Analysis & Reports

NATO conducted the 'Cold Response' military exercise from March 9 to March 20, involving 25,000 personnel from 14 member countries in Norway and Finland. The alliance confirmed the establishment of a permanent joint air operations center in the Arctic. Concurrently, Russia is increasing its military capabilities in the region, aiming to deter NATO activities, particularly in light of U.S. interests in Greenland.

Ukrainian forces liberated over 400 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast since late January 2026, disrupting Russian military operations. They advanced 10-12 kilometers in two drives, liberating settlements and revealing vulnerabilities in Russian defenses. Russian forces are facing significant casualties and logistical challenges, with reports of 1.315 million killed and wounded. The situation indicates a strategic setback for Russia as Ukrainian counterattacks continue to gain momentum.

Dmitri VolkovThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

The F-117 Nighthawk has been deployed by the U.S. Air Force at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea, with 300 Airmen supporting its operations. The aircraft will serve as a training platform and technology demonstrator, simulating adversarial roles against modern fighters like the Su-57 and J-20. It is expected to remain operational until 2034, showcasing its continued relevance in military training exercises.

Thousands of U.S. troops are currently deployed to U.S. Central Command, engaged in maintaining vehicles and launching and recovering aircraft. The report highlights the ongoing actions against Iran and encourages service members to share their stories and concerns. Anonymity is offered for those who contribute insights.

General Joshua Rudd was confirmed as the permanent leader of Cyber Command and the NSA in a 71-29 Senate vote, ending an 11-month leadership gap. Rudd, who previously served as deputy commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, faces challenges regarding his experience in signals intelligence and the upcoming expiration of key surveillance legislation. His leadership is expected to influence U.S. cyber operations, particularly concerning foreign threats.

Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd was confirmed as the commander of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the NSA by a 71-29 Senate vote. His appointment follows a year of leadership by an acting commander and comes amid ongoing military operations in Iran, where cyber capabilities are deemed crucial. Despite his special operations background, concerns were raised regarding his qualifications for the cyber role.

USS George H.W. Bush completed the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) on March 5, 2026, certifying its strike group for deployment. The exercise involved approximately 2,400 personnel from Carrier Air Wing 7, which conducted 1,586 sorties. The completion of COMPTUEX indicates readiness for major combat operations, with speculation about a potential deployment to the Middle East to relieve the USS Gerald R. Ford.

USS Nimitz departed Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Washington, for its final deployment to Latin America. The aircraft carrier, with several thousand sailors aboard, is set to operate in the U.S. Southern Command area and will make stops at partner nations. This deployment marks the first carrier presence in the region since February.

Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher officially took office as the first submarine czar of the U.S. Navy on February 23, 2024, in Washington. He will oversee the production of Virginia and Columbia-class submarines, which are currently facing delays due to workforce shortages and supply chain issues. This new role aims to enhance leadership and streamline submarine construction efforts.

The U.S. Army is expanding its direct commissioning program to recruit civilians in high-tech fields, allowing them to join as captains and lieutenants. This initiative aims to enhance the Army's technical capabilities in areas such as AI and robotics. The commissioning process has been streamlined to approximately six months, focusing on candidates with relevant experience and education. This program builds on previous efforts that included commissioning Silicon Valley executives into the Army Reserve.

The U.S. Army is converting the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team in Pennsylvania into a Mobile Brigade Combat Team by March 31, 2026. This transition will replace Stryker armored vehicles with Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISVs) to improve mobility across difficult terrain. The restructuring includes the inactivation of several subordinate units and the formation of new specialized units, reflecting a shift towards lighter, more mobile ground forces.

The Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency announced the NOBLE missile interceptor program on March 2, 2026, establishing a five-year acquisition framework to enhance missile defense capabilities. This initiative aims to streamline contracting processes and accelerate access to advanced technologies, addressing threats from ballistic and hypersonic missiles. The program will be administered from Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, and will involve various missile defense entities within the Department of War.

On March 2, 2026, the U.S. Navy awarded a $225.1 million contract modification to Northrop Grumman for the development of the E-130J aircraft under the TACAMO program. This contract aims to modernize the Navy's airborne nuclear command and control capabilities, replacing older systems. Work will be conducted in Florida and is expected to be completed by March 2027.

On March 1, the Israel Defense Forces announced the mobilization of 100,000 reservists and the deployment of ground forces to border areas with Syria, Lebanon, Gaza Strip, and West Bank. The Air Force, Navy, and Intelligence units have also been reinforced. Logistical support will be provided to ensure reservists can operate under optimal conditions.

U.S. President Trump announced that the U.S. military has initiated airstrikes against Iran, targeting its navy and nuclear facilities. The strikes are part of a broader operation involving numerous aircraft and two aircraft carriers in the Middle East, with the USS Ford recently arriving in Israel. The objective is to eliminate threats posed by the Iranian regime to the U.S. and its allies.

The 11th Airborne Division conducted a training exercise in the Yukon Training Area, Alaska, simulating Arctic conflict scenarios during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 26-02 rotation. Soldiers operated in temperatures around 18 degrees, utilizing Cold-Weather All-Terrain Vehicles and snow machines. Senior leaders, including the Chief of Staff of the Army, observed command and control operations during the exercise.

NATO established Operation Arctic Sentry on February 11, 2026, to create a permanent military presence in the Arctic, responding to Russian and Chinese activities. The Cold Response 26 exercise, involving 25,000 soldiers from 14 nations, is set to take place from March 9 to 19, 2026, testing NATO's integrated military capabilities in the region. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance deterrence against potential threats in the Arctic.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Feb 27 2026Loading...

Mark Ditlevson, nominated for assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense, faced scrutiny during his confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C. regarding the potential deployment of National Guard troops to polling places. He emphasized the need for safety but did not provide clear answers on whether such deployments would be appropriate, leading to concerns from senators about military involvement in domestic elections.

Senator Ron Wyden has placed a hold on the nomination of Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd to lead U.S. Cyber Command and the NSA in Washington. Wyden expressed concerns about Rudd's qualifications and understanding of constitutional rights, stating that the urgency of cybersecurity threats does not allow for on-the-job learning. Rudd's nomination process has been delayed as a result of this hold, which prevents unanimous consent for advancement.

Vice Adm. Fred Kacher is returning to the Navy after serving as Director of the Joint Staff for three months. Gen. Dan Caine confirmed that the decision to remove Kacher was his. Kacher, a former commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, assumed the role in December 2025, and no successor has been named yet.