Analysis & Reports

U.S. Army paratroopers from the 11th Airborne Division conducted a mass tactical airborne operation in Hokkaido, Japan, in late January 2026 as part of the North Wind 26 exercise. This bilateral winter training with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force involved airborne insertion procedures and subsequent ground maneuvers to simulate combat operations in extreme cold-weather conditions. The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability and test rapid force insertion capabilities.

The United States Marine Corps is training and certifying operators for small attack drone missions at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The course focuses on the combat use of first-person view (FPV) drones, teaching Marines to prepare payloads, assemble drones, and execute missions. This initiative aims to standardize drone operations across units and enhance battlefield capabilities with unmanned systems.

U.S. and Bahraini forces conducted a live-fire counter-drone exercise in Bahrain on January 26, 2026. The exercise involved a U.S. MRAP vehicle firing a M-LIDS interceptor at a fixed-wing target, focusing on detecting and defeating small unmanned aerial systems. This bilateral training aimed to enhance coordination and validate shared procedures for counter-drone operations in the region.

U.S. Army aviation units staged multiple CH-47F Chinook and AH-64E Apache helicopters at Katterbach Army Airfield on January 26, 2026, as crews cleared flight lines during a heavy winter storm. Snow removal teams operated specialized equipment to maintain runway and parking area functionality. The 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, under V Corps, continued routine procedures to ensure operational readiness without mission disruption despite challenging weather conditions.

Sweden is engaging in preliminary discussions with France and the United Kingdom regarding nuclear weapons cooperation. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed these talks, emphasizing Sweden's involvement in NATO discussions about nuclear deterrence. This shift reflects growing concerns about European security and the reliability of US commitments. The discussions are ongoing and part of a broader debate on non-US nuclear deterrence options in Europe.

USS Wichita (LCS 13) completed major engineering repairs at sea in the U.S. Fourth Fleet area of operations in October 2025, restoring propulsion and power systems. The crew repaired a diesel generator and main propulsion engine without returning to port, demonstrating increased self-sufficiency. Advance planning allowed for critical spare parts to be onboard, ensuring operational readiness during deployment.

The U.S. Navy is enhancing the survivability of its supercarriers against Chinese anti-ship missiles by implementing advanced technologies such as the MQ-25 Stingray drone, which extends the operational range of carrier-based aircraft. The Navy is also integrating layered defense systems, including Electronic Warfare and laser weapons, to counter threats. These developments are part of a broader strategy to maintain operational readiness in contested maritime environments.

The U.S. Marine Corps approved the HANX, its first fully compliant 3D-printed drone, developed by the 2nd Marine Logistics Group at Camp Lejeune. This drone is designed for multiple missions, including reconnaissance and logistics, and aims to enhance U.S. drone capabilities by 2028. The project emphasizes low-cost production and compliance with security standards.

The U.S. Navy integrated 3D printing into frontline fleet operations in 2025, significantly reducing part lead times by up to 70%. A notable achievement was the installation of a 1.5-meter metal valve manifold on a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. This technology is now embedded in the Navy's supply chain and maintenance systems, enhancing operational efficiency and enabling international cooperation through the AUKUS partnership.

Hanwha signed multiple memoranda of understanding with Canadian companies on January 26, 2026, to support the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project. The agreements involve partnerships in steel, space, AI, and advanced technologies, aiming to enhance Canada's defense capabilities. Hanwha plans to deliver four KSS-III submarines by 2035, with a total of 12 submarines by 2043, reinforcing the strategic partnership between South Korea and Canada.

The U.S. Air Force awarded a $581.3 million contract to Amazon Web Services for cloud services at Hanscom Air Force Base, effective through December 7, 2028. This contract supports the Air Force's Cloud One program, which provides secure computing environments for various military applications. The initiative is part of the Air Force's digital modernization strategy, aimed at enhancing operational capabilities and data management.

EDGE signed a collaboration agreement with TII, SteerAI, and Micropolis to deploy an autonomous logistics platform in Abu Dhabi on 27 January 2026. This platform will automate asset movement using unmanned ground vehicles and AI-driven software. The partnership aims to integrate various technologies to create a comprehensive logistics solution, marking a significant advancement in the UAE's autonomous capabilities.

Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment arrived in Norway on January 19, 2023, using a New England Patriots' jet to participate in NATO's Cold Response 26 exercise. This exercise involves approximately 3,000 Marines and over 25,000 service members, focusing on cold-weather operations and NATO coordination. The deployment highlights the readiness of U.S. forces to operate in Arctic conditions.

DSIT Solutions launched the GhostFin sonar suite for unmanned underwater vehicles on January 27, 2026. This advanced system enhances surveillance capabilities for Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare, featuring multiple sonar types and autonomous operation. GhostFin is designed for integration with various UUV sizes and can be utilized for real-time surveillance and acoustic signal collection.

NATO is projected to field 600 F-35 stealth fighters by 2030, significantly enhancing its air superiority over Russia, which struggles with limited fifth-generation capabilities. European nations are forming a multinational F-35 force, which will improve collaborative operations and intelligence sharing. The development of a common data file for F-35s aims to standardize threat identification and enhance joint operations against potential Russian incursions.

The 8th August Air Demonstration Team's 7 J-10 aircraft arrived at Changi Airport, Singapore, to participate in the 10th Singapore Airshow. This marks the team's 13th international appearance, following their last participation in February 2020. The aircraft were accompanied by a Y-20A tanker for aerial refueling during the flight from a domestic airport.

On January 27, 2026, the Israel Ministry of Defense issued a multi-year order for air munitions from Elbit Systems, valued at approximately $183 million. This procurement aims to enhance Israel's defense industrial base and strengthen the IDF's capabilities for future security challenges. Defense Minister Israel Katz highlighted the importance of expanding the domestic defense sector to ensure operational superiority.

Elbit Systems secured a $228 million contract to provide the Iron Fist Active Protection System for the US Army's Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles. This contract enhances the defensive capabilities of the Bradley IFVs, ensuring better protection against threats.

The U.S. Navy is currently experiencing a significant shipbuilding crisis, with 82% of its construction projects delayed and a shrinking fleet despite a doubled budget over the past two decades. High-profile cancellations include four Constellation-class frigates and a drastic reduction in the Zumwalt-class destroyer fleet. This situation jeopardizes U.S. readiness against China, which is expanding its naval capabilities and preparing for potential conflict by 2027.

Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered a speech on April 16, 1953, emphasizing the societal costs of military buildup, stating that every gun, warship, and rocket represents a theft from those in need. He warned of the dangers of the military-industrial complex and the impact of perpetual tension on society's resources and hopes.