Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Iran and Russia to Hold Joint Naval Exercises
Iran and Russia will conduct joint military exercises in the Gulf of Oman and Northern Indian Ocean on February 19. The exercises will involve naval forces from both countries, highlighting their military cooperation.
396 Drones on the Night Before Geneva — Russian Military Doctrine of Pressure in Negotiations
Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine with 396 drones and 29 missiles on February 16-17, 2026, as negotiations in Geneva continued. Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted 367 drones and 25 missiles. The military actions are part of a strategy to exert pressure during diplomatic talks, highlighting the ongoing conflict and the complexities of the negotiations.
Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 18 2026Loading...
Iran Partially Closes the Strait of Hormuz During Geneva Negotiations — 50 American Fighters in 24 Hours and a Real Threat to 31% of the World's Oil
Iran partially closed the Strait of Hormuz on February 18, 2026, coinciding with negotiations in Geneva. The U.S. deployed over 50 fighter jets, including F-22s and F-35s, to the region, signaling military readiness. The IRGC's naval exercise emphasized Iran's control over the strategic waterway, which is crucial for global oil transport.
Ahmed Al-RashidWed Feb 18 2026Loading...Stealth Destroyed: A U.S. Air Force F-35 Fighter Was ‘Shot Down’ by a French Dassault Rafale
A French Rafale simulated a missile shot at a U.S. F-35A during the Atlantic Trident 25 NATO exercise in Finland. The exercise involved approximately 40 aircraft and 1,000 personnel, focusing on Agile Combat Employment and interoperability. The engagement's specifics, such as altitude and speed, remain unknown, raising discussions about the effectiveness of stealth in close-range scenarios.
The Russian and Ukrainian Armies Continue to Launch Attacks Against Each Other
On October 17, Russian forces conducted large-scale strikes on Ukrainian military and energy infrastructure, impacting 12 regions. Ukrainian forces responded by destroying a Russian Ka-27 helicopter in Crimea and targeting a chemical plant in Krasnodar Krai. Russia's air defense intercepted multiple Ukrainian drones and precision-guided bombs during these operations.
U.S. Navy Supercarriers Might Be Part of Masterplan to ‘Regime Change’ Iran
President Trump ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln to the Middle East in October 2023 as part of a strategy for potential regime change in Iran. This deployment coincides with upcoming negotiations in Geneva involving U.S. envoys and Iranian representatives, amid rising tensions due to Iran's actions against protesters. The U.S. military is preparing for possible strikes against Iranian military targets.
Russia warns of possible military action in Baltic Sea
Russia warns of potential military action in the Baltic Sea, with Nikolai Patrushev indicating that the Russian Navy may respond to maritime blockades. He criticized NATO's efforts to monitor Russian maritime trade and suggested that any attempts to restrict this trade could provoke military responses. The situation is complicated by increased NATO surveillance and enforcement actions against vessels linked to sanctions circumvention.
The 5 Worst Fighter Jets Of All Time, 2026 Edition
The report highlights the historical performance and significance of several fighter jets, including the MiG-21, Sukhoi Su-7, Chengdu J-7, Convair F-102 Delta Dagger, and Yak-38. These aircraft, primarily from the mid-20th century, are noted for their limitations and current status, with some still in service in countries like North Korea and China. The analysis reflects on their operational roles and the evolution of fighter jet technology over time.
Russia Sent Its History Professor to Geneva. Read the Room.
The Russian delegation, led by Vladimir Medinsky, participated in trilateral negotiations in Geneva with Ukraine and the United States in February 2026. Despite the discussions, Russia's military objectives remain unchanged, and Ukraine's energy infrastructure has suffered extensive damage from ongoing strikes. Zelensky warned of a potential massive Russian strike ahead of the talks, indicating continued military pressure on Ukraine. The negotiations are expected to yield limited results, with no significant concessions from Russia.
Alexandra ReevesTue Feb 17 2026Loading...A NATO Wargame in Estonia Let Ukrainian Drone Experts Play the Bad Guy and the Results Were Brutal
During the Hedgehog 2025 exercise in Estonia, a Ukrainian OPFOR team simulated the destruction of NATO forces, eliminating two battalions in a single day. The exercise involved 16,000 troops from 12 NATO nations and highlighted NATO's unpreparedness for drone warfare, as units moved without concealment. Military experts called for a comprehensive revamp of NATO's operational strategies in response to the lessons learned from the exercise.
