Analysis & Reports

On September 25, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. Army 7th Cavalry soldiers would retain their 20 Medals of Honor awarded for the Wounded Knee massacre in 1890. This decision followed a review panel's conclusion and has sparked ongoing debate in Congress, where some lawmakers advocate for revocation due to the massacre's historical context and the high number of civilian casualties. The massacre resulted in the deaths of approximately 150 to 375 Lakota, primarily unarmed men, women, and children.

Ukraine is utilizing the FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile to strike high-value military and industrial targets in Russia, including locations in Samara and Volgograd. The missile, developed by Fire Point, has a range of 3,000 kilometers and carries a payload of 1,150 kilograms. Its operational use marks a significant development in Ukraine's military capabilities, allowing for deep strikes independent of foreign supplies.

Mutinous soldiers attacked a strategic airbase in Niamey on the night of August 29-30, 2026, but were repelled by forces loyal to General Abdourahamane Tiani. The Nigerien government accused France of orchestrating the mutiny, a claim that France denied. Russian personnel reportedly assisted in regaining control of the base, indicating a shift in military alliances.

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Russia continues to occupy about 20% of Ukraine's territory, maintaining its military presence despite Western predictions of its decline. CIA Director John Ratcliffe's recent visit to Moscow highlighted concerns over potential Russian aggression towards NATO. Analysts suggest that Russia's military position remains stable, with ongoing operations and a strategic outlook that counters Western narratives.

Elbit Systems launched FUSE, a new business line for autonomous combat drones and ground vehicles, in Rosh HaAyin, Israel, on September 9, 2025. The FUSE portfolio includes the Dominion-X software, enabling a single operator to control multiple systems in GPS-denied environments. The technology has been proven in operational use, with over 1 million flight hours logged. FUSE systems are currently in service with military customers in Israel, the U.S., and Europe.

The China Coast Guard successfully completed a 45-day fishing law enforcement patrol in the North Pacific Ocean on September 9, 2026. The operation involved two vessels, covering over 19,800 nautical miles and inspecting 20 foreign fishing vessels. This patrol marks the 11th such operation by the China Coast Guard, emphasizing China's commitment to managing and protecting fishing resources in international waters.

Jordan intercepted 18 Iranian missiles on September 9, 2026, amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington. This action underscores Jordan's strategic position and the challenges of air defense in the Gulf region. The interceptions indicate a significant military capability but also reveal vulnerabilities in regional defense systems.

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The U.S. Air Force is developing rapidly deployable drone swarms for base security, utilizing cargo planes as launch platforms. The drones will autonomously defend bases from attacks, with a proposal deadline of October 21, 2023. The project emphasizes secure communications and has potential applications for disaster response and border surveillance.

The U.S. Department of Defense updated its physical fitness policy on August 31, 2023, designating over 80 military occupations as combat arms, requiring them to complete a new combat field test. This includes various branches such as the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, with specific tests tailored to each service. Troops in these roles will also face different standards on regular fitness tests, emphasizing sex-neutral requirements.

The U.S. Department of Defense implemented new combat field fitness tests for over 80 military occupations designated as combat arms, effective August 31, 2023. This includes personnel from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, who must now meet specific fitness standards set by their respective branches. The Army's test consists of seven events, and failure to meet these standards may result in administrative actions, including potential separation from service.

U.S. Central Command denied Iranian claims of attacks on U.S. Navy vessels in the Persian Gulf on September 9. In response to U.S. actions against Iranian tankers, Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have targeted two U.S. Navy ships and eight tankers. U.S. forces reported the destruction of 10 Iranian tankers linked to the Revolutionary Guard's funding network.

German pilots from the Luftwaffe scored simulated kills against US Air Force F-22 Raptors during the Red Flag exercise in Alaska in 2012. They deployed 8 Eurofighter Typhoons and 150 personnel, achieving notable success while the F-22s were hampered by external fuel tanks. Following the exercise, the German pilots commemorated their victories by painting kill decals on their aircraft.

The F-35 Lightning II achieved a 20:1 kill ratio against F-16s during Red Flag 2017 at Nellis Air Force Base, showcasing its stealth and sensor capabilities. However, aggressor F-16 pilots successfully employed swarm tactics, revealing vulnerabilities in the F-35's limited missile capacity and forcing it into close-range engagements. This incident underscores both the strengths and limitations of the F-35 in modern air combat scenarios.

In 1981, a Canadian Oberon-class submarine successfully simulated a torpedo attack on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower during a NATO exercise in the Atlantic Ocean. The exercise showcased the submarine's stealth capabilities, leading the U.S. Navy umpire to declare the carrier 'sunk'. This incident raised questions about the effectiveness of U.S. anti-submarine warfare tactics against conventional submarines.

Iran condemned U.S. military harassment of its tankers and merchant ships in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman on September 8, 2023. In response, Iranian armed forces conducted defensive strikes against U.S. military bases in Jordan. The Iranian Foreign Ministry emphasized the violation of international law by the U.S. and called for action from the UN Security Council regarding U.S. aggression.

Israeli airstrikes destroyed multiple weapon storage facilities and a rocket launch site used by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza on September 8. The strikes targeted facilities containing various weapons, including rockets and Kalashnikov rifles. The Israeli Defense Forces stated their intent to continue operations to weaken the military capabilities of armed groups in the region.

China Coast Guard successfully completed its 11th fisheries law enforcement patrol in the North Pacific on September 9, 2026. The operation lasted 45 days, covering over 19,800 nautical miles, during which 95 foreign fishing vessels were monitored and 20 inspected. The patrol included 7 helicopter flights to enforce regulations.

Ukraine has expanded its drone campaign against Russian naval assets into the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic Seas, conducting multiple strikes from November 2024 to September 2026. Notable incidents include attacks on the Qendil tanker and the sinking of the Arctic Metagaz. Ukrainian forces have targeted various Russian vessels and infrastructure, with the SBU claiming responsibility for several operations.

U.S. soldiers trained on a counter-drone defense system at the Combined Arms Training Center in Grafenwoehr, Germany. The training included the use of Merops AS-3 Surveyor interceptor drones, which are part of a larger effort to counter the growing threat of small drones in combat. The U.S. Army has acquired these interceptors for operations against Iranian-designed drones in the Middle East.

ISWAP is sending 100 fighters to support ISSP in Ménaka, Niger, in 2026, utilizing drones for military operations. This collaboration marks a significant tactical shift, with ISWAP leveraging its operational experience from Lake Chad. The deteriorating political situation between Niger and Nigeria complicates security efforts, allowing jihadist groups to exploit the region's vulnerabilities. The alliance between ISWAP and ISSP poses an increasing threat across the Sahel.

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