Analysis & Reports

On February 3, 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Nick Checker arrived in Bamako to discuss counter-terrorism cooperation and economic relations with Mali's Foreign Minister. The U.S. is shifting its strategy in the Sahel, moving away from democracy promotion and focusing on intelligence sharing and potential arms supplies to combat jihadist threats. Russian contractors are currently operating in the region, complicating the security landscape.

Marie DuboisWed Feb 11 2026Loading...

A Nigerien military drone struck a crowded market in Kokoloko on January 6, 2026, killing 17 civilians and injuring 13 others. Three ISIS fighters were also killed in the attack. The incident has raised concerns about the legality of such strikes under international humanitarian law, as the market was filled with civilians. Following the strike, most residents fled the village.

Marie DuboisWed Feb 11 2026Loading...

The Navy recognized Lt. Cmdr. Carolyn Bystrom and Lt. Cmdr. Brian Van Metre as Surface Warfare Officers of the Year for the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets, respectively. Bystrom was honored for her leadership aboard the USS Spruance during a deployment where her crew successfully engaged threats from Houthi-backed drones. Van Metre received his award for his role as combat systems officer on the USS Mason, where he led efforts to counter drone and missile attacks during a deployment to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The U.S. Navy is reshuffling its traditional carrier strike group model to create tailored forces for greater operational flexibility. This initiative, outlined in the new 'Fighting Instructions' guidance, aims to provide combatant commanders with customizable formation options. The Navy plans to integrate unmanned systems into its strategy, optimizing asset deployment beyond conventional cycles. Key locations involved include the Red Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, with a focus on missions such as mine clearance in strategic chokepoints.

The Sudanese army destroyed a Chinese-made FK-2000 air defense system operated by the Rapid Support Forces in Ed Dubeibat during ongoing combat operations. The FK-2000 had been used by RSF units to contest Sudanese Air Force operations. This incident highlights the increasing use of advanced military hardware in the conflict.

The Dassault Rafale, a twin-engine 4.5-generation fighter jet, is currently in service with nine nations, including India and the UAE. It has demonstrated its combat capabilities in simulations, successfully engaging an F-35. The aircraft is equipped with advanced weaponry and has undergone upgrades to enhance its operational effectiveness against modern air defenses.

China is actively planning to suppress U.S. airpower in the Western Pacific by targeting forward bases with precision-guided missiles, aiming to ground F-35 fighters and bombers without engaging in aerial combat. This strategy emphasizes the importance of logistics and rapid runway repair for the U.S. to maintain operational capabilities under sustained missile fire.

Napoleon Bonaparte revolutionized warfare in the 19th century by mastering the 'fog of war' and employing combined-arms tactics with his Napoleonic Corps. He utilized infantry, cavalry, and artillery flexibly to create tactical advantages, particularly during the Battle of the Pyramids in Egypt. His strategies emphasized decentralized command and controlling the battlefield's center, leading to significant military victories.

U.S. Air Force conducted airstrikes on December 25, 2025, in Bauni, Nigeria, killing over 100 fighters. The strikes targeted positions claimed to be affiliated with ISIS, but local sources indicate the presence of the Lakurawa group instead. This operation signifies a renewed military strategy by AFRICOM in Africa, raising concerns about civilian casualties and the accuracy of intelligence used.

Marie DuboisTue Feb 10 2026Loading...

Turkish President Erdoğan visited Saudi Arabia and Egypt to enhance defense ties. In Saudi Arabia, discussions focused on joint investment in the KAAN fighter jet program, while Turkey and Egypt signed a Military Framework Agreement to expand defense cooperation. Egypt will acquire the MKE TOLGA Close-In Air Defense System as part of a broader $350 million defense package, signaling a shift towards long-term industrial cooperation.

The U.S. Navy faces significant munitions shortages, with Admiral Paparo warning that current stocks are insufficient for a high-intensity conflict in the Western Pacific. A recent wargame revealed that the U.S. could exhaust critical munitions within eight days of engaging in conflict over Taiwan. The ongoing military assistance to Ukraine and Israel further strains U.S. munitions inventories, highlighting a logistical crisis in the defense industrial base.

Marcus ChenTue Feb 10 2026Loading...

Algeria received two Su-57 stealth fighters from Russia in November 2025, part of a larger deal for 12 Su-57s and 14 Su-34s worth approximately $2 billion. This marks Algeria as the first foreign customer for the Su-57, raising concerns about regional military balance and potential U.S. sanctions. The arms acquisition is viewed as a strategic move to enhance Algeria's military capabilities amid ongoing tensions with Morocco.

Alexandra ReevesTue Feb 10 2026Loading...

ISWAP and ISIS affiliates attacked Niamey International Airport on January 29, destroying a Bayraktar TB2 drone and damaging several aircraft, resulting in 27 government personnel fatalities. This operation highlights a growing alliance between ISWAP and ISIS factions, with implications for regional security as they coordinate attacks across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.

Marie DuboisTue Feb 10 2026Loading...

Algeria received two Su-57 stealth fighter jets from Russia at Oum El Bouaghi Air Base in November 2025. This marks Algeria as the first country outside Russia to operate the Su-57, part of a broader arms deal that includes 12 jets and 14 Su-34 fighter-bombers. The deal has implications for regional military dynamics, particularly in relation to Morocco.

On February 10, the Chinese Ministry of Defense reiterated its commitment to being a reliable partner for African nations in military cooperation. The ministry highlighted the long-standing relationship since the 1950s, emphasizing joint training, peacekeeping, and humanitarian efforts. China aims to strengthen its strategic partnerships with African countries to promote mutual development and security.

Algeria has begun operating 14 Su-57E stealth fighters alongside Su-35s in February 2026, marking a significant enhancement of its air power. This acquisition has triggered warnings from the U.S. State Department about potential sanctions under CAATSA, which could impact Algeria's defense budget. The integration of these advanced aircraft signals a new arms race in North Africa, as Algeria seeks to bolster its military capabilities amid geopolitical tensions.

On February 7, 2025, U.S. officials engaged with the Malian junta in Bamako, marking a shift in U.S. policy after years of military cooperation suspension. The U.S. aims to address security threats, particularly from jihadist groups, while navigating the presence of Russian mercenaries in the region. Recent attacks have resulted in significant casualties among Nigerien soldiers, highlighting the ongoing instability in the Sahel.

Marie DuboisMon Feb 09 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy is facing a submarine crisis, with its attack boat fleet projected to decline to 47 hulls by 2028. To address this, the Navy is shifting towards unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) for persistent ISR and seabed warfare, aiming to maintain operational effectiveness in the Western Pacific. This strategic pivot is necessary as older submarines retire faster than new ones are delivered, highlighting the need for a robust unmanned layer to support naval operations.

On February 4, 2026, 36 Nigerien soldiers were killed in Makalondi as JNIM fighters overwhelmed a military position, capturing at least 12 armored vehicles. Concurrently, the Islamic State in the Sahel attacked Niamey's Diori Hamani International Airport, resulting in 20 assailants killed. Russian forces confirmed their role in defending the airport, while the U.S. deployed a small military team to Nigeria, marking a renewed American presence in the region.

Marie DuboisMon Feb 09 2026Loading...

Egypt has developed a range of military capabilities, including over 1,000 Walid armored vehicles and various aircraft, while Saudi Arabia and the UAE are significantly expanding their defense industries. Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) aims to ensure 50% of military spending occurs domestically by 2030, and EDGE Group in the UAE is consolidating defense enterprises to enhance capabilities and pursue international markets. Both countries are leveraging their financial resources to modernize and expand their military production.