Analysis & Reports

President Trump deployed National Guard troops to U.S. cities in 2025, costing approximately $496 million. The deployment included 2,950 personnel in Washington, D.C., with ongoing costs of $55 million per month. Legal challenges have paused deployments in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, while Trump indicated troops would remain in Washington for the remainder of 2026. The Congressional Budget Office provided these estimates, highlighting the uncertainty of future costs due to various factors.

The Southern Theater Command Air Force conducted impressive training exercises, showcasing their capabilities. The training drew positive reactions from netizens, highlighting its intensity and effectiveness.

Iranian naval forces are prepared to potentially engage U.S. Navy assets in the Strait of Hormuz, focusing on sea denial strategies. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is currently operating in U.S. Central Command waters, increasing the risk of conflict. Iran's capabilities include approximately 20 Ghadir-class midget submarines and 3 Kilo-class submarines, which are suited for ambush tactics against surface ships.

On April 7, 1989, the Soviet Navy's K-278 Komsomolets submarine sank in the Norwegian Sea after a catastrophic fire, resulting in the deaths of 42 sailors. The submarine, which was armed with two nuclear-tipped torpedoes, remains at a depth of 5,250 feet, posing an environmental threat. The incident underscored the inexperience of the crew and the need for improved training in emergency situations.

U.S. Navy submarines are currently sidelined due to extended maintenance delays caused by capacity limits and supply-chain issues at public shipyards. The Columbia-class SSBN is expected to be delivered 12 to 16 months late, impacting overall naval readiness. The Navy is investing in modernization efforts to alleviate these logistical challenges and improve submarine maintenance efficiency.

China's representative at the United Nations warned that military adventurism will push the Middle East into an unpredictable abyss. He emphasized the need for peaceful resolutions and respect for Iran's sovereignty, urging all parties to avoid interference and contribute to regional stability.

Greece is modernizing its Hellenic Air Force by acquiring 20 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters and upgrading its F-16s to Viper standards. The country maintains a fleet of 227 fighter aircraft, larger than that of France or the UK, to counter perceived security threats from Turkey. By 2030, Greece aims to achieve air superiority in the Eastern Mediterranean, driven by long-standing geopolitical tensions with Turkey.

The Venezuelan military recognized Delcy Rodriguez as the Supreme Commander on January 28. This acknowledgment marks a significant leadership change within the Venezuelan Armed Forces.

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet during World War II, overseeing over two million personnel and 5,000 ships. He was appointed after the Pearl Harbor attack and played a crucial role in the Battle of Midway. Nimitz was known for his accessible leadership style, valuing advice from junior officers. His legacy continues with the naming of the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier.

The U.S. military employed a non-kinetic effects cell to guide cyber operations that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas. The operation involved targeting radar, internet, and the city's power grid, resulting in a temporary blackout. U.S. intelligence agencies supported the operation, which is part of a larger initiative to enhance military cyber capabilities through Cyber Command 2.0.

The Space Development Agency (SDA) is at risk of failing to meet its missile warning and tracking goals, according to a GAO report. The report highlights overestimations in technology readiness and insufficient collaboration with military operators. SDA has awarded contracts for 173 satellites but faces challenges in delivering timely and effective capabilities. GAO recommends several actions to improve transparency and technology assessments.

Ukrainian President Zelensky announced that the Ukrainian Security Service is planning new operations against Russia, which are expected to alter the dynamics of the ongoing conflict. The operations include updates on frontline activities and actions taken by the Alpha Special Forces in response to Russian strikes.

Iran's defense advisor warned that any U.S. military action would lead to an unprecedented response from Iran, targeting the U.S., Israel, and their allies. The U.S. has informed Israel of its military readiness, with preparations expected to conclude in two weeks. Trump indicated a significant naval presence heading towards Iran, suggesting an escalation in military tensions.

The U.S. Space Force is developing the SWORD platform to enhance training for guardians in realistic space operations. This cloud-enabled digital simulation environment allows for training without relying solely on live assets. The program was highlighted during a media roundtable in Los Angeles, emphasizing its focus on realism and adaptability to evolving threats. SWORD aims to provide enterprise-wide access for distributed training from home stations.

The U.S. Space Force is enhancing its training capabilities through the SWORD platform, a cloud-enabled digital simulation designed for realistic space operations. This initiative, highlighted by Col. Corey Klopstein during a media roundtable in Los Angeles, aims to improve operational readiness by integrating real-time threat data and enabling distributed training for guardians. The program is currently being scaled for broader use and emphasizes rapid adaptation to evolving adversary tactics.

Ali Shamkhani, a political advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, stated that Iran will retaliate immediately against any U.S. military action, targeting Israel's core areas. He emphasized that any U.S. military action would be seen as the start of war. This statement follows recent U.S. threats of military intervention and President Trump's announcement of a large fleet heading towards Iran.

A Russian Su-30SM fighter jet was reportedly shot down over the Black Sea near southern Ukraine in the evening hours. The aircraft, belonging to the Russian Armed Forces, is said to have lost its crew. This incident has not been independently confirmed, and no official comments have been made by Russian authorities regarding the loss.

The deployment of National Guard and active-duty Marine forces to six US cities cost approximately $496 million in the last six months of 2025. Future deployments are estimated to cost around $93 million per month. The National Guard's deployment of 1,000 members incurs costs between $18 million and $21 million monthly, depending on local living expenses. Legal barriers affecting future deployments were also noted.

The Indonesian Air Force received its first three Dassault Rafale F4-standard fighters at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base on 23 January 2026. These aircraft will be operated by the TNI-AU’s 12th Air Squadron, enhancing the air force's combat capabilities. Indonesia has a total of 42 Rafales on order, with the first batch of three now delivered.

The National Transportation Safety Board reported that systemic failures by the U.S. Army and FAA led to a mid-air collision over the Potomac River on January 29, 2025, resulting in 67 fatalities. The Army UH-60 Blackhawk collided with American Airlines Flight 5342 due to inadequate pilot training and air traffic control issues. The NTSB has issued recommendations to improve safety protocols and address identified shortcomings in aviation operations.