Analysis & Reports

A small Mexican Navy plane crashed near Galveston, Texas, during a medical mission, killing at least two people. Emergency officials rescued four individuals, while two remain missing. The incident is under investigation by the Mexican Navy and local authorities.

The U.S. Coast Guard has been actively patrolling the Caribbean and eastern Pacific to intercept drug smuggling boats, while the Department of Defense has escalated its approach by conducting airstrikes against these boats. This shift raises legal questions and threatens the longstanding cooperative framework of counternarcotics operations.

Maj. Gen. Jonas Wikman, commander of the Swedish Air Force, discusses the modernization of the Air Force, the development of next-gen fighter capabilities, and the increasing defense budget. He highlights the Gripen fighter jets' role, particularly in electronic warfare and countering drone threats, while identifying Russia as the primary security threat. Sweden aims to enhance its NATO contributions and maintain operational readiness.

President Trump announced the construction of two 'Trump class' battleships, with plans to expand the fleet to 20-25. The new ships will feature advanced weapon systems and are part of a broader initiative to modernize the U.S. Navy's capabilities.

Military recruiting for fiscal 2026 is showing strong progress, with the Department of Defense meeting nearly 40% of its accession goals. All active-duty forces met their fiscal 2025 goals, and the National Defense Authorization Act has increased troop end strength by approximately 26,100 personnel.

Ira 'Ike' Schab, a World War II Navy veteran and one of the last survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack, has died at the age of 105 in Beaverton, Oregon. His death reduces the number of surviving veterans of the attack to about a dozen. Schab served in the Navy during the war and later contributed to the Apollo spaceflight program.

President Trump has nominated Lt. Gen. Francis L. Donovan to lead U.S. Southern Command following Adm. Alvin Holsey's retirement. Donovan will oversee military operations, including controversial strikes against alleged drug-carrying vessels in the region. Holsey's departure was marked by concerns over the legality and aggression of these operations.

The report outlines significant developments in air warfare for 2025, highlighting advancements in the US Air Force, challenges posed by China, leadership changes, and ongoing programs like the F-35 and Sentinel ICBM.

U.S. forces conducted a significant military operation in central Syria, striking over 70 ISIS targets in retaliation for a recent attack that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. personnel. The operation involved the use of over 100 precision munitions and was supported by Jordanian fighter jets.

Sweden is accelerating the integration of Taurus missiles with its Gripen aircraft, enabling deep-strike capabilities earlier than expected. This development represents a significant shift in Sweden's military strategy, moving towards offensive operations.

The Pentagon's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 is planning to enhance counter-drone capabilities by sharing data with the Golden Dome missile defense project, focusing on larger drones classified as Group 3. This initiative aims to integrate counter-UAS efforts across military branches and improve defenses against drone threats, particularly in light of increasing drone activity along the U.S.-Mexico border.

A California Air Guard team successfully executed a high-risk night rescue from a fog-covered cruise ship, demonstrating their operational capabilities in challenging conditions.

US forces have successfully seized an oil tanker in the Caribbean, indicating a military operation related to maritime security.

US forces are returning to Ecuador for a short-term counter-drug mission.

Jordan confirmed that its air force joined U.S. military strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria, responding to the killing of three U.S. citizens. The operation aimed to eliminate ISIS fighters and prevent threats to regional security. U.S. Central Command reported over 70 targets were struck in central Syria, with support from Jordanian fighter aircraft.

US forces have launched strikes on ISIS in Syria as a response to the death of two soldiers.

The U.S. has launched an operation to eliminate ISIS fighters and infrastructure in Syria following the deaths of three U.S. citizens in an attack attributed to ISIS. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the operation, emphasizing it as a declaration of vengeance. Airstrikes have targeted ISIS positions in Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa provinces, utilizing F-15 jets, A-10 aircraft, and Apache helicopters. President Trump has promised serious retaliation for the attack on U.S. personnel.

The U.S. military is ending the practice of using live animals for medic training, opting for advanced simulation technology instead. This decision is part of the annual defense bill and aims to reduce animal suffering while maintaining effective training for medics. The change has been supported by animal rights advocates and reflects a broader shift towards humane training methods.

On November 26, extremist militias launched drones and rockets at the Khor Mor gas field in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, threatening the democratic values of the Kurdish people. The U.S. has supported Kurdistan with significant investments and military cooperation, and there is a call for further action to protect against these extremist attacks.

The U.S. Marine Corps is implementing a gender-neutral Physical Fitness Test for combat roles, aiming to establish equal standards for all personnel.