Analysis & Reports

The F-15EX Eagle II was deployed to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, in July 2025, participating in the Resolute Force exercise alongside F-35s. This advanced fighter jet can perform 87 billion functions per second and carry 12 missiles, enhancing U.S. airpower in the Pacific against China's stealth fleets. The F-15EX is designed to serve as a critical force multiplier, supporting 5th-generation aircraft in air superiority operations.

The United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence launched the Robotic Autonomous Systems Leader Tactics Course (RASLT) on February 10, 2026, at Fort Benning. This three-week course aims to prepare Army leaders for future conflicts involving robotic and autonomous systems. It includes practical exercises and targets officers and enlisted personnel with specific training prerequisites. Three pilot iterations are planned for Fiscal Year 2026.

Ukrainian FPV interceptors destroyed over 300 Russian 'Molniya' drones in February 2026, indicating a significant shift in aerial warfare dynamics. The 'Molniya' drones, which operate on pre-programmed routes, are being actively countered by specialized units like the Ukrainian Security Service's 'Alpha'. Russia's Ministry of Defense is attempting to centralize drone operations to enhance effectiveness, but this may create vulnerabilities.

Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 11 2026Loading...

A Nigerien military drone struck a crowded market in Kokoloko on January 6, 2026, killing 17 civilians and injuring 13 others. Three ISIS fighters were also killed in the attack. The incident has raised concerns about the legality of such strikes under international humanitarian law, as the market was filled with civilians. Following the strike, most residents fled the village.

Marie DuboisWed Feb 11 2026Loading...

The 'Iron Triangle', consisting of three experienced tank drivers from the 82nd Group Army, is actively training new recruits in Type 99A tank driving skills at their training ground. They are preparing for the introduction of new tank models, Type 99B and Type 100, while emphasizing the importance of technical training and equipment maintenance. Each member has set specific goals for the upcoming year, focusing on developing new trainers and advancing technology.

U.S. Air Force leaders are implementing Agile Combat Employment to enhance military readiness against potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region. This includes a hub-and-spoke approach to basing, emphasizing the importance of pre-positioned equipment and air mobility. Recent exercises have informed future strategies, with a focus on integrating capabilities with allies in Korea and Japan.

The Navy recognized Lt. Cmdr. Carolyn Bystrom and Lt. Cmdr. Brian Van Metre as Surface Warfare Officers of the Year for the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets, respectively. Bystrom was honored for her leadership aboard the USS Spruance during a deployment where her crew successfully engaged threats from Houthi-backed drones. Van Metre received his award for his role as combat systems officer on the USS Mason, where he led efforts to counter drone and missile attacks during a deployment to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

On January 11, 1,400 Chinese fishing vessels formed a 320-kilometer rectangular formation in the East China Sea, indicating a military exercise rather than normal fishing activity. This mobilization disrupted shipping routes and suggests enhanced command and control capabilities of the Chinese Maritime Militia, potentially preparing for blockade scenarios against Taiwan.

Tanaka TakashiWed Feb 11 2026Loading...

The U.S. military has expanded its control over the Texas-Mexico border by establishing new National Defense Areas (NDAs) to enhance security operations. This includes the militarization of approximately 200 miles of borderland, with assets such as Seasats Lightfish and various aircraft deployed for monitoring and enforcement. The move aims to strengthen interagency coordination despite a significant decrease in border crossings, prompting debate over its necessity.

The U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyers serve as the backbone of naval operations, engaging in multi-mission roles such as ballistic missile defense and anti-submarine warfare. These destroyers, equipped with advanced systems like the Aegis combat system, are actively deployed in regions including the Baltic Sea and Indo-Pacific. They are expected to remain operational into the 2050s, adapting to evolving threats.

Leopard 2 tanks deployed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces have struggled in combat since February 2022 due to maintenance challenges and insufficient combined arms support. Initially, 14 tanks were sent, followed by over 100 more. The complexity of the tanks' systems has made them vulnerable to Russian drone attacks, highlighting the logistical burdens faced by Ukrainian forces.

Russian forces struck Ukrainian military targets and gained control of a settlement in the Zaporizhzhia region. Over the past day, Ukrainian forces reported 168 combat engagements, successfully repelling multiple Russian attacks while conducting strikes on Russian troop concentrations and infrastructure. Russian air defense systems shot down numerous drones during these operations.

U.S. President Trump announced plans to consider deploying a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East on February 10, 2023, amid ongoing negotiations with Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln is already stationed in the region, and Trump indicated that further military readiness may be necessary if talks fail. He emphasized the importance of including Iran's nuclear program and missile stockpile in any potential agreement.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) remains a vital asset for the U.S. Navy amid potential conflicts with China or Russia, conducting routine operations in the Philippine Sea and Pacific Ocean. The carrier, commissioned over 50 years ago, is currently awaiting the combat-readiness of its replacement, USS John F. Kennedy. With a crew of approximately 3,500 and an air wing of 2,480, the Nimitz continues to play a significant role in U.S. naval power.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is conducting integrated carrier strike group operations in the Atlantic Ocean alongside the Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (CVH 550) as part of its post-delivery test and trials phase. Despite facing technical challenges, the Ford-class carriers are deemed essential for U.S. naval power projection, with significant investments already made in their development. The U.S. Navy continues to rely on these carriers for their operational capabilities.

The U.S. Navy is reshuffling its traditional carrier strike group model to create tailored forces for greater operational flexibility. This initiative, outlined in the new 'Fighting Instructions' guidance, aims to provide combatant commanders with customizable formation options. The Navy plans to integrate unmanned systems into its strategy, optimizing asset deployment beyond conventional cycles. Key locations involved include the Red Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, with a focus on missions such as mine clearance in strategic chokepoints.

U.S. President Trump is considering the deployment of a carrier strike group to the Middle East in response to unsuccessful negotiations with Iran. The Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is already positioned in the region and could launch military operations within one to two days if directed by the White House.

Israeli Defense Forces are planning a new offensive to disarm Hamas in the Gaza Strip as of February 10, 2023. The Southern Command is preparing operational plans, but the implementation remains uncertain. Hamas leaders have stated they will not disarm and reject external control over Gaza, indicating potential for intensified conflict if hostilities resume.

The U.S. Air Force, along with the Royal Air Force and Australian Defence Force, conducted a joint military exercise at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, simulating combat against Chinese fifth-generation aircraft. Over 100 aircraft and 3000 military personnel participated in the 'Red Flag' exercise, which included the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B simulating tactics of the Chinese J-35. This exercise is part of ongoing military preparations to counter high-tech adversaries.

PFC. Manuel Pérez Jr. engaged in combat operations to liberate Manila from Japanese forces between February 3 and March 14, 1945. He singlehandedly neutralized a fortified position at Fort William McKinley, killing 18 enemy soldiers. Pérez was shot by a sniper and died shortly after, receiving posthumous honors including the Medal of Honor. His actions contributed to the liberation efforts amidst significant civilian casualties.