Analysis & Reports

French President Emmanuel Macron ordered the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to redeploy from the Baltic Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean on March 3, 2026, to protect allied assets from Iranian missile and drone attacks. The carrier, accompanied by the frigate Languedoc, aims to secure maritime routes near Cyprus amidst escalating tensions in the region. This deployment underscores France's reliance on its single aircraft carrier as it prepares for future naval capabilities with the upcoming PANG program.

Systematic introduced new capabilities in SitaWare Maritime for coordinating submarine operations and mine countermeasures. The PMI Planning Capability enhances safe coordination among coalition forces, while the Mine Countermeasures Planning capability aids in clearing mined waters. These updates are part of the 2026 SitaWare suite update cycle, aimed at improving interoperability in contested environments such as the Indo-Pacific and North Atlantic.

The Unified Force of the Sahel Alliance (AES) deployed 6,000 soldiers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in March 2026 to combat escalating jihadist threats. Concurrently, the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO) is mobilizing its own regional force. Recent operations have intensified, with significant airstrikes against jihadist positions. The situation remains complex due to political divisions between AES and CEDEAO member states, impacting regional coordination against jihadist groups.

Marie DuboisSun Mar 15 2026Loading...

The USS Blue Ridge and USS Mount Whitney, the U.S. Navy's amphibious command ships, are actively engaged in naval operations and diplomatic missions in the Black Sea, Italy, and Japan. They are set to achieve operational milestones in Libya and New Zealand by 2025. Both ships play critical roles as flagships for their respective fleets and have been extended in service until 2039 due to their advanced command and control capabilities.

Burkinabè and Malian forces conducted successful military operations against terrorist groups in February and March 2026, regaining control of key towns and neutralizing over 100 militants. The operations included airstrikes and ground assaults, reflecting a coordinated effort by the Alliance of Sahel States. However, the JNIM continues to pose a significant threat, having conducted over 500 attacks in 2025 and controlling substantial territory in Burkina Faso. The situation remains precarious as terrorist groups adapt and maintain operational capabilities.

Marie DuboisSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

In March 2026, the Unified Force of the Sahel Alliance (AES), comprising 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, was deployed to counter a surge in jihadist attacks. Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) initiated a coordinated offensive primarily in Burkina Faso, while the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) executed attacks near regional capitals. The AES seeks strategic autonomy following the severance of military ties with Western nations, amidst ongoing security challenges in the region.

Marie DuboisSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

The Unified Force of the Sahel Alliance deployed approximately 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers in Niamey during the first quarter of 2026. This action, led by General Daouda Traoré, responds to a dramatic rise in terrorist attacks in the Sahel region. The force, composed of troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, aims to enhance regional security following its inauguration in December 2025.

Marie DuboisSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

The Unified Force of the Sahel Alliance deployed approximately 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers in Niamey during the first quarter of 2026 to counter a surge in terrorist attacks. This force, inaugurated in December 2025, includes troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and is commanded by General Daouda Traoré.

Marie DuboisSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

The U.S. recalibrated its military strategy in the 2026 National Defense Strategy, emphasizing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and increasing defense spending demands on allies. The strategy allocates $901 billion for defense, with significant investments in military capabilities and joint exercises with regional partners. However, the omission of specific commitments regarding Taiwan has raised concerns among allies about U.S. reliability and intentions. Additionally, U.S. military assets have been redeployed from South Korea, complicating regional security dynamics.

Marcus ChenSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

Iranian forces attacked 16 tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf in March 2026, leading to a surge in oil prices over $100 per barrel. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) utilized suicide drone speed boats in these attacks, while U.S. leadership is advised to adopt long-term strategies to counter Iran's military threats. The Gulf Cooperation Council is also considering drone operations against the IRGC's naval capabilities.

The U.S. Navy's Blue Ridge-class command ships, USS Blue Ridge and USS Mount Whitney, serve as vital command-and-control platforms for fleet commanders in the Western Pacific and Mediterranean. These ships, equipped with advanced communications systems, are set to remain in service until 2039, reflecting their unique operational capabilities. They play a crucial role in directing large-scale naval operations, despite their age.

The Sahel States Alliance (AES) activated a joint force of 5,000 soldiers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in December 2025 amid escalating military tensions with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ECOWAS plans to deploy a 260,000-strong counter-terrorism force, further straining relations. A Nigerian military intervention in Benin in February 2026 was viewed by the AES as a sovereignty violation, while U.S. airstrikes in Nigeria have complicated the security landscape. The AES is pivoting towards Russia for military support.

Marie DuboisFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

The U.S. is recalibrating its military posture in the Indo-Pacific to address fiscal constraints and enhance deterrence against China. This includes deploying missile systems to the Philippines and increasing defense spending commitments from Japan and South Korea. The AUKUS partnership is advancing operational integration among U.S. and Australian forces, while China continues to expand its military presence in the region. The 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes a shift towards burden-sharing with allies.

Marcus ChenThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

The USS George H.W. Bush is set to deploy to the eastern Mediterranean, joining the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln in operations against Iranian military infrastructure. This deployment enhances U.S. naval capabilities in the region, allowing for hundreds of strike sorties daily and increasing deterrence against Iranian actions, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.

ECOWAS is set to deploy 2000 soldiers by the end of 2026 to combat terrorism in the Sahel, while the Sahel States Alliance, comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, aims to establish a joint force of 5000-6000 fighters. This dual military architecture arises amid rising terrorist threats and significant humanitarian crises, with Nigeria's economic challenges limiting its support for ECOWAS operations.

Marie DuboisWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) expanded its Unified Force to 6,000 soldiers by early 2026, intensifying military operations against jihadist threats. In March 2026, Malian and Burkinabè forces conducted airstrikes that neutralized over 100 militants in Sikasso and Djibo. The presence of approximately 1,000 Russian contractors in Mali supports AES operations, while ECOWAS plans to deploy a rapid response force of 1,650 soldiers in 2026. The situation reflects a complex security dynamic in the Sahel region.

Marie DuboisTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

On January 29, 2026, 30 ISIS fighters attacked the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, highlighting the ineffectiveness of current military strategies. In response to escalating violence, ECOWAS announced a plan for a 260,000-soldier anti-terror force, while the U.S. deployed 100 military personnel to Nigeria to bolster local efforts against terrorism. The Sahel region faces increasing fragmentation and competition among security architectures.

Marie DuboisSun Mar 08 2026Loading...

IS-Sahel attacked Niamey International Airport on January 29, 2026, using armed drones and mortars, marking a significant escalation in regional terrorism. JNIM has conducted over 500 attacks in Burkina Faso, controlling 60% of the territory. The CEDEAO activated a standby force of 2,000 soldiers in March 2026, while Russian fighters have been deployed in the AES countries. The situation reflects a deteriorating security environment in the Sahel.

Marie DuboisSun Mar 08 2026Loading...

General Patton took command of the U.S. II Corps in March 1943, restoring discipline and leading U.S. forces to victory at the Battle of El Guettar in North Africa. This battle marked the first successful engagement against German Panzers, demonstrating the effectiveness of American forces under Patton's leadership. His reforms and tactical coordination erased the stigma of earlier defeats and validated U.S. military capabilities during World War II.

The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes deterrence by denial in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on bolstering military presence and allied contributions. The strategy notably omits explicit mention of Taiwan, raising concerns about U.S. commitment to regional defense. Japan and South Korea are increasing their defense spending in response to U.S. expectations, while the U.S. plans expanded deployments and missile defenses in the region. This approach reflects a shift towards burden-sharing with allies and a realistic diplomatic stance towards China.

Marcus ChenWed Mar 04 2026Loading...