Analysis & Reports

Narciso Barranco's deportation case was dismissed by a federal immigration judge in Santa Ana, California, allowing him to remain in the U.S. for now. Barranco, the father of three Marines, faces ongoing legal challenges as he seeks residency. His family remains concerned about potential encounters with federal agents that could complicate his situation.

Robert Duvall, an Oscar-winning actor and Army veteran, died peacefully at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, at the age of 95. He was renowned for his roles in classic films such as 'The Godfather' and 'Apocalypse Now', and had a distinguished career spanning several decades.

The Major Richard Star Act seeks to eliminate the reduction in retirement pay for over 50,000 disabled veterans in the U.S. due to disability compensation offsets. This legislative effort has gained significant bipartisan support but faces opposition from some lawmakers who label it as double-dipping. Advocates argue that the current policy is unjust and does not fulfill the government's contractual obligations to veterans.

The U.S. Armed Forces are preparing for a potential strike campaign against Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure in 2025. This operation could significantly damage Iran's capabilities but may also provoke retaliation from Iranian proxies, expanding the conflict. The U.S. would need to maintain a sustained military presence in the region to manage the escalation and potential energy market disruptions.

Amentum was selected to advance the UK’s hypersonic strike capabilities under a contract awarded by Team Hypersonics UK on February 17, 2026. The contract includes missile design engineering and program management, with a focus on collaboration with Australia and the United States. A Joint Programme Office will be set up to oversee the development of the hypersonic weapon system.

USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln are advancing towards the Gulf in February 2026 amid ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations in Geneva. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, are expressing concerns and urging Washington to avoid military conflict. The presence of over 35,000 U.S. troops in the region complicates the security dynamics, as Gulf nations balance their strategic interests with the risks posed by Iran's military capabilities.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Feb 17 2026Loading...

The B-21 Raider bomber, unveiled in Palmdale on December 2, 2022, is designed to enhance stealth capabilities while reducing maintenance demands for stealth aircraft. This new weapon system aims to operate effectively in high-end threat environments, making low observability more sustainable for the U.S. Air Force. The advancements in stealth technology are expected to allow for greater operational tempo and deployment of stealth aircraft.

NATO launched its first coordinated Arctic operation, Arctic Sentry, on February 11, 2023, involving tens of thousands of personnel and equipment. The operation aims to enhance military coordination among allies in response to Russia's military buildup in the Arctic. The UK announced it will increase its troop presence in Norway to 2,000 over the next three years. Despite these efforts, NATO's capabilities in the Arctic remain limited compared to Russia's established military infrastructure.

Alexandra ReevesMon Feb 16 2026Loading...

DARPA launched the Fleetwood program on February 13, 2026, to develop advanced catalytic technologies for converting biomass waste into carbon-based chemicals. The initiative aims to enhance supply chain resilience and improve the processing of lignin from various biomass sources. The program is structured as a 24-month research effort, with responses to the notice due by March 13, 2026.

U.S. military and intelligence officials are discussing support for Israeli airstrikes on Iran's missile facilities, as President Trump promised Prime Minister Netanyahu assistance if no agreement is reached with Iran. The discussions include air refueling and securing overflight permissions from other countries, although Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have stated they will not permit their airspace to be used for such operations.

Trump expressed support for Israeli airstrikes on Iranian missile facilities if US-Iran negotiations fail. This promise was made during a meeting with Netanyahu in Florida. US military officials are discussing how to assist Israel, including air refueling and airspace agreements, while Jordan and Saudi Arabia have publicly stated they will not allow their airspace to be used for such operations.

Space Force has exceeded its recruitment goals, reaching 125% of its target for FY 2026, as it aims to double its size to 20,000 guardians. This expansion is driven by national security concerns regarding threats from Chinese and Russian space capabilities. The service has consistently met its recruitment goals since its establishment in December 2019 and is also deploying new satellites and establishing strategic terrestrial outposts.

Canada is currently reviewing its fighter jet procurement strategy while making payments for long-lead items for 14 additional F-35 jets. U.S. officials have warned that reducing the planned 88 F-35s could impact NORAD operations. Ottawa is also considering a mixed fleet of F-35s and Saab Gripen to reduce dependence on the U.S. and manage costs.

The U.S. Navy is developing the Trump-class battleship, a new class of guided-missile battleship intended to replace retiring cruisers. This ship will be 840-880 feet long, displacing over 35,000 tons, and equipped with advanced weaponry including hypersonic missile tubes and a railgun. The Navy plans to construct 25 of these vessels as part of its Golden Fleet initiative, despite concerns over costs and vulnerability to modern missile threats.

The U.S. Air Force is reviewing the cost structure of the T-7A Red Hawk trainer aircraft program as it approaches the Milestone C decision phase, amid schedule delays and development challenges. Boeing has reported over $2 billion in losses tied to the program, raising concerns about cost stability and sustainment readiness. The T-7A is designed to replace the T-38 Talon and is crucial for maintaining pilot training capacity.

The U.S. Navy is implementing a new strategy to enhance flexibility in deployments by utilizing smaller, advanced vessels instead of large aircraft carriers. This shift, articulated by Admiral Daryl Caudle, aims to address operational challenges in regions like the Caribbean and Venezuela. The Navy has recently deployed 11 ships in South America, marking a significant change from previous practices. Caudle advocates for tailored deployment solutions and increased reliance on drones and robotic systems for mission effectiveness.

The U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command warns soldiers about potential honeypots targeting military personnel on Valentine's Day. The warning highlights the risks of foreign intelligence operations using romantic schemes to extract sensitive information. Recent cases include a retired lieutenant colonel who transmitted classified information to a woman he met online and indictments related to sham marriages involving service members.

Godfrey Wade, a U.S. Army veteran, was deported to Jamaica in September 2025 after being detained by ICE for five months. His family claims he arrived lawfully in 1975 and served honorably in the Army. U.S. Rep. David Scott intervened to halt the deportation, citing Wade's service and due process rights, but DHS proceeded with the deportation. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Wade's family.

Iran declared its missile program as a non-negotiable element of its defense strategy in response to U.S. President Trump's ultimatum. The U.S. Navy increased its military presence in the Middle East with the deployment of two aircraft carriers. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are investing billions in U.S. defense systems to counter potential Iranian threats.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Feb 14 2026Loading...

On February 13, 2023, the Japan Fisheries Agency captured a Chinese fishing vessel in Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near Goto City, Nagasaki, arresting the captain for ignoring a stop order. This marks the first capture of a Chinese fishing boat since 2022, signaling a shift in Japan's maritime enforcement policy under the current administration. The incident has heightened diplomatic tensions with China, which has called for fair enforcement of fishing agreements.

Tanaka TakashiSat Feb 14 2026Loading...