Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
U.S. Media: Large Numbers of U.S. Air and Naval Military Forces Gather in the Middle East
U.S. military forces are gathering in the Middle East, deploying numerous aircraft and naval vessels across Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. Concurrently, Iran is reinforcing its military and nuclear facilities while conducting joint naval exercises with Russia. The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier strike group, including F-35C fighters, is positioned in the North Arabian Sea, with additional naval assets in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf.
Not So Fast, F-22 and F-35: China’s J-35 Stealth Fighter Summed Up in 2 Words
China is mass-producing the J-35 stealth fighter to achieve regional air dominance and support its A2/AD strategy in the Western Pacific. The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has begun service with the J-35A variant, while the naval version is optimized for the Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier. Production targets aim for 300 units annually by 2030, enhancing China's military capabilities against high-value targets.
Cross Kauwa in flames — 8 Nigerian soldiers killed in the largest ISWAP offensive since Lake Chad
ISWAP launched a coordinated attack on the military base in Cross Kauwa, Nigeria, on February 17, 2023, killing eight soldiers and wounding 23 others. The assault involved approximately 70 fighters and resulted in the destruction of eleven armored vehicles. This operation marks a significant escalation in ISWAP's activities in the region, highlighting their strategic intent to undermine Nigerian military positions.
Marie DuboisThu Feb 19 2026Loading...
The JNIM Strangles Central Mali — Three Offensives in Ten Days Target the War Economy
JNIM conducted three major operations in central Mali between January 29 and February 7, 2026, targeting economic infrastructure and local defense networks. The group ambushed a fuel convoy in Kayes, attacked Dozo militiamen in Kendié, and the Malian Army responded with airstrikes in Ségou, killing 35 militants. These actions indicate a coordinated effort to destabilize the region and disrupt supply lines.
Marie DuboisThu Feb 19 2026Loading...The JNIM Strangles Central Mali — Three Offensives in Ten Days Target the War Economy
Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) conducted three major operations in Mali between January 29 and February 7, 2026, targeting economic infrastructure and local defense networks. An ambush on a fuel convoy near Kayes resulted in at least 15 deaths, while an attack on Dozo militiamen in Kendié killed five. The Malian army responded with airstrikes, killing 35 militants, but remains on the defensive as JNIM expands its operational reach.
Marie DuboisThu Feb 19 2026Loading...Japan’s Lithium-ion Stealth Taigei-Class ‘Big Whale’ Submarine Prove You Don’t Need to Go Nuclear
Japan is expanding its submarine fleet with the Taigei-class diesel-electric submarines, which utilize lithium-ion batteries to enhance stealth and operational capabilities. The lead submarine entered service in 2022, with additional units planned through 2025. This expansion occurs amid rising naval activity in the East China Sea and Western Pacific, as Japan aims to maintain a credible undersea presence without nuclear propulsion.
Arleigh Burke vs Type 055 vs Type 45: The Modern Destroyer Competition
In 2026, the U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class, China's Type 055, and the Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyers are compared for their capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. The Arleigh Burke-class has been operational since 1991, while the Type 055 represents a significant advancement in Chinese naval power. The Type 45 is recognized for its sophisticated air-defense systems, although it has limitations in firepower.
Li MinghuiWed Feb 18 2026Loading...
F-15 Eagle vs F-16 Falcon vs Su-27 Flanker vs MiG-29 Fulcrum: Fourth Generation Fighter Legacy
The U.S. Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force maintain advanced fourth-generation fighter capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon are highlighted for their performance and adaptability, while the MiG-29 Fulcrum's limitations are noted in the context of the Ukraine conflict. Taiwan's F-16V upgrades aim to enhance its air defense against superior Chinese forces.
Tanaka TakashiWed Feb 18 2026Loading...
Gerald R. Ford vs Fujian vs HMS Queen Elizabeth: A New Era of Aircraft Carrier Competition
The USS Gerald R. Ford, Fujian, and HMS Queen Elizabeth represent the forefront of aircraft carrier technology and strategy in the Indo-Pacific as of February 2026. The introduction of Fujian with its EMALS technology challenges U.S. naval dominance, while the Queen Elizabeth's STOVL capabilities highlight its role in coalition operations. This competition underscores a shift in naval power dynamics, with significant implications for regional security.
Tanaka TakashiWed Feb 18 2026Loading...
The JNIM Submerges Titao with Hundreds of Fighters — Seven Ghanaian Traders Killed in the February 14 Offensive in Burkina Faso
On February 14, 2023, JNIM launched a coordinated attack on Titao, Burkina Faso, overwhelming a well-equipped military post and targeting civilian traders. Seven Ghanaian traders were killed in the assault, which involved systematic destruction of telecommunications and economic infrastructure. The attack highlights JNIM's operational capabilities and strategic targeting of supply routes in the region.
