Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force deployed dozens of fighter jets, including F-22 Raptors and F-35As, to the Gulf, demonstrating operational readiness. On January 31, 2025, the 1st Fighter Wing conducted an Elephant Walk at Langley Air Force Base. This buildup of air power follows the successful Operation Midnight Hammer, where B-2 Spirits targeted Iranian nuclear sites. U-2 spy planes are also involved in intelligence missions, indicating a strategic pivot towards air-centric dominance in the region.

Iranian and Russian navies concluded joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman and North Indian Ocean on February 19. The exercises aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation and maritime security, with both nations emphasizing their commitment to continued collaboration in this area. This joint operation reflects their stance against unilateralism and aims to ensure the safety of maritime trade in the region.

The U.S. military is preparing for potential airstrikes against Iran, with significant air power deployed in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and North Arabian Sea. President Trump has set a ten-day deadline for Iran to reach a meaningful agreement, or face consequences. Israel has stated it is ready for any situation, while Iran is simultaneously conducting military exercises and reinforcing its defenses. The situation remains tense as military readiness increases on both sides.

Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds defied a Nazi commandant in Stalag IX-A, stating, 'We are all Jews,' to protect Jewish-American soldiers during his captivity in December 1944. He later prevented a forced march of American POWs, saving many lives. For his courageous actions, Edmonds will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor, recognized as 'Righteous Among the Nations' by Yad Vashem in 2016.

France's Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier (R91) operates in the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf, providing strategic autonomy and power projection capabilities. Commissioned in 2001, it serves as a vital asset for independent military operations, equipped with advanced aircraft like Rafale M fighters and E-2C Hawkeye. The carrier has participated in significant military operations and symbolizes France's nuclear deterrence and sovereignty.

Enforce Tac 2026 will occur in Nuremberg from 23 to 25 February 2026, focusing on networked security and defense against hybrid threats. The event will showcase innovations such as the Bundeswehr Assault Rifle System (G95A1) and the Boxer Skyranger 30, emphasizing the integration of AI in military operations. Various defense contractors and technology firms will participate, highlighting advancements in military technology.

The U.S. military is prepared to strike Iran as early as this weekend, with naval assets including the aircraft carrier Ford positioned near Gibraltar. Concurrently, the U.S. conducted its 36th airstrike of the year in Somalia, targeting al-Shabaab militants. Iranian officials have reinforced military sites, complicating potential airstrike efforts. U.S. military assets are being repositioned closer to the Middle East in response to ongoing tensions.

NATO conducted the Steadfast Dart 2026 exercise in the Baltic Sea, involving 10,000 personnel from 11 nations, including 2,000 from Turkey. The exercise focused on submarine warfare and amphibious operations, showcasing Turkey's Bayraktar TB3 UAV. This event highlighted Turkey's growing role in NATO amid shifting U.S. defense commitments and European security concerns.

Alexandra ReevesThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

Sweden's Saab is developing the KFS program to create a next-generation air combat system, integrating crewed and uncrewed aircraft with advanced AI capabilities. Significant funding has been allocated for technology development, with a demonstrator expected by 2027. The initiative aims to enhance Sweden's airpower in contested environments, moving beyond the JAS 39 Gripen.

The U.S. military is significantly increasing its presence in the Gulf region, deploying multiple fighter aircraft and naval assets in February 2026. This includes 6 F-22 Raptors and 18 F-35s, alongside aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford. The buildup is part of preparations for potential confrontations with Iran, amid ongoing diplomatic tensions regarding nuclear agreements.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

NATO artillery units conducted a multi-national drill in Milan from January 26 to February 13, involving 23 nations to validate artillery interoperability. The exercise simulated combat scenarios similar to those in Ukraine, with participants expected to conduct 1,500 strikes and intercept up to 1,200 aerial threats daily. The ASCA software was utilized to enhance connectivity and coordination among the units.

NATO artillery units conducted a multi-national drill in Milan from January 26 to February 13, involving 23 nations to validate artillery interoperability. The exercise simulated combat scenarios similar to those in Ukraine, with participants expected to conduct 1,500 strikes and intercept up to 1,200 aerial threats daily. The ASCA software was utilized to enhance connectivity and coordination among different national artillery systems.

MOSOLF Group presents new protection solutions for countering drones at the ENFORCE TAC 2026 trade fair in Nuremberg from February 23 to 25, 2026. The company showcases the DroneHammer system, designed to disable small drones using optical detection and a CO₂-based mechanism. This initiative reflects MOSOLF's response to emerging threats in internal security and defense.

NATO commenced its Steadfast Dart 2026 military exercise in Central Europe on February 5, 2026, amid a backdrop of declining Russian offensive momentum in Ukraine. The U.S. is deploying additional military assets to the Middle East in response to rising tensions with Iran, while Ukraine continues its long-range strike campaign against Russian targets. Concurrently, Iranian officials have issued stark warnings regarding potential U.S. military actions.

Alexandra ReevesThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

ISWAP launched a coordinated attack on the military base in Cross Kauwa, Nigeria, on February 17, 2023, killing eight soldiers and wounding 23 others. The assault involved approximately 70 fighters and resulted in the destruction of eleven armored vehicles. This operation marks a significant escalation in ISWAP's activities in the region, highlighting their strategic intent to undermine Nigerian military positions.

Marie DuboisThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

Russian forces seized 200 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory and 12 settlements in Donetsk Oblast in February 2026, but at a high cost, with the 127th Motorized Rifle Regiment reportedly operating at 40% strength. Ukrainian forces counterattacked in Zaporizhia Oblast, reclaiming over 200 square kilometers. The operational reality indicates that while Russia can gain territory, it struggles to maintain combat power and achieve strategic objectives.

Dmitri VolkovThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

Elon Musk's decision to cut off Russian forces' access to Starlink on February 5, 2026, led to significant operational challenges for the Russian Army, resulting in Ukrainian forces reclaiming over 200 square kilometers of territory. The communication breakdown severely impacted Russian military coordination, with reports of scrambling for alternative satellite systems. Ukrainian counterattacks advanced rapidly, exploiting the disruption in Russian command and control capabilities.

Marcus ChenThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

Rheinmetall AG is exhibiting new military products at the Enforce Tac trade fair in Nuremberg from 23 to 25 February 2026. The highlights include the Fuchs JAGM, an armored missile tank destroyer, and a new military body armor system. Rheinmetall will also showcase the Caracal air assault vehicle and various advanced weapon systems, emphasizing their commitment to supporting armed forces with innovative technology.

The U.S. Navy is reinforcing military deployments around Iran, with the Ford-class aircraft carrier moving towards the Gibraltar Strait. Concurrently, the Lincoln carrier strike group operates near Oman. Israel has heightened its alert level, preparing for possible joint military action with the U.S. against Iran, as diplomatic negotiations show no signs of progress. Over 150 military transport flights have delivered equipment to the region, indicating an imminent military operation.

Russian forces captured Kharkivka and Kreminna in the Sumy and Zaporizhzhia regions on October 18. They conducted strikes against Ukrainian fuel depots, energy facilities, and drone launch sites. The Ukrainian Armed Forces reported 201 combat incidents, with 16 attacks from Russian forces in the Konstantinovka direction, and retaliatory strikes against Russian personnel and equipment.