Analysis & Reports

The U.S. is recalibrating its military posture in the Indo-Pacific to address fiscal constraints and enhance deterrence against China. This includes deploying missile systems to the Philippines and increasing defense spending commitments from Japan and South Korea. The AUKUS partnership is advancing operational integration among U.S. and Australian forces, while China continues to expand its military presence in the region. The 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes a shift towards burden-sharing with allies.

Marcus ChenThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) launched a coordinated attack on military posts in Kofono, Benin, on March 7, 2026, resulting in 15 fatalities and 5 injuries among Beninese security forces. This incident highlights a significant strategic shift as jihadist groups expand their operations from the Sahel to coastal West Africa, exploiting regional security weaknesses.

Marie DuboisThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

NATO activated a ballistic missile defense posture on March 5, 2026, following an Iranian missile threat to Turkey. Concurrently, NATO began the Cold Response military exercises in Norway on March 9, emphasizing civilian preparedness. European nations are diversifying arms procurement, reducing reliance on U.S. military hardware, with Germany projected to significantly increase defense spending by 2029. These developments reflect a strategic shift in European defense in response to ongoing threats.

Alexandra ReevesThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

JNIM launched a large-scale offensive in February 2026, targeting military forces in Burkina Faso, following the defection of commander Sadou Samahouna to ISIS. The offensive included over 30 attacks, resulting in more than 120 casualties among soldiers and pro-government militias. The most lethal attack occurred in Titao, where 80 military personnel and militia members were killed. Concurrently, ISIS conducted its own offensive against JNIM positions, highlighting the ongoing conflict between these jihadist groups in the Sahel region.

Marie DuboisThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

The USS Gerald R. Ford experienced a non-combat fire in its laundry room while operating in the Red Sea on Thursday. The fire was successfully extinguished, and the ship remains fully operational. Two sailors sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are in stable condition. The carrier is currently deployed in support of Operation Epic Fury.

The United States unveiled a new defense strategy focusing on deterring China in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the first island chain. This strategy demands greater defense contributions from allies, particularly Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, while China continues its military modernization. The U.S. aims to maintain military superiority through forward-deployed forces and allied contributions, but faces challenges in ensuring commitment and reliability among regional partners.

Marcus ChenThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

Malian, Burkinabè, and Nigerien forces conducted coordinated military operations from February 21 to March 9, 2026, eliminating over 100 terrorists. The Malian Armed Forces executed a surgical airstrike in Yanfolila, while the Burkinabè army launched a counter-offensive in Northern Sahel. Nigerien forces successfully repelled an attack on the Tahua airport. These actions reflect an intensified commitment to counter-terrorism amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Sahel.

Marie DuboisThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) deployed 5,000 to 6,000 troops in December 2025 to combat jihadist insurgency, while the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) plans a 260,000-strong anti-terror force by 2026. Jihadist groups, including JNIM and EIGS, have intensified attacks in the Sahel, notably against military installations in Burkina Faso and Niger. This military escalation highlights the political rivalry between AES and ECOWAS amid a deteriorating security situation in the region.

Marie DuboisThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) deployed a unified force of 5,000 to 6,000 fighters in December 2025 to combat jihadist insurgency in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced plans for a larger regional anti-terrorist force comprising 260,000 soldiers, supported by a $2.5 billion annual budget. This situation highlights the political divide between the military juntas in the Sahel and the broader ECOWAS community.

Marie DuboisThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

The USS George H.W. Bush is set to deploy to the eastern Mediterranean, joining the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln in operations against Iranian military infrastructure. This deployment enhances U.S. naval capabilities in the region, allowing for hundreds of strike sorties daily and increasing deterrence against Iranian actions, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.

NATO commenced its Cold Response 2026 exercise in the Norwegian Arctic on March 9, emphasizing civilian preparedness and total defense concepts. On the same day, NATO missile defense systems intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile that entered Turkish airspace. European defense strategy is diversifying, with increased arms imports from South Korea and Israel, while the UK is stepping up its leadership role in European security.

Alexandra ReevesThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

The U.S. is negotiating security cooperation agreements with military juntas in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso as of March 2026. This includes the potential resumption of drone surveillance over Mali to monitor jihadist groups. Concurrently, jihadist activities have escalated in Nigeria, leading to military casualties. Sahelian forces have also reported tactical successes against militants, indicating a complex security landscape in the region.

Marie DuboisThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

The U.S. is negotiating a return to military operations in the Sahel, including drone surveillance over Mali, while Nigerien forces successfully conducted operations against jihadists. Russian forces are providing military support to Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, amid increasing jihadist violence in Nigeria. This situation reflects a complex geopolitical landscape with implications for U.S. interests in the region.

Marie DuboisThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

France deployed 10 warships, including the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, to the Eastern Mediterranean in March 2023 to enhance regional security and protect its interests. This unprecedented naval operation aims to position France as a credible security partner amid shifting alliances in the Middle East following Iranian missile strikes. The deployment includes 8 frigates and 2 helicopter carriers, demonstrating France's military capability and commitment to its defense agreements in the region.

A drone strike in Goma, North Kivu, on March 11, 2023, resulted in the death of one UNICEF staff member and two civilians. The M23 Movement claims the attack was carried out by Congolese government forces. The Congolese government has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and is conducting an investigation.

USS Florida (SSGN 728) completed a 727-day deployment starting in August 2022, operating across the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and Europe. The submarine, armed with 154 Tomahawk missiles, showcased US military capabilities and deterrence amid rising global tensions. Despite its significant role, USS Florida is scheduled for retirement in 2026, raising concerns about a potential conventional strike gap in the US Navy's capabilities.

The Pentagon released the 2026 National Defense Strategy, emphasizing deterrence by denial against China and regional stability without direct confrontation. The strategy omits explicit commitments regarding Taiwan, raising concerns among allies. It demands that allies spend 5% of GDP on defense, prioritizing homeland defense over European commitments. The Pentagon plans to invest $10 billion in the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to enhance military readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.

Marcus ChenWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

ECOWAS is set to deploy 2000 soldiers by the end of 2026 to combat terrorism in the Sahel, while the Sahel States Alliance, comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, aims to establish a joint force of 5000-6000 fighters. This dual military architecture arises amid rising terrorist threats and significant humanitarian crises, with Nigeria's economic challenges limiting its support for ECOWAS operations.

Marie DuboisWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy faces critical vulnerabilities to submarine attacks, as demonstrated by the 2015 exercise where the French submarine Saphir penetrated carrier defenses undetected. Recent assessments highlight the threat posed by Russian Yasen-class submarines armed with Zircon hypersonic missiles, which could disable carrier operations. Historical incidents involving Swedish and Chinese submarines further illustrate the risks to U.S. Aircraft Carrier Strike Groups.

On March 11, 2023, a drone attack by the Rapid Support Forces in a village in White Nile State, Sudan, resulted in the deaths of 10 civilians, including 9 students and 1 medical worker, and injured 17 others. This incident highlights the ongoing violence in Sudan, where armed conflict has persisted for nearly three years, leading to significant civilian casualties.