Analysis & Reports

Israel operates 46 F-35I Adir stealth fighters from Nevatim Airbase, utilizing them for high-end military missions, including strikes against Iranian targets. The aircraft is uniquely customized with Israeli systems, enhancing its operational capabilities and stealth performance. Israel plans to expand its fleet to 75 by 2030, solidifying its strategic advantage in the region.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah weapon storage facilities and rocket launch sites in Southern Lebanon on November 15, 2024. This action was taken in response to Hezbollah's alleged violations of a ceasefire agreement established earlier that month.

U.S. Central Command conducted 10 airstrikes against over 30 Islamic State positions in Homs, Syria, from February 3-12, 2024, as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike. This operation aims to maintain military pressure on ISIS remnants while U.S. forces completed troop withdrawals from the al-Tanf Garrison. Additionally, over 5,700 ISIS captives were transferred to Iraq during this period.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) deployed its F-35I Adir fleet to conduct airstrikes against Iranian targets during a 12-day conflict. The operations involved beyond-visual-range strikes and drone swarms, highlighting a shift towards distributed and unmanned warfare. Despite the F-35I's use, critics argue that it was not the decisive weapon and emphasize the need for a focus on drone technology instead of costly manned aircraft.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff conducted an inspection in Rafah on October 13, asserting that the IDF has destroyed all Hamas frontline combat camps and is ready to shift to offensive operations if needed. The IDF is currently monitoring border crossings into Gaza and aims to demilitarize the region, having recently established the 38th Brigade to enhance ground combat capabilities.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will not abandon the goal of demilitarizing Gaza and disarming Hamas, as stated by IDF Chief of Staff in Rafah on February 13. The IDF is preparing for offensive operations and focusing on dismantling underground military infrastructure in the area. Hamas officials have declared that resistance will persist as long as Israel continues its attacks.

The U.S. Navy has deployed a large fleet in the Persian Gulf and a small fleet near Cuba and Venezuela as part of its strategy to address rising international tensions. Admiral Darryl Caudle highlighted the ongoing strategic importance of aircraft carriers and the Navy's commitment to countering illegal activities in the Caribbean. Additionally, the Navy is enhancing its capabilities through technological advancements and plans to strengthen its presence in the Arctic region.

The commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy stated that they continuously monitor enemy movements, highlighting Iran's deterrent capabilities. This statement reflects Iran's military posture amid ongoing tensions in the region.

U.S. President Trump is considering the deployment of a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. Iran's Foreign Minister stated the country is preparing for potential conflict while remaining committed to diplomatic solutions. Concurrently, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met with Trump to discuss Iran's nuclear program and regional security concerns. U.S. military assets, including Patriot missiles, are being positioned in the region.

The U.S. Navy is preparing for potential military action against Iran, deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS George H.W. Bush to the region. Over 80 cargo flights have bolstered air defenses, and coalition forces, including the Royal Air Force, are positioned for possible airstrikes. Israeli PM Netanyahu is pushing for a complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear program, indicating a significant escalation in military readiness.

The A-10 Warthog is currently engaged in hunting Iranian mines and defending against fast-attack boats in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf. This aircraft supports U.S. Navy operations by providing low-cost, high-impact capabilities against asymmetrical threats. Despite its critical role, the Air Force intends to retire the A-10 fleet by 2029, although its operational importance remains high.

The U.S. Navy faces evolving threats in naval combat, particularly in the South China Sea and Yemen, where they encounter advanced weaponry and tactics from adversaries like China. Experts warn that the distinction between combat and non-combat missions is increasingly unclear, with potential future conflicts resembling those of World War II. The Navy must adapt to new technologies and strategies as it prepares for possible peer-on-peer engagements.

On October 11, the Israel Defense Forces established the 38th Division at a military base. The Chief of Staff emphasized the division's importance in modern warfare and announced the expansion of standing forces to alleviate pressure on reserves. This restructuring is part of significant reforms initiated after the October 7 events.

The U.S. Navy is reshuffling its traditional carrier strike group model to create tailored forces for greater operational flexibility. This initiative, outlined in the new 'Fighting Instructions' guidance, aims to provide combatant commanders with customizable formation options. The Navy plans to integrate unmanned systems into its strategy, optimizing asset deployment beyond conventional cycles. Key locations involved include the Red Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, with a focus on missions such as mine clearance in strategic chokepoints.

Israeli Defense Forces are planning a new offensive to disarm Hamas in the Gaza Strip as of February 10, 2023. The Southern Command is preparing operational plans, but the implementation remains uncertain. Hamas leaders have stated they will not disarm and reject external control over Gaza, indicating potential for intensified conflict if hostilities resume.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the formation of a new combat division, the 38th Division, on October 10. This marks the first establishment of a new combat division in decades. The division will integrate various units from the ground forces training system and is expected to achieve ground combat capability by 2027.

The USS Santa Barbara conducted a live-fire training exercise in the Persian Gulf, supported by an A-10 Thunderbolt II for aerial coordination. This operation highlights the ongoing military presence in the region, particularly near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, amid rising tensions with Iran. The Littoral Combat Ships are being repurposed for mine hunting as the U.S. military continues to adapt its aging equipment for current operational needs.

Iran maintains one of the largest standing armed forces in the Middle East, with approximately 610,000 active personnel, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The country has a diverse missile arsenal and has shifted its military strategy towards offensive operations. Iran's defense budget for 2024 is estimated at $7.9 billion, indicating ongoing military readiness despite economic challenges.

Since mid-January 2026, over 80 U.S. military transport flights have deployed air defense systems, including Patriot and THAAD batteries, to bases in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. This deployment is part of preparations for potential military action against Iran, with F-35A fighters also being sent to the region. Despite significant investments in air defense by Gulf states, the U.S. continues to provide direct military support, highlighting limitations in local capabilities.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Feb 10 2026Loading...

On May 25, 2006, Capt. Doug Dicenzo and gunner Robert Blair were killed by an IED while on patrol in Baghdad, Iraq. The author, who declined to join the patrol, reflects on the guilt and trauma stemming from this decision. The incident underscores the severe risks posed by roadside bombs during the sectarian conflict in Iraq.