Marie DuboisTue Feb 17 2026Loading...Saad leaves JNIM for the Islamic State — the largest transfer of fighters ever observed in eastern Burkina Faso
Saad defected from JNIM to ISIS in February 2026, taking a large number of fighters with him. This event marks the largest transfer of militants from JNIM to ISIS in eastern Burkina Faso, creating significant operational implications in the region. The defection is expected to intensify the ongoing conflict between the two groups, which has already resulted in substantial casualties.
Marie DuboisTue Feb 17 2026Loading...US troops deploy to Nigeria to train its military
U.S. troops arrived at Bauchi Airfield in Nigeria today to assist in training and supporting the Nigerian military. This deployment of approximately 100 troops follows a formal request from the Nigerian government for training and technical support. The U.S. forces will act as advisers, focusing on helping Nigeria combat extremist terrorist groups.
First wave of US troops arrive in Nigeria to train its military
Approximately 100 U.S. troops arrived at Bauchi Airfield in Nigeria to assist in training the Nigerian military. This deployment follows a request from the Nigerian government for support in counter-terror operations against extremist groups. The U.S. forces will act as advisers and are not intended for combat roles. A total of 200 troops are expected to be deployed in total, enhancing Nigeria's capabilities to deter terrorist threats.
The U.S. Can’t Win in the Air In a China War If It Can’t Take Off
U.S. airpower in the Western Pacific is at risk from Chinese missile strikes targeting forward bases, which could severely disrupt sortie generation. The initial damage is expected to occur on the ground, affecting runways and fuel systems. The ability to quickly repair and relaunch aircraft under sustained missile pressure will be crucial for maintaining operational tempo. Logistics and resilience will become central to U.S. air operations in a potential conflict with China.
Borgu confirms the porosity of the Niger-Nigeria border — 46 dead in three villages targeted by motorcycle fighters
Armed men on motorcycles attacked the villages of Tungan Makeri, Konkoso, and Alissa in Borgu, Nigeria, on February 15, resulting in 46 deaths and numerous kidnappings. The attacks, attributed to groups like Lakurawa and JNIM, highlight the growing insecurity in the region, prompting local leaders to call for military intervention. This incident reflects a concerning trend of jihadist expansion in the area.
Marie DuboisMon Feb 16 2026Loading...When Intelligence Influence Becomes a Weapon: Egypt and China Encircle the Israeli Mossad in Africa
Egyptian and Chinese intelligence agencies initiated a campaign in early 2026 to counter Israeli Mossad activities across Africa, focusing on Sudan and Libya. This collaboration involves advanced surveillance technologies and military exercises, aiming to diminish Israeli influence in the region. The partnership reflects a strategic alignment between Egypt and China against common threats.
Ahmed Al-RashidMon Feb 16 2026Loading...Titao demonstrates the formidable effectiveness of Burkinabé VDP against jihadist groups
On February 14, Burkinabé Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) repelled a jihadist attack in Titao, Loroum Province, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy and recovering significant military equipment. The VDP, a civilian militia, has been instrumental in local defense against jihadist incursions, demonstrating the effectiveness of a hybrid defense model under Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Marie DuboisSun Feb 15 2026Loading...U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers Now Have a Serious ‘Battleship’ Problem
China is enhancing its military capabilities, focusing on advanced anti-ship missiles and expanding its submarine fleet to counter U.S. aircraft carriers in the Pacific. The People’s Liberation Army Navy is developing systems like the DF-21D and DF-26B missiles, which pose a significant threat to U.S. naval forces. As of November 28, 2023, China operates approximately 50 submarines, with plans to increase this number to 65 by 2030.
The unified force of the AES increases to 6,000 men — the military bet of the three capitals in the face of security chaos
Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani announced an increase in the unified force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) from 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers on February 14, 2024, in Niamey. This move reflects the strategic ambitions of the military regimes in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso amid ongoing jihadist threats. The AES, formed in response to regional pressures and the withdrawal of French forces, aims to establish operational capability without Western support, while also signaling a shift towards closer ties with Russia.
Marie DuboisSun Feb 15 2026Loading...69 drone attacks in two years — JNIM transforms asymmetric warfare in the Sahel
Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) has conducted 69 drone attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo since early 2023, utilizing modified commercial drones to drop improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Wilayat Sahel have also engaged in similar operations across Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. This marks a significant evolution in asymmetric warfare tactics in the Sahel region, with jihadist groups coordinating their efforts and sharing operational knowledge.
Marie DuboisSat Feb 14 2026Loading...
