Analysis & Reports

Six U.S. Air Force F-35A stealth fighters departed RAF Lakenheath on February 11, heading to the Middle East. This deployment aligns with heightened tensions regarding Iran's nuclear negotiations, as President Trump indicated potential military action if talks fail. The aircraft, part of the Vermont Air National Guard, were seen flying in formation with KC-135 Stratotankers, suggesting a significant military presence is being established in the region.

The Pentagon is preparing to deploy a second aircraft carrier strike group, led by the USS George H.W. Bush, to the Middle East in two weeks. This follows the ongoing deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln in the region. Deployment orders may be issued shortly, although they have not yet been officially confirmed by President Trump.

U.S. Department of Defense has instructed a second aircraft carrier strike group to prepare for deployment to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. President Trump is considering military action if negotiations fail. Deployment orders may be issued imminently, with the strike group expected to leave the U.S. East Coast within two weeks.

Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd has been nominated to lead U.S. Cyber Command and the NSA, generating mixed reactions within the cyber community due to his limited cyber experience but strong leadership in special operations. Concerns about his unfamiliarity with cyber operations contrast with hopes that his leadership skills and the expertise of his deputies will guide the organizations effectively. Rudd aims to conduct a 90-day review to align operations with strategic competition, particularly regarding threats from China.

The 4th Infantry Division is scaling the testing of its next-generation command-and-control system, NGC2, to the division level by summer 2023 in Colorado. This follows the completion of the Ivy Sting exercise, where the division tested new capabilities, including the integration of data from multiple battlefield sensors. The division plans to demonstrate its capabilities at Project Convergence Capstone 6 this summer, with ongoing evaluations and improvements based on soldier feedback.

Russian forces are experiencing widespread disruptions of Starlink satellite internet terminals across the front line and border regions, critically impacting battlefield communications. This situation follows technical measures implemented by SpaceX in coordination with Ukraine's Ministry of Defense to block unverified terminals. The loss of connectivity has severely affected command and control, as well as the transmission of reconnaissance data to missile and artillery units.

The 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team is deploying to U.S. Central Command to replace an Iowa National Guard unit. This deployment is part of a regular rotation and supports ongoing operations against ISIS in the Middle East. The announcement did not provide specific details on the countries of operation or a timeline for the deployment.

USS Truxtun departed Naval Station Norfolk on Tuesday for a scheduled deployment amid heightened U.S. military presence in the Middle East. This deployment follows months of training and maintenance, coinciding with the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the region. Tensions with Iran have escalated, prompting military readiness, including the recent downing of an Iranian drone by a U.S. fighter jet.

Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan was confirmed by the Senate as the new head of U.S. Southern Command on Friday. He will lead military operations in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, succeeding Adm. Alvin Holsey. Donovan has a 37-year career in the military and has pledged to protect U.S. national interests and deter war.

The Senate approved Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan's promotion to four stars and his appointment as head of U.S. Southern Command in Washington, D.C. Donovan will succeed Acting Commander Lt. Gen. Pettus. This leadership change follows Adm. Alvin Holsey's announcement to step down, coinciding with a shift in U.S. military focus towards the Western Hemisphere.

U.S. Space Forces Northern was activated at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado on January 30, 2026, as part of U.S. Northern Command. This new command focuses on providing space capabilities for homeland defense, including missile warning and tracking, and will enhance the military's operational readiness in the Northern Hemisphere. The activation aligns with the Department of Defense's strategic priorities for the region.

The United States Air Force announced plans to conduct no-notice inspections to assess combat readiness, as stated by Lt. Gen. Scott Pleus at the 2026 Airpower Forum. This decision, made by Air Force leadership, aims to ensure that commanders are responsible for maintaining their units' readiness for combat operations. The inspections will involve teams of inspectors arriving unexpectedly, marking a shift from previous policies that mandated only annual reviews.

The Pentagon announced expanded counter-drone authorities for base commanders in December 2023, allowing them to respond more effectively to drone threats. The Joint Inter-Agency Task Force 401 released a new guide to streamline drone defense measures, emphasizing the need for enhanced security against unauthorized drone flights. This policy comes after a report highlighted deficiencies in current counter-drone operations at military bases.

The U.S. Air Force is enhancing its communication capabilities for bombers and other aircraft following the successful Operation Midnight Hammer on June 22, 2023, which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. Lt. Gen. Jason Armagost and Maj. Claire Randolph discussed the importance of secure command and control networks to ensure effective mission execution while managing the authority of aircrew commanders. The B-21 Raider is anticipated to play a key role in future operations with its advanced data-sharing capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force is enhancing its communication capabilities for bombers following the successful Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. Lt. Gen. Jason Armagost stressed the importance of secure command and control networks for future missions. Maj. Claire Randolph warned against direct communication lines to cockpits that could undermine air crew authority. The B-21 Raider is anticipated to play a key role in future operations.

The U.S. Navy deployed at least 10 naval vessels in the Middle East, including the USS Delbert D. Black and USS Abraham Lincoln, amid rising tensions with Iran. The deployment includes 6 destroyers and 3 littoral combat ships, capable of conducting land strikes and defending against aerial threats. Additionally, U.S. military aircraft are being sent to the region, indicating preparations for potential military action against Iran.

A U.S. Navy destroyer named 'Delbert D. Black' arrived in the Middle East within the last 48 hours, increasing the number of U.S. destroyers in the region to six. The U.S. Navy's presence also includes one aircraft carrier and three littoral combat ships.

President Trump deployed 1,000 National Guard troops to various U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago, to assist with law enforcement and deportation operations. These deployments have incurred costs of $589 million, potentially rising to over $1 billion by year-end. Judicial actions have blocked some deployments, while several cities have opposed the presence of National Guard troops. The mobilization is politically charged, with claims of unsafe conditions in the targeted cities.

The deployment of National Guard and active-duty Marine forces to six US cities cost approximately $496 million in the last six months of 2025. Future deployments are estimated to cost around $93 million per month. The National Guard's deployment of 1,000 members incurs costs between $18 million and $21 million monthly, depending on local living expenses. Legal barriers affecting future deployments were also noted.

The Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) 401 announced an expansion of counter-drone authorities in the United States, allowing commanders to engage threats beyond the perimeter of military installations. This new guidance classifies unauthorized drone surveillance of designated facilities as a threat and enhances interagency cooperation for counter-drone operations. The Pentagon has reported a significant rise in drone incursions over military sites, prompting these changes.