Analysis & Reports

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet continues to serve as a vital component of the U.S. Navy's carrier operations, leveraging upgrades like the APG-79 AESA radar. It operates alongside other aircraft, such as the EA-18G Growler and F-35, to provide effective air support. The Super Hornet's design emphasizes reliability and flexibility, allowing it to adapt to various mission profiles despite the challenges posed by fifth-generation fighters.

Russian forces conducted airstrikes on a Ukrainian military airport and infrastructure over the past 24 hours. They intercepted three guided bombs and 72 fixed-wing drones. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces reported 74 battles along the frontline, with significant engagements in the Pokrovsk direction, and shot down 116 Russian drones during the same period.

The Pentagon awarded Purple Hearts to Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and posthumously to Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom for their actions during an ambush in Washington, D.C., in November 2023. Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries, while Wolfe is recovering. The attack, described as an act of terror, involved a suspected gunman who has been charged with murder and assault.

On May 25, 2006, Capt. Doug Dicenzo and gunner Robert Blair were killed by an IED while on patrol in Baghdad, Iraq. The author, who declined to join the patrol, reflects on the guilt and trauma stemming from this decision. The incident underscores the severe risks posed by roadside bombs during the sectarian conflict in Iraq.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted an airstrike on an apartment building in western Gaza City on the evening of the 9th, resulting in 1 death and 5 injuries. There has been no response from Israeli authorities regarding the incident.

Israeli military conducted raids and demolitions across multiple locations in the West Bank on September 9, resulting in multiple injuries and the detention of over 20 Palestinians, including women and children. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the operation, which involved a joint effort with the Israeli Security Agency.

Staff Sgt. Billy Scafidel of the 7th Engineer Support Battalion rescued a Marine driver trapped in a submerged vehicle at Camp Pendleton, California, on February 6, 2024. He used a hammer to break the windshield and pull the driver to safety. For his heroic actions, Scafidel was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal during a ceremony at the base.

U.S. and Italian soldiers participated in a four-day training event at an Italian military base in early February to earn the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge. More than 110 candidates completed various assessments, resulting in 66 badges awarded. The event aimed to enhance cooperation and morale among allied forces, with evaluations conducted by German troops from the 10th Panzer Division. A ceremony honoring the participants took place on February 6.

China's Liaoning and Shandong carriers doubled their far-seas operations in 2025, conducting unprecedented naval voyages and live-fire drills around Australia and New Zealand. The PLAN demonstrated simultaneous operations of both carriers in the Pacific, indicating enhanced logistical coordination. Additionally, there were 3,764 air incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ, marking a significant increase in military activity across the Indo-Pacific region.

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U.S. military forces boarded the Aquila II, a sanctioned oil tanker, in the Indian Ocean on Monday. The operation followed the ship's tracking from the Caribbean Sea and is part of U.S. efforts to enforce sanctions against Venezuela's oil exports. The Pentagon indicated that the tanker was operating in defiance of established U.S. sanctions.

The 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters, fought valiantly in World War I under French command, participating in key battles and suffering significant casualties. Despite their bravery and contributions, they faced racial discrimination both during and after the war, receiving few American honors for their service. The regiment's legacy highlights the struggles of Black soldiers for recognition and equality in the U.S. military.

The U.S. military seized its eighth tanker linked to Venezuela in the INDOPACOM area, while also conducting airstrikes on drug-trafficking boats in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in two fatalities. U.S. Navy warships, including the USS Stockdale, are operating near Haiti to address growing gang violence. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that recent strikes have deterred cartel operations in the region.

Russian Armed Forces have lost over 1,200 T-80 tanks in Ukraine, leading to their withdrawal from production and replacement with older T-62 tanks. The T-80's design flaws have resulted in high casualties among crews, and the failure of the Gerasimov Doctrine has exacerbated tactical issues. As a result, the Russian military is facing significant operational challenges in the ongoing conflict.

Russia has deployed 1960s-era T-62 tanks to the front lines in Ukraine as of January 2026, following the loss of over 4,000 modern main battle tanks since the invasion began in 2022. This shift in armored strategy highlights the severe depletion of Russia's armored forces and the reliance on outdated equipment. The T-62 tanks are facing catastrophic design flaws, leading to significant casualties among crews when hit.

In 2024, Iran launched drone and cruise missile attacks against critical infrastructure in Israel, marking the first sustained state-on-state drone conflict in the Middle East. Israel responded with advanced UAS platforms and layered air defenses. The conflict highlighted the strategic importance of persistent ISR and precision targeting, prompting regional nations to reassess their airpower strategies and invest in systems like the MQ-9B and Gambit Series for enhanced military capabilities.

U.S. Marines and British Royal Marines conducted a simulated battle exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and Twentynine Palms, California. Media reports inaccurately claimed that U.S. Marines suffered a humiliating surrender, which was debunked by military officials emphasizing the exercise's focus on readiness and interoperability. This incident highlights the risks of misinformation affecting allied military cooperation.

The U.S. Coast Guard conducted training with tactical jet skis for interdiction operations in San Diego and Coronado Beach on January 14-15, 2023. This training is part of the Coast Guard's Office of Rapid Response and Prototyping program, aimed at enhancing drug interdiction capabilities. The Coast Guard has seized over 200,000 lbs. of cocaine in the eastern Pacific since launching Operation Pacific Viper.

On February 4, 2026, 36 Nigerien soldiers were killed in Makalondi as JNIM fighters overwhelmed a military position, capturing at least 12 armored vehicles. Concurrently, the Islamic State in the Sahel attacked Niamey's Diori Hamani International Airport, resulting in 20 assailants killed. Russian forces confirmed their role in defending the airport, while the U.S. deployed a small military team to Nigeria, marking a renewed American presence in the region.

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Israeli Defense Forces killed 4 armed personnel in Rafah, Gaza Strip, on September 9. The personnel emerged from a tunnel and opened fire on the Israeli forces, who reported no injuries among their soldiers. This incident is considered a violation of the ceasefire agreement, and the Israeli military stated they would continue operations in the area to identify and eliminate armed personnel in the tunnels.

Two F-22 Raptors from the U.S. Air Force withdrew from the Super Bowl performance on February 6, 2021, due to operational tasking. Katie Spencer stated that the aircraft were reassigned to meet increased military demands. The F-22s have been involved in recent significant operations, including monitoring potential threats.