Analysis & Reports

The Danish Joint Arctic Command evacuated a crew member of a U.S. submarine for urgent medical treatment off the coast of Nuuk, Greenland, on Saturday. A Danish Seahawk helicopter was deployed for the operation, and the crew member was subsequently transferred to a local hospital. This incident coincides with U.S. President Trump's announcement of plans to send a hospital ship to Greenland, raising concerns about healthcare in the region.

U.S. Air Force leaders are addressing reforms and strategies to counter global threats, particularly from China, at a conference in Denver. With all top leaders now in place, the Air Force is focusing on its defense strategy and the need for next-generation fighters and bombers. Keynote addresses will outline how the service plans to adapt to new challenges and priorities in the National Defense Strategy.

U.S. defense companies Janus Marine & Defense LLC and Raven Defense Corporation announced a partnership to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of America. The initiative focuses on using autonomous and remotely operated technologies to protect offshore energy and shipping operations, addressing the growing demand for security solutions in high-risk maritime environments. The collaboration aims to integrate various autonomous platforms for continuous monitoring and threat detection.

The U.S. Army's 17th Field Artillery Brigade conducted a live-fire exercise using the HIMARS system in Alaska during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 26-02. This exercise validated the brigade's capability to operate in extreme Arctic conditions while supporting the 11th Airborne Division. The training focused on rapid deployment and integration of long-range precision fires despite operational challenges posed by the cold environment.

The U.S. is increasing military pressure on Iran while engaging in negotiations to secure domestic support for potential military action. Iranian analysts suggest that the U.S. aims to create a favorable environment for military action by negotiating without genuine intent to resolve issues. Iran continues to prepare militarily while also pursuing diplomatic avenues, maintaining a high risk of conflict in the region.

On February 18, 2026, U.S. and Japanese officials met in Washington D.C. to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to defend Japan using all defense capabilities, including nuclear weapons. The dialogue addressed the importance of enhancing deterrence against threats from China, Russia, and North Korea, and emphasized the need for improved command and control structures. Japan is set to increase its defense spending and develop long-range missile capabilities, while concerns about financial sustainability remain significant.

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Rapid Support Forces claimed full control of the border city of Tine on February 21, 2023. Tine serves as a crucial trade hub between Sudan and Chad, and its capture is significant for military operations in the region. Local officials have accused the Rapid Support Forces of targeting residents based on ethnicity, amid ongoing armed conflict in Sudan.

The F-20 Tigershark, developed by Northrop as a high-tech interceptor, was ultimately canceled in 1986 after two prototypes were lost. Despite its advanced features and capabilities, it failed to secure international sales as allies opted for the F-16. The program represents a significant investment in military aviation technology that did not yield financial returns.

On February 18, 2026, the U.S. and Japan held discussions in Washington D.C. to strengthen nuclear deterrence and reorganize the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to Japan's defense, including nuclear capabilities, while Japan announced a significant reorganization of its maritime forces. Concerns over the safety of V-22 Ospreys led to the cancellation of a joint exercise in Okinawa.

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U.S. Air Force pilots David Peters and Ed Bethert flew the SR-71 Blackbird from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa to Beale AFB in California, departing at 10:00 AM on Saturday and landing at 4:30 PM on Friday, effectively arriving 17.5 hours before their departure. The flight included a pass through the Korean DMZ and the Kamchatka Peninsula, showcasing the aircraft's speed and capabilities.

The SR-71 Blackbird, developed by Lockheed’s Skunk Works, was capable of sustained flight at speeds exceeding Mach 3.5, as claimed by pilot Brian Shul during a 1986 mission over Libya. This aircraft, designed for strategic reconnaissance, operated at altitudes above 80,000 feet, effectively evading enemy missiles. Its engineering prioritized speed and survivability, making it a unique asset during the Cold War.

The SR-71 Blackbird, developed by Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works, conducted reconnaissance missions from the late 1960s until its retirement in 1999. It achieved remarkable speeds of 2,193 mph and altitudes of 85,069 feet, outpacing threats during its operational period. The aircraft was retired due to high costs and the advent of satellite technology, marking the end of an era in military aviation.

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is currently on a record-breaking deployment, transitioning from the North Sea to the Caribbean and now to the Mediterranean to support the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group against Iran. The carrier has been at sea for nearly 300 days, highlighting the U.S. Navy's reliance on fewer ships amid escalating global crises. Approximately one-third of the U.S. Navy's force is deployed to the Middle East, indicating a significant operational strain on the fleet.

The U.S. Navy relies on three Seawolf-class submarines for high-risk operations, with the USS Connecticut sidelined since a 2021 collision. This limited fleet hampers U.S. military readiness as China expands its naval capabilities. The decision to cut the planned fleet from 29 to 3 submarines has left the Navy in a strategic disadvantage, unable to effectively counter near-peer rivals.

The U.S. Marine Corps awarded a $16.8 million contract modification to Oshkosh Defense for the procurement of ROGUE-Fires missile carriers on February 20, 2026. The work will be conducted primarily in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with additional operations in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Alexandria, Virginia, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed by December 2026. The ROGUE-Fires system will enhance the Marine Corps' capability for long-range precision strikes against maritime targets.

On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $43.5 million contract modification for the PAC-3 air and missile defense system at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. This modification raises the total contract value to $223 million and aims to ensure the operational readiness of the PAC-3 system through launcher recapitalization. The contract activities are expected to be completed by February 22, 2027.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on February 20, 2024, targeting Hezbollah and Hamas positions in Lebanon, resulting in 13 deaths, including 3 Hezbollah commanders, and numerous injuries. The strikes occurred in the Beqaa Valley and Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp, with local authorities confirming significant casualties. The IDF stated these actions were in response to violations of a ceasefire agreement.

On January 25, 1966, Lockheed test pilot Bill Weaver survived the mid-air disintegration of an SR-71 Blackbird while flying at Mach 3.18. The incident occurred due to a right inlet unstart during a high-speed turn, leading to the aircraft's structural failure. Weaver was ejected from the cockpit but survived thanks to his pressurized flight suit, which protected him from the extreme conditions. He landed in New Mexico and was rescued shortly thereafter.

The U.S. Air Force is developing a three-tiered air dominance strategy involving the upgraded F-22, modernized F-35, and new F-47 aircraft. This strategy aims to maintain air superiority against advanced adversaries like China. The F-22 will be upgraded to extend its operational relevance, while the F-35 is undergoing significant modernization. The F-47, part of the Next Generation Air Dominance program, is designed to enhance combat effectiveness through coordination with drones. Budget constraints may impact the feasibility of sustaining all three aircraft simultaneously.

Pastor Doug Wilson delivered a devotional worship service at the Pentagon this week, attended by hundreds of troops. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supported Wilson's invitation, despite Wilson's controversial views on women in combat and gender roles. Critics have raised concerns about the implications of this alignment between military leadership and specific religious beliefs.