Analysis & Reports

The Pakistani Air Force conducted airstrikes in Kabul in February 2026 following escalating clashes with Afghan forces along the border. This marked a significant escalation in the conflict, with both sides engaging in offensive operations across multiple Afghan provinces. Pakistan's Defense Minister declared an 'open war' against the Taliban government, accusing them of harboring international militants and destabilizing the region.

Navantia proposed strategic cooperation to Denmark for naval programs, ensuring fast delivery starting in 2030. The proposal was presented during the visit of the Spanish Navy frigate F-105 in Copenhagen, which is participating in NATO's Steadfast Dart 26 exercise. The cooperation includes collaboration with Danish industry and support throughout the ships' life cycle.

Navantia proposed strategic cooperation to Denmark for naval programs on February 27, 2026, during the visit of the Spanish Navy frigate F-105 in Copenhagen. The proposal includes collaboration with Danish industry, life-cycle support, and training, highlighting Navantia's capabilities and commitment to providing advanced naval solutions. The F-105's visit coincided with NATO's Steadfast Dart 26 exercise, showcasing the Spanish Navy's support for the initiative.

U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee advised staff at the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem to leave Israel immediately on February 27. This directive was reported by several Israeli media outlets, indicating a heightened concern for the safety of U.S. personnel in the region.

The British Army continues to maintain its Watchkeeper drone fleet, with maintenance costs approaching 75% of the budget allocated for its replacement. This decision reflects ongoing financial concerns regarding military equipment retention.

The Canadian government advised its citizens to leave Iran immediately due to escalating regional tensions and the potential for hostile actions. This advisory was issued on February 26, 2023, following a previous warning on February 4, urging Canadians to avoid travel to Iran.

Iranian armed forces announced they will respond decisively and destructively to any U.S. provocations. They are closely monitoring U.S. and Israeli movements in the Middle East and are prepared for potential conflict. The Iranian military spokesperson emphasized that any reckless actions could lead to large-scale conflict and unprecedented responses from Iran.

NATO established Operation Arctic Sentry on February 11, 2026, to create a permanent military presence in the Arctic, responding to Russian and Chinese activities. The Cold Response 26 exercise, involving 25,000 soldiers from 14 nations, is set to take place from March 9 to 19, 2026, testing NATO's integrated military capabilities in the region. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance deterrence against potential threats in the Arctic.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Feb 27 2026Loading...

Delegations from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger approved the AES roadmap for 2026 during a strategic meeting in Ouagadougou on February 25-26, 2026. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in defense, diplomacy, and economic development to address ongoing security challenges in the Sahel region. This meeting reflects the commitment of the three nations to strengthen their alliance amid regional instability and the withdrawal from ECOWAS.

Marie DuboisFri Feb 27 2026Loading...

On February 27, 2026, the U.S. State Department authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from Israel due to increased safety risks. Concurrently, 11 F-22 fighter jets were deployed to Ovda Air Base, reflecting a heightened U.S. military presence in the region amid escalating tensions. The embassy remains operational, but travel restrictions for U.S. personnel may increase.

Navantia proposed strategic cooperation to Denmark for naval programs, ensuring collaboration with Danish industry and support from the Spanish Navy. The proposal was presented during the visit of the Spanish Navy frigate F 105 to Copenhagen on 27th February 2026, coinciding with NATO's Steadfast Dart 26 exercise. The F 105, recognized for its advanced capabilities, welcomed visitors from Danish institutions and companies, highlighting Navantia's commitment to providing state-of-the-art naval capabilities.

The Southern Theater Command Air Force conducted flight training exercises involving multiple fighter jets. The training aimed to test tactical skills and combat readiness, and it was completed successfully with all aircraft landing safely. This event took place recently in the Southern Theater Command.

The U.S. State Department ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and their families from Israel on February 27. This decision reflects concerns for the safety of U.S. diplomatic staff amid the current situation in the region.

ST Engineering secured a €315 million contract to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for military land platforms to the Qatar Emiri Land Forces, commencing in the second quarter of 2026. The contract includes the implementation of digitalized MRO processes and aims to enhance operational readiness and lifecycle management of military equipment in Qatar.

Rheinmetall Mobile Systeme GmbH signed a contract with the Danish Ministry of Defence for five Role 2 field hospitals at the end of 2025. The contract, valued in the mid double-digit million euro range, includes three Role 2B and two Role 2E hospitals, with delivery scheduled within two years. These hospitals are designed for rapid deployment and include advanced medical capabilities suitable for military operations.

Ukrainian forces executed successful counteroffensives, liberating approximately 183 square kilometers in the Kupyansk area and gaining 165 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhia oblasts between mid-December 2025 and late February 2026. Russia's military faces increasing vulnerabilities, with casualty rates surpassing recruitment for the first time since 2022, while the Kremlin continues to allocate significant resources to sustain its war effort. Ukraine has also strengthened defense industrial cooperation with European partners.

Dmitri VolkovFri Feb 27 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has undergone an unprecedented purge of over 101 senior military leaders since 2022, significantly impacting its command structure. This has resulted in a power vacuum within the Central Military Commission, now reduced to only two members. Reports from CSIS and IISS highlight serious deficiencies in military readiness and command capabilities, raising concerns about the PLA's ability to conduct complex operations, particularly regarding Taiwan.

Li MinghuiFri Feb 27 2026Loading...

Recent incidents have underscored the vulnerabilities of critical underwater infrastructure (CUI) in the Baltic Sea and off Taiwan, prompting NATO and the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force to enhance protective measures. The Russian Navy's RFS Yantar is reportedly mapping subsea cables, raising concerns about potential future attacks. Technological advancements are being implemented to improve surveillance capabilities, while international cooperation is increasing to address these threats effectively.

DroneShield signed a Bilateral Collaborative Research Agreement with the Australian Department of Defence (DSTG) in Sydney on 26 February 2026 to enhance counter-drone technology capabilities. This partnership includes the establishment of a $13 million R&D Hub in Adelaide, focusing on data sharing and collaborative testing to address emerging drone threats. The collaboration aims to leverage both organizations' expertise to deliver innovative solutions for the Australian Defence Force.

The U.S. has deployed its largest military presence in the Persian Gulf since 2003, including two aircraft carrier strike groups and over 150 combat aircraft, amid escalating tensions with Iran. Concurrently, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps conducted military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, demonstrating missile capabilities. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have stated they will not permit their territory to be used for U.S. strikes on Iran, complicating the regional security landscape.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Feb 27 2026Loading...