Analysis & Reports

U.S. personnel were wounded during a raid to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in Caracas. The operation, named Absolute Resolve, involved over 200 forces and 150 aircraft. President Trump confirmed that helicopter pilots sustained injuries from enemy fire, but threats were neutralized by snipers. One soldier involved in the operation is set to receive the Medal of Honor.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is deploying to the Arabian Sea to join the USS Abraham Lincoln, enhancing U.S. Navy's dual-carrier operations in the Middle East. This deployment aims to increase pressure on Iran, utilizing advanced aircraft and missile systems for potential targeted strikes. The operation is expected to be quick and precise, focusing on Iranian command and control facilities.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) deployed its F-35I Adir fleet to conduct airstrikes against Iranian targets during a 12-day conflict. The operations involved beyond-visual-range strikes and drone swarms, highlighting a shift towards distributed and unmanned warfare. Despite the F-35I's use, critics argue that it was not the decisive weapon and emphasize the need for a focus on drone technology instead of costly manned aircraft.

Allied forces conducted a devastating bombing campaign on Dresden from February 13 to 14, 1945, involving British Lancaster bombers and American B-17s. The attacks resulted in approximately 25,000 deaths and the destruction of 75,000 homes, with many victims succumbing to carbon monoxide poisoning. The city, previously relatively unscathed, faced unprecedented destruction and loss of life.

U.S. President Trump confirmed the deployment of a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East on February 13, 2023, to exert pressure on Iran for a potential agreement. The USS Gerald R. Ford is already being deployed from the Caribbean, with the U.S. Navy prepared for further military action if negotiations fail.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff conducted an inspection in Rafah on October 13, asserting that the IDF has destroyed all Hamas frontline combat camps and is ready to shift to offensive operations if needed. The IDF is currently monitoring border crossings into Gaza and aims to demilitarize the region, having recently established the 38th Brigade to enhance ground combat capabilities.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will not abandon the goal of demilitarizing Gaza and disarming Hamas, as stated by IDF Chief of Staff in Rafah on February 13. The IDF is preparing for offensive operations and focusing on dismantling underground military infrastructure in the area. Hamas officials have declared that resistance will persist as long as Israel continues its attacks.

U.S. Army leaders prepare for a potential large-scale war in Europe, projecting the need to manage 1,500 targets daily. The Dynamic Front 26 exercise emphasizes multinational coordination and the use of automation and AI to process targeting data efficiently. Brig. Gen. Steven Carpenter noted the necessity to intercept up to 1,200 missiles daily, highlighting the challenges of modern warfare.

The U.S. Navy conducted SINKEX exercises on July 11 and 19, 2024, sinking the decommissioned USS Dubuque and USS Tarawa off Kauai, Hawaii. These exercises tested advanced weaponry, including Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) and QUICKSINK munitions, showcasing U.S. naval capabilities and interoperability with partner forces. The events involved over 20,000 personnel and aimed to send a strategic message amid China's naval expansion.

The Russian Navy's K-141 Kursk submarine sank in the Barents Sea on August 12, 2000, due to a faulty torpedo, resulting in the deaths of all 118 crew members. Russian officials attempted to deflect blame onto NATO and the U.S. Navy, despite evidence indicating a malfunction. The rescue efforts were severely delayed, and foreign assistance was initially refused, leading to further loss of life. The incident highlighted significant failures in command and safety protocols within the Russian Navy.

The USS Guitarro sank at dock in Mare Island on May 15, 1969, due to negligence during construction. Two teams ballasted the submarine simultaneously without coordination, leading to flooding. The submarine was refloated three days later, with damages estimated between $15.2 million and $21.85 million. An investigation found that the sinking was caused by the negligence of shipyard employees, prompting recommendations for improved safety protocols in naval construction.

U.S. Air Force helicopters executed a rescue mission 400 miles off the coast of Mexico on February 5, 2026, involving the stabilization of a crewman from the Maran Gas Olympias. The operation required coordination among multiple squadrons and included mid-flight refueling. Following the mission, the crews landed in Cabo San Lucas for the night before returning to Arizona.

A Louisiana National Guard soldier left an M4 carbine unattended in a hotel bathroom during Mardi Gras security patrols on February 8, 2026. The weapon was discovered by a civilian in the French Quarter, prompting an internal investigation by military officials. Approximately 350 troops were deployed to New Orleans for security operations during the event.

In 2017, the INS Arihant, India's first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, suffered flooding in its propulsion compartment after a crew member left a hatch open. This incident resulted in nearly ten months of repairs, impacting India's naval readiness during a standoff with China. The event raised significant concerns about operational protocols and the submarine's design, particularly regarding the existence of hatches in critical areas.

The 3rd Marine Wing and 1st Marine Expeditionary Force conducted the Steel Knight 25 exercise in Southern California from December 1-14, 2025, testing distributed operations and kill web concepts. The exercise highlighted the importance of logistics and the need for rapid adaptation in contested environments. Key innovations included the S²D framework for force insertion and the emphasis on digital interoperability.

NATO conducted the Dynamic Front 26 exercise, rehearsing the capability to strike 1,500 targets and intercept 1,200 ballistic missiles in a single day across Romania, Germany, Poland, and Spain. The U.S. Army's 56th Multi-Domain Command led the exercise, emphasizing deterrence through overwhelming firepower and advanced coordination using the ASCA software platform. This exercise reflects lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict and aims to ensure no nation considers aggression against NATO territory.

Alexandra ReevesFri Feb 13 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy is establishing Information Warfare Squadron Two and plans to create Squadron Nine to enhance operational capabilities and readiness at sea. This initiative aims to improve information warfare lethality within carrier strike groups, ensuring personnel maintain a persistent presence throughout deployment cycles. Senior information warfare officers will also be assigned to destroyers to drive expertise to the tactical edge.

The U.S. Navy is addressing a critical submarine shortage by operationally deploying Unmanned Undersea Systems in February 2026. This strategy aims to enhance ISR capabilities and maintain sea denial in the Western Pacific while freeing up attack submarines for high-value missions. The Navy is prioritizing operational density and coercive friction to adapt to the evolving maritime environment.

In 2024, the Hainan Ship of the People's Liberation Army Navy conducted aircraft takeoff and landing training in the South China Sea. The ship, with a displacement of 40,000 tons, has rapidly developed combat capabilities since its commissioning in April 2021. The crew has implemented new operational procedures and logistics improvements to enhance amphibious assault capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force is deploying 48 F-35A Lightning II fighters to Misawa Air Base, Japan, in February 2026. This strategic move aims to enhance air power in the Pacific and counter China's military capabilities. The deployment supports Japan's growing fleet of mini-carriers and establishes a multinational air network to project power across the region.