Analysis & Reports

Australia is considering alternatives to the AUKUS nuclear submarine program, potentially opting for B-2 stealth bombers due to delays and trust issues with the U.S. and U.K. The AUKUS agreement, aimed at countering China, has faced skepticism regarding its implementation, with experts suggesting a shift in strategy to enhance Australia's military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Russia's military casualties in Ukraine have exceeded 1.2 million as of January 2026, with daily losses often surpassing 1,000. The Russian Armed Forces are engaged in a war of attrition, relying on older equipment and continuous recruitment to sustain their efforts. The government has invested heavily in compensating families of casualties to maintain domestic support, while military spending has reached 40% of federal expenditures.

Breaking Defense launched a new video series titled Pentagon Buzz, focusing on national security policies and the Department of Defense. The series aims to provide insights into the people and politics that shape military and defense industry decisions. Viewers are encouraged to stay tuned for the first episode.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations as of February 24, 2024. The carrier, part of Carrier Strike Group Nine, is currently flying in formation with a B-52 Stratofortress and aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 11. The USS Theodore Roosevelt has a notable operational history, including participation in major conflicts and recent deployments in the Pacific.

Peraton experts discussed the importance of ISR superiority, emphasizing the need for rapid processing of ISR data into actionable intelligence. They highlighted the role of AI-enabled analytic tools in enhancing decision-making for commanders and operators. The conversation also covered how these advancements prepare warfighters to operate effectively in contested environments.

China and Russia are struggling with the development of their next-generation stealth bombers, the H-20 and PAK DA, respectively. Both programs face technical challenges, including engine and avionics issues, and political obstacles related to collaboration. The PAK DA is not yet operational, and resource constraints in Russia are impacting its development.

The last nuclear arms control treaty between the U.S. and Russia is set to expire on February 5, 2026, raising concerns about a potential new arms race. Russian officials, including Medvedev, have warned that the absence of the treaty could erode trust and lead to increased nuclear deployments. The treaty currently limits each country to 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads, and its expiration may significantly alter the nuclear landscape.

The US Marine Corps selected L3Harris to develop the Precision Attack Strike Munition, a new weapon system for the AH-1Z helicopter, under an $86.2 million contract. The delivery is expected by the end of fiscal 2027, enhancing the Marine Corps' capabilities with a longer-range precision weapon. This initiative aligns with the Marines' operational focus in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. Army's M1E3 Abrams tank is under development, focusing on weight reduction and active protection integration, while Israel's Merkava Mk IV is recognized for its survivability and combat effectiveness. Both tanks feature advanced systems, with the M1E3 aiming for future versatility and the Merkava being a proven choice for urban combat. The comparison was presented at the Detroit Auto Show on January 17, 2026.

U.S. Navy unit VX-9 was observed flying an F-35A Lightning II at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, on January 23. This flight is part of an exchange program between the U.S. Navy and Air Force. The Navy has received nearly 90 F-35C aircraft, and the F-35A is being tested for compatibility with Navy operations.

The U.S. Navy retired the F-14 Tomcat on October 4, 2006, due to escalating maintenance costs and safety concerns. Despite its impressive capabilities, including a speed of Mach 2.3 and the ability to engage targets at 100 nautical miles, the aircraft became increasingly difficult to maintain. The F-14's retirement marked the end of an era for a platform that had been in service since its maiden flight in 1974.

The U.S. Navy has forward-deployed eight Arleigh Burke-class destroyers across the Middle East, preparing for potential confrontation with Iran. This deployment supports the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and includes destroyers positioned in critical areas such as the Strait of Hormuz and Arabian Sea. The military buildup has prompted Iran to engage in serious discussions with the U.S., marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.

The U.S. Navy continues to enhance the Virginia-class submarines, with Block VI production now underway. These nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines are designed for various missions, including strike and reconnaissance, and are expected to remain in service into the 2040s. The introduction of the Virginia Payload Module significantly increases their Tomahawk missile capacity, reflecting the Navy's commitment to maintaining undersea dominance.

Israeli Defense Forces killed 4 Palestinian militants near the 'Green Line' in northern Gaza Strip on February 2. The IDF stated that the militants posed a direct threat as they approached their forces. This incident follows previous engagements with militants crossing the 'Green Line', which the IDF Chief of Staff has described as a new boundary for Gaza.

The Senate approved Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan's promotion to four stars and his appointment as head of U.S. Southern Command in Washington, D.C. Donovan will succeed Acting Commander Lt. Gen. Pettus. This leadership change follows Adm. Alvin Holsey's announcement to step down, coinciding with a shift in U.S. military focus towards the Western Hemisphere.

The U.S. Navy built two Alaska-class mini-battleships, USS Alaska and USS Guam, which saw limited action during World War II, primarily in the Pacific Theater. Designed with advanced armament, they were intended to counter rival naval threats but were retired by 1947 due to their niche classification and rapid obsolescence. The report serves as a cautionary tale for future naval designs, particularly the new Trump-class battleships.

CSG and HDS are forming a joint venture named Hellenic Ammunition in Greece to produce large-calibre ammunition. This initiative aims to enhance the local defense manufacturing capabilities.

A Russian drone strike killed at least a dozen civilians in Dnipro, Ukraine, while Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in 32 fatalities. In Minnesota, U.S. Border Patrol officials reported ongoing immigration enforcement operations, including a recent incident involving the fatal shooting of a nurse by immigration agents. A judge criticized ICE for its handling of asylum seekers, highlighting broader concerns about immigration enforcement practices.

China's J-35A, a new twin-engine, fifth-generation multirole fighter, is being developed to complement the J-20 and exert pressure on Taiwan through grey-zone operations. The J-35A is designed for air superiority and precision strike, while the F-22 is recognized for its maneuverability and stealth. Both aircraft are equipped with beyond-visual-range missiles, but the effectiveness of the J-35A may be limited by the inexperience of Chinese pilots compared to their American counterparts.