Analysis & Reports

The Dassault Rafale fighter jet, a 4.5-generation multirole aircraft, is currently in service with nine countries including India and Egypt. It is equipped with advanced systems such as AESA radar and is capable of carrying a wide range of weapons, including nuclear-capable missiles. The aircraft has undergone significant upgrades to maintain its relevance in modern air combat scenarios.

In 2017, the INS Arihant, India's first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, suffered flooding in its propulsion compartment after a crew member left a hatch open. This incident resulted in nearly ten months of repairs, impacting India's naval readiness during a standoff with China. The event raised significant concerns about operational protocols and the submarine's design, particularly regarding the existence of hatches in critical areas.

India approved the purchase of 114 Rafale multirole fighter jets from France on January 12 to enhance its air force capabilities. This acquisition is part of a broader military modernization effort worth nearly $40 billion, aimed at addressing combat capability shortfalls amid rising tensions with Pakistan and China. The deal will also involve local manufacturing and technology transfer as part of India's 'Make in India' initiative.

India's Defense Procurement Committee approved a proposal to purchase 114 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation and P-8I reconnaissance aircraft, totaling 3.6 trillion rupees (approximately $40 billion). This decision comes as the Indian Air Force phases out several aging aircraft. The procurement aims to enhance India's military capabilities amid ongoing modernization efforts.

The Virginia Supreme Court ruled that a U.S. Marine and his wife can keep an Afghan orphan they adopted, reversing lower court decisions. The ruling ends a lengthy legal battle over the child's custody, which was contested by her Afghan relatives and the U.S. government. The child was previously injured during a U.S. military operation in Afghanistan.

Rahul Gandhi attempted to read from a leaked memoir in the Indian Parliament, which allegedly contains sensitive information about the Indian Army and the ruling party. This action led to a confrontation with ruling party members, who blocked him from continuing. The Indian government is considering new regulations to restrict military personnel from publishing books, amid ongoing controversy surrounding the memoir's content.

In February 2026, Pakistan faced multiple security incidents, including coordinated attacks in Quetta and a suicide bombing in Islamabad, resulting in 216 militants, 22 security personnel, and 36 civilian deaths. This turmoil raises concerns about Pakistan's capacity to fulfill its security commitments under a recent defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, amidst claims of potential nuclear capabilities in the region. The situation highlights the structural contradictions in Pakistan's defense partnerships.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Feb 12 2026Loading...

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 Dassault Rafale, a twin-engine 4.5-generation fighter jet, is currently in service with nine nations, including India and the UAE. It has demonstrated its combat capabilities in simulations, successfully engaging an F-35. The aircraft is equipped with advanced weaponry and has undergone upgrades to enhance its operational effectiveness against modern air defenses.

U&C UAS signed a contract with TUNGA Aerospace Industries Private Limited in India on February 3, 2026, to supply unmanned aerial systems and provide training for operators. This agreement marks U&C UAS's first entry into the Asian market and signifies a new phase in defense cooperation between Europe and India, focusing on the production of reconnaissance drones and loitering munitions.

The Royal Navy's two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, are preparing for deployment while facing significant operational challenges in the North Atlantic. As of early 2026, only three of six Type 45 destroyers are operational, highlighting fleet strain. The finite F-35 inventory complicates sustained airpower, raising concerns about the carriers' effectiveness in local maritime security operations.

The Indian government allocated Rs7.85 trillion ($86.7 billion) to the Ministry of Defence for the 2026-27 financial year, representing a 15.19% increase from the previous year. This funding boost is part of the Union Budget aimed at enhancing the country's defense capabilities.

Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis was killed in Afghanistan on August 28, 2013, while shielding Polish Army Lt. Karol Cierpica from a suicide bomber. He will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery, as announced by his parents after a conversation with President Trump. Ollis had previously received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the attack on Forward Operating Base Ghazni.

India significantly increased military procurement from the U.S., signing a $1 billion deal for 113 F404 engines in November 2023. The U.S. also approved arms sales worth $92.8 million, including Javelin missiles. India is negotiating to co-produce F414 engines for advanced fighter jets and is considering purchasing 114 Rafale jets from France. These developments reflect the strengthening defense ties between India and the U.S. amid regional security concerns.

India is negotiating with Russia for a customized version of the Su-57 fighter aircraft, known as the Su-57E, which will incorporate Indian systems and industry. Russian President Vladimir Putin promoted the aircraft during his visit to India in December 2025. The negotiations include a potential license-production deal, with discussions indicating that the Indian variant may be more expensive than the original.

Pakistan is expanding its defense industry, notably with the JF-17 fighter jet, and is seeking to enhance defense partnerships with the U.S. amid growing ties with China. The U.S. is encouraged to engage with Pakistan to counterbalance China's influence and to establish joint production agreements for military equipment. This development raises concerns in India regarding regional security dynamics.

Five countries have expressed interest in purchasing JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan, leading to concerns about production capacity. Countries such as Iraq, Bangladesh, and Indonesia have shown intent to buy, with Saudi Arabia potentially negotiating a $2 billion deal for 50 jets. Pakistan currently produces fewer than 20 jets annually, primarily for its own air force, raising questions about its ability to meet the increased demand.

India plans to invest $85 billion in defense for the 2026/2027 fiscal year, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. This budget will support the procurement of submarines, fighter jets, and drones, following a recent conflict with Pakistan. The Indian government aims to enhance its military capabilities and infrastructure significantly.

India announced a defense budget of 7.85 trillion rupees for FY 2026-2027, marking a 15% increase aimed at enhancing military preparedness against threats from Pakistan and China. The budget includes a 28% rise in defense capital expenditure, reflecting a commitment to procure advanced weapon systems and bolster domestic defense manufacturing. Additionally, the government plans to develop a rare earth corridor to reduce reliance on Chinese imports.

Pakistani security forces conducted counter-terrorism operations in Balochistan, killing 145 terrorists from the Balochistan Liberation Army over 40 hours. The operations were prompted by prior intelligence of potential attacks, resulting in significant casualties among both terrorists and civilians. The Chief Minister reported that this is the highest number of terrorists killed in a short period during Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts.