Analysis & Reports

The Shandong Fleet conducted naval exercises in the Western Pacific, featuring air combat training led by Wang Zhongyuan. The Zunyi Ship participated in joint training, emphasizing the importance of advanced naval capabilities. The crew has been actively training for over 200 days annually, focusing on enhancing combat readiness.

On July 29, 2023, U.S. and Saudi forces conducted joint airstrikes against Iraqi militia targets, resulting in at least 20 casualties. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on U.S. troops in Jordan. Concurrently, Houthi forces imposed a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, attacking vessels in the Red Sea. This series of events highlights a significant escalation in military tensions across the region.

JNIM launched coordinated attacks on military positions in Gao, Anefis, Aguelhok, and Sévaré in July 2026, creating pressure on the Malian military. Concurrently, the U.S. administration is exploring military options against JNIM, despite Mali's denial of any U.S. intervention. The attacks highlight the strategic challenges faced by Malian forces as they manage multiple threats.

Marie DuboisSun Jul 26 2026Loading...

U.S. President Trump ordered the military to cease airstrikes against Iran on October 24, 2023, coinciding with an Omani delegation's visit to Iran for negotiations. On October 25, Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities in response to coalition airstrikes, while the Saudi-led coalition targeted Houthi positions in Yemen. The conflict in the Red Sea is intensifying with increasing military engagements from multiple parties.

Germany is redeploying two navy ships, the mine hunter Fulda and support vessel Mosel, from the Gulf of Aden to the eastern Mediterranean due to concerns over the ongoing conflict in Iran. The decision reflects diminishing hopes for a resolution to the conflict and the ships' unsuitability for the region's high temperatures. The Ministry of Defense stated that the redeployment has been coordinated with international partners as the vessels await further instructions regarding a potential mission in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Pentagon nominated Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral to command U.S. Army Europe and Africa, succeeding Gen. Christopher Donahue, who stepped down unexpectedly. Admiral, currently the commander of III Corps at Fort Hood, Texas, would also lead NATO’s Allied Land Command if confirmed. Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie is currently acting commander following Donahue's departure.

In July 2026, the Nigerian Armed Forces mobilized 28,000 recruits in response to ongoing security challenges, including the recent kidnapping of over 40 individuals in Zamfara. The attacks are linked to Kachalla Sa'idu's gang, highlighting the escalating violence in the region. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the expansion of the military to address these threats.

Marie DuboisFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

Germany plans to withdraw two naval vessels, the mine sweeper Fulda and supply ship Mosel, from the Red Sea to the eastern Mediterranean due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The German Navy's ships were previously stationed in the Gulf of Aden and are on standby for mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision reflects concerns over regional instability and the uncertain security situation following military actions against Iran.

On October 13, 2023, U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against multiple Iranian targets, including missile and drone facilities, in response to Iranian threats. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps retaliated by attacking U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, destroying key military infrastructure. The conflict has intensified, undermining a fragile ceasefire and raising tensions over control of the Hormuz Strait.

On July 5, 2026, the Malian army reported killing over 20 attackers during coordinated assaults on military camps in Gao and Sévaré, and a prison near Kenioroba. The Front for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA) and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) executed these attacks, testing the security of Bamako. The operations indicate a strategic effort to stretch Malian military resources across multiple fronts.

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Egypt inaugurated a new military headquarters complex in Cairo's New Administrative Capital on Saturday. The 22,000-acre facility, featuring advanced technology and secure communications, aims to enhance command and control capabilities. An air show by the Egyptian air force showcased various military aircraft, emphasizing the complex's significance in strengthening national defense. President el-Sissi highlighted its role in addressing regional challenges and improving military readiness.

Egypt inaugurated the Octagon, a strategic military headquarters, on July 4, 2023, in the New Administrative Capital. The complex spans 22,000 acres and aims to centralize military command and crisis management to address regional threats. It is designed to improve data sharing and operational efficiency for the Egyptian Armed Forces.

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Thales and Leonardo are delivering a next-generation secure deployable communication and information system for NATO Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM) across Europe. This initiative includes six deployable Head Quarters (HQs) and aims to enhance operational effectiveness with advanced capabilities such as real-time Full Motion Video sharing. The project is part of a larger NATO program to strengthen resilience in modern warfare, leveraging European industrial assets and expertise.

Chinese naval vessels conducted routine training exercises in the Western Pacific from June 25 to July 1, with Japan closely monitoring their movements. The Japanese Ministry of Defense reported on at least 7 Chinese vessels, including advanced destroyers and frigates. This increased activity has raised concerns in Japan, prompting multiple reports on the situation, while experts assert that China's actions are legal under international law.

The Africa Corps trained 20 Malian paratroopers at Bamako's Modibo Keïta International Airport on July 4, 2026, using D-6 parachutes and a Mi-8AMTSh helicopter. This training highlights the operational mobility challenges faced by the Malian Armed Forces, which have limited resources. The 33rd Parachute Regiment, the only airborne unit in Mali, symbolizes a shift in military cooperation from France to Russia.

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The U.S. withdrew most of its forces from Nigeria following a military operation against ISIS in May, which resulted in the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. AFRICOM continues to provide intelligence support at Nigeria's request, emphasizing a partnership model for future security cooperation. The operation significantly disrupted ISIS's leadership and communications, contributing to ongoing military pressure from Nigeria.

The United States has withdrawn most of its combat troops from Nigeria following a successful counterterrorism operation against ISIS in the Lake Chad Basin. U.S. Africa Command confirmed the drawdown during the 2026 African Chiefs of Defense Conference, highlighting the operation's success in degrading ISIS leadership. While combat troops have been withdrawn, the U.S. continues to support Nigeria with training and advisory missions.

U.S. Africa Command is withdrawing approximately 200 troops from Nigeria by 2026, while Nigeria seeks to establish a tri-border military sector with Benin and Niger. The withdrawal does not signify a complete abandonment, as the U.S. continues to support Nigeria through intelligence sharing. The Nigerian military aims to close gaps exploited by jihadist groups, particularly in the context of ongoing operations against ISWAP.

Marie DuboisFri Jul 03 2026Loading...

U.S. and French forces conducted a joint live fire training exercise at the Arta training range in Djibouti on June 22, 2026. The exercise involved airstrikes and real-time coordination between ground controllers and aircraft, including the French Dassault Mirage 2000 and SA 342M Gazelle. This training is significant due to Djibouti's strategic location near a Chinese military base and the ongoing military presence of both nations in the region.

On October 27, 2023, the Chinese and Russian air forces conducted their 11th joint aerial strategic patrol over the Sea of Japan, East China Sea, and Western Pacific. The operation lasted approximately 6 hours, with both nations' aircraft adhering to international law. In response, Japan's Self-Defense Forces scrambled aircraft, expressing diplomatic concerns regarding the patrol.