Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Iran and Russia to Hold Joint Naval Exercises
Iran and Russia will conduct joint military exercises in the Gulf of Oman and Northern Indian Ocean on February 19. The exercises will involve naval forces from both countries, highlighting their military cooperation.
396 Drones on the Night Before Geneva — Russian Military Doctrine of Pressure in Negotiations
Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine with 396 drones and 29 missiles on February 16-17, 2026, as negotiations in Geneva continued. Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted 367 drones and 25 missiles. The military actions are part of a strategy to exert pressure during diplomatic talks, highlighting the ongoing conflict and the complexities of the negotiations.
Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 18 2026Loading...
The Real Issue Behind the J-10's Direct Flight to Singapore is the Production of the Y-20 Tanker
On February 17, 2026, seven J-10 aircraft from the People's Liberation Army Air Force flew non-stop from Singapore to China, supported by Y-20 tankers. The operation showcased the PLAAF's aerial refueling capabilities, which are currently limited by the number of operational tankers. The report highlights the strategic implications of these capabilities in potential conflict scenarios, particularly in the Taiwan Strait region.
Li MinghuiWed Feb 18 2026Loading...
Iran Partially Closes the Strait of Hormuz During Geneva Negotiations — 50 American Fighters in 24 Hours and a Real Threat to 31% of the World's Oil
Iran partially closed the Strait of Hormuz on February 18, 2026, coinciding with negotiations in Geneva. The U.S. deployed over 50 fighter jets, including F-22s and F-35s, to the region, signaling military readiness. The IRGC's naval exercise emphasized Iran's control over the strategic waterway, which is crucial for global oil transport.
Ahmed Al-RashidWed Feb 18 2026Loading...The 24th Batch of Peacekeeping Forces to Lebanon Holds New Year Flag-Raising Ceremony
The Chinese 24th peacekeeping force held a flag-raising ceremony in Lebanon on February 17 to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The event featured the raising of the UN flag, Lebanese flag, and the Chinese national flag, with all personnel saluting. The unit, comprising engineering and medical teams, has been actively engaged in peacekeeping efforts, earning recognition from the UN and local communities.
Tekken 26 Steps into the Southwestern Outdoor Terrain, Japan-U.S. Amphibious Operations Enter a New Phase
Iron Fist 26, a joint amphibious exercise involving 5,000 personnel from Japan and the U.S., is taking place in the Southwest Islands, including Okinawa, from February to March 9, 2023. The exercise emphasizes operations in outdoor terrain, reflecting a shift towards practical training. This event is strategically significant amid rising tensions related to Taiwan and North Korea's military developments.
Tanaka TakashiWed Feb 18 2026Loading...Yuyuantan Tian: Philippine Coast Guard Deploys Unidentified Object in the South China Sea, Monitored and Recorded by Our Coast Guard Throughout
On February 16, the Philippine Coast Guard vessel 4411 dropped an unidentified object in the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands. The Chinese Coast Guard monitored and recorded the entire incident.
$334,000,000 F-22 Raptor Was ‘Shot Down’ By a Cheap $43,000,000 FA-50 Fighter
A Philippine FA-50 achieved a simulated kill against a U.S. F-22 during Exercise Cope Thunder in July 2023, involving around 225 personnel. This exercise aimed to improve interoperability between U.S. and Philippine forces. While the FA-50's success is notable, it does not reflect its capability to match the F-22 in actual combat scenarios. The event symbolizes a morale boost for the Philippine Air Force and reinforces U.S.-Philippine military ties.
America’s Largest Aircraft Carrier Ever Is Being Pushed to the Breaking Point Thanks to Iran Deployment
USS Gerald R. Ford is being deployed to the Middle East to support USS Abraham Lincoln, which is currently in the Arabian Sea. This deployment follows eight months at sea and raises concerns about crew readiness due to high operational tempo. The USS Ford has traveled between 10,000 to 11,000 nautical miles during its deployment, highlighting the strain on naval resources.
Beyond Brave: A 20-Year-Old Sacrificed His Life and Became the First Black Marine Medal of Honor Recipient
Pfc. James Anderson Jr. sacrificed his life on February 28, 1967, during a firefight in Cam Lo, Vietnam, by absorbing a grenade explosion to save his fellow Marines. He became the first Black Marine to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroism, which was presented to his family in 1968. His legacy is commemorated through various honors, including a post office named after him in his hometown of Compton, California.
