Analysis & Reports

Europe is accelerating its defense expansion and assuming primary responsibility for conventional defense against Russia as outlined in the U.S. 2026 National Defense Strategy. Poland has become NATO's largest military by personnel and plans to increase defense spending significantly. The EU's ReArm Europe plan, valued at 860 billion euros, aims to address critical capability gaps. The UK is advocating for closer defense cooperation with the EU, marking a significant political shift.

Alexandra ReevesSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

Russia sold 24 advanced Su-35 fighters to China in 2019, completing a deal worth $2.5 billion that was agreed upon in 2015. This sale included spare engines and equipment, marking China as the first foreign buyer of the Su-35. The transaction was influenced by international sanctions on Russia following its annexation of Crimea.

NATO mobilized 25,000 soldiers for the Cold Response 26 exercise in Lithuania in March 2026, reflecting a significant increase in European defense spending. Germany's defense budget is projected to reach $136.8 billion, while the Czech Republic plans to reduce its defense spending below 2% of GDP. The European Defense Fund is allocating €1 billion for collaborative defense initiatives.

Dr. Klaus WeberSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

Hiroo Onoda, a lieutenant in the Imperial Japanese Army, survived on Lubang Island from 1944 until March 1974, believing World War II was still ongoing. He and three other soldiers ignored attempts to inform them of the war's end, surviving on coconuts and rice while engaging in guerrilla actions. Onoda finally surrendered when his former commander came to relieve him of duty.

The U.S. Army plans to procure 50 Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles (AMPVs) for $250 million to replenish M113 armored personnel carriers sent to Ukraine. This procurement aims to restore armored vehicle inventories following significant military aid deliveries since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The contract award is expected before April 2025, with the AMPV serving as a modern replacement for the aging M113 platform.

Russia continues its military operations in Ukraine, facing staggering casualties of nearly 1.2 million since 2022, with 415,000 in 2025 alone. Despite significant defense spending, territorial gains remain minimal, with only 0.6% of Ukraine captured in 2024 and 0.8% in 2025. The conflict's attritional nature is evident as Russian forces struggle with high losses and slow advances, particularly in Donetsk Oblast.

Dmitri VolkovSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

France transferred Mirage 2000-5 fighters to Ukraine in early 2025 to bolster air defense against Russian forces. The aircraft, equipped with MICA missiles, aims to counter threats from Russian aircraft and drones. Training for Ukrainian pilots and ground crew occurred in France prior to the delivery.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched joint military strikes against Iran, targeting both nuclear facilities and key political objectives. President Trump announced that these strikes would continue for at least a week. This military action has sparked significant debate within the U.S. regarding presidential war powers and the implications for regional stability in the Middle East.

Australia faces a critical capability gap in its submarine force as U.S. and British shipyards struggle to meet demand for new submarines. Discussions are ongoing about leasing Los Angeles-class submarines from the U.S. or revisiting contracts with French manufacturers to enhance Australia's naval capabilities against China's expanding fleet. The AUKUS pact is currently failing to deliver the necessary submarines for Australia, which needs to act quickly to bolster its defense.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem expressed condolences for the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei on March 1, accusing the U.S. and Israel of aggression against Iran. He vowed that Hezbollah would continue to follow Khamenei's path of resistance and promised to fight on despite potential sacrifices.

The US military reduced its personnel at the Fleet Headquarters in Bahrain to fewer than 100 amid a significant military buildup in the Middle East, including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group. Iran conducted military exercises near the Strait of Hormuz, signaling its readiness for potential conflict. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are enhancing their defense capabilities in response to the escalating tensions with Iran. The situation reflects a complex balance of military readiness and diplomatic caution among regional powers.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

The 2026 National Defense Strategy outlines a shift in U.S. military priorities towards deterrence by denial in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing homeland defense while calling for increased defense spending from allies. Notably, Taiwan is not explicitly mentioned, raising concerns about U.S. commitment. The strategy aims to enhance U.S. military presence and capabilities in the region to counter China's influence.

Marcus ChenSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

The U.S. outlined a strategic shift in European defense responsibilities during a NATO meeting in Brussels on February 12, 2026, emphasizing that Europe must assume primary responsibility for its conventional defense by 2027. The EU's SAFE program aims to finance defense upgrades, while Germany plans significant investments in its military. Discussions among European nations about alternatives to American nuclear deterrence reflect a changing security landscape, particularly in response to perceived threats from Russia.

Alexandra ReevesSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula criticized the U.S. for delaying military assistance to Ukraine during a podcast, arguing that this hesitation was influenced by Russian rhetoric. He claimed that providing advanced aircraft like F-35s and F-16s earlier could have significantly impacted the war's outcome. Deptula's remarks reflect broader concerns about the pace of military aid and its strategic implications for Ukraine's defense capabilities.

ECOWAS announced plans to deploy 2000 soldiers by the end of 2026 to combat jihadist threats in West Africa, particularly from Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM). Concurrently, the Sahel Alliance, comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has a joint force of 6000 soldiers. Recent attacks, including the use of kamikaze drones by JNIM in Togo, highlight the escalating threat. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of Russian and American military forces in the region.

Marie DuboisSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army officially began issuing the Reserve Personnel Certificate on March 1, 2023, which serves as valid identification for reserve personnel. This certificate replaces the previous officer certificate and reflects the dual identity of reserve personnel as both civilians and military members. Legislation has been enacted to protect their rights, and the selection process includes specific criteria for eligibility.

Russia conducted a strategic endurance test to assess military capabilities. Specific details regarding troop numbers, locations, and equipment involved were not disclosed. The source of this information is considered to have moderate reliability.

Dmitri VolkovSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

A report warns that Europe's defense innovation ecosystem is fragmented and underfunded, risking strategic autonomy. It highlights that the EU allocates only 0.03% of GDP to military innovation, significantly less than the U.S. The report emphasizes the need for reforms to enhance collaboration between military and industry, citing Israel and Ukraine as successful models of rapid innovation and deployment.

Germany's Bundestag approved a significant procurement of combat drones, but the order faced partial approval due to concerns over reliance on U.S. defense contractors, particularly involving investor Peter Thiel. The initial order included thousands of drones for deployment in Lithuania, highlighting Germany's ongoing dependence on foreign military suppliers, especially from the U.S.

Since 2022, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has undergone a significant purge, resulting in the removal of 101 senior military officers, including high-ranking generals. This unprecedented action has raised serious concerns about the PLA's current readiness and future operational capabilities. The Southern Theater Command has been particularly affected, with its leadership nearly entirely replaced. The report highlights a drastic shift in command structure and political loyalty within the military.

Li MinghuiSun Mar 01 2026Loading...