Analysis & Reports

NATO launched its largest military exercise of the year, 'Steadfast Lancer-2026', in Germany, involving around 10,000 soldiers from 11 member countries. The exercise, running from January to March 2026, includes over 1,500 military vehicles, more than 20 aircraft, and 17 naval vessels. The U.S. is absent from this exercise due to pre-planned scheduling, while the operation marks the first deployment of NATO's rapid response force.

USS Wisconsin (BB-64) was commissioned in 1944 and served in multiple conflicts, including World War II and the Korean War. The battleship was modernized in the 1980s and participated in Operation Desert Storm, firing its last combat shots in February 1991. Currently, it serves as a museum ship in Norfolk, Virginia.

Russia's military casualties in Ukraine have exceeded 1.2 million as of January 2026, with daily losses often surpassing 1,000. The Russian Armed Forces are engaged in a war of attrition, relying on older equipment and continuous recruitment to sustain their efforts. The government has invested heavily in compensating families of casualties to maintain domestic support, while military spending has reached 40% of federal expenditures.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations as of February 24, 2024. The carrier, part of Carrier Strike Group Nine, is currently flying in formation with a B-52 Stratofortress and aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 11. The USS Theodore Roosevelt has a notable operational history, including participation in major conflicts and recent deployments in the Pacific.

U.S. Navy unit VX-9 was observed flying an F-35A Lightning II at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, on January 23. This flight is part of an exchange program between the U.S. Navy and Air Force. The Navy has received nearly 90 F-35C aircraft, and the F-35A is being tested for compatibility with Navy operations.

The U.S. Navy has forward-deployed eight Arleigh Burke-class destroyers across the Middle East, preparing for potential confrontation with Iran. This deployment supports the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and includes destroyers positioned in critical areas such as the Strait of Hormuz and Arabian Sea. The military buildup has prompted Iran to engage in serious discussions with the U.S., marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.

Israeli Defense Forces killed 4 Palestinian militants near the 'Green Line' in northern Gaza Strip on February 2. The IDF stated that the militants posed a direct threat as they approached their forces. This incident follows previous engagements with militants crossing the 'Green Line', which the IDF Chief of Staff has described as a new boundary for Gaza.

A Russian drone strike killed at least a dozen civilians in Dnipro, Ukraine, while Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in 32 fatalities. In Minnesota, U.S. Border Patrol officials reported ongoing immigration enforcement operations, including a recent incident involving the fatal shooting of a nurse by immigration agents. A judge criticized ICE for its handling of asylum seekers, highlighting broader concerns about immigration enforcement practices.

China's J-35A, a new twin-engine, fifth-generation multirole fighter, is being developed to complement the J-20 and exert pressure on Taiwan through grey-zone operations. The J-35A is designed for air superiority and precision strike, while the F-22 is recognized for its maneuverability and stealth. Both aircraft are equipped with beyond-visual-range missiles, but the effectiveness of the J-35A may be limited by the inexperience of Chinese pilots compared to their American counterparts.

The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) have suffered significant losses in combat aircraft since February 2022, with 361 aircraft lost, including 299 destroyed. In response, the VKS has adapted its tactics, relying on stand-off strikes and glide bombs while reducing airspace penetration. The aging fleet, with many aircraft over 30 years old, faces challenges in maintaining operational capacity. Despite these adaptations, the VKS continues to struggle with high attrition rates and operational effectiveness in Ukraine.

Russia's armored forces in Ukraine have suffered over 4,308 tank losses and 8,735 armored infantry fighting vehicles since the invasion began in 2022. The military is increasingly relying on older models like T-62s and T-54/55 due to significant losses of modern equipment. Design flaws in Russian tanks contribute to catastrophic failures, leading to high casualty rates among crews. The ongoing conflict has resulted in approximately 1.2 million Russian casualties, indicating a critical situation for the Russian military.

The Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on February 2 in Southern Lebanon, targeting multiple Hezbollah weapon storage facilities. One of the destroyed facilities was located in a civilian area, prompting accusations that Hezbollah is using civilian infrastructure for military purposes. The IDF stated that these actions are necessary to prevent Hezbollah's military rebuilding efforts, which pose a direct threat to Israel.

Iran is prepared to retaliate against any military provocations infringing on its sovereignty, as stated by Chief of Staff Mousavi. Military exercises are scheduled for February 2-3, 2023, at Shirin Fortress on Iran's western border. Mousavi emphasized that the Iranian military's combat spirit is high and warned of serious consequences for the U.S. and its allies if tensions escalate.

The USS Missouri (BB-63) was commissioned in 1944 and played a significant role in World War II, including the Japanese surrender ceremony. It later served in the Korean War and the Persian Gulf War, showcasing its adaptability with modern weaponry. Decommissioned in 1992, it now serves as a memorial at Pearl Harbor, representing American naval power and engineering excellence.

On February 1, 2023, the Israeli Defense Forces conducted an airstrike in Southern Lebanon, killing Ali Khakani, a key commander of Hezbollah's air defense unit. Khakani was involved in planning the reconstruction of Hezbollah's military infrastructure. Additionally, another airstrike on February 2 resulted in the death of another armed individual attempting to rebuild military facilities for Hezbollah.

ST Engineering conducted a live demonstration at SAFTI City, showcasing advanced military training technologies for the Singapore Armed Forces. The facility, commissioned for training in October 2024, can host up to 1,200 soldiers and features integrated sensors and simulation technologies. The event highlighted Singapore's commitment to modernizing military training for urban operations, emphasizing realism and safety in training exercises.

The U.S. and Taiwan are establishing a Joint Firepower Cooperation Center to enhance defense capabilities against potential Chinese aggression by 2027. This initiative involves elite Taiwanese troops and U.S. military support, focusing on asymmetric warfare strategies, including air denial tactics. The U.S. will provide military equipment, while Taiwan will contribute specialized personnel to improve coordination and defense readiness against the larger Chinese military.

The U.S. and Taiwan are establishing a Joint Firepower Cooperation Center to enhance asymmetric warfare capabilities in response to potential Chinese aggression by 2027. Taiwan will deploy elite troops, while the U.S. will provide military equipment and personnel support. The initiative focuses on unconventional defense strategies, particularly air denial, to counter China's larger military forces. This collaboration follows ongoing military pressure from China, which has conducted frequent military exercises near Taiwan.

A heavy Russian cargo plane, the Ilyushin Il-76, arrived at the San Antonio de los Baños Air Base in Cuba late Sunday evening. The aircraft, operated by Aviacon Zitotrans, has a history of transporting military equipment, including air defense systems to Venezuela. This arrival occurs amid heightened geopolitical tensions and U.S. sanctions against Cuba and its military suppliers.