Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
When Intelligence Influence Becomes a Weapon: Egypt and China Encircle the Israeli Mossad in Africa
Egyptian and Chinese intelligence agencies initiated a campaign in early 2026 to counter Israeli Mossad activities across Africa, focusing on Sudan and Libya. This collaboration involves advanced surveillance technologies and military exercises, aiming to diminish Israeli influence in the region. The partnership reflects a strategic alignment between Egypt and China against common threats.
Ahmed Al-RashidMon Feb 16 2026Loading...The Pentagon Wants Allies to Do More in the Indo-Pacific — But Can They?
The Pentagon is urging allies to enhance their military capabilities to deter China in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the need for increased defense spending and readiness. However, current allied naval capabilities are insufficient, and there are doubts about their commitment to a Taiwan crisis. The U.S. strategy relies on assumptions about allied readiness and industrial capacity that are not yet met.
Marcus ChenMon Feb 16 2026Loading...Niamey accuses Paris of financing the airport attack — diplomatic escalation in the Sahel reaches a new level
Niger accused France of financing the January 28-29 attack on Niamey airport, claiming that French intelligence agencies supplied mercenaries with weapons since April 2025. The Nigerien Armed Forces reported neutralizing 20 mercenaries and capturing 11 others. This accusation represents a significant diplomatic escalation, with the Russian ambassador supporting Niger's claims, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the Sahel region.
Marie DuboisMon Feb 16 2026Loading...China’s New H-20 ‘Flying-Wing’ Stealth Bomber Can Be Summed Up in 3 Words
China is developing the H-20 stealth bomber to enhance its long-range power-projection capabilities, aiming to threaten targets like Guam. However, U.S. officials express skepticism regarding its development and ability to achieve low observability comparable to advanced U.S. bombers. The current backbone of China's strategic bomber force consists of approximately 200 H-6 bombers, which are limited in range and payload capacity.
U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers Now Have a Serious ‘Battleship’ Problem
China is enhancing its military capabilities, focusing on advanced anti-ship missiles and expanding its submarine fleet to counter U.S. aircraft carriers in the Pacific. The People’s Liberation Army Navy is developing systems like the DF-21D and DF-26B missiles, which pose a significant threat to U.S. naval forces. As of November 28, 2023, China operates approximately 50 submarines, with plans to increase this number to 65 by 2030.
The unified force of the AES increases to 6,000 men — the military bet of the three capitals in the face of security chaos
Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani announced an increase in the unified force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) from 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers on February 14, 2024, in Niamey. This move reflects the strategic ambitions of the military regimes in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso amid ongoing jihadist threats. The AES, formed in response to regional pressures and the withdrawal of French forces, aims to establish operational capability without Western support, while also signaling a shift towards closer ties with Russia.
Marie DuboisSun Feb 15 2026Loading...
Sorry, B-21 Raider: China’s New H-20 Strategic Stealth Bomber Summed Up in 2 Words
China is developing the H-20 stealth bomber to enhance its military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, aiming for dominance over the First Island Chain. U.S. officials assert that China currently lacks a global-range bomber, but the H-20's introduction could shift the balance of power. The bomber is expected to be operational within the next few years, posing a significant threat to U.S. military interests in the region.
Moscow institutionalizes its presence in the Sahel — strategic agreement with Ouagadougou and AES ministerial format
On February 12, 2026, Russia formalized its military presence in the Sahel by signing a strategic agreement with Burkina Faso, focusing on security and counter-terrorism. This agreement marks a transition from private military contractor involvement to state-level cooperation, with Russian forces now operating under a formal diplomatic framework. The presence of Russian military personnel is increasing in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Moscow seeks to enhance its influence in the region amid a withdrawal of Western forces.
Marie DuboisSat Feb 14 2026Loading...Congo (Kinshasa) Says It Accepts Angola's Ceasefire Principles
The Congo (DRC) government accepted ceasefire principles proposed by Angola regarding the conflict with the M23 movement. This decision was announced on February 13, 2023, as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions in the eastern regions of North Kivu and South Kivu. Angola's proposal includes a ceasefire starting February 18, 2026, following a significant escalation in violence since January 2025, which has resulted in numerous civilian casualties and displacements.
TikTok Video in Algeria May Have Confirmed Russia’s First Su-57 Stealth Fighter Export Customer
Russia has secured its first export customer for the Su-57 stealth fighter, with Algeria reportedly purchasing 14 units. This acquisition raises concerns among U.S. officials regarding military exports and potential sanctions. The deal is significant given Russia's limited production capacity, with only about 21 Su-57s expected by late 2025. The situation also intersects with ongoing regional diplomatic discussions over Western Sahara.
