Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Italian military claims to have intercepted a Russian "shadow fleet" tanker in the Mediterranean
The Italian Navy intercepted a sanctioned Russian oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea on August 2. The tanker, which refused to cooperate during inspection, was supported by a Greek naval vessel and a Polish maritime patrol aircraft. It was flagged under Cameroon and had departed from Benin, heading to Istanbul.
The FLA exposes 200 prisoners in Mali — the Northern war escalates
The Front de libération de l'Azawad (FLA) publicly displayed a video of 200 captured Malian soldiers on August 1, impacting the military narrative in Mali. This event follows accusations of the execution of soldiers after surrender during an ambush on July 18. The FLA's actions, alongside the JNIM, indicate a tactical convergence against the Malian state, complicating military operations in the Gao-Anefis-Kidal region.
Marie DuboisSun Aug 02 2026Loading...
US Navy Aircraft Carrier USS Saratoga: 81,101 Tons, Bigger Than An Iowa-Class Battleship, and Her Flight Deck was Three Football Fields
USS Saratoga (CV-60) served in multiple military operations from 1956 to 1994, including combat in Vietnam and Desert Storm. The carrier launched and recovered various aircraft, engaging enemy forces and delivering significant ordnance. After decommissioning, Saratoga was dismantled in 2019 following unsuccessful preservation efforts.
My Pilot Strongly Responds to Foreign Military: I Just Want to Fight!
The Shandong Carrier Group of the Chinese Navy conducted combat operations in the Western Pacific, with pilot Wang Zhongyuan engaging in aerial dogfights using J-15T fighter jets. The pilots demonstrated superior combat capabilities and tactics, emphasizing a shift towards beyond-visual-range engagements. Wang expressed a strong commitment to combat, contrasting with the more detached attitude of foreign pilots.
Mikhail Britnev delivers armored vehicles to Mali — Russia strengthens Africa Corps after 3,435 deaths
On July 25, 2026, a long column of armored vehicles and military trucks arrived in Bamako, Mali, delivered by the Russian cargo ship Mikhail Britnev. This shipment, which included BTR armored personnel carriers, was part of Russia's ongoing support for Africa Corps amid a severe security crisis in Mali, marked by increased attacks from armed groups. The logistical route involved transport through Togo and Burkina Faso, highlighting the complexities of military supply in the region.
Marie DuboisSun Aug 02 2026Loading...Africa Corps strikes Kyrnia in Mali in 2026 — 8 civilians killed in a risky air war
Africa Corps conducted an airstrike in Kyrnia, Mali, on June 15, 2026, resulting in the deaths of 8 civilians, including 3 children. Approximately 100 JNIM fighters were present in the village at the time of the strike. The aircraft involved was identified as a Sukhoi Su-24, indicating Russian military support. Human Rights Watch reported on the incident, highlighting the complexities of targeting in areas under jihadist influence.
Marie DuboisSat Aug 01 2026Loading...
Victory | Episode 3 "Into the Deep Blue"
The Shandong Fleet conducted naval exercises in the Western Pacific, featuring air combat training led by Wang Zhongyuan. The Zunyi Ship participated in joint training, emphasizing the importance of advanced naval capabilities. The crew has been actively training for over 200 days annually, focusing on enhancing combat readiness.
US Navy North Carolina: 44,000 Tons, 9 Sixteen-Inch Guns, and Not One Shell Ever Fired at an Enemy Battleship in Anger
USS North Carolina (BB-55) served as a shield for carriers during World War II, engaging in bombardment missions across various locations including Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. Commissioned on April 9, 1941, the battleship was equipped with nine 16-inch guns and earned 15 battle stars before being decommissioned on June 27, 1947. Despite its formidable armament, North Carolina never engaged an enemy battleship in combat.
Mission for Peace: A Record of the Loyalty and Duty of the Chinese Peacekeeping Forces in South Sudan
Chinese peacekeepers are conducting patrols and providing humanitarian aid in South Sudan, particularly in Juba and Wau, as of August 1, 2023. They are involved in medical assistance and infrastructure repair, commemorating the sacrifice of fallen peacekeepers. The Chinese medical team has treated over 70,000 patients since 2012, and Major General Wu Junhui has been appointed to lead the UN mission, underscoring China's commitment to peacekeeping efforts.
US Navy Battleship USS Massachusetts: 44,000 Tons, 130,000 Horsepower, and 9 16-Inch Guns All for a Cheap $80 Million
USS Massachusetts engaged in naval operations during World War II, including bombardments and anti-aircraft defense, from September 23, 1941, until her decommissioning on March 27, 1947. The battleship, armed with nine 16-inch guns, participated in significant battles across the Pacific, earning 11 battle stars. After her service, she was preserved as a museum ship in Fall River, Massachusetts.
