Analysis & Reports

The SR-71 Blackbird, developed by Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works, conducted reconnaissance missions from the late 1960s until its retirement in 1999. It achieved remarkable speeds of 2,193 mph and altitudes of 85,069 feet, outpacing threats during its operational period. The aircraft was retired due to high costs and the advent of satellite technology, marking the end of an era in military aviation.

Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) is expanding its operational pressure beyond its traditional strongholds in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger as of January 2026. The group is demonstrating resilience and a deliberate strategy of gradual expansion, while facing challenges in establishing a durable presence in coastal countries like Benin and Togo. The CEDEAO plans to deploy 1,650 personnel in 2026 to counter the jihadist threat, amidst significant political shifts in the region.

Marie DuboisSat Feb 21 2026Loading...

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is currently on a record-breaking deployment, transitioning from the North Sea to the Caribbean and now to the Mediterranean to support the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group against Iran. The carrier has been at sea for nearly 300 days, highlighting the U.S. Navy's reliance on fewer ships amid escalating global crises. Approximately one-third of the U.S. Navy's force is deployed to the Middle East, indicating a significant operational strain on the fleet.

As of February 2026, the Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet has been effectively neutralized and relocated from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk due to sustained attacks from Ukraine. The Naval Infantry has seen personnel numbers drop from 150,000 to 119,000, reflecting a significant decline in operational capability. The sinking of the Moskva in April 2022 exemplifies the fleet's systemic failures and vulnerabilities.

USS George Washington was out of combat readiness for 2,117 days due to a lengthy Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) process, which faced significant delays and challenges. The overhaul cost $2.8 billion and involved 26 million man-hours of work, leading to mental health issues among the crew, including eleven suicides. The carrier is now stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, as the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 5.

U.S. military aircraft appeared on the tarmac at Lajes Air Base in Portugal on February 21, coinciding with a larger military buildup in the region. The day before, a C-5M military transport aircraft landed at Mildenhall Air Base in the UK.

China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has over 300 J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighters, which successfully flew undetected through Taiwanese air defenses in 2023. The J-20 is central to China's strategy for regional air superiority, with plans to increase its fleet to 600 units by 2027. This aircraft features advanced capabilities, including the WS-15 engine and a variety of munitions, positioning it as a significant threat to U.S. air dominance.

In February 2026, Russian forces claimed significant territorial gains in Ukraine, but independent assessments revealed only marginal advances at a high human cost, with 35,000 Russian deaths reported in December 2025 and January 2026. The operational tempo is challenged by economic strains and tactical setbacks, as Ukrainian forces have successfully retaken territory. Russian military operations are increasingly characterized by information warfare aimed at shaping perceptions of the conflict.

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The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is currently transiting the Mediterranean Sea towards the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. This deployment follows its mission in the Caribbean and could lead to a record-long carrier deployment. Iran's Supreme Leader has threatened U.S. naval forces, while U.S. military readiness for potential strikes against Iran is being discussed, alongside ongoing diplomatic negotiations for a nuclear deal.

Pakistani security forces conducted a counter-terrorism operation in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on February 21, resulting in the death of 5 terrorists. During the operation, 2 soldiers were killed when an explosive-laden vehicle struck their vehicle. President Zardari condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers.

The U.S. Army deleted images of the Dark Eagle hypersonic weapon system shortly after their release, prompting discussions among defense observers. The Dark Eagle, capable of speeds over Mach 5, is designed for rapid strikes against high-value targets and is part of the Army's modernization efforts. The incident occurred amid ongoing international competition in hypersonic weapon development.

The U.S. has deployed approximately 10,700 service members and significant naval and air assets to the Gulf region in response to escalating tensions with Iran. This includes two aircraft carrier strike groups and advanced stealth fighters positioned for potential military strikes. Concurrently, Iran has conducted military exercises with Russian forces, signaling a coordinated response to U.S. actions. Regional allies are on high alert as diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis continue.

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The Australian frigate 'Tumbler' transited the Taiwan Strait on February 20-21, while being monitored by the People's Liberation Army throughout its passage.

The Australian frigate HMAS Toowoomba transited the Taiwan Strait on February 20-21, while the People's Liberation Army monitored its movements throughout the passage.

Baltic states have initiated a series of maritime security measures in response to sabotage incidents affecting critical infrastructure. In January 2026, Finland announced a joint maritime surveillance center with other Baltic nations. The AI-based system Nordic Warden has been implemented to detect anomalies in real-time, while the Baltic Sentry patrol service has been established for continuous protection of undersea cables and pipelines. These initiatives reflect a growing trend of regional security cooperation amid rising tensions with the United States regarding defense policies.

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In February 2026, the Islamic State targeted Niger's main airport and a military base, marking a significant escalation in jihadist violence. A coordinated ambush by Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) resulted in the deaths of at least 36 Nigerien soldiers. The deteriorating security situation is exacerbated by the withdrawal of international forces and the increasing sophistication of terrorist tactics.

Marie DuboisSat Feb 21 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian 300-mm Tornado-S multiple launch rocket system in Zaporizhzhia region during a recent operation. The strike was executed by the Ptahi unit of the 1st Separate Center of the Unmanned Systems Forces, utilizing reconnaissance drones for detection and FP-2 strike drones for the attack. This action underscores Ukraine's ongoing efforts to neutralize long-range artillery threats from Russian forces.

Ukraine conducted a long-range strike on the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant in Udmurtia, Russia, on February 21, 2023, resulting in explosions and a significant fire. The attack targeted a key facility involved in Russia's ballistic missile production, aiming to disrupt its manufacturing capabilities. Three individuals were hospitalized, and reports suggest the use of long-range strike systems in the operation.

Israeli airstrikes on the 20th of the month killed several members of Hezbollah's missile unit in Baalbek, Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces reported that these strikes targeted three different locations and were part of ongoing efforts to counter Hezbollah's preparations to launch rockets into Israel. The IDF indicated that Hezbollah poses a threat to both military and civilian targets in Israel.

Kazakhstan and Russia are conducting joint air defense military exercises from February 20 to March 10. The exercises focus on improving coordination and combat skills, with activities including the detection and tracking of aerial targets and intercepting unauthorized aircraft. Both the Kazakh and Russian armed forces are involved in this operation.