Analysis & Reports

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.

Roddie Edmonds, a U.S. Army master sergeant, posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his bravery in a German POW camp during World War II. He refused to identify Jewish soldiers, declaring solidarity with them, which prevented their segregation. Edmonds died in 1985, and his actions have been recognized both by the U.S. and Israel as extraordinary acts of courage during the Holocaust.

Roddie Edmonds, a U.S. Army master sergeant, posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his bravery in Stalag IX-A during World War II. He refused to identify Jewish soldiers to a German commander, stating, 'We are all Jews,' which led to the German officer backing down. Edmonds' actions protected the lives of many POWs and earned him recognition as one of 'The Righteous Among The Nations' by Israel.

Roddie Edmonds, a U.S. Army master sergeant, will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous refusal to identify Jewish POWs during World War II at Stalag IX-A. He stood up to a German commander, declaring, 'We are all Jews,' which prevented the segregation of Jewish soldiers. Edmonds died in 1985, and his bravery has been recognized by both the U.S. and Israel.

The U.S. is preparing for a potential large-scale military operation against Iran, likely in coordination with Israel, as diplomatic negotiations have stalled. Recent deployments include two aircraft carrier strike groups, over 10 other warships, and hundreds of fighter jets in the Middle East. Israel is also preparing for the possibility of negotiations breaking down, indicating heightened tensions in the region.

The U.S. military is preparing for a large-scale operation against Iran, potentially involving joint action with Israel. This follows ongoing negotiations in Geneva, which have shown little promise of success. The U.S. has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and is preparing a second, alongside numerous other military assets in the Middle East. Israel is also preparing for the possibility of a breakdown in negotiations.

The Geneva negotiations on February 18, 2026, concluded after just two hours without any significant agreements. Ukraine reported 740 casualties among Russian forces, highlighting the ongoing conflict. Russia's demands for territorial recognition remain unchanged, complicating the peace process. The situation around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant continues to be a critical point of contention.

Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is currently deployed to the Middle East, marking a projected 300-day deployment to counter Iran. Since June 24, 2025, the carrier has participated in high-intensity exercises in the North Sea and missions in the Caribbean. The U.S. Navy faces significant maintenance backlogs and a shipbuilding crisis, impacting its operational readiness and power projection capabilities.

Sweden's Blekinge-class submarines, utilizing GHOST technology, are set for delivery between 2026 and 2035, with significant delays and budget increases. These submarines enhance NATO's capabilities in the Baltic Sea, designed for stealth and special operations. The first of the two planned submarines is now scheduled for delivery in 2031.

U.S.-brokered talks in Geneva between Russian and Ukrainian envoys ended without a breakthrough, with both sides describing the negotiations as difficult. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy accused Russia of prolonging discussions while continuing military operations, which included drone strikes resulting in civilian casualties in Zaporizhzhia. Despite the lack of political agreement, military discussions were deemed constructive, focusing on future ceasefire monitoring with U.S. involvement.

U.S.-brokered talks in Geneva between Russian and Ukrainian envoys ended without a breakthrough, with both sides acknowledging the difficulty of negotiations. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy accused Russia of prolonging discussions while continuing military actions. Despite some constructive military discussions, significant political differences remain, particularly regarding territorial issues in eastern Ukraine. A new round of talks is anticipated, with European leaders participating in the process.

The U.S. Navy's Abraham Lincoln carrier is positioned off the coast of Oman, while Iranian naval drills continue in the Hormuz Strait. Russian forces have intensified missile strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, launching over 400 attacks recently. The U.S. aims to deter Iranian aggression and maintain military readiness in the region.

NATO launched a large-scale military exercise named 'Steadfast Lancer 2026' on the Baltic coast of Germany on the 18th, involving approximately 10,000 troops from 13 countries. The exercise includes over 1,500 vehicles and 17 ships, focusing on rapid troop deployment to NATO's eastern flank. The United States did not participate directly in this exercise.

China has enhanced its military capabilities to track and threaten U.S. aircraft carriers, particularly in the Taiwan Strait and Pacific regions, since the 1995-1996 crisis. The People's Liberation Army has shifted its strategy from sinking carriers to pushing them back using advanced surveillance and strike systems. This modernization aims to complicate U.S. power projection and reduce the operational effectiveness of American naval forces.

Ukrainian forces reclaimed 201 square kilometers from Russian control between February 12-16, 2026, during a period of reported communication disruptions for Russian troops due to Starlink outages. Deputy Defense Minister Alexey Krivoruchko claimed these outages did not affect operations, while Ukrainian officials noted significant impacts. The situation unfolded against the backdrop of tense negotiations in Geneva between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S.

Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

British and German military leaders issued a joint call for increased defense spending in response to Russia's shifting military posture. They emphasized the moral imperative of military preparedness and the need for public understanding of defense responsibilities. Both nations are set to deepen security cooperation with a new agreement in 2024, while Germany will station a combat brigade permanently on NATO's eastern flank.

Ukrainian Armed Forces deployed approximately 109 M2A2 Bradleys, which successfully engaged and destroyed Russian T-72 tanks in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The BMP-3 has suffered heavy losses, with around 510 vehicles confirmed destroyed since the invasion began. The Puma IFV remains untested in combat, raising concerns about its operational reliability.

Dr. Klaus WeberWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

The B-52H Stratofortress, Tu-95MS Bear, and B-2 Spirit are actively utilized in military operations as of 2026, with the B-52H serving as a versatile platform for standoff strikes. The Tu-95MS has been employed in Russia's strategic air campaign against Ukraine, launching Kh-101 missiles from a distance. The B-2 Spirit remains the only aircraft capable of penetrating advanced air defenses, underscoring its critical role in nuclear deterrence.

Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 18 2026Loading...