Analysis & Reports

U.S. troops arrived at Bauchi Airfield in Nigeria today to assist in training and supporting the Nigerian military. This deployment of approximately 100 troops follows a formal request from the Nigerian government for training and technical support. The U.S. forces will act as advisers, focusing on helping Nigeria combat extremist terrorist groups.

Approximately 100 U.S. troops arrived at Bauchi Airfield in Nigeria to assist in training the Nigerian military. This deployment follows a request from the Nigerian government for support in counter-terror operations against extremist groups. The U.S. forces will act as advisers and are not intended for combat roles. A total of 200 troops are expected to be deployed in total, enhancing Nigeria's capabilities to deter terrorist threats.

The U.S. Army is developing the M1E3 Abrams tank to enhance its capabilities against modern threats such as drones and anti-tank missiles. This new model, weighing 60 tons, aims to improve mobility and survivability in various terrains. It will feature advanced counter-drone technologies and a hybrid diesel-electric engine to support onboard systems and AI capabilities.

China is advancing its naval capabilities with the construction of a fourth supercarrier, the Type 004, which is expected to carry over 100 aircraft. The Fujian carrier is currently in sea trials, but challenges with its catapults may hinder its operational readiness. Despite these advancements, China's air wing remains limited in fifth-generation fighters, impacting its immediate combat credibility against U.S. forces in the Taiwan and South China Sea regions.

U.S. airpower in the Western Pacific is at risk from Chinese missile strikes targeting forward bases, which could severely disrupt sortie generation. The initial damage is expected to occur on the ground, affecting runways and fuel systems. The ability to quickly repair and relaunch aircraft under sustained missile pressure will be crucial for maintaining operational tempo. Logistics and resilience will become central to U.S. air operations in a potential conflict with China.

The Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers are strategically impressive but misaligned with the immediate operational needs in the North Atlantic. As of 2025, the Royal Navy faces challenges with limited destroyer availability and a constrained F-35 inventory, impacting the effectiveness of carrier operations. The focus should shift towards enhancing sea control and undersea defense capabilities to address the UK's maritime security challenges.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is deploying to the Arabian Sea to join the USS Abraham Lincoln, forming a dual-carrier strike group aimed at increasing pressure on Iran. This deployment, set for February 2025, will enhance U.S. military capabilities in the region, allowing for coordinated airstrikes and advanced surveillance operations. The carriers will utilize F-35Cs and Tomahawk missiles to conduct precise strikes against Iranian targets.

Russian troops lost access to thousands of smuggled Starlink terminals in February 2023, severely disrupting their communications and drone operations. This loss coincided with Ukraine's recapture of Kosivtseve in Zaporizhzhia. SpaceX's implementation of a whitelist system cut off Russian forces, leading to chaos in their command and control. Military analysts noted that this dependency on commercial technology poses risks for both Russian and NATO operations.

Alexandra ReevesMon Feb 16 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy proposed converting the USS Nimitz into a drone mothership to address a capability gap as it nears retirement. This transformation would enable the deployment of unmanned aerial and underwater vehicles, enhancing ISR and strike capabilities. The Nimitz's nuclear reactor would support the necessary electrical demands for advanced systems, potentially reducing crew size significantly.

The U.S. Air Force's B-1B Lancer bombers continue to conduct long-range precision strikes and support Bomber Task Force missions from locations such as Andersen Air Force Base and Diego Garcia. Despite the presence of advanced air defense systems, the B-1B remains relevant due to its adaptability and capability to carry standoff munitions. The aircraft plays a crucial role in demonstrating interoperability and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region while awaiting the arrival of the B-21 Raider.

Sweden is developing a next-generation air combat system under the KFS program, led by Saab, which aims to replace the JAS 39 Gripen with a system-of-systems approach that includes both crewed and uncrewed aircraft. The program is supported by FMV funding and focuses on integrating AI and advanced stealth capabilities, with a demonstrator flight expected around 2027 and broader decisions by 2030.

Armed men on motorcycles attacked the villages of Tungan Makeri, Konkoso, and Alissa in Borgu, Nigeria, on February 15, resulting in 46 deaths and numerous kidnappings. The attacks, attributed to groups like Lakurawa and JNIM, highlight the growing insecurity in the region, prompting local leaders to call for military intervention. This incident reflects a concerning trend of jihadist expansion in the area.

Marie DuboisMon Feb 16 2026Loading...

Russia's military campaign in Ukraine has stalled significantly, with logistical failures and corruption undermining its efforts. As of Day 1,418 of the invasion, Ukraine maintains control over more than 80% of its territory. The Russian Army's inability to sustain operations has turned the conflict into a war of attrition, with ongoing challenges in command and supply.

Jeff Evans and his family traveled to Vietnam to honor his father, Norman Francis Evans, and uncle, David Lynn Evans, who were killed during the Vietnam War. They visited significant locations related to their deaths, including a memorial for South Vietnamese soldiers and one American near David's crash site. The trip was emotionally significant for Jeff, who sought to connect with his family's legacy in Vietnam.

Kalashnikov showcased the RUS-PE loitering munition at the World Defense Show in Riyadh. This system includes two types of munitions, UB-1 and UB-2, designed for infantry use with a flight endurance of 30 minutes and a cruise speed of 140 km/h. The RUS-PE features a gimballed sensor suite for target detection and can operate in various modes. Kalashnikov is currently looking for a launch customer for this new weapon system.

Egyptian and Chinese intelligence agencies initiated a campaign in early 2026 to counter Israeli Mossad activities across Africa, focusing on Sudan and Libya. This collaboration involves advanced surveillance technologies and military exercises, aiming to diminish Israeli influence in the region. The partnership reflects a strategic alignment between Egypt and China against common threats.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Feb 16 2026Loading...

NATO launched its first coordinated Arctic operation, Arctic Sentry, on February 11, 2023, involving tens of thousands of personnel and equipment. The operation aims to enhance military coordination among allies in response to Russia's military buildup in the Arctic. The UK announced it will increase its troop presence in Norway to 2,000 over the next three years. Despite these efforts, NATO's capabilities in the Arctic remain limited compared to Russia's established military infrastructure.

Alexandra ReevesMon Feb 16 2026Loading...

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy conducted a military exercise named 'Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz' in the Strait of Hormuz on the 16th. The exercise aimed to assess combat readiness and review security plans against potential threats, emphasizing a rapid and decisive response to maritime security challenges.

The U.S. Air Force announced a $145 million contract for the development of an Air-to-Air Dual Mode weapon based on the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) on February 13, 2026. This initiative aims to counter Group 3 unmanned aerial systems by integrating upgraded components, including an infrared seeker. The program will produce 300 prototype rounds, with testing planned on the F-16 platform, and aims for initial capability within 24 months.

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was spotted near the Oman coast on February 15, with the U.S. Navy releasing images of its operations. The carrier arrived in the Middle East in January, and the USS Gerald R. Ford has also been deployed to the region. Ongoing indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S. are taking place in Oman.