Analysis & Reports

The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes deterrence by denial in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on strengthening alliances and military capabilities while avoiding direct confrontation with China. The strategy calls for allies to increase defense spending significantly and identifies China as the primary challenge. However, it notably omits specific commitments regarding Taiwan, raising concerns about U.S. resolve in the region. The proposed defense budget is set to reach $1.5 trillion by 2027, reflecting a substantial investment in military capabilities.

Marcus ChenTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

The U.S. Department of Defense is implementing a new defense strategy for 2026 that emphasizes deterrence by denial along the First Island Chain, compelling allies to increase their defense spending. The strategy notably omits direct mention of Taiwan, raising concerns about U.S. commitment to deterring Chinese aggression. The Pacific Deterrence Initiative is funded at ten billion dollars to enhance military capabilities in the region, while allies are expected to shoulder greater defense responsibilities.

Marcus ChenMon Mar 23 2026Loading...

In February 2026, CEDEAO military chiefs met in Freetown, Sierra Leone, to discuss forming a 2,000-man anti-terrorist force amid escalating jihadist threats in the Sahel. JNIM has consolidated control over significant territory in Burkina Faso, while ISSP has demonstrated operational sophistication with drone and mortar attacks. The report highlights the urgent need for effective regional cooperation to address the growing security crisis.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 23 2026Loading...

French forces completed their withdrawal from Mali between 2022 and 2025, leaving a security vacuum exploited by jihadist groups like Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Mouslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS). The security situation has worsened, with increased attacks on national forces and over 2.5 million internally displaced persons. The dissolution of the UN mission in Mali in December 2023 further complicates stabilization efforts.

Marie DuboisSun Mar 22 2026Loading...

Iranian military sources warned that the U.S. would face unprecedented retaliation if it conducts military aggression against Khark Island. The island is crucial for Iran's oil exports, and the situation could escalate, complicating U.S. operations in the region. The Iranian military indicated that creating insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea is one of the options available to them.

The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes deterrence by denial along the First Island Chain, increasing military presence and capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The strategy establishes a new global defense spending standard for allies and raises concerns about U.S. commitment to Taiwan. Recent developments include plans for missile production with Japan and drone cooperation across Asia, reflecting a focus on regional defense.

Marcus ChenSat Mar 21 2026Loading...

Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State in the Sahel Province (ISSP) have established operational bases in forest reserves, leading to significant military casualties in Benin and Nigeria. In March 2026, over 120 soldiers were reported killed in various attacks. The U.S. is normalizing relations with Sahelian military juntas, while Côte d'Ivoire faces diplomatic isolation due to its military partnerships with France. This evolving situation highlights the growing influence of jihadist groups in the region.

Marie DuboisSat Mar 21 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is accelerating military modernization and enhancing international military cooperation through the 'Peace Will-2026' naval exercise held in Simon's Town, South Africa, from January 9-16, 2026. This exercise involved multiple BRICS nations and showcased China's new military capabilities, including the 076-class unmanned aircraft carrier and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The PLA's modernization efforts are a strategic response to rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.

Li MinghuiSat Mar 21 2026Loading...

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence highlighted the ongoing threat from foreign terror groups with Islamist ideology, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iranian proxies in Iraq. ISIS remains active in Syria, while African groups like Al Shabaab and Boko Haram are expanding their influence. The report emphasizes the strategic implications of these threats for U.S. interests and allies.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence highlighted the ongoing threat from foreign terror groups with Islamist ideology, particularly Hezbollah and Iranian proxies in Lebanon and Iraq. ISIS and Al Qaeda-linked groups remain active in Syria and Africa, posing significant regional threats. The report emphasizes the strategic implications of these groups for U.S. interests and allies.

The U.S. Navy is retiring Ticonderoga-class cruisers, significantly reducing missile capacity and impacting naval operations in the Persian Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean. This transition pressures the fleet to reassign air defense roles to smaller platforms and aligns with a strategic shift toward distributed maritime operations. Concerns about a capability gap until next-generation surface combatants are operational have been raised.

MARSS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Ministry of Defence on 19 March 2026 in London to implement a national C4I programme valued at over $190 million. This initiative aims to enhance Nigeria's defense capabilities against asymmetric threats through AI-powered solutions and the establishment of new command centers. The programme will also provide training for operators to maintain operational readiness.

The Unified Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) was established in December 2025, comprising 6,000 troops based in Niamey, Niger. This force aims to operate across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, focusing on countering jihadist threats. The AES has validated its operational capabilities through the Yereko 2 mission and has adopted a multipolar approach to military procurement, enhancing its strategic autonomy.

Marie DuboisFri Mar 20 2026Loading...

Sudanese Sovereign Council Chairman Burhan announced that the Sudanese Armed Forces will not agree to a ceasefire until the Rapid Support Forces completely withdraw from occupied territories. He emphasized the need for a clear ceasefire timetable and the absence of illegal armed groups outside the government. The ongoing conflict, which began on April 15, 2023, has led to numerous civilian deaths.

The U.S. Navy is currently experiencing a shipbuilding crisis, with 82% of new warships behind schedule, jeopardizing its ability to address global threats. This situation is exacerbated by production delays, maintenance backlogs, and workforce shortages, leading to a shrinking fleet despite increased budgets. The Navy's strategic goals include expanding its fleet to 381 manned ships and 134 unmanned vessels by 2025, but achieving this remains uncertain due to ongoing logistical challenges.

Nigeria is leading military modernization in West Africa, acquiring 24 M-346FA aircraft and 12 AH-1Z Viper helicopters to enhance its capabilities against Boko Haram. Senegal and Mali are also increasing military imports, with Mali pivoting towards Russia for arms. The U.S. has approved a $346 million contract for precision munitions for Nigeria, while Nigeria seeks to develop local defense technologies with UAE investment.

Marie DuboisWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

European NATO allies, including the UK and Germany, rejected U.S. President Trump's demands for military assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, stating they do not wish to engage in the conflict with Iran. Iran had closed the strait to shipping on March 2, 2023, following U.S. and Israeli strikes. European leaders emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions and expressed concerns over the implications of U.S. military actions in the region.

European NATO allies rejected U.S. President Trump's demands for military assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force, emphasizing that they do not want to engage in the conflict with Iran. The Strait was closed to shipping by Iran on March 2, 2023, following U.S. and Israeli strikes. European leaders, including British Prime Minister Kier Starmer and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, stated that this is not Europe's war and called for diplomatic solutions instead of military involvement.

The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy prioritizes homeland defense and deterrence against China, mandating allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. Congress has allocated $12.6 billion to enhance surveillance and counter China's military buildup. The strategy emphasizes 'deterrence by denial' along the First Island Chain, while reallocating critical defense assets from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East raises concerns about U.S. commitment to regional allies.

Marcus ChenTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

The Unified Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) operationalized in December 2025, comprising 5,000 to 6,000 troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, under General Daouda Traoré in Niamey. This initiative aims to address escalating security threats from al-Qaeda and ISIS-linked groups. The AES has distanced itself from French defense partnerships, seeking support from Russia, while facing significant operational challenges due to aging equipment and logistical limitations.

Marie DuboisTue Mar 17 2026Loading...