Analysis & Reports

Russian military forces conducted at least 75 flights to sub-Saharan Africa between January 2025 and July 2026, primarily to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Flight Unit 224, a Russian Ministry of Defense-owned airline, was the busiest operator. The Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations also conducted flights, raising concerns about military cargo transport under a humanitarian guise. The findings suggest a complex logistics network supporting military operations in the region.

The Pentagon is considering strategies for the Iran war, focusing on targeted assassinations of Iranian leadership to disrupt their command structure. Recent operations include the resumption of F-15EX deliveries to the Portland Air National Guard Base. Historical precedents, such as the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, are cited as effective methods to create a leadership vacuum within Iran.

Ukrainian forces attacked a large oil refinery in Bashkortostan, Russia, on August 13, 2023, causing a significant fire. This refinery, owned by Salavatnefteorgsintez, is one of Russia's largest, with an annual capacity of 10 million tons. The Ukrainian military aims to systematically weaken Russian operational capabilities by targeting critical infrastructure.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted an airstrike in Khan Younis on October 13, killing a Hamas military commander. The commander was reportedly planning an attack against Israeli forces operating in the Gaza Strip. No response from Hamas has been reported regarding this incident.

U.S. Army M1 Abrams tanks engaged in training exercises at Novo Selo Training Area in Bulgaria on March 5, 2025, and at Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany on February 17, 2025. The U.S. continues to enforce economic sanctions and a naval blockade against Iran, significantly affecting its oil sales and financial operations. Iran's leadership expresses doubts about the reliability of agreements with the U.S. amid rising tensions.

DARPA is developing the Next-Generation Hypersonic Cruise Missile (NGHCM) to enhance the range, speed, and altitude of hypersonic weapons. This initiative aims to address the U.S. military's lag in hypersonic capabilities compared to rivals like Russia and China. The Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) is set for production next year, while the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) is also under development. The focus is on creating advanced, stealthy hypersonic systems that can penetrate enemy defenses effectively.

Two service members died after a US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed in a field south of Salado, Texas, on Wednesday afternoon.

Satellite imagery confirmed damage to the Russian frigates Admiral Essen and Admiral Makarov at Novorossiysk on August 12, 2023, following a Ukrainian strike. The damage primarily affects the Kalibr missile launchers, although the severity remains undetermined. Ukrainian forces reported hitting four Russian warships during the operation, indicating ongoing military engagement in the Black Sea region.

Ukraine's Security Service dismantled a Russian spy network of 14 individuals targeting airbases housing F-16 and Mirage 2000 jets. The network, which operated across several regions, provided intelligence to Russia's GRU. The operation was led by SBU chief Oleksandr Poklad, and evidence was seized during searches of the suspects' homes. Ongoing investigations are focused on the remaining members of the network.

The Navy Hospital Ship 'Silk Road Ark' conducted a maritime medical training exercise in the South China Sea, focusing on rapid patient transfer and emergency medical response. Medical personnel practiced handling various injuries, enhancing their emergency capabilities. The exercise aimed to improve the ship's readiness for mass casualty situations and accumulated valuable experience for future operations.

Israel conducted military operations using its F-35I Adir stealth fighters in Iran during 2025 and 2026, achieving air superiority without reported losses. The Israeli Air Force utilized these aircraft for airstrikes, surveillance, and missile detection, demonstrating their advanced capabilities. Plans are in place to expand the fleet from 48 to 100 aircraft, reflecting lessons learned from recent conflicts.

The Type 054A frigate Honghe from the People's Liberation Army Navy and the Indonesian frigate KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332 conducted a passing exercise east of Taiwan on Wednesday morning. This marks the first time China has publicly engaged in a joint naval exercise with a foreign navy in these waters. The exercise included communications checks and formation maneuvers, emphasizing maritime diplomacy without war-fighting elements. The event is viewed as a strategic move by Beijing to assert its maritime claims in the region.

Marcus ChenThu Aug 13 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army is testing and selecting reconnaissance drones at Clarke Range in Alabama, with plans to purchase 590 unmanned aircraft systems based on soldier demand. This initiative is part of a broader effort to adapt procurement processes to the rapidly evolving drone technology landscape. The Army's UAS Marketplace allows units to choose drones that best fit their mission requirements, reflecting a shift towards more soldier-involved decision-making in military acquisitions.

Iran's air defenses struggled against U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in 2025, failing to provide adequate protection during Operation Epic Fury. Despite significant losses, including the downing of advanced systems, Iran's mobile defense network continues to pose a threat, managing to shoot down several U.S. UAVs. The rugged geography of Iran complicates the effectiveness of its air defense systems, which include a mix of domestic and foreign technologies.

The Ukrainian Air Force announced on July 12 that it will cease publishing detailed data on Russian missile strikes due to air defense missile shortages and intensified Russian airstrikes. In July, Russia launched over 450 missiles against Ukraine, with nearly 200 being ballistic missiles. Recent attacks have seen Ukraine's air defense systems fail to intercept any missiles, highlighting the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces amid reduced support from Western allies.

Ukrainian forces struck Novorossiysk on Wednesday night, targeting four Russian warships and damaging two grain export terminals. The attack resulted in three fatalities and 24 injuries, prompting an emergency declaration in the city. This operation undermines the Russian Black Sea Fleet's safety, as Novorossiysk was its last secure harbor, raising concerns about the fleet's operational viability.

Alexandra ReevesThu Aug 13 2026Loading...

The Southern Theater Command Air Force conducted joint air and sea training exercises featuring H-6J bombers around Huangyan Island. Pilot Liu Guodong highlighted the capabilities and operational experiences of the H-6J during these exercises, which included both high-altitude and low-altitude flight maneuvers. The training aimed to enhance combat readiness and precision in strike capabilities.

Ghana and Burkina Faso signed a military cooperation agreement on August 12, 2026, to secure the Tema corridor against threats from JNIM. The agreement includes armed escorts for commercial trucks and coordinated patrols along the border. This move comes in response to previous attacks by JNIM on Ghanaian merchants, highlighting the increasing threat in the region.

Marie DuboisThu Aug 13 2026Loading...

U.S. Army soldiers from Delta Battery, 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment conducted training on the Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) system at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, on August 5, 2026. This training prepares them to employ the IFPC for air and missile defense operations, enhancing their capabilities against aerial threats.

Lockheed Martin announced the GRIZZLY containerized missile launcher is production-ready, having completed successful live-fire tests in March and June 2026. The system is designed for mobility and adaptability, capable of firing Hellfire and JAGM missiles. It utilizes standard shipping containers for transport, allowing integration into existing supply chains and operational setups.