Analysis & Reports

Spain's Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, urged the European Union to establish a joint military force as a deterrent on January 21, 2020. He emphasized the importance of integrating defense resources among EU member states. An emergency meeting of EU leaders was scheduled in Brussels to discuss the U.S. threat regarding Greenland, highlighting the need for a coordinated military response.

The U.S. Space Force is facing increasing task demands from other military branches and may double its size within the next 5 to 10 years. Currently, it has approximately 10,000 active military personnel and 5,000 civilian personnel. This expansion reflects a shift in the military's approach to space operations, moving from a support role to a more active operational role. The Space Force was established as the sixth branch of the U.S. military under the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned the U.S. and Israel against misjudging the situation, emphasizing their readiness to execute orders from Supreme Leader Khamenei. This warning follows recent threats from the U.S. and Israel, with Trump suggesting Iran is interested in negotiations. The U.S. has also threatened military intervention in Iran, raising international concerns.

General George S. Patton emphasized that victory in war is achieved through the spirit and leadership of men rather than just weapons. His military career was marked by overcoming personal challenges, a strong belief in discipline, and a commitment to shaping his soldiers into effective fighters. Patton's experiences, from his education at West Point to his involvement in early 20th-century military campaigns, laid the foundation for his legendary command style in World War II.

Hundreds of officers from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) defected amid ongoing protests against the Iranian regime in January 2023. The regime has intensified crackdowns, including internet blackouts, to suppress dissent. Several Iranian diplomats are also seeking asylum in Europe, indicating a potential political shift. The protests are being likened to significant historical moments of regime change.

The U.S. is currently debating the export of its upcoming sixth-generation fighters, the F-47 and F/A-XX, amid concerns over security risks and geopolitical shifts. These aircraft are designed to function as AI-enabled command nodes, capable of controlling drone swarms and conducting multi-domain warfare. The potential for a multinational force utilizing these advanced technologies could significantly enhance combat effectiveness.

Winter Storm Fern is impacting 230 million Americans across 33 states, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest, from Friday through Monday. The storm is expected to bring heavy snow and ice, creating dangerous travel conditions and potential power outages. Airlines are canceling flights and offering rebooking options as the storm disrupts air travel.

U.S. President Trump announced that the U.S. will not pay for Greenland and seeks comprehensive access to the territory. On January 22, 2020, Denmark and Greenland reiterated that sovereignty over Greenland is a non-negotiable issue. The U.S. plans to deploy the Iron Dome missile defense system in Greenland, while Denmark emphasizes the need for NATO's permanent presence in the Arctic region.

The U.S. House approved a $838.7 billion defense spending bill today, with a bipartisan vote of 341-88. This bill includes additional funding for various military programs, such as $897 million for the Navy's F/A-XX program and $1.1 billion for the E-7 Wedgetail program. The Senate is expected to take action on the bill next week, with a deadline of January 30 to avoid a funding lapse.

President Trump escalated military threats against Iran, deploying the Abraham Lincoln carrier group to the Middle East. Iran's regime faces potential severe retaliation if attacked, with U.S. troops in the region vulnerable to Iranian counterstrikes. The situation risks discrediting Iranian protesters and could strengthen the regime's grip on power.

Russia is actively engaging in hybrid warfare across Europe, employing tactics such as cyber attacks and disinformation to influence political outcomes and undermine European unity. The U.S. National Security Strategy has been criticized for downplaying the threat posed by Russia, while officials acknowledge ongoing Russian efforts to support nationalist parties and disrupt democratic processes. This situation reflects a broader geopolitical struggle involving the U.S., Russia, and European nations.

The Pentagon launched an initiative to offer 400 patents for free use to industry, aiming to enhance military technology development. This program, effective immediately, allows companies to access patents without fees for two years. A searchable database for all patents is also being created to improve accessibility and encourage innovation in military applications.

The Pentagon chose the F-35 over Boeing's X-32 in the late 1990s, reflecting a strategic shift towards a complex, networked military approach. The X-32 emphasized simplicity and ease of maintenance, while the F-35 was designed as a sensor-rich node for integrated warfare. This decision has had lasting implications for U.S. military operations and procurement practices.

Minnesota National Guard members will wear reflective vests to distinguish themselves from law enforcement during potential deployment in support of local agencies amid increased ICE operations. The National Guard is on standby, with 1,500 active-duty soldiers ready for deployment. This measure aims to prevent confusion with law enforcement agencies that wear military-style uniforms, as tensions rise following recent incidents involving ICE agents.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressed concerns about the vulnerability of the U.S. Navy's supercarriers to Chinese hypersonic missiles in a potential conflict. He highlighted that 15 hypersonic missiles could potentially target 10 supercarriers within the first 20 minutes of engagement. The report discusses China's advancements in hypersonic missile technology and the strategic challenges they pose to U.S. naval operations in the Western Pacific.

The United States may require assistance from European allies in a potential conflict over Taiwan, which could begin as early as 2027. European nations possess valuable military capabilities, including attack submarines and air defense systems, that could support US efforts. However, achieving a coordinated coalition will necessitate addressing legitimacy and providing incentives to encourage participation from various European countries.

In 1942, the U.S. War Department issued a pamphlet to American servicemen traveling to Britain, advising them on proper conduct and interactions with the British populace. The pamphlet emphasized respect for British customs, warned against making jokes about military defeats, and highlighted the resilience of the British people. It aimed to foster goodwill and understanding between American and British forces during World War II.

Kongsberg Maritime is participating in the prequalification phase for the Royal Norwegian Navy's new standardized vessels competition announced by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency on 22 January 2026. The company aims to strengthen its role as an industrial partner and has a history of delivering technology to military vessels. Kongsberg Maritime will be listed as an independent company on the Oslo Stock Exchange on 23 April 2026.

Aselsan and Barzan Holdings expanded their BARQ joint venture at the DIMDEX 2026 Exhibition in Qatar on 20 January 2026, signing multiple agreements to enhance defense collaboration. The agreements focus on high-technology areas and local production capabilities, aiming to strengthen joint capabilities in the Middle East defense ecosystem. Key officials from both Turkey and Qatar attended the signing ceremony.

Donald Trump proposed $2,000 tariff stimulus checks to American taxpayers, claiming revenue from tariffs would fund them. Economists expressed skepticism about the proposal's feasibility due to high costs and inflation concerns. The plan would require Congressional approval, which is uncertain, and scams related to the checks are being reported.