Analysis & Reports

U.S. Army soldiers at Fort Stewart are training to operate drones as part of the Transformation in Contact initiative, which emphasizes hands-on experimentation with new drone capabilities. This approach reflects lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine, as the Army seeks to adapt its tactics and doctrine to incorporate advanced drone technology into armored operations.

U.S. Army soldiers at Fort Stewart are training to operate drones under the Transformation in Contact initiative, reshaping armored warfare tactics. This program emphasizes the integration of drone technology into military operations, influenced by lessons from the conflict in Ukraine. Soldiers practice on a simulator before transitioning to real drone flights, marking a shift from traditional training methods.

Cobra Gold 2026 commenced on February 24, 2026, at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield in Thailand, involving over 8,000 personnel from 30 countries. The exercise focuses on military operations across land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains, addressing modern security challenges. It includes humanitarian assistance projects and aims to enhance interoperability among allied forces.

Marcus ChenWed Feb 25 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy is deploying EA-18G Growler aircraft to conduct electronic warfare against Iranian air defenses as part of a potential air campaign in 2026. This follows a €500 million deal between Russia and Iran for advanced air defense systems. The Growlers will utilize the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System to suppress enemy defenses, while the presence of modern Russian weaponry poses challenges to their mission.

USS Gerald R. Ford is deploying to Haifa, Israel, to join USS Abraham Lincoln in response to escalating tensions with Iran. The F-35C Lightning II aircraft aboard these carriers are expected to provide air superiority and electronic warfare capabilities, enhancing the U.S. Navy's operational reach and effectiveness against Iranian air defenses. The deployment underscores the strategic importance of advanced naval aviation in potential conflict scenarios.

A Ukrainian delegation met with U.S. envoys in Geneva to discuss peace talks with Russia and a potential prisoner exchange. The meeting, led by Rustem Umerov, aims to address a postwar recovery plan and prepare for upcoming trilateral discussions. Despite ongoing negotiations, no breakthroughs have been achieved, although Ukraine has reported significant military gains against Russian forces.

Six pilots and crew from a New York National Guard helicopter unit rescued French special forces soldiers during an active firefight near Hawija, Iraq, on August 28, 2023. The mission involved flying through dangerous conditions to recover a missing soldier and resulted in the guardsmen receiving the French National Defense Gold Medal for their valor. One French commando was killed, and several others were wounded during the engagement.

Iran prepares to launch missile salvos against U.S. bases at Al Udeid, Al Dhafra, and Prince Sultan Air Base if conflict arises. The Iranian Armed Forces aim to disrupt U.S. operations using Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar missiles. While U.S. defenses are in place, the initial hours of conflict present a significant threat to American military infrastructure.

Iran has rebuilt its missile arsenal, now estimated at 1,500 ballistic missiles and 200 launchers, capable of producing several hundred missiles monthly. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has launched missile attacks against targets in Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan from 2024 to 2025, demonstrating the operational use of their missile capabilities. The arsenal includes various models, with some capable of reaching Israel and U.S. bases in the region.

In February 2026, Elbridge Colby announced a new U.S. defense strategy in Brussels, indicating a reduction of U.S. forces in Europe and urging European nations to take a leadership role in their defense. Following this, five European nations signed a declaration to develop long-range precision weapons, marking a significant step towards European strategic autonomy. NATO members also agreed to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035.

Dr. Klaus WeberWed Feb 25 2026Loading...

On February 14, 2026, JNIM ambushed Ghanaian tomato traders in Titao, Burkina Faso, killing eight. The group claimed additional Burkinabé soldier casualties. This incident underscores the expanding threat of jihadist violence in West Africa, as JNIM continues to extend its operations beyond the Sahel into coastal nations.

Marie DuboisWed Feb 25 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force is modernizing the F-22 Raptor to the 'Super' Raptor standard by 2026, investing $9 billion in upgrades including the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile and advanced IRST systems. This modernization aims to ensure air superiority against adversaries like China and Russia. The Rapid Raptor program enhances deployment capabilities, allowing the F-22 to be operational within 24 to 48 hours.

Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted a strike on February 24 using ATACMS missiles against a Russian military command facility near Novopetrivka in the Donetsk region. This operation marks the first confirmed use of ATACMS by Ukraine in several months and is part of a broader effort to disrupt Russian military infrastructure and command networks. Additional strikes targeted other military sites in the region, including ammunition depots and UAV control points.

USS Gerald R. Ford is deployed to the Middle East, facing potential military confrontation with Iran. The deployment, which began in June 2022, may extend to 11 months, causing fatigue among the approximately 5,000 sailors on board. Reports indicate issues with the ship's sewage system and crew dissatisfaction, with some considering leaving the Navy. The carrier is expected to dock in Haifa, Israel, after transiting the Mediterranean Sea.

On the 25th, the Israeli Defense Forces reported discovering and dismantling multiple Hezbollah military facilities in Southern Lebanon, including observation posts and anti-tank weapons. These actions are part of ongoing operations to prevent Hezbollah from rearming, which the IDF claims violates the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon. Hezbollah has not yet responded to these allegations.

Ukrainian military drones attacked the "Dorogobuzh" chemical plant in Smolensk Oblast, Russia, on February 25, resulting in 7 civilian deaths and at least 10 injuries. The attack involved at least 30 drones and caused significant damage to the facility. Russian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, while emergency services responded to control the fire and assist the injured.

SYOS Aerospace has developed advanced autonomous uncrewed systems for military and civil applications, producing over 140 uncrewed surface vessels in the past year. The company maintains an operational presence in Ukraine and has recently upgraded the SA1 Interceptor for improved performance. SYOS emphasizes a focus on Minimum Viable Capability to ensure affordability and scalability in its systems.

General George Patton employed aggressive military strategies during World War II, focusing on speed and relentless attacks to overwhelm enemy forces. His notable victories included operations in North Africa and the relief of Bastogne, where he demonstrated tactical flexibility and effective use of logistics. Patton's philosophy likened warfare to boxing, advocating for constant pressure on adversaries to prevent recovery.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) has been deployed for over 230 days, transitioning from operations in Venezuela to the Middle East. This extended deployment raises concerns about the mental health of the crew, with research indicating a link between long deployments and issues such as PTSD and anxiety. The ship may remain at sea for up to 300 days, potentially supporting military operations against Iran.

Ukrainian forces launched successful counteroffensives in Kupyansk, Zaporizhia, and Dnipropetrovsk, liberating significant territory and disrupting Russian military operations from December 2025 to February 2026. Russian casualties exceeded recruitment rates, prompting preparations for involuntary reserve callups. The Kremlin's communication issues and military setbacks indicate a critical turning point in the conflict, with implications for domestic stability and military effectiveness.

Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 25 2026Loading...