Analysis & Reports

Türkiye delivered M48 and M60 Patton tanks to the Somali Army in Mogadishu on February 14, 2026. The tanks were offloaded from the Turkish Navy landing ship TCG Sancaktar and escorted by Kipri armored vehicles through the city. This delivery enhances the operational capabilities of Somali forces, which have been receiving military support from Türkiye.

The U.S. Air Force denied reports of receiving F-35 fighters with empty radomes, confirming that Lot 17 aircraft are being delivered with the older AN/APG-81 radar due to delays in the new AN/APG-85 radar's development. This situation highlights ongoing challenges in the F-35 program, which is projected to incur a lifecycle cost of $2.1 trillion through the 2070s.

As of February 12, 2026, the Russian Air Force operates approximately 30 Su-57 stealth fighters, with a recent delivery of upgraded models. The aircraft has been primarily utilized in a limited capacity during the Ukraine conflict, while recent footage confirms its export to Algeria. Despite its advanced design, the Su-57's operational capabilities and numbers remain significantly lower compared to U.S. 5th-generation fighters like the F-35.

Algeria has inducted its first Su-57E fighter jets, while Morocco is in negotiations to acquire 32 F-35s, intensifying military competition in North Africa. This procurement race is expected to reshape the regional security landscape, with Algeria's military budget projected to be significantly higher than Morocco's by 2025. Both nations are focusing on modernizing their air forces amid ongoing tensions.

The Islamic Jihad Organization has increased drone strikes in West Africa, conducting at least 69 attacks in Burkina Faso and Mali since 2023. Two ISIS-affiliated groups have also executed around 20 drone strikes, primarily in Nigeria. Drones are utilized for both offensive operations and reconnaissance, with extremists acquiring them through smuggling networks despite government restrictions. The use of FPV drones represents a significant enhancement in their operational capabilities.

The Sudanese army destroyed a Chinese-made FK-2000 air defense system operated by the Rapid Support Forces in Ed Dubeibat during ongoing combat operations. The FK-2000 had been used by RSF units to contest Sudanese Air Force operations. This incident highlights the increasing use of advanced military hardware in the conflict.

The Dassault Rafale, a twin-engine 4.5-generation fighter jet, is currently in service with nine nations, including India and the UAE. It has demonstrated its combat capabilities in simulations, successfully engaging an F-35. The aircraft is equipped with advanced weaponry and has undergone upgrades to enhance its operational effectiveness against modern air defenses.

Algeria received two Su-57 stealth fighter jets from Russia at Oum El Bouaghi Air Base in November 2025. This marks Algeria as the first country outside Russia to operate the Su-57, part of a broader arms deal that includes 12 jets and 14 Su-34 fighter-bombers. The deal has implications for regional military dynamics, particularly in relation to Morocco.

Algeria has begun operating 14 Su-57E stealth fighters alongside Su-35s in February 2026, marking a significant enhancement of its air power. This acquisition has triggered warnings from the U.S. State Department about potential sanctions under CAATSA, which could impact Algeria's defense budget. The integration of these advanced aircraft signals a new arms race in North Africa, as Algeria seeks to bolster its military capabilities amid geopolitical tensions.

Egypt signed a $130 million contract to acquire the Turkish-developed TOLGA short-range air defense system. The TOLGA system is designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles and tactical drones, featuring modular architecture for flexible integration. This acquisition reflects Egypt's efforts to enhance its air defense capabilities against low-cost aerial threats.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has rapidly developed a comprehensive unmanned combat network, conducting frequent drone patrols around Taiwan. This network includes advanced UAVs like the Attack-11 and WZ-8, enhancing the PLA's operational capabilities across multiple domains. The shift towards unmanned systems is reshaping military strategies and the balance of power in the Western Pacific.

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Countries like Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia continue to upgrade and maintain M60 Patton tanks, which have been modernized with 120mm smoothbore guns and advanced fire control systems. Spain announced plans to sell 260-300 M60s in 2024, while Iran has significantly modified its M60s for enhanced combat capabilities. The M60 remains a viable military asset due to its affordability and reliability.

Leonardo unveiled the Hystrix 40 ADS, an advanced air defense system based on the Marlin 40 turret, in Brescia, northern Italy, in January 2026. This system is designed to counter unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and is part of a broader initiative to enhance air defense capabilities. The Hystrix 40 ADS is currently in development, with Leonardo securing contracts for its deployment in a Far East country.

Leonardo unveiled the Hystrix 76 ADS, a new land-based air defense system, at its facility in Brescia, northern Italy. The system, based on the 76/62 mm naval gun, is designed for remote operation and can fire various types of ammunition. A prototype is expected to be ready by the end of 2025, showcasing capabilities against aerial threats, including drones.

China is expanding its naval capabilities and missile systems to counter U.S. aircraft carriers in the Western Pacific, particularly in the context of a potential conflict over Taiwan. As of November 28, 2023, the People's Liberation Army Navy operates approximately 50 submarines and is expected to increase this number to 65 by 2030. The development of advanced missiles like the DF-21D and DF-26B is central to China's anti-access/area-denial strategy, posing significant challenges to U.S. naval operations.

USS Portland demonstrated a high-energy laser weapon system in the Gulf of Aden on December 14, 2021, successfully engaging a training target. The U.S. Navy is advancing the integration of laser systems like HELIOS on destroyers and plans to equip future Trump-class battleships with megawatt-class lasers to enhance defense capabilities against threats such as drones and missiles.

Rheinmetall successfully tested the LUNA NG unmanned aerial vehicle at the Army Combat Training Centre in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The test showcased the UAV's integration with the Bundeswehr's Command & Control Unmanned Management System, enhancing reconnaissance and operational capabilities. The LUNA NG demonstrated a flight time exceeding 12 hours and effective target detection and counter-measure functionalities.

Ethiopia has acquired a Russian Orion-E reconnaissance and strike drone, marking the first confirmed export of this system. The drone was displayed at the Aviation Expo 2026, indicating its operational capabilities for reconnaissance and strike missions. This acquisition highlights Ethiopia's engagement with Russian military technology, as the Orion-E has been utilized by Russian forces in various combat operations.

Russian United Engine Corporation (UEC) exhibited advanced UAV technologies, including a 500 kW Hybrid Electric Propulsion Unit (HPU) and a 25 kW high-power battery module, at UMEX 2026 in Rostec, Russia. The HPU, based on the VK-650V helicopter engine, aims to enhance UAV performance. The 35 kW generation system was also presented, designed for multirotor UAVs and capable of operating in extreme temperatures. These developments have attracted interest from both domestic and international UAV developers.

Drones are increasingly shaping warfare strategies in Europe, with implications for future conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region. Various military forces are adapting their tactics to incorporate drone technology, reflecting a significant shift in modern military operations. The ongoing evolution of drone usage is expected to influence military engagements across different theaters.