Analysis & Reports

The Naval Aviation Force of the Southern Theater Command conducted search and rescue exercises in the South China Sea using the Z-9S helicopter. The unit performed operations under challenging winter conditions, demonstrating their capability to respond to emergencies at sea. The exercises included both day and night missions to ensure readiness for various scenarios.

The Rocket Army's unique cavalry unit patrols the Snowy Plateau on horseback due to challenging terrain. This unit has been operational for over 60 years, successfully completing critical security tasks and establishing a strong defensive line in harsh conditions.

On February 8, the Israeli government approved measures to strengthen its control over the West Bank, leading to increased violence and displacement of Palestinians. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned these actions as war crimes, while Hamas accused Israel of attempting to eliminate Palestinian existence. Reports indicate ongoing assaults by Israeli forces and settlers, resulting in injuries and forced displacements of Palestinian residents.

Russian forces attacked energy and transportation infrastructure supporting Ukrainian troops and controlled two settlements in the past 24 hours. Ukrainian forces reported 123 battles, primarily in the Pokrovsk direction. Russian air defense intercepted multiple HIMARS rockets, Neptune missiles, and drones during this period.

More than 230 Americans, including active-duty military members from the U.S. Army and Air Force, are competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy. Events include bobsled, biathlon, and figure skating, with notable athletes like Army Sgt. Frank Del Duca serving as a flag bearer. The Winter Olympics run through February 22, 2026.

U.S. Navy sailors aboard USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) participated in a live-fire maritime gunnery exercise in the Arabian Gulf last week, supported by U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The exercise, named Killer Tomato, focused on improving surface gunnery proficiency and joint air-maritime integration. A-10s were utilized for their effectiveness in close air support, allowing for enhanced coordination between naval and air forces.

The FS Charles de Gaulle completed its first-ever Pacific deployment in March 2025, showcasing interoperability with U.S. Navy forces and conducting joint exercises with Japan and India. This deployment signifies NATO's commitment to countering Chinese naval expansion in the region. The French carrier strike group included the CDG, destroyer FS Forbin, and frigates FS Provence and FS Alsace, highlighting France's growing role as a Pacific power.

The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army conducted routine naval and air patrols in the South China Sea from February 2 to February 6, maintaining high readiness amid rising tensions with the Philippines. This follows Philippine military exercises with external forces near Scarborough Shoal, prompting the PLA to assert its sovereignty and readiness to respond to provocations. Military experts highlight the PLA's strong capabilities in deterring threats in the region.

A suspect with dual Russian-Ukrainian citizenship was arrested in the UAE following the attack on Russian General Vladimir Alekseyev in Moscow on February 6, 2023. Two other suspects have been charged, while a female suspect has fled to Ukraine and is wanted internationally. The incident is characterized as a response from Ukrainian terrorists against the ongoing conflict negotiations.

Multiple explosions were heard in Kyiv, Ukraine, on the 8th, accompanied by the activation of air raid sirens.

On February 7, 2024, a convoy of 19 civilian vehicles was attacked by Islamist fighters on the Gao-Ansongo Road near Kobe, Mali, resulting in 34 deaths and 34 injuries. The convoy, which included Nigerien miners and Malian traders, was under military escort when it came under fire. The Islamic State in the Greater Sahara is suspected of the attack, which underscores the risks posed by military escorts to civilian safety in the region.

Marie DuboisSun Feb 08 2026Loading...

Multi-national Special Operations Forces participated in a submarine insertion exercise with the USS Hawaii (SSN 776) off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, on July 9, 2018, during RIMPAC 2018. The exercise involved 25,000 personnel, 46 ships, and 5 submarines, showcasing the capabilities of the U.S. Navy's new USS Arizona (SSN-803) equipped with the Virginia Payload Module. This module enhances the submarine's firepower and operational flexibility.

Leopard 2 tanks deployed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces have struggled in combat in Ukraine due to maintenance issues and a lack of combined arms support. Initially, Germany sent 14 Leopard 2 tanks, followed by over 100 more. The tanks' performance has raised concerns about their effectiveness in modern warfare, particularly in the face of Russian defenses and drone attacks.

On February 7, 2026, Russian Armed Forces launched a large-scale strike on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, deploying 450 drones and over 70 missiles targeting thermal power plants and key substations. This operation signifies a return to a strategy of attrition, aiming to disrupt Ukraine's energy supply. However, Ukraine's energy system has adapted, mitigating the long-term effects of these attacks.

Dmitri VolkovSun Feb 08 2026Loading...

The Russian Navy is experiencing a severe crisis, with significant personnel losses and operational failures exposed by the Ukraine conflict. The Black Sea Fleet has retreated from Crimea to Novorossiysk following the sinking of the Moskva and other vessels. Personnel numbers for elite units have drastically decreased, reflecting systemic issues in training and equipment maintenance. Ukrainian forces have effectively targeted and damaged key naval assets, further degrading Russia's maritime capabilities.

Iran maintains its uranium enrichment program despite significant U.S. military presence in the Gulf, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and over 60 aircraft. U.S. forces have been deployed since January 26, 2026, while Iran has taken cautious military actions, including missile deployments and halting high-level enrichment. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing among Gulf states to address the rising tensions.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Feb 08 2026Loading...

Two F-22 Raptors from the U.S. Air Force withdrew from the Super Bowl flyover on February 6, 2025, due to operational requirements. The aircraft were redeployed for combat missions amid increasing military pressure on Iran. Recent actions involving the F-22s include participation in operations against Iran, while indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran continue.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted military exercises simulating a blockade of Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait on January 1, 2025, marking its first incursion into Taiwan's 12-nautical-mile buffer zone. The exercises included maritime interdiction and air superiority operations, indicating a significant escalation in cross-Strait tensions. The US response has been measured, raising concerns about alliance credibility among regional partners.

Marcus ChenSun Feb 08 2026Loading...

China conducted large-scale military exercises around Taiwan from December 29-30, 2024, demonstrating its military capabilities and posing significant threats to Japan's security. On December 9, 2024, Chinese and Russian strategic bombers conducted joint patrols over the Miyako Strait, indicating a strategic partnership aimed at challenging U.S.-led regional order. Japan's Self-Defense Forces are under pressure to enhance their capabilities in response to these developments.

Tanaka TakashiSun Feb 08 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted joint military exercises around Taiwan on December 29-30, 2022, breaching the 12-nautical-mile territorial waters for the first time. This marked a significant escalation in PLA tactics, involving coordinated operations across all service branches and demonstrating operational maturity in blockade capabilities. The exercises pose critical challenges to Taiwan's defense strategy and decision-making processes, indicating a shift towards rehearsing actual combat scenarios for forced reunification.

Alexandra ReevesSun Feb 08 2026Loading...