Analysis & Reports

Chinese peacekeeping troops commemorated International Peacekeepers Day on May 29, 2023, with various activities in South Sudan. The 12th Batch Peacekeeping Infantry Battalion held a cultural exhibition in Juba, while the 16th Batch Engineering and Medical Teams participated in a memorial ceremony in Wau. Additionally, the 3rd Batch Quick Reaction Force conducted an oath-taking ceremony in Abyei, emphasizing their commitment to peacekeeping duties.

The European Aspides mission is expanding to include four ships to enhance protection for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz as of May 28, 2026. This expansion aims to address the challenges posed by Iranian military threats and ensure freedom of navigation in a critical global energy corridor. The mission currently operates with limited naval assets, highlighting the logistical difficulties faced by European forces in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat May 30 2026Loading...

Lockheed Martin was awarded a $180 million contract to provide maintenance and support for HIMARS and MLRS systems to foreign military customers. This contract, announced on May 28, 2023, will run through May 30, 2031, and aims to ensure operational readiness for countries including Ukraine, Poland, and Australia. The HIMARS system has significantly impacted modern warfare, particularly in Ukraine, leading to increased global demand for the artillery system.

The Quad nations (India, United States, Australia, Japan) announced new initiatives to enhance maritime security in the Indo-Pacific and revealed plans for their first joint port infrastructure project in Fiji. This move aims to counter China's growing influence in the region and improve information sharing on maritime surveillance. The announcement was made during a recent meeting in New Delhi, where the Quad expressed serious concerns about destabilizing actions in the East and South China Seas.

JNIM imposed a blockade on roads leading to Bamako in May 2026, significantly increasing the price of sheep and impacting local families ahead of Tabaski. The blockade has disrupted supply routes, forcing the military to divert resources for escorting convoys. While supplies still reach Bamako, the reduced flow creates economic pressure, indicating a strategic shift in the conflict dynamics in Mali.

Marie DuboisFri May 29 2026Loading...

China has deployed over 50,000 personnel to UN peacekeeping operations since 2003, significantly contributing to missions in South Sudan and beyond. Major General Wu Junhui was appointed as the commander of the UN mission in South Sudan, marking a notable shift in China's role within the UN peacekeeping framework. Chinese forces have also completed over 800 infrastructure projects, providing essential humanitarian assistance.

Global peacekeeping personnel numbers have dropped to 78,633 by December 2025, marking a 25-year low, primarily due to funding crises and geopolitical tensions. The United Nations remains the main organizer of peacekeeping efforts, leading 18 missions, while regional organizations struggle with capacity and funding issues. The US has taken significant actions questioning the future of several UN missions, exacerbating the situation.

Voltage Vessels is developing a 3D-printed military boat using Eclipse X9 material in Hawaii, which the U.S. Navy is currently evaluating. This new composite material offers superior mechanical properties and logistical advantages for rapid production in contested environments. The initiative aims to enhance the Navy's operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Fujian aircraft carrier has been stationed in Sanya, enhancing the operational capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The Liaoning is conducting training in the Western Pacific, while the Shandong operates in the South China Sea. This deployment reflects a strategic shift in China's naval operations, focusing on logistical support and multi-carrier operations.

Li MinghuiMon May 25 2026Loading...

JNIM and FLA exerted significant pressure on Bamako's supply routes as of April 25, 2026, following the death of General Sadio Camara. A convoy of 700 fuel trucks was escorted from Côte d'Ivoire to support the capital, indicating logistical challenges. The coalition's actions have destabilized the Malian junta, particularly after the loss of Kidal and Tessalit, forcing military leaders to reassess their strategies.

Marie DuboisSun May 24 2026Loading...

A certain brigade of the army conducted external sling load flight training at a western airport in early summer. The exercise involved multiple helicopters delivering equipment, showcasing the coordination between pilots and ground personnel. This training aims to improve logistics capabilities in complex environments, with plans for future night operations and challenging weather conditions.

Terra Industries is constructing a drone manufacturing facility in Accra, Ghana, with a goal of producing 50,000 drones annually by 2028. This initiative aims to enhance local security capabilities against armed groups in the Sahel region. The facility will focus on producing surveillance and tactical drones, addressing the operational needs of security forces in West Africa.

Marie DuboisFri May 22 2026Loading...

Survice Engineering is developing hybrid-powered drones for military applications, aiming to demonstrate them to defense customers by late summer or early fall. The U.S. Navy has requested 40 amphibious ships, with plans to increase production of mobile data centers by Armada, which secured $230 million in funding. The Pentagon is focusing on drone acquisition to enhance military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) conducted live-fire training exercises with the Liaoning aircraft carrier in the Western Pacific on May 19, 2023. The exercises included tactical flight operations and logistical support, aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the carrier group. This training is part of an annual plan and raises concerns for Japan regarding the increased presence and operational tempo of Chinese naval forces in the region.

Li MinghuiWed May 20 2026Loading...

In 2026, a humanitarian crisis due to famine threatens 6 million Somalis, particularly in Burhakaba, Baidoa, and Hiiraan. Al-Shabaab is exploiting the situation to enhance its operational capabilities as government forces engage in conflicts with local militias. The closure of the Kenyan border complicates trade and security, while the rising costs of essential supplies hinder humanitarian efforts.

Marie DuboisMon May 18 2026Loading...

On May 16, 2023, U.S. forces conducted a successful operation resulting in the death of ISWAP leader Abubakar Mainok in Maiduguri. Concurrently, over 400 Starlink terminals were seized from insurgent networks, indicating ISWAP's logistical capabilities. The report also highlights recent attacks on schools and military brigades, demonstrating ongoing insurgent activity in the region.

Marie DuboisSun May 17 2026Loading...

A coalition of over 40 nations, led by the UK and France, is committed to reopening the Strait of Hormuz by deploying military assets for protection and mine clearance operations. The UK will send Eurofighter Typhoon jets and the HMS Dragon destroyer, while France will contribute the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. Australia is providing the E-7A Wedgetail aircraft, and Belgium and Germany are repositioning minehunters to support the mission.

On April 25, 2026, JNIM and FLA conducted coordinated attacks across five Malian cities, including a suicide bombing that killed the Defense Minister in Kati. This operation marks a significant strategic shift, as JNIM, with 5,000 to 6,000 fighters, has initiated an economic blockade of Bamako, aiming to undermine the Malian state. The attacks reflect a growing sophistication in tactics and a new alliance between jihadist and secular separatist forces.

Marie DuboisFri May 15 2026Loading...

The USS Gerald R. Ford is returning to Naval Station Norfolk on Saturday after a record-breaking 324-day deployment at sea. During its mission, the carrier operated in the High North region and the Eastern Mediterranean, completing five Suez Canal transits. The deployment involved significant logistical operations and marked a historic achievement for the U.S. Navy.

U.S. Army leaders convened in Hawaii to stress the necessity of a military-industrial approach to deter adversaries in the Indo-Pacific. Gen. Xavier Brunson highlighted the importance of military strength and allied collaboration, noting South Korea's commitment to increasing defense spending. The U.S. military recently concluded Exercise Balikatan, showcasing shared defense responsibilities among allies.