Analysis & Reports

Service members, veterans, and their families will have free access to over 2,500 hours of coverage for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics from February 6 to February 22, 2026, through a partnership between AAFES and NBCUniversal. Eligible individuals can stream the events via ShopMyExchange.com. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for military personnel and their families.

Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, who died in Afghanistan on August 28, 2013, while saving a Polish officer from a suicide bomber, will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor. His father confirmed the award was approved by President Donald Trump. Ollis had previously received the Distinguished Service Cross for his valor, and his actions have become a symbol of military alliances.

Indonesia signed a Letter of Intent with Leonardo at the Singapore Airshow to acquire M-346 F Block 20 fighter aircraft, supporting its modernization efforts. The agreement includes provisions for support, maintenance, and training. Leonardo aims to replace Indonesia's aging aircraft fleet, while discussions for a procurement contract are set to advance soon.

South Korea is upgrading its F-15K Slam Eagle fleet to the F-15EX Eagle II, enhancing its capabilities with hypersonic missile capability and advanced radar systems. This upgrade aims to provide critical combat mass in conjunction with 5th-generation stealth fighters. The F-15EX is designed to operate effectively against advanced threats, despite concerns regarding its lack of stealth compared to 5th-generation aircraft.

The Indian government allocated Rs7.85 trillion ($86.7 billion) to the Ministry of Defence for the 2026-27 financial year, representing a 15.19% increase from the previous year. This funding boost is part of the Union Budget aimed at enhancing the country's defense capabilities.

North Korea is actively pursuing the development of nuclear missiles on submarines, which could significantly alter regional security dynamics. This shift may provoke preemptive military actions from the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, as they seek to neutralize the threat before it materializes. The North's current nuclear arsenal remains vulnerable, but the introduction of undersea capabilities could lead to increased belligerence from Pyongyang.

The U.S. State Department has cleared potential arms sales to Israel valued at approximately $6.6 billion, which includes tactical vehicles, helicopters, and armored vehicle power packs. This action takes place against a backdrop of increasing tensions with Iran.

The U.S. Air Force is engaged in a debate over the production and cost of the F-47 stealth fighter, which is priced at approximately $300 million per unit. With plans for a production run of 186-200 aircraft, concerns have been raised about the sustainability and readiness of such a small fleet. The F-47 is intended to serve as a command node for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, enhancing combat capabilities. Discussions about potential exports to allies are also underway.

Airbus and Singapore completed the certification of the Automatic Air to Air Refueling (A3R) capability for the A330 MRTT, marking a significant milestone in military logistics. The certification was granted by INTA after extensive testing in Singapore and Spain. The A3R system is designed to enhance the Republic of Singapore Air Force's mission effectiveness and has attracted international interest, particularly from Canada. Thailand has also ordered the improved MRTT+ variant, with delivery scheduled for 2029.

Airbus and Singapore completed the certification of the Automatic Air to Air Refueling (A3R) capability for the Airbus A330 MRTT, marking a significant advancement in air-to-air refueling technology. The certification was granted by the Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology following extensive testing. The Republic of Singapore Air Force will benefit from this new capability, which is also attracting interest from other nations, including Canada and Thailand.

U.S. Navy Carrier Air Wing 8 conducted a coordinated formation flight over the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) in the Caribbean Sea on January 19, 2026, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony. The flight included seven F/A-18 Super Hornets, two MH-60 Seahawk helicopters, and one E-2D Hawkeye, showcasing military readiness and capability. This operation supports U.S. Southern Command's mission to disrupt illicit drug trafficking.

The U.S. Air Force is considering the sale of surplus A-10 Warthogs to Ukraine and Poland, which seek close air support capabilities. The aircraft, known for their effectiveness against armored vehicles, face challenges in pilot training and logistics. Despite concerns about their vulnerability, the A-10's combat record suggests it could significantly aid ground operations against Russian forces.

The U.S. Army has implemented a new retention bonus system that ties financial incentives to soldiers' physical fitness test scores and job performance. This policy, confirmed by military officials, prioritizes bonuses for those in hard-to-fill Military Occupational Specialties, particularly in cyber and special operations. The new tiered incentive program, known as QTIP, ranks soldiers based on their performance, with higher bonuses for top performers. This initiative aims to enhance retention of skilled personnel amid ongoing personnel shortages.

The K2 Black Panther is currently operational with the South Korean Army and Poland, showcasing advanced features and capabilities. The U.S. Army's M1E3 Abrams is in early development, aiming to enhance protection and modularity. Both tanks are equipped with 120 mm cannons, but the K2 is noted for its agility and existing deployment, while the M1E3 is still refining its design for future capabilities.

Corpsman Edward Clyde Benfold engaged in combat on September 5, 1952, at Bunker Hill, Korea, to save two wounded Marines. He counter-charged the enemy and detonated grenades, sacrificing his life in the process. His actions earned him the Medal of Honor, awarded posthumously to his infant son on July 16, 1953.

Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis was killed in Afghanistan on August 28, 2013, while shielding Polish Army Lt. Karol Cierpica from a suicide bomber. He will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery, as announced by his parents after a conversation with President Trump. Ollis had previously received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the attack on Forward Operating Base Ghazni.

In 2025, over 6,000 sailors were abandoned by shipowners, primarily in the Middle East and Europe, with Turkey and the UAE leading in cases. The International Transport Workers’ Federation reported that these sailors are owed $25.8 million in back pay, highlighting a systemic crisis in maritime labor rights. The issue is exacerbated by the prevalence of shadow fleets operating under flags of convenience.

RTX has signed agreements with the Pentagon to significantly increase the production of various munitions, including over 1,000 Tomahawk missiles and at least 1,900 AMRAAM missiles annually. The agreements, announced in Washington, D.C., will span up to seven years and involve substantial investments in production facilities. This move reflects a positive shift in the relationship between RTX and the Pentagon, following previous criticisms from the Trump administration.

The U.S. Air Force is upgrading the B-52H Stratofortress to the B-52J to modernize its fleet and ensure long-range strike capabilities. This upgrade includes new engines, radar, and enhanced weapons capacity, allowing the B-52J to carry advanced hypersonic and standoff missiles. The B-21 Raider will complement the B-52J by handling penetration missions, while the B-52J will focus on massed standoff fires. The modernization program is currently over budget and delayed by three years.

Canada is pursuing a plan to replace its aging Victoria-class submarines with a new fleet of 12 Arctic-capable submarines. The Royal Canadian Navy is currently modernizing the existing fleet, which is expected to remain operational until the mid-to-late 2030s. Germany's TKMS and South Korea's Hanwha are among the competitors for the new submarine contract, with a decision anticipated later this year. The entire procurement process may take 15 to 25 years to complete.