Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force announced a $145 million contract for the development of an Air-to-Air Dual Mode weapon based on the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) on February 13, 2026. This initiative aims to counter Group 3 unmanned aerial systems by integrating upgraded components, including an infrared seeker. The program will produce 300 prototype rounds, with testing planned on the F-16 platform, and aims for initial capability within 24 months.

Military personnel stationed at Triangle Mountain reunited with their families during the Spring Festival. Chen Fujun, who has served for 19 years, welcomed his wife and two daughters after a long journey of over 1,000 kilometers. The reunion underscores the sacrifices made by military families and the importance of their support in maintaining security at the border.

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.

The U.S. Army is set to roll out four prototypes of the M1E3 Abrams tank in Detroit during summer 2026, five years ahead of the original schedule. These prototypes will allow soldiers to train on the new systems and provide feedback for further development. The M1E3 is designed to integrate lessons learned from recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, and will feature advanced technology and modular systems.

The U.S. Navy is deploying a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East to counter Iranian missile threats. This move is part of a broader strategy to deter aggression and assess vulnerabilities in naval operations. Iran's anti-ship ballistic missiles, potentially aided by Chinese satellite tracking, pose significant risks to U.S. carriers. The ongoing situation reflects a larger strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region, with implications for future conflicts involving Taiwan.

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. is deploying the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to the Gulf within three weeks as part of preparations for extended military operations against Iran. This deployment will complement the existing Abraham Lincoln carrier in the region, enhancing U.S. military capabilities. U.S. officials indicate that the operations will target Iranian state and security facilities, anticipating a significant response from Iran.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Feb 15 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy deployed the USS Ford aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East on October 13, 2023, to join the USS Lincoln, enhancing military pressure on Iran. This move aims to strengthen U.S. negotiating leverage amid ongoing discussions. Despite previous operational issues, the USS Ford is now considered ready for major operations, with the combined carrier presence allowing for over 120 aircraft to be deployed in the region.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is deploying to the Arabian Sea to join the USS Abraham Lincoln, enhancing U.S. Navy's dual-carrier operations in the Middle East. This deployment aims to increase pressure on Iran, utilizing advanced aircraft and missile systems for potential targeted strikes. The operation is expected to be quick and precise, focusing on Iranian command and control facilities.

U.S. President Trump confirmed the deployment of a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East on February 13, 2023, to exert pressure on Iran for a potential agreement. The USS Gerald R. Ford is already being deployed from the Caribbean, with the U.S. Navy prepared for further military action if negotiations fail.

The USS Guitarro sank at dock in Mare Island on May 15, 1969, due to negligence during construction. Two teams ballasted the submarine simultaneously without coordination, leading to flooding. The submarine was refloated three days later, with damages estimated between $15.2 million and $21.85 million. An investigation found that the sinking was caused by the negligence of shipyard employees, prompting recommendations for improved safety protocols in naval construction.

A Louisiana National Guard soldier left an M4 carbine unattended in a hotel bathroom during Mardi Gras security patrols on February 8, 2026. The weapon was discovered by a civilian in the French Quarter, prompting an internal investigation by military officials. Approximately 350 troops were deployed to New Orleans for security operations during the event.

The 3rd Marine Wing and 1st Marine Expeditionary Force conducted the Steel Knight 25 exercise in Southern California from December 1-14, 2025, testing distributed operations and kill web concepts. The exercise highlighted the importance of logistics and the need for rapid adaptation in contested environments. Key innovations included the S²D framework for force insertion and the emphasis on digital interoperability.

The U.S. Navy is establishing Information Warfare Squadron Two and plans to create Squadron Nine to enhance operational capabilities and readiness at sea. This initiative aims to improve information warfare lethality within carrier strike groups, ensuring personnel maintain a persistent presence throughout deployment cycles. Senior information warfare officers will also be assigned to destroyers to drive expertise to the tactical edge.

On June 12, 1944, soldiers at Camp Forest in Tennessee exchanged letters with loved ones, providing emotional support during World War II. Joseph Brenner, part of the U.S. Army’s 740th Field Artillery Battery, received letters from his wife, Norma, which included a kiss mark. The Veterans History Project highlights the importance of these letters in maintaining morale among troops, with many soldiers, including Pfc. Sumner Grant and Ralph Samuel Jaffe, sharing their experiences through correspondence.

On February 12, U.S. Customs and Border Protection used military-grade laser equipment to shoot down multiple aerial targets identified as party balloons near El Paso International Airport. Following the incident, the FAA issued a temporary flight restriction for the airspace, affecting flights below 18,000 feet for up to 10 days. The event led to confusion and blame within the Trump administration regarding inter-departmental coordination.

The U.S. Navy is deploying a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East in response to threats from Iran's anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) and China's advanced A2/AD capabilities. This deployment follows concerns that China's satellite intelligence is enhancing Iran's targeting capabilities against U.S. naval forces. Analysts warn that the increasing vulnerability of U.S. aircraft carriers could lead to significant military challenges in potential conflicts.

The U.S. Navy will begin experimenting with new pairings of unmanned vessels and carrier strike groups in 2026, deploying a medium unmanned surface vessel alongside the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt. This initiative aims to create tailored force pairings to enhance operational flexibility and effectiveness. Future plans include integrating small unmanned vessels with littoral combat ships for reconnaissance missions, aligning with the Navy's strategic framework for customizable forces.