Analysis & Reports

European NATO member states are mobilizing defense capabilities in response to U.S. expectations for burden-sharing by 2027, with projected combined defense spending reaching €392 billion across 2025-26. Poland has emerged as the EU's largest military by personnel, while 75% of defense procurement remains reliant on external suppliers. The UK and EU are negotiating enhanced defense cooperation despite post-Brexit challenges.

Alexandra ReevesSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

NATO is restructuring its integrated air and missile defense posture in response to modern threats, with significant activities occurring in Poland and Turkey. The alliance's Operation Eastern Sentry was activated following Russian drone incursions, and NATO successfully neutralized Iranian missile threats targeting Turkey. Political tensions between the U.S. and Europe are influencing defense policies, with the EU aiming for greater strategic autonomy in military procurement by 2030.

Alexandra ReevesSat Mar 14 2026Loading...

U.S. Central Command executed a bombing raid on military targets in Iran's Kharg Island on Friday evening, as announced by President Trump. This action was taken to address concerns over global oil supply and shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump indicated that further actions could be considered if Iran interferes with maritime passage. The raid follows threats from Iran's leadership regarding the blockade of the Strait.

U.S. Central Command executed bombing raids on military targets in Kharg Island, Iran, on Friday evening, as announced by President Trump. This action aims to address concerns over global oil supply and secure shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian leadership has threatened to block the strait, prompting U.S. military responses to ensure safe passage for vessels.

Dr. Andrew Latham evaluates the potential political outcomes of the 2026 U.S.-Iran war, warning that the collapse of the Islamic Republic could lead to a fragmented authority in Iran. He highlights the risk of a leaderless Iran, which may result in a power struggle over military capabilities, including ballistic missiles and nuclear infrastructure. Latham concludes that external interventions may be required to prevent the proliferation of these capabilities.

Chinese researchers at the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre identified potential aerodynamic weaknesses in the U.S. Air Force's B-21 Raider bomber using the PADJ-X simulation software. The findings, based on public design information, suggest theoretical improvements but are limited by the lack of access to classified data. This research highlights the ongoing military competition between the U.S. and China in aerospace capabilities.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is developing a tool to scan documents for signs of fraud in disability compensation claims, projected for rollout in 2026. This initiative aims to combat fraudulent activities by private companies targeting veterans. Concerns have been raised by veterans regarding the potential implications of this tool on their benefits and privacy.

Ukraine is providing international partners access to its combat data for training AI models, marking a global first. This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Defense, aims to enhance the development of autonomous systems in warfare. The program allows partners to utilize real battlefield data while maintaining security protocols. Ukraine's datasets are considered among the most operationally rich in the world, supporting faster decision-making in combat.

Ukraine is providing international partners access to its combat data for training AI models, marking a global first. This initiative aims to enhance the development of autonomous systems and improve decision-making in combat. The program is supported by a dedicated AI platform within the Ministry of Defense, ensuring data security while allowing partners to utilize real battlefield data.

The Lebanese government banned military activities of Hezbollah following missile attacks on Israel, leading to increased Israeli bombardment of Lebanon. Since February 28, 2024, over 800,000 people have been displaced, and at least 773 have been killed. The Lebanese army has been instructed to prevent attacks from its territory, but enforcing this ban is challenging amid ongoing conflict.

Russia exported its first batch of Su-57 Felon stealth fighters to Algeria, confirmed by a February 2026 video near Oum El Bouaghi Air Base. The Su-57 has seen limited combat in Ukraine, primarily serving as a stand-off platform. Despite production challenges, the export marks a significant development for Russia's military aviation amid ongoing sanctions.

Julius Caesar conducted military campaigns in Gaul from 58 to 50 BCE, employing advanced tactics and engineering to defeat various Gallic tribes. His notable victories, including the Battle of Alesia, solidified Roman control over the region and facilitated the Romanization of Europe. These campaigns significantly impacted Roman politics, contributing to the rise of Caesar's dictatorship and the onset of the Roman Civil War.

NATO is transforming its defense strategy, focusing on integrated air and missile defense plans in response to hybrid threats, particularly from Russia. Operation Eastern Sentry was activated due to Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, showcasing NATO's shift in military priorities. By 2035, Europe aims to take a leading role in its conventional defense, supported by increased defense spending and strategic initiatives from the EU. Discussions are ongoing about establishing a permanent NATO mission in Greenland.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) formed a unified military force of 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers in Ouagadougou on February 25-26, 2026, to combat jihadist groups. This initiative comes amid the withdrawal of French and U.S. forces and aims to enhance military coordination among Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Concurrently, the CEDEAO announced plans for a joint anti-terrorist force of 260,000 soldiers, highlighting the escalating military response to regional terrorism.

Marie DuboisFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

Saab is consolidating its naval operations into a new business area called Naval, effective April 1, 2026. This reorganization aims to enhance efficiency and innovation in its offerings, with Mats Wicksell appointed as the head. The consolidation merges operations from the Kockums business area and the Naval Combat Systems unit, which will now operate under one organization.

The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is on its final deployment, set for decommissioning in May 2026, which will reduce the U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier fleet to 10. The Navy faces a $1.8 billion maintenance backlog and an overtaxed operational tempo, leading to crew fatigue and technical issues. The fleet's size is at its smallest since WWI, complicating its ability to meet global demands, particularly against the Chinese Navy.

Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was killed in a shooting at Old Dominion University on Thursday, with two others wounded. The shooter, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, who had previously attempted to aid the Islamic State, was subdued and killed by ROTC students. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, and the firearm used had an obliterated serial number.

The U.S. Air Force awarded two contracts to Boeing for the development of the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, totaling over $5 billion. This decision follows congressional directives to continue the program after previous attempts to cancel it. The contracts will support the transition to the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase, allowing for system design maturation and testing. The E-7 is also being utilized in current operations, including deployments to assist in missile detection.

The Department of Defense is set to resume billing approximately 137,000 civilians for medical care received at military treatment facilities since June 21, 2023. This follows a pause to develop a new Military Health System Modified Payment and Waiver Program aimed at providing financial relief to those facing hardship. The program allows for sliding fee scales and payment plans, with applications evaluated based on federal poverty guidelines.

The U.S. military remains engaged in the Middle East while attempting to pivot to Asia, facing challenges due to domestic politics and ally vulnerabilities. The USS Nimitz is currently deployed in the Arabian Gulf for maritime security operations. The report emphasizes the influence of the evangelical community on U.S. policy towards Iran and warns of increasing strategic challenges from China, particularly regarding Taiwan.