Stealth Destroyed: A U.S. Air Force F-35 Fighter Was ‘Shot Down’ by a French Dassault Rafale
A French Rafale simulated a missile shot at a U.S. F-35A during the Atlantic Trident 25 NATO exercise in Finland. The exercise involved approximately 40 aircraft and 1,000 personnel, focusing on Agile Combat Employment and interoperability. The engagement's specifics, such as altitude and speed, remain unknown, raising discussions about the effectiveness of stealth in close-range scenarios.
The Russian and Ukrainian Armies Continue to Launch Attacks Against Each Other
On October 17, Russian forces conducted large-scale strikes on Ukrainian military and energy infrastructure, impacting 12 regions. Ukrainian forces responded by destroying a Russian Ka-27 helicopter in Crimea and targeting a chemical plant in Krasnodar Krai. Russia's air defense intercepted multiple Ukrainian drones and precision-guided bombs during these operations.
The Air Force’s B-1B Lancer Is Becoming a “Super Bomber” Russia or China Can’t Match
The U.S. Air Force's B-1B Lancer has been modernized to enhance its capabilities as a conventional strike platform, carrying the largest payload of any U.S. aircraft. It remains vital for long-range strike planning, especially as the next-generation B-21 Raider is set to enter service. The B-1B's upgrades include advanced avionics and precision weapon systems, ensuring its relevance in modern military operations.
US military claims attack on three "drug trafficking boats" resulted in 11 deaths
On February 16, U.S. Southern Command conducted airstrikes against three drug trafficking boats in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea, resulting in the deaths of 11 male traffickers. No U.S. personnel were injured during the operation, which is part of a series of actions against drug trafficking that began in September 2022. The U.S. government has not released evidence to substantiate the drug trafficking claims.
Missiles Over Hormuz, Diplomats in Geneva: Iran's Dual-Track Strategy Risks Everything
On February 16, 2026, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired live missiles into the Strait of Hormuz during a military exercise, signaling its readiness to close the strait if necessary. This coincided with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's attendance at nuclear negotiations in Geneva, highlighting Iran's dual strategy of military coercion and diplomatic engagement. The exercise temporarily suspended shipping traffic in the critical energy corridor.
Ahmed Al-RashidTue Feb 17 2026Loading...LongShot program eyes new target for early flight tests
General Atomics' LongShot program is set to conduct its first flight test of the X-68A unmanned aircraft system by the end of 2026. This aircraft, designed to launch missiles from an F-15 fighter, has completed key milestone tests. The initial flight tests planned for December 2023 were canceled, and the focus has shifted to integrating the system with the F-15.
U.S. Navy Supercarriers Might Be Part of Masterplan to ‘Regime Change’ Iran
President Trump ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln to the Middle East in October 2023 as part of a strategy for potential regime change in Iran. This deployment coincides with upcoming negotiations in Geneva involving U.S. envoys and Iranian representatives, amid rising tensions due to Iran's actions against protesters. The U.S. military is preparing for possible strikes against Iranian military targets.
Israel’s F-16I Sufa Fighter Might Be The Best ‘Fighting Falcon’ Ever and the U.S. Air Force Can’t Touch It
Israel's F-16I Sufa fighter jet is designed for long-range, high-complexity strike missions, featuring advanced avionics and a specialized electronic warfare suite. It incorporates conformal fuel tanks for extended range and is equipped with Israeli-developed weapons, including Python and Derby missiles. The aircraft is operated by the Israeli Air Force and is tailored to meet specific regional threats.
U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Fighter Pilots Complained of ‘Hypoxia-like’ Symptoms
F-22 Raptor pilots reported hypoxia-like symptoms during flights, prompting the U.S. Air Force to investigate and impose flight restrictions from 2008 to 2011. The crisis escalated after a fatal crash in 2010, leading to a fleet-wide grounding and safety measures. The Air Force has since focused on improving oxygen delivery systems and pilot equipment to ensure operational safety.
Washington Is Counting to Nine. China Is Already Operating Three.
China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) conducted simultaneous dual-carrier operations in the Pacific in 2025, marking a significant increase in military activity. The PLAN executed 3,764 air incursions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone and conducted live-fire drills in the South China Sea. The commissioning of the Fujian carrier enhances China's naval capabilities, allowing for more effective power projection. China plans to expand its carrier fleet with six additional nuclear-powered carriers by 2035, indicating a shift towards a more global naval presence.
Marcus ChenTue Feb 17 2026Loading...
