaForce integrates advanced AI capabilities to process vast amounts of operational data, ensuring rapid response and improved military agility.
JNIM and the Islamic State push Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger towards 3,000 acts of violence in 2026
JNIM and the Islamic State are expected to escalate violence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with over 3,000 incidents projected for 2026. Significant attacks have occurred, including a coordinated offensive on April 25 targeting multiple cities. The security situation has worsened, highlighted by the death of the Malian Defense Minister in a suicide attack, reflecting the growing influence of jihadist groups in the region.
Marie DuboisThu Sep 17 2026Loading...
Navy Hospital Ship "Auspicious Ark" Welcomes Its First "Auspicious Baby"
On September 16, the Chinese Navy Hospital Ship 'Peace Ark' provided emergency childbirth assistance to Aisha Ta in Mauritania. The medical team successfully delivered a baby boy weighing 3.425 kg after assessing the mother's complications. This event marked a significant achievement for the medical personnel involved.
Russia’s Su-57 skips external fuel tanks for Egypt flight
The Su-57 stealth fighter flew to the El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt from September 8-10, 2024, using internal fuel tanks, allowing for a longer range without increasing radar signature. After landing, the aircraft had enough fuel for an additional 1,000 km and performed a demonstration flight the following day. This event marked the Su-57E's second appearance in Egypt, showcasing its advanced capabilities alongside U.S. and Chinese military aircraft.
The depletion of Saudi Patriot missiles in 2026 after a Houthi drone near Mecca tests alliances
Saudi air defenses intercepted a Houthi drone near Mecca on September 15, 2026, highlighting concerns over the depletion of Patriot missile stocks amid ongoing threats. Houthi forces claimed attacks on military and oil facilities, prompting Saudi Arabia to seek defensive assistance from multiple countries. The incident underscores the challenges faced by Saudi Arabia in maintaining air defense capabilities against Houthi aggression.
S.WThu Sep 17 2026Loading...
2 US Army Delta Force Snipers Circling a Crashed Black Hawk Over Mogadishu on October 3, 1993, Asked to Be Put on the Ground to Defend the Wounded Crew, Were Refused Twice, Were Granted the Request on the Third Attempt, and Were Both Killed Holding a Position They Already Knew They Could Not Hold
On October 3, 1993, two Delta Force snipers, Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randall Shughart, were inserted into Mogadishu to defend the crew of a crashed Black Hawk helicopter. Despite being denied twice, they descended to the site and engaged armed fighters, ultimately sacrificing their lives to protect the wounded. Their actions led to the awarding of the Medal of Honor for their bravery.
JNIM and the Islamic State push the Sahel towards 3,000 attacks in 2026
JNIM and the Islamic State are conducting a significant increase in jihadist attacks across the Sahel, with over 2,145 events reported in 2026, projected to exceed 3,000 by year-end. The operational focus has shifted from capturing capitals to controlling movement between cities, with notable attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The end of French military operations has left a security gap that jihadist groups are exploiting.
S.WWed Sep 16 2026Loading...Boko Haram and ISWAP Strike Nigeria — Pulka Reveals the New Test for Borno's Defense
The Nigerian Army repelled an attack by ISWAP near Pulka on September 7, 2026, resulting in one soldier being injured. The operation involved ground troops and air support, leading to the recovery of weapons and ammunition from the attackers. A subsequent intelligence note warns of possible coordinated attacks targeting schools and churches in the region.
S.WWed Sep 16 2026Loading...
Russia builds new foothold in Africa
Russian-linked vessels unloaded military equipment at Tobruk port, Libya, indicating its growing role as a logistics hub for Russian military operations in North Africa. This follows multiple arms shipments since April and a transition of Russian personnel to formations under the Defense Ministry. Discussions are ongoing between Russia and Libyan National Army commander Khalifa Haftar regarding a defense arrangement.
Niger, 27 dead in Niamey — the mutiny reveals dependence on Russia
On August 29, 2026, Nigerien soldiers attempted a mutiny in Niamey, attacking Air Base 101 and the presidential palace, resulting in 27 deaths and around 100 arrests. Russian forces intervened to help regain control of the airport, highlighting Niger's reliance on foreign military support amid ongoing instability. The incident reflects significant fractures within Niger's defense architecture following the withdrawal of Western forces.
Marie DuboisTue Sep 15 2026Loading...
U.S. Air Force AGM-190A missile goes from design to combat fast
The U.S. Air Force's AGM-190A missile, known as Havoc Spear, passed combat evaluation and is now cleared for broader use across special operations and conventional aircraft. The missile was tested in a live operational setting during Spring 2026, demonstrating its modular design and mission adaptability. AFSOC conducted the evaluation in partnership with U.S. Africa Command, highlighting its role in counterterrorism efforts in Africa.
Investigators Are Studying Why the US Navy’s Nuclear Aircraft Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford Was Hit With a Massive Fire and If It Could Have Been Prevented
On March 12, 2026, a fire erupted in the aft laundry space of the USS Gerald R. Ford while operating in the Red Sea, causing significant damage and interrupting combat operations. Over 200 sailors were treated for smoke inhalation, and the carrier is currently undergoing repairs at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Investigations are ongoing regarding the fire suppression system's failure to contain the blaze effectively.
