Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Arleigh Burke vs Type 055 vs Type 45: The Modern Destroyer Competition
In 2026, the U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class, China's Type 055, and the Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyers are compared for their capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. The Arleigh Burke-class has been operational since 1991, while the Type 055 represents a significant advancement in Chinese naval power. The Type 45 is recognized for its sophisticated air-defense systems, although it has limitations in firepower.
Li MinghuiWed Feb 18 2026Loading...
F-15 Eagle vs F-16 Falcon vs Su-27 Flanker vs MiG-29 Fulcrum: Fourth Generation Fighter Legacy
The U.S. Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force maintain advanced fourth-generation fighter capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon are highlighted for their performance and adaptability, while the MiG-29 Fulcrum's limitations are noted in the context of the Ukraine conflict. Taiwan's F-16V upgrades aim to enhance its air defense against superior Chinese forces.
Tanaka TakashiWed Feb 18 2026Loading...
Gerald R. Ford vs Fujian vs HMS Queen Elizabeth: A New Era of Aircraft Carrier Competition
The USS Gerald R. Ford, Fujian, and HMS Queen Elizabeth represent the forefront of aircraft carrier technology and strategy in the Indo-Pacific as of February 2026. The introduction of Fujian with its EMALS technology challenges U.S. naval dominance, while the Queen Elizabeth's STOVL capabilities highlight its role in coalition operations. This competition underscores a shift in naval power dynamics, with significant implications for regional security.
Tanaka TakashiWed Feb 18 2026Loading...
The JNIM Submerges Titao with Hundreds of Fighters — Seven Ghanaian Traders Killed in the February 14 Offensive in Burkina Faso
On February 14, 2023, JNIM launched a coordinated attack on Titao, Burkina Faso, overwhelming a well-equipped military post and targeting civilian traders. Seven Ghanaian traders were killed in the assault, which involved systematic destruction of telecommunications and economic infrastructure. The attack highlights JNIM's operational capabilities and strategic targeting of supply routes in the region.
Marie DuboisTue Feb 17 2026Loading...
Saad leaves JNIM for the Islamic State — the largest transfer of fighters ever observed in eastern Burkina Faso
Saad defected from JNIM to ISIS in February 2026, taking a large number of fighters with him. This event marks the largest transfer of militants from JNIM to ISIS in eastern Burkina Faso, creating significant operational implications in the region. The defection is expected to intensify the ongoing conflict between the two groups, which has already resulted in substantial casualties.
Marie DuboisTue Feb 17 2026Loading...US troops deploy to Nigeria to train its military
U.S. troops arrived at Bauchi Airfield in Nigeria today to assist in training and supporting the Nigerian military. This deployment of approximately 100 troops follows a formal request from the Nigerian government for training and technical support. The U.S. forces will act as advisers, focusing on helping Nigeria combat extremist terrorist groups.
First wave of US troops arrive in Nigeria to train its military
Approximately 100 U.S. troops arrived at Bauchi Airfield in Nigeria to assist in training the Nigerian military. This deployment follows a request from the Nigerian government for support in counter-terror operations against extremist groups. The U.S. forces will act as advisers and are not intended for combat roles. A total of 200 troops are expected to be deployed in total, enhancing Nigeria's capabilities to deter terrorist threats.
The U.S. Can’t Win in the Air In a China War If It Can’t Take Off
U.S. airpower in the Western Pacific is at risk from Chinese missile strikes targeting forward bases, which could severely disrupt sortie generation. The initial damage is expected to occur on the ground, affecting runways and fuel systems. The ability to quickly repair and relaunch aircraft under sustained missile pressure will be crucial for maintaining operational tempo. Logistics and resilience will become central to U.S. air operations in a potential conflict with China.
Borgu confirms the porosity of the Niger-Nigeria border — 46 dead in three villages targeted by motorcycle fighters
Armed men on motorcycles attacked the villages of Tungan Makeri, Konkoso, and Alissa in Borgu, Nigeria, on February 15, resulting in 46 deaths and numerous kidnappings. The attacks, attributed to groups like Lakurawa and JNIM, highlight the growing insecurity in the region, prompting local leaders to call for military intervention. This incident reflects a concerning trend of jihadist expansion in the area.
Marie DuboisMon Feb 16 2026Loading...When Intelligence Influence Becomes a Weapon: Egypt and China Encircle the Israeli Mossad in Africa
Egyptian and Chinese intelligence agencies initiated a campaign in early 2026 to counter Israeli Mossad activities across Africa, focusing on Sudan and Libya. This collaboration involves advanced surveillance technologies and military exercises, aiming to diminish Israeli influence in the region. The partnership reflects a strategic alignment between Egypt and China against common threats.
