Analysis & Reports

The Russian military has significantly increased production of the 'Upyr-18' drone and is utilizing 'Geran-2' drones as carriers for FPV drones to enhance tactical capabilities. This shift reflects a broader strategy to compensate for technological gaps through mass production and innovative applications of existing systems. As of February 2026, Russian forces have reportedly suffered approximately 1,257,880 personnel losses since the start of the conflict.

Dmitri VolkovFri Feb 20 2026Loading...

The U.S. is conducting a major military buildup in the Gulf region, deploying significant naval and air forces, including USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln. This operation aims to pressure Iran regarding ongoing nuclear negotiations. F-22 Raptors and F-35As have been repositioned to bases in the region, while Iran has issued threats against U.S. naval forces. The situation reflects heightened tensions and strategic military posturing in the area.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Feb 20 2026Loading...

Mehler Protection introduced the Omega Jaw, a new face and jaw protection system designed to withstand AK47 MSC projectiles at VPAM 6 standards. This system integrates seamlessly with existing high-cut helmets and enhances overall head protection. The Omega Jaw features ultra-lightweight plates made from UHMWPE, allowing for modular upgrades and compatibility with tactical accessories.

China is ramping up production of J-20 stealth fighters, aiming to field over 1,000 by 2030. The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is currently producing 120 J-20 aircraft annually, significantly increasing its fifth-generation fighter fleet. Despite challenges with engine reliability, China's industrial scale allows it to offset qualitative deficiencies through numerical superiority.

Japan's government plans to relax regulations on the export of lethal weapons, marking a significant shift in its defense policy as of February 20, 2026. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party aims to propose changes to current export guidelines by March 2026, allowing for the export of advanced weaponry, including tanks and missiles. This policy change reflects Japan's adaptation to a changing geopolitical environment and is expected to enhance its military capabilities and international role.

Tanaka TakashiFri Feb 20 2026Loading...

The Russian Navy will retire the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier by late 2025 due to ongoing mechanical failures and a lack of modernization funds. This decision leaves Russia as the only permanent UN Security Council member without an active carrier. Concurrently, efforts are underway to salvage the sunken PD-50 drydock, which is estimated to cost around $2.6 million USD.

The U.S. is preparing to resume nuclear testing and modernize its nuclear arsenal following the expiration of the New START Treaty in February 2026. This shift, advocated by political figures like Sen. Tom Cotton, could lead to a dangerous arms race involving Russia and China. The U.S. has also withdrawn from several key arms control agreements, further escalating tensions in global nuclear strategy.

France is developing a new nuclear aircraft carrier, the PANG, expected to enter service by the late 2030s. This carrier will replace the Charles de Gaulle and features advanced technologies such as K22 nuclear reactors and Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS). The PANG aims to enhance France's naval capabilities and maintain its strategic autonomy in global operations.

Canada is reviewing its 2023 agreement to purchase 88 F-35 Lightning II fighters from the U.S. while considering alternatives like the Saab JAS 39 Gripen. This review is influenced by deteriorating U.S.-Canada relations and concerns over reliance on American defense supply chains. Despite the review, Canada continues to fund long-lead components for the F-35, indicating a likely continuation of the purchase.

The U.S. Air Force concluded A-10 Thunderbolt II depot-level maintenance at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, with a farewell ceremony on February 12, 2023. The final Warthog, tail number 78-0655, is set to depart by the end of February, leading to the deactivation of the 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. This marks the end of an era for the A-10 at Ogden ALC, which has been the primary depot for its maintenance since 1998.

The U.S. military is preparing for potential airstrikes against Iran, with significant air power deployed in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and North Arabian Sea. President Trump has set a ten-day deadline for Iran to reach a meaningful agreement, or face consequences. Israel has stated it is ready for any situation, while Iran is simultaneously conducting military exercises and reinforcing its defenses. The situation remains tense as military readiness increases on both sides.

The U.S. Army canceled the M60A4 tank project, which aimed to enhance the M60 series, in favor of the M1 Abrams. The M60 main battle tank served as the Army's primary armored vehicle from 1959 to 1991, with over 15,000 units produced. Upgrades to existing M60 models continued through the RISE program until their retirement in 1997.

On February 19, the Swedish government announced a new military aid package to Ukraine worth 12.9 billion Swedish Krona. This funding will support the development of air defense systems, drones, and long-range missiles. Sweden has been one of the largest supporters of Ukraine, contributing over 100 billion Swedish Krona in military assistance since the onset of the conflict.

Embraer and Northrop Grumman are collaborating to promote the KC-390 Millennium to the US Air Force and other foreign militaries, focusing on integrating an autonomous boom refueling system. This partnership aims to enhance Embraer's market entry into the US defense sector, following a previous failed agreement with L3Harris. The KC-390 is designed to meet the refueling needs of various aircraft, including those of the US Air Force, and Embraer is prepared to increase its investment in the US manufacturing sector.

SatVu secured £30 million in funding from NATO and the UK government to develop military space capabilities. GMV is expanding Spain's space surveillance with a new tracking antenna at Morón Air Base. Upcoming satellite launches include SatVu's HotSat-2 on SpaceX's Falcon 9. The NATO Investment Fund is investing in military space technologies, reflecting a shift towards European defense self-sufficiency.

The U.S. Army conducted its inaugural Best Drone Warfighter competition in Huntsville, Alabama, involving teams from active, Reserve, and National Guard components. The event tested drone operators' skills through obstacle courses and target identification scenarios. Col. Nicholas Ryan highlighted the importance of communication among operators and indicated plans to incorporate realistic threats in future competitions.

Russia's Uralvagonzavod developed the T-95 main battle tank in the early 2000s, featuring a 152mm smoothbore gun and advanced protection systems. The program was canceled in 2010 due to high costs and complexity, despite its revolutionary design aimed at enhancing armored warfare. The T-14 Armata, unveiled later, incorporated some of the T-95's technology but with a smaller caliber weapon.

SpaceX and Blue Origin are redirecting their efforts toward lunar development, influenced by the U.S. Department of Defense's Golden Dome missile defense initiative. SpaceX announced plans to establish a lunar city, while Blue Origin paused its New Shepard program to focus on lunar logistics. These shifts suggest a strategic alignment with national defense goals, aiming for a permanent lunar presence by 2030.

BAE Systems and SURVICE Engineering signed a framework agreement to develop uncrewed air system technologies in the United States. This collaboration aims to enhance military logistics and tactical operations, building on their existing partnership since 2015. The T-150 platform, utilized by the U.S. Marine Corps as the TRV-150, will be central to this initiative, which seeks to expand the operational roles of uncrewed aircraft.

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird achieved speeds of Mach 3.2 and altitudes exceeding 80,000 feet, utilizing its Pratt & Whitney J58 engines. These engines allowed the aircraft to outrun surface-to-air missiles by accelerating, thanks to a unique variable-geometry inlet system. The design also addressed extreme thermal management challenges, enabling sustained high-speed flight.