Analysis & Reports

USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. returned to Hawaii after 300 days at sea, completing 40 days of combat operations. The guided-missile destroyer participated in initial strikes on Iran and defended against over 100 missile and drone attacks. It operated in the South China Sea and the Middle East, sailing over 85,000 nautical miles during its deployment.

Australia and New Zealand signed Plan Tasman in April 2026 to enhance naval integration, with Australia contributing 16,000 sailors and 7 Anzac-class frigates, while New Zealand has 2 Anzac-class frigates and ordered 5 MH-60R Seahawks. The partnership aims to improve interoperability and address the limitations of their aging fleets in the Tasman Sea and South Pacific region.

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The USS Klakring was sunk during a joint U.S.-U.K. naval exercise on September 25, 2023, in the Atlantic Ocean. The exercise involved U.S. Navy Task Forces 65, 67, 68, 69, 1060, and the Royal Navy, showcasing their interoperability. The USS Massachusetts successfully struck the decommissioned frigate with a Mk 48 torpedo, highlighting advanced military capabilities.

USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. returned home after a 10-month deployment, providing air and missile defense for U.S. assets in the Middle East and supporting naval operations against Iran. The ship covered over 85,000 nautical miles and made port calls in Guam, Oman, Diego Garcia, and Thailand. Concerns about sailors' mental health were raised during the deployment, which included 300 days at sea without significant port calls.

U.S. forces are set to withdraw from Iraq by Wednesday, marking the end of a two-decade military presence. This move is celebrated by Iran and its allies, who anticipate increased influence in the region. Iraqi security experts express concerns that the withdrawal may lead to a resurgence of the Islamic State and that Iraq is not fully prepared to manage its own security. Iran's deputy chairman of the National Security Commission views the U.S. exit as a victory for its axis of resistance.

The US military and industry partners tested equipment designed to detect and counter drone incursions at Falcon Peak in Yuma, Arizona. Concurrently, the China Aerospace Studies Institute is undergoing personnel reductions, with the Air Force indicating that military personnel will continue operations within the organization.

JNIM attacked the Malian military camp in Dioura on September 10, 2026, resulting in 120-130 soldiers killed and over 100 taken hostage. Following this, JNIM conducted airstrikes on the military airport in Sévaré, claiming 33 pro-government forces killed. The situation reflects a coordinated offensive against Malian forces, highlighting vulnerabilities in their operational capabilities.

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Ukrainian F-16 pilots have shot down over 3,150 Russian aerial targets, including 666 cruise missiles and about 2,500 drones, since the summer of 2024. They have also conducted over 650 strikes against ground targets. The Ukrainian Air Force is working with Lockheed Martin to enhance the capabilities of their F-16s and is considering newer models. Additionally, Ukraine is pursuing agreements for more advanced fighter jets from Sweden and France.

A Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber crashed near Krasnoyarovo in the Amur region on September 29, 2023, due to engine failure during takeoff, resulting in six fatalities among the seven crew members. The sole survivor was hospitalized. Initial reports mistakenly identified the aircraft as a Tu-154, but later evidence confirmed it as a Tu-95MS, a long-range bomber used in military operations.

The YF-12 interceptor aircraft was developed by Lockheed in 1963, achieving speeds of Mach 3 and altitudes over 80,000 feet during testing. It successfully fired 7 AIM-47 Falcon missiles, prompting the U.S. Air Force to order 96 units. However, the program faced funding challenges due to shifting military priorities during the Vietnam Conflict.

U.S. Army units, including the Rangers and Marine Special Operations Command, have been utilizing the Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle for various combat roles, including anti-tank operations, since its adoption in the late 1980s. The M4 version, introduced in 2017, is lighter and more versatile, allowing for rapid reloading and a variety of ammunition types. The weapon has proven effective in combat situations, particularly in Afghanistan, where it offers a cost-effective alternative to more expensive missile systems.

Israel is expanding the use of artificial intelligence in Merkava tanks and Eitan vehicles to enhance decision-making and threat assessment in urban combat. This development, reported on September 29, 2026, aims to improve the speed of threat recognition and response, integrating systems like Iron Vision for situational awareness and Trophy for active protection. The advancements reflect lessons learned from combat experiences in Lebanon and Gaza.

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China conducted military drills around Scarborough Shoal in September 2026, utilizing the WZ-7 drone for surveillance and law enforcement against Philippine vessels. The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command and China Coast Guard employed various naval assets, indicating a strategic shift in operational tactics. This activity raises the cost for the Philippines to maintain access to the shoal, as Chinese forces extend their operational boundaries and capabilities.

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The 68th African Artillery Regiment of the French Army is reorganizing its artillery batteries into smaller units to enhance survivability against drone threats. This includes creating a dedicated section for preparing firing positions and setting up decoys. The regiment is utilizing the Atlas fire-control system to maintain effective fire coordination despite the changes. This reorganization is part of a broader adaptation to lessons learned from recent conflicts, particularly regarding counter-battery fire vulnerabilities.

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) signed 'Plan Tasman' in Canberra to enhance naval cooperation. This agreement establishes a strategic dialogue and aims to strengthen operational integration between the two navies. The RAN, with 16,000 sailors, significantly outnumbers the RNZN, which has one base in Auckland. Both navies are committed to closer defense relations in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Chinese Coast Guard conducted routine law enforcement patrols in the East Taiwan Sea near Taiwan Island on September 29. This operation is seen as a warning to pro-independence forces in Taiwan, particularly in light of recent collaborations with the Philippines. The patrols aim to assert China's territorial claims and maintain order in the region.

The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) neutralized at least 50 combatants in an operation near Abeïbara on September 26, 2026. This action, based on precise intelligence, marks a significant military engagement against armed groups in the Kidal region. The operation's success is critical for maintaining control over strategic routes and preventing the reconstitution of combatant forces.

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On September 29, 2026, three Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels were detected conducting reconnaissance operations around Taiwan, with one aircraft entering Taiwan's air defense identification zone. The PLA's activities in the eastern and southeastern areas of Taiwan are becoming routine, indicating a shift in their operational focus. This ongoing reconnaissance aims to gather intelligence on Taiwan's military capabilities and response patterns.

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Saudi Arabia invited UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed to Riyadh on September 29, 2026, following France's announcement of military support to protect oil infrastructure from Houthi threats. The invitation aims to improve Gulf coordination and establish a temporary European defense umbrella. The Houthi threats necessitate enhanced military cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, focusing on air defense and operational coordination.

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The China Coast Guard conducted routine law enforcement patrols east of Taiwan on September 29. These patrols are part of ongoing efforts to enhance control in the region, ensuring safe navigation and protecting the rights of Chinese citizens, including those in Taiwan. The Coast Guard will continue to strengthen its enforcement activities in Chinese jurisdictional waters.