Analysis & Reports

Nigerian and U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on May 17, 2023, in Borno, Nigeria, killing over 20 ISIS militants. This operation was initiated after the death of ISIS's second-in-command. The airstrikes targeted militant gathering and movement locations, with no reported casualties among the attacking forces.

In 2026, a humanitarian crisis due to famine threatens 6 million Somalis, particularly in Burhakaba, Baidoa, and Hiiraan. Al-Shabaab is exploiting the situation to enhance its operational capabilities as government forces engage in conflicts with local militias. The closure of the Kenyan border complicates trade and security, while the rising costs of essential supplies hinder humanitarian efforts.

Marie DuboisMon May 18 2026Loading...

The Naval Aviation Brigade of the Southern Theater Command conducted high-intensity air combat training in the South China Sea. Pilots from both Red and Blue teams engaged in tactical maneuvers, with the Red team successfully simulating an attack on the Blue team. The exercise aimed to enhance pilots' skills in a fast-paced environment and assess their psychological resilience.

Chuan Wang, a former researcher at the University of Michigan, was accused of lying about his involvement with military drone production for the Chinese military during a Customs and Border Protection interview in 2023. Authorities found evidence linking him to Tianxun Chuangxin Tech, a drone manufacturer supplying the Chinese military, and discovered documents related to military contracts on his phone. Wang is the twelfth Chinese national from the university charged in a national security case since 2013.

Sen. Ted Budd expressed optimism that multiyear procurement bills for F-35 and F-15EX will be included in the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act in Washington. The proposed legislation aims to enhance the U.S. fighter inventory and improve pilot retention through increased bonuses and a new pilot program. Additionally, it mandates the Air Force to maintain a minimum of 1,369 combat-coded fighters by 2030 and authorizes the procurement of 329 F-15EX aircraft.

The UK Ministry of Defence has selected four companies to advance the development of drones designed to operate in conjunction with British Army Apache attack helicopters. This initiative aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Army's aerial assets.

Ukraine has developed a 250-kilogram guided bomb, which has been procured in an experimental batch and is currently being tested by pilots. This advancement poses a challenge to Russia's previous dominance in guided munitions, as the bomb can strike targets from several kilometers away. The development reflects Ukraine's efforts to enhance its military capabilities amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

Dmitri VolkovMon May 18 2026Loading...

Lt. Gen. John P. Healy was inducted into the Air Force’s Order of the Sword at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia on May 14, 2026. This honor recognizes his significant contributions to the welfare and prestige of the Air Force enlisted force. Healy, who has served as the Chief of Air Force Reserve since 2022, is only the 18th officer to receive this distinction from the Air Force Reserve.

Saab and Scania France signed a contract with the Directorate General of Armaments for the supply of 17 Giraffe 1X radars for the French Armed Forces. One radar will be used for testing, while 16 will be installed on Scania V3P tactical vehicles. Deliveries are expected between 2026 and 2027, enhancing the air defense capabilities of the French military.

REGENT Craft successfully demonstrated off-grid charging capabilities for its Seaglider vessels, enabling operations in remote environments. This technology allows the U.S. Navy to evaluate the Seaglider for defense applications, providing power to remote sites and enhancing expeditionary operations. The collaboration with Schneider Electric and World4Solar supports this innovative approach to maritime logistics.

The Israeli Navy intercepted a fleet attempting to reach the Gaza Strip on May 18. The fleet had departed from southern Turkey and was reportedly carrying humanitarian aid. Israeli forces warned that those involved in the provocation should change course. This follows a previous interception of a similar fleet near Crete in late April.

U&C UAS signed a contract to supply reconnaissance drones to U.S. Army units in Europe, enhancing their ISR capabilities. This marks the first confirmed international defense export for the Czech-Ukrainian firm. The drones were evaluated successfully during military exercises, demonstrating strong reliability and operational efficiency. The contract reflects the growing demand for persistent surveillance in Europe following increased security concerns since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Two temporary Israeli bases were established in western Iraq on May 18, 2026, to support military operations against Iran. These bases enhance Israel's operational capabilities, integrating air support and special operations. Iraqi forces reportedly approached one site in March, resulting in airfire and casualties. The presence of these bases raises concerns about the military sovereignty of Gulf states despite their advanced military equipment.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon May 18 2026Loading...

Britain's Ministry of Defence relaunched its search for a precision strike loitering munition under Project INSTIGATOR in May 2026, with a budget of approximately $160 million. The program seeks to develop a drone capable of engaging targets beyond 80 kilometers and emphasizes rapid deployment and modular design. Responses to the request for information are due by May 29, 2026, as the UK aims to enhance its military capabilities in response to recent conflicts.

The U.S. Navy integrated the AIM-260A missile into Super Hornet operations, as seen on May 13, 2026, at Eglin Air Force Base. This missile is intended to enhance the range capabilities of Navy fighters against threats, particularly from Chinese aircraft. However, challenges remain regarding missile availability and the operational readiness of carrier air wings amid ongoing global commitments.

Marcus ChenMon May 18 2026Loading...

ASELSAN showcased over thirty advanced military systems at the EFES 2026 Exercise in Turkey, including the KOCATEPE Battlefield Management System, which was used for the first time. The exercise demonstrated ASELSAN's capabilities in air defense, electronic warfare, and battlefield management, attracting significant attention from international military delegations. The event underscored the strength of the Turkish defense industry and its technological advancements.

Turkey is developing the Yıldırımhan long-range hypersonic ballistic missile, which will enhance its strategic capabilities with a range of 6,000 km and a payload of approximately 3 tonnes. The missile was showcased at Saha Expo 2026 in Istanbul, alongside DeltaV's HISTEP hypersonic test platform. The Yıldırımhan is designed to reach speeds of Mach 9 and Mach 25, reflecting Turkey's advancements in military technology in response to regional threats.

Ukraine has developed its first domestically produced guided aerial bomb, the KAB, which features a 250 kg warhead and is designed to target fortified positions. Pilots are training for combat use as the weapon has completed testing and an experimental batch has been procured. This development marks a significant step in Ukraine's military capabilities in 2026.

Alexandra ReevesMon May 18 2026Loading...

A certain army brigade conducted practical driving assessments at a training ground, simulating combat conditions. Personnel were tasked with transporting ammunition while responding to enemy drone threats and navigating difficult terrain. The exercises highlighted the importance of logistics and adaptability in modern warfare, with a focus on evolving roles for automotive troops in rapid response and precision delivery.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and French President Macron discussed enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities on May 18, 2023. The Ukrainian company Fire Point announced plans for the FP-7.x missile system, targeting a price under one million dollars with a first test set for late 2027. The report emphasizes Europe's fragmented air defense strategy, relying on various national systems rather than a unified approach.

Dr. Klaus WeberMon May 18 2026Loading...