Analysis & Reports

China's People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is projected to field approximately 1,000 J-20/A/S stealth fighters and 900 J-16 fighters by 2030, significantly modernizing its air capabilities. The production rate of J-20s is expected to reach 120 aircraft annually, indicating a substantial increase in fifth-generation fighter jets. Despite American manufacturers having a reliability advantage in engines, China's advancements in production and technology are notable.

The U.S. government has failed to address nuclear proliferation in its recent National Defense Strategy, opting for a case-by-case approach over the past 16 years. This strategy has led to concerns about the implications of nuclear weapons in the hands of allies and adversaries alike. The report advocates for a renewed and effective nuclear nonproliferation policy to mitigate risks associated with the spread of nuclear weapons.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has ended nearly all abortions at VA facilities, reverting to a pre-2022 policy that requires patients to seek care outside the department. This final rule, issued on December 31, 2022, allows abortions only when the mother's life is at risk. Democratic lawmakers are seeking to overturn this decision, which they argue limits healthcare options for women veterans.

The U.S. Air Force is developing the F-47 stealth fighter as part of its Next-Generation Air Dominance program. This 6th-generation aircraft will enable pilots to control drones directly from the cockpit, enhancing air combat capabilities and mission execution. The F-47 is designed to function as a command and control node, allowing for simultaneous operations of multiple drones for ISR and strikes.

Russia announced $15 billion in arms exports for 2025, focusing on military-technical cooperation with over 30 countries, particularly in Africa. President Putin stated that these contracts have been fulfilled despite Western sanctions. The revenue is intended to modernize defense enterprises and expand production capacity, although the long-term sustainability of these export levels is uncertain due to increased domestic military demand and ongoing sanctions.

The division of Korea is now a permanent feature of the international order, shaped by great-power competition, particularly between the U.S. and China. This geopolitical landscape has made the prospect of reunification unrealistic, as both North and South Korea are influenced by their respective alliances and security interests. The expectation that North Korea would eventually align with the South has been replaced by a structural and geopolitical reality that favors division.

Rheinmetall has secured a contract with the Dutch armed forces for the supply of hand grenades. This framework agreement indicates a commitment to ongoing supply, enhancing the military capabilities of the Netherlands.

The U.S. Army is experiencing an increase in the average enlistment age of new recruits, now at 22.7 years for fiscal year 2026. This shift reflects changes in recruitment strategies aimed at older Americans, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Army leadership indicates a focus on attracting individuals with specialized skills, suggesting a potential long-term change in enlistment demographics.

Russia's armored forces in Ukraine have suffered over 4,308 tank losses and 8,735 armored infantry fighting vehicles since the invasion began in 2022. The military is increasingly relying on older models like T-62s and T-54/55 due to significant losses of modern equipment. Design flaws in Russian tanks contribute to catastrophic failures, leading to high casualty rates among crews. The ongoing conflict has resulted in approximately 1.2 million Russian casualties, indicating a critical situation for the Russian military.

The Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on February 2 in Southern Lebanon, targeting multiple Hezbollah weapon storage facilities. One of the destroyed facilities was located in a civilian area, prompting accusations that Hezbollah is using civilian infrastructure for military purposes. The IDF stated that these actions are necessary to prevent Hezbollah's military rebuilding efforts, which pose a direct threat to Israel.

Iran is prepared to retaliate against any military provocations infringing on its sovereignty, as stated by Chief of Staff Mousavi. Military exercises are scheduled for February 2-3, 2023, at Shirin Fortress on Iran's western border. Mousavi emphasized that the Iranian military's combat spirit is high and warned of serious consequences for the U.S. and its allies if tensions escalate.

Poland's Ministry of National Defence signed a PLN 15 billion ($4.2 billion) deal with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and PGZ for counter-unmanned aerial systems to protect its airspace from Russian drone incursions. The agreement, signed on January 30, 2026, includes 18 anti-drone batteries and 703 vehicles, with deliveries expected to start in 2026. This initiative is part of Poland's broader strategy to enhance its military capabilities amid ongoing regional threats.

The USS Cincinnati (LCS-20) docked at Ream Naval Base in Cambodia on January 24, 2024, marking the first U.S. visit since Chinese expansions at the facility. The ship was positioned approximately 150 meters from a Chinese warship, highlighting the base's openness to all nations. This visit is part of a broader effort to enhance U.S.-Cambodian relations and counterbalance Chinese influence in the region.

Booz Allen Hamilton is actively developing advanced technology and engineering solutions for defense needs in the United States. The company operates multiple engineering and manufacturing facilities and has established a $300 million venture capital fund to support small businesses in defense technology. They are collaborating with L3Harris on the Tactical Operations Center-Light (TOC-L) prototype and advancing hypersonic technologies to enhance military capabilities.

SD Government received T-1 certification from the US Air Force Air Mobility Command for the Roll-on/Roll-off Tactical Removable Airborne Satellite Communications capability for C-130 aircraft on February 2, 2026, in Singapore. This certification enables multiple satellite communication options and enhances operational capabilities for C-130 variants, improving situational awareness for military forces.

The USS Missouri (BB-63) was commissioned in 1944 and played a significant role in World War II, including the Japanese surrender ceremony. It later served in the Korean War and the Persian Gulf War, showcasing its adaptability with modern weaponry. Decommissioned in 1992, it now serves as a memorial at Pearl Harbor, representing American naval power and engineering excellence.

BIRD Aerosystems secured a multi-million dollar contract on February 2, 2026, to supply dozens of SPREOS DIRCM systems for a Helicopter Upgrade Program in the Asia Pacific region. This contract includes strategic cooperation with a local defense company for knowledge transfer and local production. The SPREOS DIRCM system is designed to protect helicopters from missile threats, enhancing their operational capabilities.

BIRD Aerosystems secured a multi-million dollar contract on February 2, 2026, to supply dozens of SPREOS DIRCM systems for a Helicopter Upgrade Program in the Asia Pacific region. The contract involves strategic cooperation with a local defense company for knowledge transfer and production. SPREOS DIRCM systems are designed to protect helicopters from missile threats, enhancing the modernization of national helicopter fleets.

FN Herstal achieved CMMC Level 2 cybersecurity certification on 02 February 2026 in Herstal, Belgium. This certification, granted by the US Department of War, positions FN Herstal among the first European companies to meet stringent cybersecurity standards. The certification enhances FN Herstal's competitiveness in securing defense contracts and demonstrates its commitment to high cybersecurity maturity.

On February 1, 2023, the Israeli Defense Forces conducted an airstrike in Southern Lebanon, killing Ali Khakani, a key commander of Hezbollah's air defense unit. Khakani was involved in planning the reconstruction of Hezbollah's military infrastructure. Additionally, another airstrike on February 2 resulted in the death of another armed individual attempting to rebuild military facilities for Hezbollah.