Analysis & Reports

The deployment of National Guard and active-duty Marine forces to six US cities cost approximately $496 million in the last six months of 2025. Future deployments are estimated to cost around $93 million per month. The National Guard's deployment of 1,000 members incurs costs between $18 million and $21 million monthly, depending on local living expenses. Legal barriers affecting future deployments were also noted.

China is increasing its economic influence in Siberia while Russia remains the territorial sovereign. Despite online commentary suggesting potential annexation, experts believe military conquest is unlikely due to Russia's nuclear capabilities. The relationship is evolving with China focusing on resource access rather than territorial claims, maintaining the current borders intact.

Russian strikes targeted civilian areas in Ukraine, resulting in two deaths and nine injuries. A report estimates that casualties from the ongoing conflict could reach 2 million by spring 2025, with Russia suffering 1.2 million casualties and Ukraine between 500,000 to 600,000. The war has devolved into a war of attrition, with Russian advances occurring at a sluggish pace.

U.S. Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment arrived in Bardufoss, Norway on January 19, 2025, for Exercise Cold Response 26. This deployment involves approximately 25,000 personnel from various nations, with 3,000 U.S. Marines participating. They traveled on a Boeing 767-300ER owned by the New England Patriots, highlighting NATO's renewed focus on cold-weather military readiness. The UK is also enhancing its presence in the region.

The Norwegian Parliament approved a $2 billion procurement plan for long-range artillery systems, marking a significant investment in the country's military capabilities. This decision is part of Norway's ongoing efforts to modernize its defense forces.

The U.S. embassy in Copenhagen removed flags honoring fallen Danish veterans, sparking public outrage. Following this, the flags were reinstalled ahead of a silent march on January 31 to honor the veterans. Danish leaders condemned U.S. President Trump's remarks that belittled NATO allies' contributions in Afghanistan, leading to increased tensions between Denmark and the U.S.

The U.S. embassy in Copenhagen removed flags honoring fallen Danish veterans, sparking public outrage. Following significant backlash, the flags were reinstalled ahead of a silent march on January 31 to honor the veterans. Danish leaders condemned U.S. President Trump's remarks that belittled NATO allies' contributions in Afghanistan, leading to increased tensions between Denmark and the U.S.

The U.S. is shifting its defense strategy to reduce commitments in Europe while facing challenges from China in Asia. U.S. allies in Asia are less capable of countering China alone, and the mixed signals from the U.S. may lead to a separate peace with China. The focus on the Western Hemisphere under Trump's administration risks undermining U.S. influence in East Asia.

Eisenhower delivered a powerful warning on April 16, 1953, about the costs of military expenditure, stating that every gun, warship, and rocket signifies a theft from those in need. He emphasized that military spending drains resources that could otherwise support education, healthcare, and infrastructure. This speech reflects his concerns about the military-industrial complex and its implications for society.

The Italian Army has received its first four Lynx KF-41 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), marking the initiation of the Army Armoured Combat Systems programme. This delivery represents a significant step in the modernization of the Italian military's armored capabilities.

Four Lynx KF41 Combat vehicles were delivered to the Italian Army at Montelibretti on 27 January 2026. This delivery marks the official start of the A2CS programme, which aims to modernize the Army's heavy brigades. The vehicles are equipped with Rheinmetall’s Lance turret and are part of a larger contract for 21 A2CS vehicles. The Italian Army plans to acquire over 1,000 platforms in various configurations by 2030.

NMS UK plans to commence production of armored vehicles in 2026 at its facility in Leamington, West Midlands. The company, a subsidiary of the Turkish Nurol group, currently employs over 20 personnel and anticipates significant workforce growth. At the IAV 2026 conference, NMS UK showcased the Nomad and Lurcher vehicles, highlighting their advanced armament and design features.

The Swedish armed forces received their first Piorun man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) from Poland in December 2025. This acquisition followed a SEK 3 billion order placed during the DSEI defense exhibition in September 2025. The Piorun system, known as RBS 102 in Swedish service, is designed to engage various air targets at ranges up to 6.5 km and has been successfully used by Polish and Ukrainian forces.

The Italian Army received its first four Lynx infantry fighting vehicles on January 27, 2023, at the Multifunctional Experimentation Center in Montelibretti. This delivery marks the launch of the Army Armoured Combat Systems program, aimed at modernizing land combat capabilities. The vehicles will be tested before entering operational service, with plans for further procurement to renew the Army's heavy mechanized fleet.

Ukraine conducted 819,737 successful drone strikes in 2025, targeting various Russian military assets. This extensive use of drone technology highlights the ongoing military operations against Russian forces. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have claimed these strikes as part of their military strategy to weaken Russian capabilities.

Ukrainian forces reported that drones have destroyed over 80% of enemy targets, with 819,737 confirmed hits recorded in 2025. Nearly 240,000 of these strikes targeted enemy personnel. The Ministry of Defence highlighted the effectiveness of a points-based system for verifying drone strikes, which incentivizes successful operations. Ukraine plans to expand its drone program to enhance air defense and other military capabilities.

Ukrainian forces reported that drones accounted for over 80% of enemy targets destroyed in 2025, with 819,737 confirmed drone hits. The Ministry of Defence highlighted that nearly 240,000 strikes targeted enemy personnel. Ukraine plans to expand its Army of Drones system to enhance military operations further. The Vector drone from Germany's Quantum Systems has been integrated into the Ukrainian military's operations.

The Italian Army received its first four Lynx fighting vehicles from Rheinmetall at Montelibretti. This delivery is part of a larger order of 1,050 vehicles, aimed at enhancing military capabilities and fostering defense cooperation with Germany. The program is expected to improve industrial integration and interoperability between European forces, with further deliveries planned through 2030.

IDV is enhancing its presence in the UK defense market by showcasing its MUV ambulance and proposing its 8×8 tractor for the British Army's Heavy Equipment Transporter program. The company aims to standardize European military fleets and is actively involved in the Land Mobility Programme. IDV's robotics division is also developing unmanned ground vehicles to increase reliability and autonomy.

Russian drones attacked a passenger train in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine, on January 27, resulting in at least 4 fatalities and 2 injuries. The train was carrying over 200 passengers, and 18 individuals were in the targeted carriage. Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the attack, stating there was no military justification for targeting civilians.