Analysis & Reports

Burkinabè Armed Forces regained control of several strategic towns in Burkina Faso from jihadist groups in February 2026. Coordinated operations with Malian forces resulted in the elimination of over 100 militants. The U.S. lifted sanctions on Malian officials to facilitate ISR operations, while ECOWAS deployed a new military force to address the growing jihadist threat in West Africa. Ongoing attacks by the Islamic State in Niger underscore the persistent security challenges in the region.

Marie DuboisWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

EDGE launched the first-of-class BR71 MK II Combattante corvette for the Angolan Navy in Cherbourg, France, on 10 March 2026. The corvette is part of a EUR 1 billion contract and will enhance Angola's maritime capabilities. Two additional corvettes are under construction, with advanced unmanned aerial systems integrated for surveillance. This development signifies a growing security partnership between Angola and the UAE.

The U.S. military has expended over 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles in the first 72 hours of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, prompting a shift to Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) to conserve high-end munitions for the Indo-Pacific. General Dan Caine warned that continued military operations could deplete U.S. munitions stockpiles, affecting commitments to allies. Lockheed Martin and RTX are ramping up production of precision munitions to address the crisis.

French President Macron announced the deployment of naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz on October 9, 2023, to ensure maritime security and protect European interests. The deployment includes 8 naval vessels, an aircraft carrier strike group, and 2 amphibious assault ships. Macron stated that this operation is a response to recent threats in the region, particularly concerning Iranian drone attacks.

The U.S. military has adjusted its strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific, prioritizing homeland defense while increasing demands for regional allies to enhance their defense spending. This has led to concerns among allies about the reliability of U.S. security guarantees, especially as military assets are redeployed to other regions. China is responding by bolstering its military capabilities, indicating a shift in regional dynamics and security partnerships.

Marcus ChenTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

ECOWAS announced the deployment of 2000 soldiers by 2026, while the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) launched a unified force of 5000 soldiers in December 2025. On March 10, 2026, ISIS-Sahel attacked the Tahoua airport in Niger, targeting military drones. The security situation in the Sahel remains dire, with over 2.6 million displaced and terrorism-related deaths surpassing 10,000 in 2025.

Marie DuboisTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

U.S. and U.K. governments engaged in discussions about the use of Diego Garcia military base for operations against Iran amid sovereignty disputes with Mauritius. The Biden administration supported a U.K.-Mauritius agreement in 2024, while India maintains a strategic partnership with Mauritius to counter Chinese influence. Trump reaffirmed the importance of securing Diego Garcia as a vital U.S. interest.

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) expanded its Unified Force to 6,000 soldiers by early 2026, intensifying military operations against jihadist threats. In March 2026, Malian and Burkinabè forces conducted airstrikes that neutralized over 100 militants in Sikasso and Djibo. The presence of approximately 1,000 Russian contractors in Mali supports AES operations, while ECOWAS plans to deploy a rapid response force of 1,650 soldiers in 2026. The situation reflects a complex security dynamic in the Sahel region.

Marie DuboisTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

Japan plans to deploy improved Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles in Kumamoto Prefecture by the end of March 2026, marking a significant shift in its defense policy. Concurrently, joint military exercises with the U.S. Navy were conducted to enhance operational capabilities. This deployment is a response to regional security concerns, particularly regarding China and North Korea.

Tanaka TakashiTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

U.S. and Israeli forces continued military strikes against Iran, marking the 11th day of conflict. President Trump announced plans to lift some oil sanctions to stabilize prices and discussed the situation with President Putin. Israel conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities in Tehran. France is considering military deployment in the Hormuz Strait to ensure regional security.

The Trump administration opposes the UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands deal due to national security concerns regarding Diego Garcia, a key U.S. military base. The deal is seen as a threat to American interests, especially with Mauritius' close ties to China. U.S. military leaders emphasize the importance of maintaining control over Diego Garcia to ensure strategic operations in the Indian Ocean.

Houthi rebels engaged U.S. Navy aircraft carriers in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden using loitering munitions and anti-ship missiles in 2024. The USS Harry S. Truman and USS Carl Vinson were deployed to counter these threats. The Houthis' asymmetric tactics created significant challenges for the Navy, raising concerns about future engagements. U.S. forces learned valuable lessons in naval warfare from these encounters.

The Unified Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) was officially launched in December 2025, comprising 6,000 soldiers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with its headquarters in Niamey. This force aims to counter the growing terrorist threat independently, while the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO) plans to establish a standby force of 260,000 soldiers by 2026. Recent terrorist attacks have intensified, highlighting the urgent need for effective regional cooperation amidst political fractures.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 09 2026Loading...

Blighter signed a contract on March 9 to supply its B400 series ground surveillance radars and BlighterNexus AI software to an undisclosed Eastern European army for border protection. The systems will enhance surveillance capabilities by detecting and tracking targets along national borders, operating continuously in all weather conditions. This deployment aims to integrate radar data into the army's command-and-control infrastructure, improving situational awareness.

China enhances its A2/AD capabilities to deter U.S. Navy operations in the Indo-Pacific by utilizing advanced anti-ship ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles. This strategic shift limits U.S. aircraft carriers' operational freedom, forcing them to operate from greater distances. The evolving maritime landscape indicates that U.S. naval dominance is increasingly contested as China develops comprehensive defenses for its carriers.

A drone attack struck a market in Nyala, South Darfur on March 8, 2023, resulting in 10 civilian deaths and 7 injuries. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which is part of the ongoing violence in Sudan that has persisted for nearly three years.

The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes homeland defense while aiming to deter China through strength, without explicitly naming Taiwan. It allocates 12.6 billion dollars to counter China's military expansion and requires allies to increase defense spending significantly. This strategy introduces ambiguity regarding U.S. commitments in the Indo-Pacific, potentially affecting regional security dynamics.

Marcus ChenMon Mar 09 2026Loading...

ECOWAS activated a regional force of 2,000 soldiers in March 2026 to address escalating terrorist threats in the Sahel. The main terrorist groups, JNIM and ISSP, continue to conduct sophisticated attacks, including a drone assault on Niamey's airport. JNIM has imposed a blockade on fuel convoys in Mali, while the AES has launched a unified force of 6,000 men to combat the crisis. The situation remains critical as these groups threaten regional stability.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 09 2026Loading...

Blighter secured a contract to supply its B400 series border surveillance radars and BlighterNexus AI software to an undisclosed Eastern European Army on March 9, 2026. The radars will be deployed at fixed locations along the borders and on reconnaissance vehicles, providing 24/7 surveillance capabilities. This contract adds to Blighter's existing partnerships with military forces globally.

The U.S. Navy is evaluating the retirement of its Ohio-class SSGNs due to aging hulls and rising costs, transitioning to Virginia-class submarines with VPM upgrades. This shift aims to maintain strike capacity in the Indo-Pacific, where each Ohio-class submarine can launch up to 154 Tomahawk missiles. However, retiring the Ohio-class may create a short-term conventional missile gap as the Navy prioritizes funding for newer submarine programs.