Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force faces criticism for focusing on air denial rather than air superiority, which is crucial for operational success. Recent conflicts in Ukraine and Iran demonstrate that without air superiority, military operations become constrained and costly. The report emphasizes the need for the U.S. to reaffirm its commitment to achieving air control to effectively project power and sustain operations.

The USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is deploying to the Central Command area in February 2026 to support Operation Epic Fury and relieve the USS Gerald R. Ford. This deployment follows a successful Composite Training Unit Exercise, enhancing the U.S. Navy's operational readiness. The carrier, capable of launching over 90 aircraft, aims to deter threats from Houthi forces in the region.

Ukraine is actively developing and selling interceptor drones to counter drone threats, with over 20 companies involved in production. The U.S. and allied nations are in discussions to procure these drones, which have proven effective in combat against Shahed drones. The ongoing conflict has highlighted the need for innovative air defense solutions, prompting Ukraine to offer its expertise to allies.

Ukraine is actively developing and selling interceptor drones to counter drone threats, particularly from Iranian Shahed drones. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have successfully destroyed over 70% of incoming Shahed drones, showcasing the effectiveness of their new air defense systems. The U.S. and Israel's recent military actions have increased demand for these drones, prompting discussions for procurement with allied nations. Ukraine's defense innovation hub, Brave1, is at the forefront of this initiative, collaborating with various manufacturers to enhance drone capabilities.

Kenneth Walsh, a pilot with VMF-124, engaged in aerial combat against Japanese Zeros over Choiseul Island and the Solomon Islands in August 1943. He shot down multiple enemy aircraft and provided cover for Allied bombers. Walsh was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during these missions and became the first Corsair ace. He continued to serve in various capacities until his retirement in 1962.

The U.S. Navy faces critical vulnerabilities to submarine attacks, as demonstrated by the 2015 exercise where the French submarine Saphir penetrated carrier defenses undetected. Recent assessments highlight the threat posed by Russian Yasen-class submarines armed with Zircon hypersonic missiles, which could disable carrier operations. Historical incidents involving Swedish and Chinese submarines further illustrate the risks to U.S. Aircraft Carrier Strike Groups.

Ukrainian forces achieved significant territorial gains, liberating over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast since late January 2026. The counteroffensive disrupted Russian spring-summer offensive plans, forcing the redeployment of elite units. Ukrainian forces advanced 12 kilometers into Russian positions, while Western military support included the delivery of PAC-3 Patriot missiles. Russian casualties are reported at 1.315 million since the invasion began.

Dmitri VolkovWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

SYOS Aerospace's SA200 uncrewed autonomous helicopter completed successful trials, achieving full autonomy for take-off and landing from moving platforms. This milestone clears the UAV for serial production, enhancing operational capabilities in defense and civil sectors. The SA200 is designed for complex environments, featuring advanced navigation and communication systems, and can carry significant payloads over extended ranges.

SYOS Aerospace announced that its SA200 heavy-lift uncrewed helicopter has successfully completed endurance trials and autonomous mission testing, allowing it to enter serial production. The aircraft demonstrated autonomous take-off and landing from moving platforms, showcasing its capabilities for military and civilian applications. The SA200 can carry payloads of up to 200 kilograms and is designed for complex operational environments, making it suitable for various missions including cargo transport and ISR operations.

Germany and Poland are significantly enhancing their military capabilities and defense budgets in response to U.S. directives, with Germany's defense budget reaching €108.2 billion and Poland aiming for a 500,000-strong military by the mid-2030s. The European Defence Roadmap has committed €860 billion for joint procurement and development to address capability gaps. The UK's role in this evolving security architecture remains under negotiation.

Alexandra ReevesWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

BlueBird Tech has developed the Chipa net gun, a close-range counter-drone device designed to intercept FPV drones at distances up to 25 meters. The system uses a net that entangles the drone's propellers, neutralizing it before impact. This device serves as a last line of defense when other protective measures are unavailable, addressing the growing need for effective drone interception in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

NATO is undergoing a strategic shift towards European defense capabilities, with a deadline set for 2027 for European partners to assume majority control of conventional defense. The U.S. plans to reduce its conventional forces in Europe while maintaining NATO commitments. Germany's defense budget is projected to exceed that of the UK and France, raising concerns about European strategic autonomy. The EU has launched the SAFE program to enhance defense production capabilities.

Dr. Klaus WeberWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

Ukrainian infantry adapted its tactics from 2022 to 2026 to counter Russian forces, integrating drones and robotic systems into operations. Assault groups decreased in size, and supplies were increasingly delivered by unmanned ground vehicles. The evolution of combat strategies reflects a shift towards a hybrid defense model, emphasizing the role of technology in modern warfare.

EDGE launched the first-of-class BR71 MK II Combattante corvette for the Angolan Navy in Cherbourg, France, on 10 March 2026. The corvette is part of a EUR 1 billion contract and will enhance Angola's maritime capabilities. Two additional corvettes are under construction, with advanced unmanned aerial systems integrated for surveillance. This development signifies a growing security partnership between Angola and the UAE.

In March 2026, Russia expanded its military personnel to 2,391,770 and redeployed units to the Hulyaipole direction in response to Ukrainian advances. Ukrainian forces liberated 244 square kilometers while conducting deep-strike operations against Russian logistics. The conflict continues to evolve, with NATO enhancing its military readiness along its eastern flank.

Dmitri VolkovWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

U.S. and Gulf nations requested Ukraine's assistance to defend against Iranian Shahed-136 drones as the conflict in the Gulf region escalated. Ukrainian forces, experienced in countering these drones, have developed effective low-cost defense strategies. The U.S. military acknowledged the challenges posed by these drones, indicating that existing air defense systems struggle to intercept them. Ukrainian startups are also producing affordable interceptor drones to combat this threat.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is participating in Southern Seas 2026 exercises while en route from Bremerton to Norfolk, engaging in diplomatic port visits in South America. The carrier, scheduled for decommissioning in May 2026, is not certified for national tasking but is being utilized for training and regional engagement. This operational cruise raises questions about the Navy's decision to retire the vessel despite its ongoing utility.

General Patton pivoted his Third Army of over 250,000 men during the Battle of the Bulge, decisively breaking the German siege of Bastogne from December 16, 1944, to January 28, 1945. His leadership restored the U.S. Army's confidence following earlier defeats and solidified his legacy as a key military figure in World War II.

Russian forces launched 137 drones against Ukraine from the night of September 9 to the early morning of September 10, with Ukrainian air defense intercepting 122 of them. The Russian military continues its offensive operations in various regions, including Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia. Meanwhile, a phone call between Russian President Putin and U.S. President Trump focused on the Ukraine situation, with discussions on military support and ongoing negotiations.

French President Macron announced the deployment of naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz on October 9, 2023, to ensure maritime security and protect European interests. The deployment includes 8 naval vessels, an aircraft carrier strike group, and 2 amphibious assault ships. Macron stated that this operation is a response to recent threats in the region, particularly concerning Iranian drone attacks.