Analysis & Reports

The U.S. is preparing to deploy 48 F-35A stealth fighters to Misawa Air Base in Japan as part of a modernization plan for tactical aircraft. This deployment will replace 36 older F-16 aircraft, enhancing the U.S. military's deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. Preparations for the deployment began in December 2023, with personnel from the 35th Fighter Wing receiving support equipment.

French Defense Minister Catherine Colonna observed a demonstration of unmanned surface vessels in Toulon on January 22, 2023. Seven companies showcased their vessels in a competition organized by the French Defense Procurement Agency. The French Navy aims to introduce armed unmanned vessels by early 2027, with the first batch of 1000 AI drones already delivered. Additionally, a new remote-controlled kamikaze drone is being developed in collaboration with European missile manufacturers.

Turkey and Qatar signed multiple defense agreements during the 2026 Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition, including a $1 billion deal for two Istanbul-class frigates. STM will assist in the local production of tactical drones in Qatar. The agreements signify a shift towards joint ventures and local production, with Qatar designating Turkey as a long-term partner in its defense modernization efforts.

A U.S. military transport aircraft landed in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina, on January 25. The local government condemned the action, asserting it was an attempt by the U.S. Southern Command to exert control over the region. The aircraft, a Boeing C-40 Clipper, had previously been in Buenos Aires for two days before its arrival in Ushuaia, which is a crucial logistics hub for Antarctica.

The Southern Theater Command Navy conducted multi-task naval training exercises in the South China Sea, successfully engaging and sinking an enemy drone. Personnel responded swiftly to a fire on a transport ship during the exercise, demonstrating effective coordination and operational readiness. The training aimed to enhance the overall capabilities of the naval forces involved.

The U.S. and British forces developed heavy tanks with large guns in response to Soviet threats during the Cold War. The Rheinmetall 120 mm smoothbore gun became the NATO standard, influencing global tank armament. Current developments include the MGCS program, which is exploring advanced 130 mm and 140 mm gun systems for future tanks. Soviet advancements in tank armament also shifted the landscape, introducing smoothbore technology.

During a naval training exercise, the Taiyuan Ship of the People's Liberation Army Navy successfully drove away a foreign military vessel that approached at high speed with apparent provocation. The crew quickly assessed the situation and executed their response strategy effectively. Since its commissioning, the Taiyuan Ship has completed over 30 missions, including escorting operations in the Gulf of Aden.

China conducted live-fire exercises in the Northern Gulf on January 26 from 11:00 to 17:00 and January 27 from 12:00 to 16:00, prohibiting access to the area during these times.

Russia is closely monitoring U.S. intentions to deploy the Iron Dome missile defense system in Greenland, emphasizing the region's significance for its security. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov stated that the Russian military will analyze U.S. actions. President Trump has previously indicated the strategic importance of Greenland for U.S. national security and plans for the missile defense system's integration with existing capabilities.

USS Gerald R. Ford has been deployed off the coast of Venezuela since June 2025, conducting monitoring and security operations. The ship is experiencing maintenance challenges with its sewage system, leading to chronic clogs and vacuum failures. Despite these issues, the U.S. Navy asserts that operational readiness has not been impacted, and the ship continues to support U.S. Southern Command missions.

Japan is contemplating changes to its non-nuclear principles, with officials suggesting the possibility of acquiring nuclear submarines and weapons. This shift indicates a significant change in Japan's security strategy, moving towards open discussions about nuclear options. The report warns that such developments pose a challenge to global nuclear non-proliferation efforts and could destabilize regional peace.

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio discussed with Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani the transfer and detention of ISIS members in secure facilities in Iraq following recent instability in northeastern Syria. This conversation took place on January 25.

A U.S. military helicopter flight demonstration at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa on April 22, 2025, resulted in the death of a 60-year-old Japanese teacher. The helicopter was only 25 meters from the teacher, far below the mandated safety distance of 182 meters. The teacher sustained critical injuries from the helicopter's rotor wash and died days later. The U.S. military admitted to planning flaws and insufficient oversight during the event, highlighting ongoing safety concerns regarding military operations in Japan.

The U.S. Air Force developed the D-21 reconnaissance drone in the 1960s to conduct high-speed, high-altitude missions over denied territory. Operational attempts targeting China's Lop Nor nuclear test site occurred between 1969 and 1971 but failed to yield usable intelligence. The program was ultimately canceled in 1971 as satellite technology improved, rendering the D-21 obsolete.

The Y-20 transport aircraft, developed by China, successfully completed its maiden flight 13 years ago. It has since been integrated into the People's Liberation Army Air Force, showcasing capabilities in long-range flights and complex weather operations. The aircraft has played roles in disaster relief and the repatriation of remains, symbolizing its importance in military logistics.

The U.S. Navy's Iowa-Class battleships, including USS Iowa, USS New Jersey, USS Missouri, and USS Wisconsin, engaged in combat operations during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. They provided naval gunfire support, bombarded enemy positions, and contributed to significant military actions, including the Battle of Inchon and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Their presence served as a deterrent and a demonstration of American military strength in the region.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted a search operation in the Northern Gaza Strip on January 25 to recover the last body of an Israeli hostage. The operation follows information provided by Hamas regarding the location of the body. The IDF estimates the search will take several days. Additionally, two Palestinians were reported killed by Israeli forces in separate incidents during the same timeframe.

The U.S. Navy's Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group has arrived in the Middle East and is conducting operations under U.S. Central Command. The U.S. Air Force announced plans to carry out military exercises in the region for several days, aimed at showcasing the ability to deploy and sustain air combat forces.

General George Patton emphasized the importance of studying military history to understand human behavior in warfare and leadership. He read military history during combat, including works by Rommel, to inform his decisions. Patton's experiences in World War I significantly influenced U.S. armor doctrine and his approach to command in World War II.

The U.S. Space Force activated a new element, Space Force Southern, on January 21, 2025, to focus on Latin America, following its involvement in operations against Venezuela. This unit, operating under U.S. Southern Command from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, will coordinate space-related activities in the region. It has been operational since December 1, 2025, and played a significant role in the recent operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.