Analysis & Reports

NATO member states are undergoing a significant transformation in defense policy, aiming to allocate 5% of GDP to defense by 2035. Germany's defense budget exceeded $100 billion in 2025, while France plans €42 billion in military contracts for 2026. The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) faces challenges, and the EU is enhancing its defense initiatives, including substantial support for Ukraine.

Dr. Klaus WeberSat Feb 28 2026Loading...

The Sahel States Alliance (AES) became fully operational with 6,000 troops on February 27, 2026, following a strategic meeting in Ouagadougou. This force aims to counter intensified jihadist operations by Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) in the region. Concurrently, the Mali army conducted successful airstrikes against JNIM fighters, demonstrating increased military capabilities. The CEDEAO is also planning to deploy a smaller force to address regional security threats.

Marie DuboisSat Feb 28 2026Loading...

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has initiated a new round of missile attacks targeting U.S. military bases on the 28th local time. This action marks a significant escalation in military operations against U.S. forces in the region.

China authorized the transfer of carrier-killer missiles to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, significantly narrowing the diplomatic window for the U.S. and Israel. This development prompted military preparations and actions by both nations in response to perceived threats from Iran's naval capabilities. Diplomatic efforts in Muscat and Geneva were undermined as tensions escalated, leading to a preemptive military response.

Israeli officials announced that military strikes against Iran are expected to continue for at least a week, with U.S. officials also predicting the operation will last several days. This indicates a significant escalation in military operations involving Israel and Iran.

Iranian forces attacked 14 U.S. military bases in the Middle East on the 28th. This action was confirmed by credible military sources from Iran, indicating a significant escalation in military operations against U.S. interests in the region.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched multiple missiles that successfully struck a U.S. combat support ship in the Persian Gulf, causing significant damage. The IRGC has warned that all U.S. maritime assets in the area are now within their strike range, and they intend to continue their attacks.

President Trump ordered a full assault on Iran in 2026, utilizing USAF B-21 Raiders and Navy Carrier Strike Groups to target Iranian defenses. The operation aims for regime change, with potential ground troop involvement if internal uprisings fail. The campaign risks escalating into a larger conflict, with Iranian proxies possibly retaliating against U.S. forces. The U.S. public remains largely uninformed about the war's objectives and implications.

U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran, prompting emergency meetings among European leaders on Saturday. French President Macron called for a U.N. Security Council meeting, while leaders from Germany and the U.K. discussed the escalating situation. The strikes have raised fears of a broader conflict, with various international leaders condemning the actions and calling for restraint and negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program.

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on Iran on Saturday, prompting emergency security meetings among European leaders. French President Macron called for a U.N. Security Council meeting, while the European Union urged restraint and diplomatic engagement. The attacks have raised fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East, with various leaders condemning the unilateral military action and calling for negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program.

Bahraini Armed Forces have initiated military deployments in response to the recent situation in Iran as of the 28th of the month. The specific objectives of these deployments have not been disclosed by Bahraini officials.

The U.S. Air Force is on track to debut the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter in 2028, with Boeing successfully meeting development milestones. The aircraft is designed to operate in contested environments, featuring advanced capabilities such as a combat radius of 1,000 nautical miles and the ability to deploy nuclear-tipped hypersonic weapons. Production is already underway, with plans for up to 185 units depending on budget constraints.

Iran launched missile strikes against U.S. military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar on February 28. The attacks resulted in damage to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, with no reported U.S. casualties. U.S. officials expect continued Iranian retaliation following these strikes.

The U.S. Air Force is transitioning the B-21 Raider into operational status, with production expected to reach hundreds of units. Unveiled on December 2, 2022, in Palmdale, California, the B-21 is designed to enhance the U.S. nuclear triad and features advanced stealth and communication capabilities. It is set to replace the B-2 Spirit and will play a critical role in modern air operations.

The F-14 Tomcat was employed as a multirole strike platform, notably during Operation Deliberate Force in 1995, where it carried out bombing missions against Bosnian Serb forces. The aircraft, originally designed to carry bombs, demonstrated its capabilities with various munitions, including precision-guided and cluster bombs. Iranian F-14s were also equipped for bombing roles, reflecting the aircraft's intended multirole design.

Russia continues high-intensity combat operations in Ukraine as of 2026, with monthly recruitment of 30,000 to 35,000 personnel potentially insufficient to replace approximately 40,000 casualties. The Kremlin's defense spending reached $186 billion in 2025, supporting ongoing military efforts despite economic pressures. Adaptations in command and control, including the deployment of Glaz/Groza systems, enhance operational capabilities, while targeting of critical infrastructure persists.

Dmitri VolkovSat Feb 28 2026Loading...

Kuwaiti air defense forces intercepted multiple ballistic missiles targeting Ali Al Salem Air Base earlier today. The Ministry of Defense confirmed the successful defense, with debris falling in surrounding areas. The armed forces emphasized their commitment to national sovereignty and issued warnings to the public regarding missile fragments.

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit from the 509th Bomb Wing integrated with Navy Carrier Air Wing 11 for a long-range maritime strike exercise off California in February 2026. This exercise showcased the operational debut of the AIM-174B 'Gunslinger' missile, enhancing U.S. capabilities to counter anti-access threats in the Indo-Pacific region. The B-2's role in anti-ship operations is increasing, highlighting the importance of joint air-maritime integration.

Major Thomas McGuire Jr. was reported missing in action on January 7, 1945, while leading a fighter sweep over Negros Island, Philippines. During the mission, he attempted to save a fellow pilot from an enemy attack but crashed his P-38L Lightning. McGuire was a highly decorated ace, having shot down 38 enemy aircraft before his disappearance, and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that missile strikes resulted in approximately 200 U.S. military casualties. The strikes occurred in Iraq and the Persian Gulf region, with missiles failing to hit their intended targets. The IRGC is providing real-time updates on the situation.