Analysis & Reports

Türkiye delivered M48 and M60 Patton tanks to the Somali Army in Mogadishu on February 14, 2026. The tanks were offloaded from the Turkish Navy landing ship TCG Sancaktar and escorted by Kipri armored vehicles through the city. This delivery enhances the operational capabilities of Somali forces, which have been receiving military support from Türkiye.

The U.S. plans to deploy approximately 200 soldiers to Nigeria to train local forces in combating Islamic militants. This decision follows recent airstrikes ordered by President Trump against ISIS targets in the region. The deployment marks the first acknowledgment of U.S. ground troops in Nigeria since airstrikes commenced last Christmas.

The SR-71 Blackbird conducted reconnaissance missions from bases like Kadena Air Base during the late 1960s, observing activities in North Vietnam and Laos. It set numerous speed and altitude records, including a Mach 3.3 flight and an altitude of 85,068.997 feet. The program was terminated in 1989 due to rising costs and advancements in satellite technology, although NASA continued to operate the aircraft for research until 1999.

The Congo (DRC) government accepted ceasefire principles proposed by Angola regarding the conflict with the M23 movement. This decision was announced on February 13, 2023, as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions in the eastern regions of North Kivu and South Kivu. Angola's proposal includes a ceasefire starting February 18, 2026, following a significant escalation in violence since January 2025, which has resulted in numerous civilian casualties and displacements.

Russia has secured its first export customer for the Su-57 stealth fighter, with Algeria reportedly purchasing 14 units. This acquisition raises concerns among U.S. officials regarding military exports and potential sanctions. The deal is significant given Russia's limited production capacity, with only about 21 Su-57s expected by late 2025. The situation also intersects with ongoing regional diplomatic discussions over Western Sahara.

The U.S. Air Force denied reports of receiving F-35 fighters with empty radomes, confirming that Lot 17 aircraft are being delivered with the older AN/APG-81 radar due to delays in the new AN/APG-85 radar's development. This situation highlights ongoing challenges in the F-35 program, which is projected to incur a lifecycle cost of $2.1 trillion through the 2070s.

The U.S. is deploying approximately 200 troops to Nigeria to train the country's armed forces in their fight against an Islamist insurgency. This deployment, expected in the coming weeks, will supplement a small team of American military officers already in Nigeria. Nigerian officials clarified that the U.S. troops will not engage in combat but will serve as technical and training personnel.

The U.S. is deploying approximately 200 troops to Nigeria to train the country's armed forces in their fight against an Islamist insurgency. This deployment, expected in the coming weeks, will supplement a small team of American military officers already in Nigeria. U.S. officials have stated that these troops will not engage in combat but will serve as technical and training personnel.

USS Iwo Jima is set to undergo a $204.2 million modernization overhaul at Norfolk Naval Shipyard starting in June 2026. This maintenance follows its involvement in Operation Southern Spear, where it played a crucial role in capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The overhaul will further strain the U.S. Navy's amphibious fleet, which is already limited after the decommissioning of the USS Bonhomme Richard.

The Pentagon confirmed the deployment of 200 U.S. military instructors to Nigeria on February 12, 2026, to train Nigerian armed forces in their fight against jihadist groups. This marks the first official ground deployment since controversial airstrikes in December 2025. The U.S. aims to support Nigeria amid rising jihadist threats and following the withdrawal of French forces from the Sahel region.

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The U.S. Navy is addressing a critical submarine shortage by operationally deploying Unmanned Undersea Systems in February 2026. This strategy aims to enhance ISR capabilities and maintain sea denial in the Western Pacific while freeing up attack submarines for high-value missions. The Navy is prioritizing operational density and coercive friction to adapt to the evolving maritime environment.

JNIM launched a deliberate assault on a fortified military position in Makalondi on February 4, resulting in the deaths of 36 Nigerien soldiers. The attackers seized at least 12 military vehicles equipped with heavy machine guns. This incident highlights the increasing operational capability of JNIM in the Tillabéri region, which has been a hotspot for jihadist activity.

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Fincantieri plans to boost defense production capacity in Italy and increase revenue by 40% by 2030, driven by rising global defense spending. The company anticipates securing €50 billion in new orders, adding to its existing €60 billion backlog. Additionally, Fincantieri is expanding its undersea business and has signed contracts with foreign customers, including a €200 million deal with Saudi Arabia for torpedoes.

As of February 12, 2026, the Russian Air Force operates approximately 30 Su-57 stealth fighters, with a recent delivery of upgraded models. The aircraft has been primarily utilized in a limited capacity during the Ukraine conflict, while recent footage confirms its export to Algeria. Despite its advanced design, the Su-57's operational capabilities and numbers remain significantly lower compared to U.S. 5th-generation fighters like the F-35.

The U.S. Navy conducted a sinking exercise (SINKEX) using the retired frigate USS Simpson during the UNITAS 2025 drills, involving 25 nations and 8,000 personnel. The exercise simulated high-intensity conflict in the Indo-Pacific, specifically rehearsing amphibious assaults against Chinese-militarized islands. The USS Simpson was sunk by anti-ship missiles launched from MH-60 helicopters and destroyers, providing valuable data on hull resilience and missile lethality.

On January 28, thirty Islamic State fighters launched a coordinated assault on Niamey International Airport, targeting both the civilian terminal and the adjacent military base. The Russian African Corps and Nigerien Armed Forces repelled the attack, resulting in twenty attackers killed and four Nigerien soldiers injured. This incident underscores the growing military collaboration between Russia and Niger.

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Algeria has inducted its first Su-57E fighter jets, while Morocco is in negotiations to acquire 32 F-35s, intensifying military competition in North Africa. This procurement race is expected to reshape the regional security landscape, with Algeria's military budget projected to be significantly higher than Morocco's by 2025. Both nations are focusing on modernizing their air forces amid ongoing tensions.

JNIM launched a sophisticated drone attack on Niamey on January 29, 2025, targeting the international airport and military base. The assault involved RPGs and mortars, damaging military drones and a civilian aircraft. This marks a significant escalation in tactics, showcasing JNIM's advanced operational capabilities and integration of drone technology into their warfare strategy.

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The Islamic Jihad Organization has increased drone strikes in West Africa, conducting at least 69 attacks in Burkina Faso and Mali since 2023. Two ISIS-affiliated groups have also executed around 20 drone strikes, primarily in Nigeria. Drones are utilized for both offensive operations and reconnaissance, with extremists acquiring them through smuggling networks despite government restrictions. The use of FPV drones represents a significant enhancement in their operational capabilities.

A drone attacked a warehouse of the United Nations World Food Programme in Kadugli, South Kordofan, Sudan, on February 11, 2023. The attack caused damage to the warehouse and its food supplies, but no casualties were reported. This incident occurs amid escalating conflicts between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces in the region.