Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force is conducting test missions with F-22 Raptors over the Mojave Desert as part of modernization efforts. Originally planned for 750 units, only 187 were built, with 184 currently in service. The Air Force is addressing challenges related to the aging fleet and varying configurations while Congress considers extending the F-22's operational status through 2032.

Malian Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga visited Algiers on August 24, 2026, to discuss military cooperation and border security with Algerian officials. This visit follows the release of 82 Malian soldiers, facilitated by Algeria, highlighting the importance of the Algeria-Mali border for military logistics. The ongoing conflict in northern Mali necessitates collaboration between the two nations to address security challenges.

Marie DuboisMon Aug 24 2026Loading...

Ukrainian drones targeted at least four Ozon logistics facilities and a chemical plant in Kamen, Rostov Oblast, on August 23-24, 2023. Ozon confirmed the incapacitation of its logistics hubs, impacting supply chains. The strikes are part of a broader campaign to disrupt Russian logistics, with reports of civilian casualties complicating the situation for Moscow.

Dmitri VolkovMon Aug 24 2026Loading...

On February 24, 1991, U.S. Central Command launched a ground assault to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi forces, involving nearly a million personnel from over 30 nations. General Norman Schwarzkopf publicly criticized Saddam Hussein's military strategy during a live briefing, highlighting the coalition's operational success. The assault concluded within 100 hours, resulting in the swift defeat of the Iraqi army and the liberation of Kuwait.

The U.S. is evaluating the feasibility of rebuilding military bases in the Gulf region following Iranian attacks. The decision involves significant financial costs and strategic shifts in military deployment. U.S. forces have relocated some assets to Israel and Jordan to mitigate risks from Iranian missiles. The ongoing conflict has led to substantial damage to U.S. facilities, raising concerns among regional allies about U.S. security commitments.

The European Union approved 61 billion euros in defense assistance for Ukraine on August 24, 2023, aimed at procuring missile defense systems, ammunition, and radar. This funding is part of a broader 900 billion euro loan package to support Ukraine's military needs through 2026-2027. Since 2022, the EU has provided a total of 220.2 billion euros in support to Ukraine, with a portion derived from frozen Russian assets.

Two KC-135 aircraft departed from Bezmer Air Base in Bulgaria on Friday. The Bulgarian Parliament had previously approved the potential stationing of up to eight tankers and 250 U.S. soldiers. This situation underscores the ad hoc nature of Europe's air refueling capabilities and the reliance on U.S. support for military operations in the region.

Dr. Klaus WeberMon Aug 24 2026Loading...

In 2026, a series of deliberate attacks targeted defense industry facilities across Europe, including locations in Czechia, France, Bulgaria, and Italy. These incidents are suspected to be part of a Russian campaign aimed at disrupting military supply chains and intimidating manufacturers. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities considering various motives, including potential Russian involvement, while some attacks have been claimed by pro-Palestinian groups. The attacks illustrate a broader pattern of hybrid operations by Russia in NATO territory.

CSG signed contracts worth over USD 50 million for the supply of bridge laying vehicles to customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia in August 2026. The contracts include the AM-70 EX and AM-50 EX models, which enable rapid deployment of bridges over obstacles. These vehicles are designed for high mobility and can span significant gaps, enhancing military operational capabilities.

The Space Force awarded a multi-million dollar contract to Integrate for AI-enabled project management to ensure its multi-billion-dollar national security programs remain on track and within budget. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize project management practices and improve decision-making capabilities. The Space Force's budget request for this year is $71.3 billion, reflecting a significant increase in funding for military projects. Integrate's software is currently being utilized by seven of the nine new Space Force Portfolio Acquisition Executives.

Austal USA delivered LCU 1710, the first steel-hulled vessel of the LCU 1700 class, to the U.S. Navy on August 14, 2026, in Mobile, Alabama. The delivery followed successful acceptance trials that validated the ship's operational performance and readiness. LCU 1710 is designed to enhance the Navy's capability for expeditionary operations, replacing older landing craft with improved features.

The European Commission approved €6.1 billion in defense procurement funding for Ukraine on August 24, 2026, coinciding with Ukraine's Independence Day. This funding will support air and missile defense systems, missiles, ammunition, and radars as Russia intensifies its attacks. The decision is part of a broader €90 billion support package aimed at enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities and industrial capacity.

The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for over 260 days, leading to significant mental health challenges among its crew. Reports indicate low morale due to extended operations without adequate rest and concerns over living conditions. The carrier has conducted over 10,000 flight operations since its deployment to the Middle East, and the USS Washington is anticipated to take over its duties soon.

The 054A frigate Ningde conducted live-fire resupply training exercises with multiple vessels in the East China Sea on August 22. This training included target acquisition, artillery fire, and helicopter operations, emphasizing the Chinese Navy's focus on sustained operational readiness in coastal areas. The exercises align with ongoing military activities in response to regional tensions, particularly in the South China Sea.

Li MinghuiMon Aug 24 2026Loading...

On August 23, the U.S. Navy conducted vertical replenishment operations in the Middle East, utilizing an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter to supply the amphibious assault ship Boxer. Supplies were provided by the combat support ship Arctic.

Russia is intensifying its military operations against Ukrainian economic targets in response to attacks on its civilian infrastructure. On September 22-23, Russian forces targeted logistics warehouses of Ukraine's second-largest e-commerce platform in Samara and Orenburg. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine is retaliating against these escalations, while also seeking more air defense support from allies.

Norway announced plans to allocate over $9 billion in military aid to Ukraine by 2027, indicating a shift towards long-term support in response to ongoing Russian aggression. This commitment reflects a strategic understanding of the war's duration and contrasts with the more reactive approaches of larger European powers. The funding aims to ensure sustained military assistance rather than short-term responses to crises.

Alexandra ReevesSun Aug 23 2026Loading...

The USS Enterprise (CVN 65), the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is awaiting dismantling due to complex disposal issues involving its eight nuclear reactors. The U.S. Navy has chosen commercial disposal, awarding a $535 million contract, but has faced regulatory challenges and legal disputes over the process. The newest USS Enterprise is projected for delivery in March 2031, incorporating lessons from its predecessor's development delays.

Russian military aircraft conducted 75 flights between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from January 2025 to July 2026, establishing Ouagadougou as a key logistical hub. The majority of these flights involved heavy Soviet models, indicating a focus on military logistics. Burkina Faso, facing significant extremist violence, has become increasingly reliant on Russian aviation support, highlighting vulnerabilities in local security operations.

Marie DuboisSun Aug 23 2026Loading...

In December 1950, the 1st Marine Division executed a breakout from the Chosin Reservoir, surrounded by 120,000 Chinese troops. They fought through extreme cold and heavy assaults, ultimately evacuating over 105,000 troops and supplies to Hungnam. Task Force Faith played a crucial role in delaying Chinese forces, allowing for the successful evacuation despite significant casualties.