Analysis & Reports

The Fujian aircraft carrier has been actively conducting training exercises since its commissioning, with plans to enter the Pacific for long-range training by 2026. It has successfully navigated the Taiwan Strait multiple times for various training missions, enhancing its operational capabilities. The carrier's systems have been tested, and future exercises will focus on tactical operations involving air and naval coordination.

U.S. Marines conducted flight operations with a V-BAT unmanned aerial system aboard the USS Portland in the Pacific Ocean on January 28, 2026. This operation was part of integrated training with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, demonstrating the V-BAT's capability to operate from naval platforms without catapults or arresting gear. The event underscored the importance of unmanned systems in enhancing maritime operations and ISR capabilities.

The Venezuelan military recognized Delcy Rodriguez as the Supreme Commander on January 28. This acknowledgment marks a significant leadership change within the Venezuelan Armed Forces.

The U.S. military employed a non-kinetic effects cell to guide cyber operations that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas. The operation involved targeting radar, internet, and the city's power grid, resulting in a temporary blackout. U.S. intelligence agencies supported the operation, which is part of a larger initiative to enhance military cyber capabilities through Cyber Command 2.0.

The USS Gerald R. Ford supercarrier is currently part of a show of strength in the Caribbean, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's capabilities. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS Ronald Reagan are conducting sea trials and inspections. U.S. Navy supercarriers are designed to remain stable in rough seas, with features that prevent capsizing. The USS Nimitz is set to retire after more than 50 years of service.

Marco Rubio warned that the Trump administration is prepared to take military action against Venezuela if its interim leadership deviates from U.S. expectations. He emphasized that while the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela, force may be used to ensure cooperation. The remarks were made during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing focused on U.S. policy towards Venezuela, amid ongoing efforts to normalize diplomatic relations.

Marco Rubio warned that the Trump administration is prepared to take military action against Venezuela if its interim leadership does not align with U.S. expectations. He stated that while the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela, the administration would not hesitate to use force if necessary. Rubio's remarks come amid ongoing discussions about U.S. foreign policy and military operations in the region.

The French Navy's Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier strike group departed from Toulon on January 27, 2023, to participate in the Orion 26 military exercise in the North Atlantic. The exercise is set to run from February 8 to April 30, 2023, involving approximately 12,500 personnel, 25 ships, and over 140 aircraft and drones, with participation from more than 20 countries. The North Atlantic has been designated a sensitive area amid recent geopolitical tensions.

Airbus will launch its first Pléiades Neo Next satellite early 2028 from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, using an Avio’s Vega C rocket. This satellite will enhance Earth observation capabilities with a native resolution of 20 cm, supporting sectors such as defense and intelligence. The program aims to improve the quality and reliability of geospatial technologies.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) departed Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego on January 21, 2026, for a new operational deployment in the Pacific Ocean after completing maintenance. This deployment follows a lengthy 278-day mission and is expected to last into autumn 2026, addressing ongoing strategic demands in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. Navy has ordered 24 Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyers, enhancing naval capabilities with advanced AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar and Aegis Baseline 10 combat systems. These destroyers, known for their multi-mission flexibility, are crucial for modern naval warfare and are currently under construction. The integration of these systems significantly improves ballistic missile defense and operational effectiveness in various maritime environments.

The U.S. military conducted operations in Venezuela on January 3, 2023, resulting in at least 100 casualties. President Trump stated that a new weapon, referred to as a 'mind disruptor', was used during these operations. Eyewitnesses described severe physical reactions, including nosebleeds and loss of consciousness. Russian military experts have criticized these claims as mere political posturing.

Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the Colombian military is investigating a chemical modification to gasoline aimed at reducing the potency of cocaine. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking, with testing already underway. The move comes amid rising coca cultivation and increasing tensions with the U.S. over drug-related violence and trafficking.

The Colombian military is investigating a chemical modification to gasoline aimed at reducing the potency of cocaine, with testing reportedly underway. This initiative, led by Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez, involves collaboration with universities and companies to combat drug trafficking amid rising cocaine production. The effort occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions with the US over drug-related violence and trafficking.

A U.S. military transport aircraft landed in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina, on January 25. The local government condemned the action, asserting it was an attempt by the U.S. Southern Command to exert control over the region. The aircraft, a Boeing C-40 Clipper, had previously been in Buenos Aires for two days before its arrival in Ushuaia, which is a crucial logistics hub for Antarctica.

The Chinese Navy's hospital ship 'Silk Road Ark' docked in Montevideo, Uruguay, on January 24, marking the first visit of a Chinese naval vessel to the country. During its four-day technical stop, the ship participated in various interactive exchange activities with Uruguayan officials, reflecting China's intent to enhance military cooperation in the region.

On January 3, the U.S. military launched a large-scale attack on Venezuela, employing new weapons and artificial intelligence for systematic bombing. This operation resulted in at least 100 casualties. Venezuelan Defense Minister Lopez condemned the attack, asserting that it turned Venezuela into a testing ground for U.S. military technology.

The Venezuelan government appointed new military commanders on January 22, 2023, as part of a restructuring of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces. General Lumar Hernández Vargas was named commander of the Trujillo Comprehensive Defense Zone, while Admiral Pedro González Rubió took command of the Nueva Esparta Comprehensive Defense Zone. These appointments mark the first military personnel changes since Delsy Rodríguez assumed the role of interim president on January 5, 2023.

U.S. Delta Force conducted a military operation in Venezuela on January 3, utilizing over 150 aircraft and an unknown sonic weapon against President Maduro's security detail. Witnesses reported that the sonic weapon incapacitated bodyguards, causing severe physical reactions. President Trump acknowledged the weapon's existence, asserting it is unique to the U.S. military.

Monica Duffy Toft argues that while military force can topple a dictator in Venezuela, it fails to create political authority or legitimacy. The discussion highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls of U.S. intervention in the region.