Analysis & Reports

U.S. military leaders express concern over the rapid depletion of missile stockpiles due to ongoing operations in Iran, which could compromise military readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. The conflict may embolden China to take action against Taiwan, as U.S. defense capabilities are strained. Iran continues to launch missile attacks, and the U.S. is facing challenges in replenishing its military resources.

Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to attack any vessels attempting to pass through, while the U.S. has conducted airstrikes, claiming to have destroyed nine Iranian naval vessels. Approximately 150 oil tankers are currently waiting to transit the strait. The situation highlights the strategic importance of the strait, through which a significant portion of global oil transport occurs.

ECOWAS announced the deployment of 2000 soldiers by the end of 2026 to combat jihadist expansion in the Sahel. This decision follows a significant increase in violence from groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS, which has resulted in thousands of deaths. The ECOWAS Standby Force will face challenges due to a fractured relationship with the Alliance of Sahel States, which has formed its own defense coalition. The situation remains complex, with ongoing security threats and operational difficulties.

Marie DuboisTue Mar 03 2026Loading...

A violent conflict occurred in Abiemnom County, South Sudan, on March 1, resulting in 169 deaths and 68 injuries. The South Sudanese Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services released an official statement on March 2 confirming these casualties.

On March 1, 2023, U.S. airstrikes destroyed and sank 9 Iranian naval vessels, as President Trump announced. In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to around 150 oil tankers being stranded. The situation has raised global oil prices and heightened tensions in the region.

ECOWAS activated a regional defense force to address escalating jihadist violence in West Africa, planning to deploy 2000 soldiers by the end of 2026. The region has experienced significant conflict-related deaths, with jihadist groups increasingly attacking urban areas. Political fragmentation within ECOWAS poses challenges to effective military coordination and response.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 02 2026Loading...

In 2026, ECOWAS announced plans to deploy 2,000 soldiers to combat terrorism in West Africa, while the Sahel States Alliance operates a joint military force of 5,000. The region faces unprecedented terrorist threats, with over half of global terrorism-related deaths occurring in West Africa. Tensions between ECOWAS and the Sahel States Alliance are rising, complicating regional security efforts.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 02 2026Loading...

The SR-71 Blackbird conducted reconnaissance missions over Libya in 1986, successfully evading over 4,000 surface-to-air missiles during Operation El Dorado Canyon. The aircraft, built primarily from titanium, achieved speeds exceeding Mach 3.2 at altitudes above 80,000 feet, providing critical intelligence on Libyan targets. Its innovative design allowed it to withstand extreme temperatures generated during high-speed flight.

ECOWAS announced plans to deploy 2000 soldiers by the end of 2026 to combat jihadist threats in West Africa, particularly from Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM). Concurrently, the Sahel Alliance, comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has a joint force of 6000 soldiers. Recent attacks, including the use of kamikaze drones by JNIM in Togo, highlight the escalating threat. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of Russian and American military forces in the region.

Marie DuboisSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

The Israeli Air Force is conducting airstrikes against over 30 targets in Western and Central Iran, including air defense systems, missile launchers, and military command centers. This operation was confirmed by the Israeli Defense Forces on March 1.

U.S. Central Command deployed LUCAS drones in Operation Epic Fury, marking their combat debut against Iranian targets. In retaliation, Iran launched Shahed drone strikes on U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, causing minimal damage. The U.S. continues to develop low-cost drones while facing limitations in missile stockpiles and production capabilities.

China has established a robust Anti-Access/Area-Denial (A2/AD) strategy that protects its aircraft carrier fleet and deters U.S. Navy operations in the Indo-Pacific. This strategy utilizes a dense inventory of Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles (ASBMs) and hypersonic missiles, forcing U.S. carriers to operate from a distance. The geographical advantages and advanced missile systems give China a significant edge in any potential maritime conflict.

The Israeli Air Force completed airstrikes on March 1 against Iranian missile launchers and air defense systems in central and western Iran. The strikes targeted previously unlisted launch sites and aimed to disrupt missile launches towards Israeli territory, significantly impacting Iran's offensive capabilities.

The Israeli Air Force is conducting airstrikes on Iranian ballistic missile launchers and air defense systems in Central Iran on the evening of the 28th. This operation was announced by the Israeli Defense Forces.

The U.S. announced a $12.6 billion investment in surveillance and deterrence operations in the Indo-Pacific on February 24, 2026, amid growing concerns over China's military expansion. This includes the launch of Cobra Gold 2026, a multilateral military exercise in Thailand involving 8,000 personnel from 30 nations. The AUKUS partnership is also progressing with submarine cooperation, enhancing regional security efforts.

Marcus ChenSat Feb 28 2026Loading...

The Sahel States Alliance (AES) became fully operational with 6,000 troops on February 27, 2026, following a strategic meeting in Ouagadougou. This force aims to counter intensified jihadist operations by Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) in the region. Concurrently, the Mali army conducted successful airstrikes against JNIM fighters, demonstrating increased military capabilities. The CEDEAO is also planning to deploy a smaller force to address regional security threats.

Marie DuboisSat Feb 28 2026Loading...

JNIM launched a series of coordinated large-scale assaults in Burkina Faso in February 2026, resulting in over 130 casualties. The attacks focused on strategic areas, including Titao and Fada N'Gourma, highlighting the weaknesses in the Burkinabè military's counter-insurgency strategy. This offensive indicates a tactical adjustment by JNIM, which is also expanding its influence into neighboring countries.

Marie DuboisSat Feb 28 2026Loading...

The U.S. Africa Command deployed 100 military advisors to Nigeria in February 2026 to train local forces in counter-terrorism operations amid a significant increase in jihadist violence in the Nigeria-Benin-Niger border area. The report notes a 262% rise in militant-related deaths from 2024 to 2025, with groups like JNIM and ISSP expanding their influence. U.S. precision strikes against ISSP in Sokoto were conducted in December 2025, reflecting a strategic repositioning in response to growing threats.

Marie DuboisFri Feb 27 2026Loading...

Lockheed Martin is upgrading the F-22 Raptor with stealthy external fuel tanks and infrared search-and-track pods to enhance its capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The Hawaii Air National Guard’s 199th Fighter Squadron conducted interoperability training with the B-2 Spirit bomber. These upgrades aim to improve the F-22's range and sensor fusion to compete with China's advanced stealth fighters. The U.S. Air Force is focusing on enhancing the F-22's performance in response to evolving threats.

Delegations from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger approved the AES roadmap for 2026 during a strategic meeting in Ouagadougou on February 25-26, 2026. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in defense, diplomacy, and economic development to address ongoing security challenges in the Sahel region. This meeting reflects the commitment of the three nations to strengthen their alliance amid regional instability and the withdrawal from ECOWAS.

Marie DuboisFri Feb 27 2026Loading...