Analysis & Reports

Turkey laid the keel of the first naval support vessel for the Portuguese Navy at Ada Shipyard in Istanbul during the week of December 17, 2024. This event marks Turkey's first military ship export to a NATO member state. The contract includes two Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment Ships designed for joint operations and humanitarian missions, with delivery expected in 2028.

Belarus received a new batch of Su-30SM2 fighter jets on January 29 as part of the rearmament of its Air Force and Air Defense Forces. This delivery continues the scheduled transfer of upgraded multirole fighters, enhancing Belarus's military capabilities amid increased regional military activity. The Su-30SM2 jets are designed for air superiority and strike missions, supporting both national and allied operations.

Rostec will showcase advanced military systems, including the BTR-22 armored personnel carrier and Sarma 300mm multiple launch rocket system, at the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This exhibition is significant as it remains one of the few global venues for Russian defense companies to present their equipment. The BTR-22 features a modern design aimed at enhancing crew safety and operational effectiveness.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa signed a NOK 16 billion contract with the Polish Armaments Agency to deliver 18 Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) batteries in Poland on January 30, 2026. The CUAS batteries will include various effectors such as 35 mm, 30 mm, and 12.7 mm guns, as well as missiles and interceptor drones. This program, named SAN CUAS, aims to strengthen Poland's air defense capabilities and enhance regional counter-drone innovation.

The Belgian Ministry of Defence launched the Land Systems Logistic Support (LS²) initiative on 30 January 2026 in Herstal, Belgium. This partnership involves John Cockerill Defense, FN Herstal, and Thales Belgium, aiming to ensure the long-term maintenance and operational readiness of Belgian Land Force vehicles. Thibault Lambrecht has been appointed CEO of LS², which will operate for 20 years.

Rheinmetall signed a multi-year framework contract with the Dutch Army for the production of hand grenades, with an initial term of five years and an option to extend for two years. The contract includes approximately 15 different types of hand grenades manufactured at Rheinmetall's facilities in Germany and Austria. This agreement enhances the operational readiness of the Dutch armed forces and reflects the ongoing cooperation between Rheinmetall and the Netherlands in defense technology.

Northrop Grumman successfully tested the BAMM!29 2.0 solid rocket motor in Promontory, Utah, on January 29, 2026. This test follows the successful static test of the SMASH!22 motor in December 2025. The BAMM!29 2.0, developed under the SMART Demo program, features advanced materials and technologies, demonstrating rapid advancements in solid rocket motor capabilities.

Pakistani security forces conducted operations in Balochistan Province on January 29, 2023, killing 41 terrorists. In Harnai, 30 terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation, while 11 were killed in Panjgur. The forces seized a significant amount of weapons and explosives, and recovered cash linked to a previous bank robbery.

Ukrainian President Zelensky announced that Russia has suspended the prisoner exchange process. This statement was made on the 30th, with no response from Russian officials. Previously, Russian Human Rights Commissioner Moskalkova emphasized the importance of resuming the exchange, but noted difficulties in communication with Ukraine.

The Israel Defense Forces completed a command post exercise named 'Lion's Moment' on January 30. The week-long exercise simulated operational progression within the Central Command area, focusing on decision-making processes and the implementation of defense systems. All necessary command rooms were activated to address various emergency scenarios.

The U.S. military is mobilizing forces in the Middle East, with the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group heading towards Iran amid rising tensions. Increased deployments of aircraft and naval vessels have been observed at U.S. bases in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Iran has responded by mobilizing its strategic drones and issuing warnings against potential U.S. military actions.

He Haiyang, a sailor from the People's Liberation Army Navy's Baotou Ship, rescued a civilian who fell into the East China Sea on January 15. He and another crew member jumped into the cold water to save the individual, who had lost consciousness. Medical personnel on board provided immediate care, and the civilian was later transported to a hospital for further treatment.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is expected to miss the NATO Defense Ministers' meeting in Brussels next month. This marks the second consecutive absence of a senior U.S. official from a NATO ministerial meeting, following Secretary of State Rubio's absence last December. The situation raises concerns among NATO allies regarding U.S. commitment to the alliance amid increasing tensions.

Intensive training exercises are occurring at a People's Liberation Army Air Force base during winter, featuring various aircraft and support vehicles. The atmosphere is described as tense, highlighting the active military operations taking place.

A Chinese defense spokesperson warned against the resurgence of Japanese militarism, stating that Japan is expanding its military capabilities and violating international obligations. China pledged to collaborate with peace-loving nations to contain this resurgence, emphasizing the threat it poses to regional and global stability.

Li MinghuiFri Jan 30 2026Loading...

The Chinese Coast Guard conducted law enforcement patrols in the territorial waters of Huangyan Island on January 30. These patrols aimed to address illegal intrusions by foreign vessels and included emergency rescue operations for Filipino crew members in distress. This action is part of China's ongoing efforts to assert its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the region.

The 82nd Group Army conducted high-intensity training in frozen snowy terrain to enhance combat readiness. Personnel operated tanks under harsh winter conditions, focusing on skills such as navigating steep slopes and low visibility. The exercise aimed to improve tactical coordination and equipment performance in extreme weather.

The August 1st Air Demonstration Team of the People's Liberation Army Air Force conducted adaptive training at Changi Airport, Singapore, on January 30. They performed at the first flight of the 10th Singapore Airshow, which is set to take place from February 3 to 8. The team arrived with 7 J-10 aircraft and 1 Y-20A tanker for logistical support.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy will conduct live-fire exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on February 1-2. This announcement follows U.S. Defense Secretary's comments on readiness to respond to President Trump's directives regarding Iran. The Strait is a vital route for global oil and gas transport.

Poland supplied 24 M120 Rak self-propelled mortar systems and 12 command post vehicles to Ukraine in April 2023, with operational deployment occurring by Q3 2023. The US Army is developing the AMPV, which includes a prototype fitted with the NEMO 120 mm turreted mortar system. The M120 Rak systems are noted for their rapid deployment capabilities and high rates of fire.