Analysis & Reports

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley advised President Trump on February 23, 2023, that military action against Iran could lead to significant risks, including a prolonged conflict. The Trump administration is currently debating how to respond to the situation with Iran, with some advisors advocating for caution. Trump publicly denied claims that Milley opposes military action, stating that the decision ultimately rests with him and expressing a preference for reaching an agreement with Iran.

On February 23, U.S. Southern Command conducted an airstrike against a drug trafficking vessel in the Caribbean Sea, resulting in the deaths of three male traffickers identified as terrorists. No U.S. personnel were reported injured during the operation.

The U.S. ordered nonessential personnel and their families to evacuate from its embassy in Beirut due to escalating tensions with Iran. This decision coincides with a significant military buildup in the Middle East, including the deployment of F-16 and F-35 jets and two carrier strike groups. The embassy remains operational with core staff, and the evacuation is described as a temporary safety measure. Upcoming nuclear talks between U.S. and Iranian officials are also anticipated.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear cases regarding the vaccine mandate affecting Air Force personnel, which resulted in the discharge of over 8,400 members. From 2022 to 2025, approximately 17,000 service members refused the vaccine, with 126 returning to service after the mandate was rescinded. An executive order signed by President Trump in January 2025 provided for the reinstatement of discharged personnel with back pay.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is developing long-range standoff weapons for the MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian in San Diego as of February 23, 2026. This initiative aims to enhance the aircraft's capabilities to hold targets at risk over vast distances, particularly in the Western Pacific. GA-ASI plans to integrate and test these new weapons, responding to increasing demand from military forces.

The U.S. Air Force conducted a successful manned-unmanned flight exercise at Edwards Air Force Base on February 23, 2023, involving an F-22 Raptor and an MQ-20 Avenger drone. The F-22 issued real-time commands to the MQ-20, which performed various mission tasks, demonstrating advanced integration of autonomous systems into tactical operations. This exercise is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of fifth-generation fighters through unmanned systems.

The U.S. Air Force conducted a successful manned-unmanned flight exercise at Edwards Air Force Base on February 23, 2023, involving an F-22 Raptor and an MQ-20 Avenger drone. The F-22 issued real-time commands to the MQ-20, which executed various mission tasks, demonstrating advanced integration of autonomous systems into tactical operations. This exercise underscores the Air Force's focus on enhancing combat capabilities through manned-unmanned teaming.

Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division conducted Arctic warfare training at the Yukon Training Area in Alaska during JPMRC Rotation 26-02. They faced significant logistical challenges due to extreme cold, impacting the use of drones and tablets. The division is exploring new equipment and strategies to enhance operational effectiveness in harsh conditions, while plans for a sustainment brigade are underway to improve logistics.

The U.S. Army held its inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama, from February 17-19, 2023, awarding soldiers for excellence in drone operations. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced plans to purchase one million drones within the next 18 to 24 months and launch a drone marketplace for soldiers to sell innovations. He emphasized the urgency of scaling drone production to counter threats from adversarial nations.

The U.S. Army concluded its inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama, from February 17-19, 2023, awarding soldiers for excellence in drone operations. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced plans to purchase one million drones within 18 to 24 months and launch a drone marketplace for soldiers to sell innovations. The Army emphasizes the need to scale drone production rapidly to counter threats from adversarial nations.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes on terrorist targets in Afghanistan on the night of the 21st, resulting in over 80 terrorist deaths. This action was a retaliation for recent suicide bombings in Pakistan. The Afghan government reported 18 civilian casualties and condemned the strikes as a violation of sovereignty, while Pakistan emphasized the necessity of defending its territory against cross-border threats.

Russian forces destroyed Ukrainian transportation and energy infrastructure on April 23, 2023, in response to Ukrainian drone attacks. On April 22, Ukrainian drones targeted an oil station in Tatarstan, while strikes in Voronezh and Belgorod Oblasts caused power outages. President Zelensky stated that Ukraine would not concede territory for a ceasefire, and President Macron urged for new EU sanctions against Russia. Putin announced plans to enhance military capabilities.

The joint military exercise 'Freedom Shield' between South Korea and the U.S. has been postponed due to disagreements over its scale. Originally set for March 9-19, the announcement was delayed as South Korea sought to reduce the exercise amid rising tensions. Meanwhile, the U.S. conducted separate air exercises with Japan, and South Korea protested Japan's territorial claims over 'Dokdo'.

Four military working dogs died due to inadequate kennel conditions at various U.S. bases from fiscal year 2021 through 2023. The Pentagon report revealed that many kennels failed to protect dogs from extreme weather and health hazards, leading to neglect and health issues. The Air Force is revising kennel standards and has initiated costly upgrades to improve conditions for military working dogs.

Japan is enhancing its air defense strategy by modifying security documents to address drone threats and is developing high-power laser and microwave weapons for interception. The Japan Self-Defense Forces are focusing on new technologies to improve their capabilities against drone attacks, with successful tests of laser systems already conducted. Funding for these developments is included in the upcoming defense budget, indicating a significant shift in Japan's military approach.

U.S. and Japanese forces conducted joint air exercises in the East China Sea and Yellow Sea from February 16-19, 2023, involving dozens of F-16s and 4 B-52 bombers. These activities led to confrontations with Chinese aircraft, raising tensions during the Chinese New Year. South Korea protested the U.S. military's actions, fearing involvement in U.S.-China conflicts.

Denmark established Squadron 729 to operate four MQ-9B drones from Aalborg Air Base starting in 2028. Canada signed a defense cooperation agreement with Denmark to utilize 11 MQ-9B drones for Arctic surveillance. Both nations aim to enhance operational efficiency through potential logistics and maintenance cooperation, despite challenges posed by long distances to strategic locations in Greenland. Experts suggest Keflavík Air Base in Iceland as a viable option for joint operations.

On June 6, 1944, over 160,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, as part of Operation Overlord. The invasion was nearly postponed due to a storm predicted by Group Captain James Stagg, who advised Supreme Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower to delay the operation. Despite the risks, Eisenhower decided to proceed, leading to one of the largest seaborne invasions in history.

The Mexican Army killed cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes in Tapalpa, Jalisco, triggering 27 retaliatory attacks across Mexico. These attacks resulted in the deaths of nearly three dozen cartel members and two dozen Mexican National Guard soldiers. The operation, which involved U.S. intelligence support, also led to the seizure of armored vehicles and rocket launchers capable of downing aircraft.

The Islamic State attacked a checkpoint in Raqqa, Syria, on February 23, resulting in the deaths of 4 security personnel from the Syrian transitional government.