Ahmed Al-RashidMon Feb 16 2026Loading...Titao demonstrates the formidable effectiveness of Burkinabé VDP against jihadist groups
On February 14, Burkinabé Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) repelled a jihadist attack in Titao, Loroum Province, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy and recovering significant military equipment. The VDP, a civilian militia, has been instrumental in local defense against jihadist incursions, demonstrating the effectiveness of a hybrid defense model under Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Marie DuboisSun Feb 15 2026Loading...U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers Now Have a Serious ‘Battleship’ Problem
China is enhancing its military capabilities, focusing on advanced anti-ship missiles and expanding its submarine fleet to counter U.S. aircraft carriers in the Pacific. The People’s Liberation Army Navy is developing systems like the DF-21D and DF-26B missiles, which pose a significant threat to U.S. naval forces. As of November 28, 2023, China operates approximately 50 submarines, with plans to increase this number to 65 by 2030.
The unified force of the AES increases to 6,000 men — the military bet of the three capitals in the face of security chaos
Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani announced an increase in the unified force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) from 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers on February 14, 2024, in Niamey. This move reflects the strategic ambitions of the military regimes in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso amid ongoing jihadist threats. The AES, formed in response to regional pressures and the withdrawal of French forces, aims to establish operational capability without Western support, while also signaling a shift towards closer ties with Russia.
Marie DuboisSun Feb 15 2026Loading...69 drone attacks in two years — JNIM transforms asymmetric warfare in the Sahel
Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) has conducted 69 drone attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo since early 2023, utilizing modified commercial drones to drop improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Wilayat Sahel have also engaged in similar operations across Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. This marks a significant evolution in asymmetric warfare tactics in the Sahel region, with jihadist groups coordinating their efforts and sharing operational knowledge.
Marie DuboisSat Feb 14 2026Loading...
Undersea Gap: Why the U.S. Navy Can’t Build Its Way Out of a Submarine Crisis
The U.S. Navy is addressing a critical submarine shortage by operationally deploying Unmanned Undersea Systems in February 2026. This strategy aims to enhance ISR capabilities and maintain sea denial in the Western Pacific while freeing up attack submarines for high-value missions. The Navy is prioritizing operational density and coercive friction to adapt to the evolving maritime environment.
36 Nigerien soldiers killed in Makalondi — JNIM strikes the Niger-Burkina Faso border
JNIM launched a deliberate assault on a fortified military position in Makalondi on February 4, resulting in the deaths of 36 Nigerien soldiers. The attackers seized at least 12 military vehicles equipped with heavy machine guns. This incident highlights the increasing operational capability of JNIM in the Tillabéri region, which has been a hotspot for jihadist activity.
Marie DuboisFri Feb 13 2026Loading...
The U.S. Navy Decided to Sink Their Own Frigate As a Warning to China
The U.S. Navy conducted a sinking exercise (SINKEX) using the retired frigate USS Simpson during the UNITAS 2025 drills, involving 25 nations and 8,000 personnel. The exercise simulated high-intensity conflict in the Indo-Pacific, specifically rehearsing amphibious assaults against Chinese-militarized islands. The USS Simpson was sunk by anti-ship missiles launched from MH-60 helicopters and destroyers, providing valuable data on hull resilience and missile lethality.
The Russian African Corps Takes Root in Niamey After Repelling the Islamic State's Assault
On January 28, thirty Islamic State fighters launched a coordinated assault on Niamey International Airport, targeting both the civilian terminal and the adjacent military base. The Russian African Corps and Nigerien Armed Forces repelled the attack, resulting in twenty attackers killed and four Nigerien soldiers injured. This incident underscores the growing military collaboration between Russia and Niger.
Marie DuboisThu Feb 12 2026Loading...The JNIM Drones Transform the War in the Sahel
JNIM launched a sophisticated drone attack on Niamey on January 29, 2025, targeting the international airport and military base. The assault involved RPGs and mortars, damaging military drones and a civilian aircraft. This marks a significant escalation in tactics, showcasing JNIM's advanced operational capabilities and integration of drone technology into their warfare strategy.
Marie DuboisThu Feb 12 2026Loading...A Warehouse of the World Food Programme in Southern Sudan Attacked by Drones
A drone attacked a warehouse of the United Nations World Food Programme in Kadugli, South Kordofan, Sudan, on February 11, 2023. The attack caused damage to the warehouse and its food supplies, but no casualties were reported. This incident occurs amid escalating conflicts between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces in the region.