Washington Returns to Bamako: The New American Strategy in the Sahel Challenges Russian Influence
On February 3, 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Nick Checker arrived in Bamako to discuss counter-terrorism cooperation and economic relations with Mali's Foreign Minister. The U.S. is shifting its strategy in the Sahel, moving away from democracy promotion and focusing on intelligence sharing and potential arms supplies to combat jihadist threats. Russian contractors are currently operating in the region, complicating the security landscape.
Marie DuboisWed Feb 11 2026Loading...
Erdoğan pitches KAAN fighter jet as an alternative to Western warplanes
Turkish President Erdoğan visited Saudi Arabia and Egypt to enhance defense ties. In Saudi Arabia, discussions focused on joint investment in the KAAN fighter jet program, while Turkey and Egypt signed a Military Framework Agreement to expand defense cooperation. Egypt will acquire the MKE TOLGA Close-In Air Defense System as part of a broader $350 million defense package, signaling a shift towards long-term industrial cooperation.
A Potato Farmer Just Filmed Russia's Biggest Arms Export Win in Years
Algeria received two Su-57 stealth fighters from Russia in November 2025, part of a larger deal for 12 Su-57s and 14 Su-34s worth approximately $2 billion. This marks Algeria as the first foreign customer for the Su-57, raising concerns about regional military balance and potential U.S. sanctions. The arms acquisition is viewed as a strategic move to enhance Algeria's military capabilities amid ongoing tensions with Morocco.
Alexandra ReevesTue Feb 10 2026Loading...
Ministry of Defense: China has always been the most trustworthy partner and brother of African countries.
On February 10, the Chinese Ministry of Defense reiterated its commitment to being a reliable partner for African nations in military cooperation. The ministry highlighted the long-standing relationship since the 1950s, emphasizing joint training, peacekeeping, and humanitarian efforts. China aims to strengthen its strategic partnerships with African countries to promote mutual development and security.
Washington returns to the Sahel after the failure of its conditional strategy against the juntas
On February 7, 2025, U.S. officials engaged with the Malian junta in Bamako, marking a shift in U.S. policy after years of military cooperation suspension. The U.S. aims to address security threats, particularly from jihadist groups, while navigating the presence of Russian mercenaries in the region. Recent attacks have resulted in significant casualties among Nigerien soldiers, highlighting the ongoing instability in the Sahel.
Marie DuboisMon Feb 09 2026Loading...
The Undersea Gap: Why the U.S. Navy Can’t Build Its Way Out of a Submarine Crisis
The U.S. Navy is facing a submarine crisis, with its attack boat fleet projected to decline to 47 hulls by 2028. To address this, the Navy is shifting towards unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) for persistent ISR and seabed warfare, aiming to maintain operational effectiveness in the Western Pacific. This strategic pivot is necessary as older submarines retire faster than new ones are delivered, highlighting the need for a robust unmanned layer to support naval operations.
![An M1 Abrams of the Royal Saudi Land Forces, during Exercise Eager Lion in Jordan, on 11 September 2022. While many Middle Eastern states have and continue to be dependent on foreign suppliers for their defence equipment, over the past decade, efforts have been made to change this. [US Army/Sgt Nicolas Ramshaw]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.hiwars.com%2Fassets%2F9df9ea2b-4ea9-445b-b4a5-1fb0d7399577.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Tracing the path of Middle Eastern efforts to develop indigenous defence industries
Egypt has developed a range of military capabilities, including over 1,000 Walid armored vehicles and various aircraft, while Saudi Arabia and the UAE are significantly expanding their defense industries. Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) aims to ensure 50% of military spending occurs domestically by 2030, and EDGE Group in the UAE is consolidating defense enterprises to enhance capabilities and pursue international markets. Both countries are leveraging their financial resources to modernize and expand their military production.
One Carrier Cannot Hold the Indo-Pacific
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group redeployed to the Persian Gulf in January 2023, leaving the USS George Washington as the only American carrier in the Indo-Pacific. This situation raises concerns about U.S. naval presence and response capabilities in the region, especially as China expands its carrier fleet. The U.S. Navy faces logistical challenges and potential strategic vulnerabilities due to insufficient carrier numbers and ongoing global commitments.
Marcus ChenSat Feb 07 2026Loading...Washington Returns to the Sahel Through the Back Door
U.S. Secretary of State Nick Checker visited Mali in January 2024, signaling a strategic shift in U.S. policy towards the Sahel. The U.S. plans to offer intelligence and potential arms to Sahelian juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, moving away from previous democratic conditionality. This engagement aims to counter the growing jihadist threat and Russian influence in the region.
Marie DuboisSat Feb 07 2026Loading...The Carrier That Isn't There
The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group redeployed from the Indo-Pacific to the Persian Gulf in February 2026, reducing U.S. naval presence in a critical region. This shift highlights the U.S. Navy's capacity issues, as only a few carriers are available for global operations. Meanwhile, China continues to enhance its naval capabilities, potentially exploiting the gap left by the Lincoln's departure.
Marcus ChenSat Feb 07 2026Loading...
