Analysis & Reports

Six U.S. Air Force F-35A stealth fighters departed RAF Lakenheath on February 11, heading to the Middle East. This deployment aligns with heightened tensions regarding Iran's nuclear negotiations, as President Trump indicated potential military action if talks fail. The aircraft, part of the Vermont Air National Guard, were seen flying in formation with KC-135 Stratotankers, suggesting a significant military presence is being established in the region.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia will continue to adhere to the numerical limits of the expired New START nuclear weapons treaty, contingent on the United States doing the same. This statement was made before the State Duma on February 11, 2023, following the treaty's expiration on February 5, 2023. The absence of binding restrictions raises concerns about nuclear stability amid high geopolitical tensions.

The Russian Army is testing an experimental drone defense system using rotating cables in Zaporizhzhia Oblast as of February 2026. This system, developed by the 70th Guards Motor Rifle Regiment, aims to address the threat posed by FPV drones, which existing air defense systems have struggled to counter. The prototype was showcased on Russian state television, highlighting a shift in military tactics.

Dmitri VolkovThu Feb 12 2026Loading...

Dedienne Aerospace signed a five-year agreement with Lockheed Martin to provide maintenance and support for F-35 ground support equipment in Belgium. This agreement includes services for aircraft ground support equipment, pilot simulators, and information technology equipment. Dedienne Aerospace is part of the Lockheed Martin Product Support Provider network.

Hanwha Aerospace has broken ground on an armoured vehicle production facility in Petrești, Dâmbovița County. This marks the company's first manufacturing site in Europe, indicating a strategic expansion into the European defense market.

Indra Group was included in the MSCI World index on February 11, 2026, marking a significant endorsement of its stability and performance. This inclusion makes Indra the only Spanish company in the index, reinforcing its strategic positioning in global markets. The MSCI World index serves as a benchmark for measuring the performance of large and mid-cap companies across 23 countries.

Russia conducted a large-scale airstrike on multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa, on February 11-12, 2023. The attack involved 25 missiles and 219 drones, resulting in 2 fatalities and over 10 injuries. Significant damage occurred to energy infrastructure, particularly in Odesa, leaving approximately 300,000 people without water and electricity. Ukrainian air defense managed to intercept most of the incoming threats.

Russian forces lost access to Starlink internet terminals in February 2023, leading to a command and control crisis and territorial losses in Zaporizhzhia. Ukrainian forces capitalized on this disruption, recapturing areas previously held by Russia. The loss of reliable communication has left Russian units struggling to adapt, highlighting their dependency on foreign technology for military operations.

Alexandra ReevesThu Feb 12 2026Loading...

In 2025, European nations increased military support for Ukraine by 67%, with Germany contributing 9 billion Euros, while US aid plummeted by 99%. The procurement mechanism PURL facilitated the majority of military supplies, primarily from US manufacturers, highlighting Europe's ongoing dependency on American defense systems. Despite the increase in aid, the overall international support remained stable due to the drastic reduction in US contributions.

Dr. Klaus WeberThu Feb 12 2026Loading...

Ekolot Aerospace & Defense partnered with UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía to integrate flight control systems into the ZEUS VTOL drone in Madrid on February 12. The ZEUS platform is designed for various missions with a payload capacity of up to 120 kg for VTOL variants. This collaboration aims to enhance both companies' market presence in Poland and Latin America, focusing on advanced navigation and control systems for unmanned aircraft.

NATO member states emphasize the need for digital sovereignty to ensure operational independence in modern warfare. The integration of cybersecurity and AI into defense strategies is crucial for maintaining national control and interoperability. Recent conflicts have highlighted the importance of adapting to hybrid warfare, which combines traditional military capabilities with cyber and information operations.

The HYDRA-400 ultra heavy-lift drone successfully completed its first flight in Hampshire, UK. Developed by Hybrid Drones, it can lift up to 400 kilograms and is designed for roles such as casualty evacuation and logistics resupply. The British Army and several NATO partners have shown interest in the drone, which is presented as a low-cost alternative to helicopters for military and civilian missions.

SatService GmbH was awarded a contract by the Federal Ministry of Defence of Germany on February 10, 2026, to deliver a Q/V-band satellite ground station in Steißlingen. This advanced facility will support military and scientific satellite communications, featuring a high-performance 4-metre antenna system. The initiative aims to enhance Germany's capabilities in satellite communications.

Russian forces conducted a large-scale missile attack on Kyiv early on February 12, targeting multiple buildings, including residential areas. The city's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, confirmed the ongoing assault and advised residents to remain in shelters while casualty assessments are underway.

The Islamic Jihad Organization has increased drone strikes in West Africa, conducting at least 69 attacks in Burkina Faso and Mali since 2023. Two ISIS-affiliated groups have also executed around 20 drone strikes, primarily in Nigeria. Drones are utilized for both offensive operations and reconnaissance, with extremists acquiring them through smuggling networks despite government restrictions. The use of FPV drones represents a significant enhancement in their operational capabilities.

As of February 2026, the Royal Navy's carrier power is compromised with both HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales sidelined due to mechanical issues and a shortage of escort vessels. Only half of the fleet is mission-ready, raising concerns about the Royal Navy's ability to project power and meet NATO commitments. Former Admiral Lord West has criticized the situation, calling it a disgrace and highlighting the operational challenges faced by the fleet.

Russia continues to perceive the U.S. as its main global adversary, engaging in talks aimed at exploiting changes in U.S. administration to restore bilateral relations. This strategy may facilitate Russian espionage and influence operations while eroding U.S. international influence. The Estonian intelligence report emphasizes the deepening cooperation between China and Russia, framing the conflict in Ukraine as a civilizational struggle against the West led by Washington.

Russian forces conducted a missile strike on Kyiv in the early hours of February 12, 2023, as reported by the head of the city's military administration.

The U.S. Army transitioned from the M1A2 SEPv4 to the M1E3 Abrams due to the former's excessive weight and modernization challenges. Training exercises with M1A2 SEPV3 tanks were conducted in Poland to ensure readiness. The M1E3, set for a pre-prototype unveiling in January 2026, emphasizes integrated protection and agility for future combat scenarios.

On November 11, Russian forces conducted strikes on 141 Ukrainian military targets, including energy and transportation infrastructure. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian oil refinery in Volgograd and military supply depots in Crimea and Zaporizhzhia. Additionally, Russian air defense systems reported the downing of 458 drones.