U.S. Navy ‘Mini’ Aircraft Carrier Assault Ship USS Iwo Jima Could Be Out of Action Until February 2028
USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) is undergoing major maintenance and repairs, which are expected to sideline the ship until February 2028. The U.S. Navy has awarded a contract to BAE Systems for repairs worth between $204.1 million and $255.8 million. While currently operating in the Caribbean, the ship's readiness may be impacted by rising tensions with Iran, potentially delaying its maintenance schedule.
201 square kilometers in five days — the loss of Starlink exposed the flaws in the Russian military command system
Ukrainian forces reclaimed 201 square kilometers in Zaporizhzhia Oblast from February 12-16, 2026, following the disruption of Russian communications due to the loss of Starlink terminals. This operational failure led to significant challenges in command and control for Russian troops, halting their assault actions in several sectors. The transition to less effective geostationary satellites further complicates Russian military operations.
Dmitri VolkovTue Feb 17 2026Loading...Russia Bombed Ukraine's Power Grid Then Flew to Geneva
Russia launched a massive strike against Ukraine's energy infrastructure on Monday night, deploying 396 drones and 29 ballistic missiles. Ukraine's Air Force successfully intercepted 25 missiles and 367 drones, but 4 missiles and 18 drones struck 13 targets. This attack occurred just before peace talks in Geneva, highlighting Russia's disregard for diplomatic efforts. The operation was characterized as a strategic strike package aimed at Ukraine's military-industrial and energy facilities.
Alexandra ReevesTue Feb 17 2026Loading...On the Eve of a New Round of Trilateral Talks, Russian and Ukrainian Forces Continue to Strike Each Other
Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukrainian energy facilities on February 16-17, 2023, using 400 drones and 29 missiles, resulting in 9 injuries. Ukrainian forces reported mutual engagements with Russian troops, including the capture of three villages by Russia. The attacks prompted calls from Ukrainian President Zelensky for increased sanctions against Russia and continued military support from allies.
Russia Goes to Geneva with an Exhausted Army — What Lies Behind the Kremlin's Negotiating Position
Russia is advancing with a depleted 127th Motorized Rifle Regiment in Zybyne, Kharkiv Oblast, as of February 2026. The Kremlin announced that Vladimir Medinsky will lead negotiations in Geneva starting February 17, aiming for terms that suggest the capitulation of Ukraine. Despite capturing territory, the Russian army operates at only 40% personnel strength, indicating systemic exhaustion. Concurrently, Ukraine has reported extensive damage to its energy infrastructure.
Dmitri VolkovTue Feb 17 2026Loading...The aircraft carriers Abraham Lincoln and Gerald Ford advance towards the Gulf — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman urge Washington to avoid war
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 Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-Class Aircraft Carriers Have A Message for the U.S. Navy
The Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers are strategically impressive but misaligned with the immediate operational needs in the North Atlantic. As of 2025, the Royal Navy faces challenges with limited destroyer availability and a constrained F-35 inventory, impacting the effectiveness of carrier operations. The focus should shift towards enhancing sea control and undersea defense capabilities to address the UK's maritime security challenges.
Russia Went to War With Smuggled Starlink and Now Musk Can Cut Them Off
Russian troops lost access to thousands of smuggled Starlink terminals in February 2023, severely disrupting their communications and drone operations. This loss coincided with Ukraine's recapture of Kosivtseve in Zaporizhzhia. SpaceX's implementation of a whitelist system cut off Russian forces, leading to chaos in their command and control. Military analysts noted that this dependency on commercial technology poses risks for both Russian and NATO operations.
Alexandra ReevesMon Feb 16 2026Loading...Saab Has Big Plans to Replace the JAS 39 Gripen Fighter
Sweden is developing a next-generation air combat system under the KFS program, led by Saab, which aims to replace the JAS 39 Gripen with a system-of-systems approach that includes both crewed and uncrewed aircraft. The program is supported by FMV funding and focuses on integrating AI and advanced stealth capabilities, with a demonstrator flight expected around 2027 and broader decisions by 2030.
3 Reasons Russia Can’t Win in the War in Ukraine
Russia's military campaign in Ukraine has stalled significantly, with logistical failures and corruption undermining its efforts. As of Day 1,418 of the invasion, Ukraine maintains control over more than 80% of its territory. The Russian Army's inability to sustain operations has turned the conflict into a war of attrition, with ongoing challenges in command and supply.
