Analysis & Reports

China is building the Type 004 Supercarrier, projected to carry over 100 aircraft, as it nears completion of sea trials in February 2026. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is rapidly expanding its naval capabilities, with the Type 003 Fujian already in trials and the Shandong deployed near Taiwan. This development poses a significant challenge to U.S. naval dominance in the Pacific.

The U.S. Navy is ramping up construction of Columbia-class submarines, with the first, District of Columbia, expected to be delivered in 2028. Full-rate construction will begin in 2031, and the second submarine, Wisconsin, is on track for a 2030 delivery. An acceleration plan has been successfully implemented to enhance the construction schedule.

The J-15 "Flying Shark" serves as a critical component of the People’s Liberation Army Navy's fleet air defense capabilities. Operating from ski-jump carriers in China, it faces limitations in payload and fuel capacity. Recent upgrades have improved its capabilities, but it remains vulnerable in contested airspace and is not designed for deep strike missions. The J-15 is a transitional platform, enabling China to develop its carrier aviation skills and prepare for future advancements in naval air power.

A Louisiana National Guardsman left an M4 carbine in a bathroom at the Lafitte Hotel and Bar on Bourbon Street on February 8. The weapon was recovered the same day, and the incident is under investigation. Service members are required to maintain accountability of their weapons, and losing one can lead to administrative consequences.

China's H-20 stealth bomber program remains stalled, with no significant progress since its announcement in 2016. In contrast, the Chengdu J-36 fighter program is advancing rapidly, with prototypes expected by late 2025. U.S. intelligence indicates that the H-20's capabilities are inferior to those of the B-21 Raider, and it is not expected to be operational until the 2030s. Recent leaks about the program may serve as a political smokescreen following leadership changes in the Chinese military.

Rostec delivered a new batch of upgraded BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles to the Russian Ministry of Defense in January, exceeding shipment targets by 40 percent. The vehicles feature enhancements in combat effectiveness and protection, including modern electronic warfare systems and improved armor. Rostec continues to modernize the BMP-3 based on operational experience from the war in Ukraine, despite reports of significant losses of this vehicle type during the conflict.

The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) showcased the Wing-Loong X combat drone at the Singapore Airshow from February 3-7, 2024, highlighting its potential for international sales. Experts suggest that the drone's competitive pricing and capabilities could attract countries looking to enhance their maritime surveillance and strike capabilities. Existing operators of Chinese drones, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, may consider the WL-X for their naval operations.

General Stephen Davis assessed that China's H-20 stealth bomber program is not yet a credible threat, citing significant engineering challenges. The H-20 is intended to enhance China's long-range strike capabilities, targeting locations such as Guam and Hawaii. However, the U.S. maintains a technological advantage with its existing bombers, the B-2 and the upcoming B-21.

The Russian Army is testing an experimental drone defense system using rotating cables in Zaporizhzhia Oblast as of February 2026. This system, developed by the 70th Guards Motor Rifle Regiment, aims to address the threat posed by FPV drones, which existing air defense systems have struggled to counter. The prototype was showcased on Russian state television, highlighting a shift in military tactics.

Dmitri VolkovThu Feb 12 2026Loading...

Algeria has inducted its first Su-57E fighter jets, while Morocco is in negotiations to acquire 32 F-35s, intensifying military competition in North Africa. This procurement race is expected to reshape the regional security landscape, with Algeria's military budget projected to be significantly higher than Morocco's by 2025. Both nations are focusing on modernizing their air forces amid ongoing tensions.

SAMI Land Company launched the HEET Program in Riyadh on February 11, 2026, introducing a new generation of advanced wheeled armored vehicles. The program aims to produce up to 1,500 military vehicles annually, enhancing Saudi Arabia's defense capabilities and operational readiness. The vehicles are designed for diverse military operations, including border protection and reconnaissance, and will be manufactured entirely within the Kingdom.

The U.S. Army is conducting live-fire tests of the Next Generation Rocket Assisted Projectile (NGRAP) at Yuma Proving Ground. This new 155mm artillery round is designed to replace the legacy M549A1 and extend the range of current howitzer systems. The tests evaluate the projectile's structural integrity and performance under high-pressure conditions, utilizing advanced tracking and recording technologies.

Ekolot Aerospace & Defense partnered with UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía to integrate flight control systems into the ZEUS VTOL drone in Madrid on February 12. The ZEUS platform is designed for various missions with a payload capacity of up to 120 kg for VTOL variants. This collaboration aims to enhance both companies' market presence in Poland and Latin America, focusing on advanced navigation and control systems for unmanned aircraft.

Iran received Mi-28NE attack helicopters from Russia, spotted at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, and conducted flight tests over the capital in early 2026. The helicopters, featuring advanced upgrades, indicate a significant enhancement of Iran's military capabilities. This delivery follows negotiations for military acquisitions from Russia, further expanding defense cooperation between the two nations.

The HYDRA-400 ultra heavy-lift drone successfully completed its first flight in Hampshire, UK. Developed by Hybrid Drones, it can lift up to 400 kilograms and is designed for roles such as casualty evacuation and logistics resupply. The British Army and several NATO partners have shown interest in the drone, which is presented as a low-cost alternative to helicopters for military and civilian missions.

Construction of infrastructure for the 'Oreshnik' missile system was observed at the Krichiv-6 airfield in Belarus on February 9, 2026. The Russian Armed Forces are preparing for the deployment of 4-6 units, despite currently having only 3-4 systems available. This development indicates a strategic move to enhance military presence in Belarus and signal political integration with the country.

Dmitri VolkovThu Feb 12 2026Loading...

On February 7, 2025, the J-15T carrier-based aircraft was equipped with YJ-15 supersonic anti-ship missiles, significantly enhancing the People's Liberation Army Navy's anti-ship capabilities. The YJ-15 has an effective range of 1200-1800 kilometers, allowing for strikes from safer distances. This development marks a strategic improvement in the naval combat capabilities of the PLA, enabling more flexible operations in the East China Sea and beyond.

Li MinghuiThu Feb 12 2026Loading...

China is significantly expanding its nuclear arsenal, with projections to exceed 1000 warheads by 2030, supported by new plutonium production capabilities from CHF-600 fast reactors on Changbiao Island. This expansion is underpinned by Russian assistance in providing high enriched uranium. The increase in warheads from over 200 in 2020 to over 600 currently indicates a rapid growth in China's nuclear capabilities, reflecting a strategic shift in its military posture.

Li MinghuiThu Feb 12 2026Loading...

The U.S. Marine Corps selected General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. for the MUX TACAIR program on 10 February 2026, focusing on the integration of mission systems into the YFQ-42A platform. This initiative aims to enhance operational effectiveness in contested environments through advanced uncrewed aircraft systems. The YFQ-42A, which successfully flew for the first time in August 2025, will be evaluated for its capabilities in future Marine Corps missions.

Echodyne announced the opening of a new 86,350-square-foot manufacturing facility in Kirkland, Washington, on February 11, 2026. This facility will enable the production of over 30,000 radars annually, driven by increasing demand for high-resolution radar surveillance. The expansion reflects Echodyne's commitment to enhancing security and supporting the defense industrial base with its advanced MESA radar technology.