Analysis & Reports

The U.S. delivered military equipment to Nigeria in September 2026 while simultaneously reducing its troop presence. This shift aims to enhance the capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces against jihadist threats, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin. The U.S. strategy emphasizes local partnerships and operational support rather than direct military engagement, reflecting a broader reconfiguration of its military presence in West Africa.

Marie DuboisFri Sep 11 2026Loading...

The U.S. has deployed hundreds of military advisors to Saudi Arabia to provide intelligence and target acquisition support against Houthi forces in Yemen. This deployment comes amid escalating conflict, with the U.S. using advanced tools to assist Saudi military operations. However, U.S. involvement is limited, and there are concerns regarding the potential for increased conflict due to Iranian support for the Houthis.

Uzbekistan received its first C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft on September 10, 2026, marking its entry as the first operator of this model in Central Asia. The acquisition includes two aircraft, enhancing the capabilities of the Uzbek Air Force, which also operates other transport aircraft. This move is part of Uzbekistan's broader strategy to modernize its military fleet with Western and Chinese equipment.

Houthi forces seized Mocha in January 2026, marking a significant setback for the Saudi-backed government in Yemen. This follows earlier territorial losses to the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council, which briefly controlled half of southern Yemen. The ongoing conflict highlights the challenges faced by Saudi Arabia in maintaining its influence in the region amid internal and external pressures.

Russian GUGI conducted operations near Svalbard on September 10, 2026, preparing for potential attacks on underwater cables using secret weapon systems. NATO forces detected and pursued Russian ships during these operations, signaling the challenges of covert military actions. The Norwegian Defense Minister emphasized the implications for Arctic security and the need for enhanced monitoring of underwater infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovFri Sep 11 2026Loading...

On September 10, 2026, Croatia signed a contract with South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace to procure 18 K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers, valued at 411.8 million euros. The deal includes various support equipment and is part of Croatia's military modernization efforts. Deliveries are expected to continue until 2030, marking a significant investment in the Croatian Armed Forces' capabilities.

Japan plans to construct a dedicated cyber defense facility in Tokyo to enhance its proactive measures against cyber attacks. The design phase is scheduled to begin in 2027, with completion targeted for around 2032. This facility will consolidate efforts from the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the National Police Agency to improve collaboration in addressing cyber threats.

Japan's Ministry of Defense submitted a budget request of approximately 8.9 trillion yen for FY2027, focusing on accelerating unmanned systems development. This shift aims to transform Japan's defense capabilities and change the burden-sharing in the U.S.-Japan alliance. The plan includes expanding the use of unmanned aerial systems and underwater vehicles, while addressing challenges in procurement speed and operational integration.

Tanaka TakashiFri Sep 11 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is actively participating in various international military exercises across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, focusing on humanitarian operations and defense cooperation. The report emphasizes China's commitment to a defensive military policy and criticizes Western narratives that misinterpret these activities as military threats. It asserts that the PLA's engagements are aimed at enhancing mutual trust and regional stability.

In August 2025, the Pentagon subjected approximately 50 military officers and civilian employees to polygraph tests as part of an unprecedented inquiry into press leaks regarding the Iran war and U.S. munitions. The use of polygraphs, criticized for being more theatrical than factual, has escalated to identify internal dissenters, impacting personnel clearances and fostering a culture of fear regarding disclosures. This campaign may discourage internal candor and divert focus from core security priorities.

The U.S. is absent from the International Contact Group on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response summit in Brussels, signaling a retreat from its previous leadership role in civilian protection efforts. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismantled the Pentagon's civilian protection mission, which has led to concerns about rising civilian casualties in conflict zones. The U.K. and Netherlands are now leading the initiative without U.S. participation, indicating a significant shift in international military cooperation regarding civilian harm mitigation.

The U.S. State Department approved the sale of UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment to Argentina on September 10, with a total estimated value of 1.4 billion USD.

Japanese citizens protested against the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's deployment of the 'Tachikaze' destroyer to the U.S. for Tomahawk missile testing in Sasebo. Protesters raised banners opposing missile deployment and voiced concerns about local security risks. The destroyer had completed its missile test in July and returned to Sasebo recently.

The report highlights the ongoing ideological motivations behind terrorism, particularly in relation to the 9/11 attacks. It discusses how various governments, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, engage with extremist groups while maintaining diplomatic relations with the U.S. The analysis suggests that future terrorist threats could emerge from these nations, utilizing diplomatic channels to facilitate their activities.

Houthi forces assert that international shipping through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait remains safe and is not threatened by their military operations. The spokesperson stated that their actions are defensive and aimed at specific targets, while also calling for peaceful relations based on mutual respect. This follows a series of attacks on Saudi oil tankers and energy facilities since July 20, 2023.

Hanwha Systems unveiled a new Space AI solution in Seoul, South Korea, on September 10, 2026. This next-generation technology is part of the company's ongoing efforts in the defense sector.

Rebecca Lowde has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of DroneShield, effective 2 November 2026. This appointment is significant as DroneShield is involved in the defense sector, potentially impacting its financial operations and strategic direction.

American Rheinmetall was awarded a $7.28 million contract to support the U.S. Marine Corps with the Advanced Mission Master SP. The contract signifies a commitment to enhancing military capabilities. The announcement was made in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

The Pentagon selected Crane Naval Warfare Center in Indiana to host a next-gen nuclear reactor, aiming for deployment by September 30, 2028. This decision is part of the Army's JANUS program, which is focused on advancing military nuclear power capabilities. The initiative involves significant investment and collaboration with private companies to address technical and regulatory challenges.

The U.S. Army selected Lockheed Martin and a Boeing-Anduril team to advance to the demonstration phase of the Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2 program in Washington. This program aims to enhance air defense capabilities by bridging the gap between short-range and longer-range systems. The decision follows previous contracts awarded to other companies for interceptor development.