Analysis & Reports

The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) ordered several thousand SHARD armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds from KNDS Ammo France on 17 February 2026. These rounds are designed for high-intensity combat and are compatible with NATO 120mm smoothbore gun platforms, including the Leclerc, Leopard 2, and Abrams tanks. The SHARD rounds offer improved accuracy and penetration, validated through trials, enhancing the operational capabilities of French armored forces.

The Munich Security Conference in February 2023 highlighted significant tensions between U.S. and European leaders regarding security responsibilities and military strategy. European leaders expressed a desire for greater strategic autonomy while recognizing their reliance on U.S. commitments. Protests against militarization occurred outside the conference, indicating public concern over military spending and its impact on social issues.

USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln are advancing towards the Gulf in February 2026 amid ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations in Geneva. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, are expressing concerns and urging Washington to avoid military conflict. The presence of over 35,000 U.S. troops in the region complicates the security dynamics, as Gulf nations balance their strategic interests with the risks posed by Iran's military capabilities.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Feb 17 2026Loading...

European nations are urged to enhance self-defense capabilities amid U.S. policy shifts, facing challenges such as reliance on U.S. military support and differing perceptions of the Russian threat. The report highlights the need for coordinated efforts among European countries to achieve defense independence, emphasizing the importance of addressing historical identities and public perceptions regarding military spending.

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi attended the Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2023, marking the first joint attendance since 2020. They emphasized the importance of Japan's security diplomacy and the inseparability of Indo-Pacific and European security. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the strong U.S.-Japan alliance amid rising tensions with China, which was also represented at the conference.

Tanaka TakashiTue Feb 17 2026Loading...

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the importance of dialogue with China during the Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2023. However, his remarks were met with strong criticism from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who condemned Japan's support for Taiwan. This exchange highlights Japan's strategic dilemma in balancing deterrence and dialogue amid increasing Chinese pressure.

Tanaka TakashiTue Feb 17 2026Loading...

On February 16, 18 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from the U.S. Air Force departed from Lakenheath Air Base in the United Kingdom to the Middle East, supported by tanker aircraft. This deployment is one of the largest single movements of F-35s in recent months and is a direct response to escalating tensions with Iran.

Dutch State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman stated that the Netherlands could theoretically modify the software of its F-35 fighter jets if U.S. support were to cease. This comment was made during an interview on February 15, amid discussions about European reliance on U.S. systems for the F-35 program. Tuinman clarified that this was a theoretical scenario and not an active policy proposal, emphasizing ongoing U.S. support for the F-35 fleet.

iesy develops embedded systems tailored for military scenarios, emphasizing reliability and secure communication. The company will present its tactical applications at Enforce Tac 2026, featuring robust operational hardware and secure communication solutions.

The Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers are strategically impressive but misaligned with the immediate operational needs in the North Atlantic. As of 2025, the Royal Navy faces challenges with limited destroyer availability and a constrained F-35 inventory, impacting the effectiveness of carrier operations. The focus should shift towards enhancing sea control and undersea defense capabilities to address the UK's maritime security challenges.

Canada and Denmark formalized a Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Munich Security Conference on 13 February 2026.

Russian troops lost access to thousands of smuggled Starlink terminals in February 2023, severely disrupting their communications and drone operations. This loss coincided with Ukraine's recapture of Kosivtseve in Zaporizhzhia. SpaceX's implementation of a whitelist system cut off Russian forces, leading to chaos in their command and control. Military analysts noted that this dependency on commercial technology poses risks for both Russian and NATO operations.

Alexandra ReevesMon Feb 16 2026Loading...

Sweden is developing a next-generation air combat system under the KFS program, led by Saab, which aims to replace the JAS 39 Gripen with a system-of-systems approach that includes both crewed and uncrewed aircraft. The program is supported by FMV funding and focuses on integrating AI and advanced stealth capabilities, with a demonstrator flight expected around 2027 and broader decisions by 2030.

Germany plans to allocate over 500 billion euros for defense from 2025 to 2029, while France faces criticism for its insufficient defense spending amid calls for European sovereignty. The report highlights the structural issues in Franco-German defense cooperation and the challenges posed by differing national priorities. France's high debt limits its ability to contribute effectively to European defense initiatives, leading to discussions about Eurobonds as a potential but controversial solution.

Dr. Klaus WeberMon Feb 16 2026Loading...

Russia's military campaign in Ukraine has stalled significantly, with logistical failures and corruption undermining its efforts. As of Day 1,418 of the invasion, Ukraine maintains control over more than 80% of its territory. The Russian Army's inability to sustain operations has turned the conflict into a war of attrition, with ongoing challenges in command and supply.

Putin is contemplating declaring victory in the Ukraine war, holding territories in Crimea, Donbas, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. However, he faces significant political constraints that may prevent this, leading to increased elite resistance and the potential for a coup. As the war continues, the stability of his regime is increasingly in question.

Lithuania will allocate $265 million in military aid to Ukraine in 2026, as announced by Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that Slovakia is in discussions with the United States to acquire four additional F-16 fighter jets, increasing their fleet to 18. This announcement followed a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on February 15, 2023. Fico emphasized the need for Slovakia to enhance its air defense capabilities and reduce reliance on neighboring countries for air policing.

The U.S. has shifted its stance to support European allies in spending defense funds on local arms industries, as stated by U.S. defense official Elbridge Colby during events in February 2023. Colby emphasized the need for Europe to take more responsibility for its own defense, particularly in light of the ongoing security threats. The EU is also increasing its involvement in defense procurement, with significant financial commitments.

Finland has secured early funding as part of the ReArm Europe programme to enhance its defense capabilities, particularly in dual-use technologies.