ISWAP kills 8 soldiers in Borno in 2026 — the Maiduguri-Dikwa road becomes the real front
Eight soldiers from the 24 Task Force Brigade were killed by an improvised explosive device on July 30, 2026, while escorting supplies along the Maiduguri-Dikwa route in Borno, Nigeria. This incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by ISWAP to Nigerian military logistics and operations in the region. The attack is part of a broader pattern of assaults aimed at disrupting supply lines.
Marie DuboisSat Aug 01 2026Loading...
How Powerful is the J-15T, Locking onto Opponents from a Thousand Miles Away!
The Shandong Carrier Group conducted naval operations in the Western Pacific, where pilot Wang Zhongyuan engaged in air combat training with the J-15T fighter aircraft. The J-15T demonstrated strong anti-jamming capabilities, allowing for long-range target engagement. This reflects a strategic shift towards beyond-visual-range combat, emphasizing the increasing combat readiness of naval aviation units.
Raising the Military Flag High to Strengthen Resolve: Committed to a New Journey of Building a Strong Army
The People's Liberation Army celebrated its 99th anniversary on August 1, 2023, with various events across Beijing, Liaoning, Xinjiang, and Djibouti. Military personnel engaged in activities to inspire loyalty and readiness, including revisiting military oaths and honoring revolutionary history. Retired soldiers and military families participated in the celebrations, emphasizing the importance of military traditions and patriotism.
China Wants Nine Aircraft Carriers. Getting from Dreams to Taking on the US Navy Is Another Story
China aims to expand its aircraft carrier fleet to nine by 2035, with three currently in commission and one under construction in Dalian. The People's Liberation Army Navy is increasing its naval operations in the Indo-Pacific, evidenced by five carrier deployments in 2025. The expansion necessitates the development of air wings and logistical support to enhance operational capabilities.
Russian Kh-101 in Poland Exposes NATO's Air Defence Gap
A Russian Kh-101 cruise missile crossed into Polish airspace early Thursday, landing near Tarnawa-Kolonia without causing injuries. In response, NATO and Polish forces activated air and ground defenses, scrambling two F-16s and a Mi-24 helicopter. The incident underscores the challenges NATO faces in air defense as Russia's conflict with Ukraine continues to impact neighboring countries.
Alexandra ReevesFri Jul 31 2026Loading...
The Russian Corps in Africa strikes Kyrnia in Mali — 8 civilians killed by a Su-24 in 2026
The Africa Corps conducted an airstrike using a Sukhoi Su-24 in Kyrnia, Mali, on June 15, 2026, resulting in the deaths of eight civilians, including three children. The strike occurred during a livestock market day in a village controlled by JNIM, raising concerns about the targeting of civilians. Human Rights Watch reported on the incident, highlighting the implications of using heavy munitions in populated areas.
Marie DuboisFri Jul 31 2026Loading...More Countries Affected, Conflict Faces Spillover Risks, Renewed US-Iran Hostilities Raise Global Concerns
The U.S. conducted airstrikes against Iranian targets on September 29-30, 2023, following missile attacks from Iran. Iran retaliated with drone strikes on U.S. bases in Jordan, claiming significant damage to F-35 jets. Egypt confirmed drone attacks on its port, indicating a potential escalation of the conflict. Saudi Arabia also engaged in strikes against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, further complicating the regional situation.
Mali rejects the American option against JNIM — Washington discovers a front without a simple target
Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop stated on July 24, 2023, that Mali has not received official confirmation of U.S. military action against JNIM. The conflict has evolved, with JNIM and FLA conducting coordinated operations against Malian forces. The U.S. perceives an opportunity for intervention in Mali, particularly after its withdrawal from Niger, as the situation has become increasingly complex with jihadist and separatist groups involved.
Marie DuboisThu Jul 30 2026Loading...
Israel unveils a naval UAV carrier with 12 Hermes 650 and recalibrates Gulf defense calculations 2026
On July 30, 2026, Elbit Systems revealed a maritime UAV carrier designed to launch and recover 12 Hermes 650 drones. This development allows commercial vessels to serve as UAV platforms, enhancing surveillance and strike capabilities in the Gulf and Red Sea. The Hermes 650 can operate with minimal space and supports automated functions, potentially changing military dynamics in the region.
Ahmed Al-RashidThu Jul 30 2026Loading...The Spillover of the US-Iran Conflict: Smoke Rising in the Middle East
On July 29, 2023, U.S. and Saudi forces conducted joint airstrikes against Iraqi militia targets, resulting in at least 20 casualties. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on U.S. troops in Jordan. Concurrently, Houthi forces imposed a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, attacking vessels in the Red Sea. This series of events highlights a significant escalation in military tensions across the region.
