Analysis & Reports

On January 11, 1,400 Chinese fishing vessels formed a 320-kilometer rectangular formation in the East China Sea, indicating a military exercise rather than normal fishing activity. This mobilization disrupted shipping routes and suggests enhanced command and control capabilities of the Chinese Maritime Militia, potentially preparing for blockade scenarios against Taiwan.

Tanaka TakashiWed Feb 11 2026Loading...

The U.S. military has expanded its control over the Texas-Mexico border by establishing new National Defense Areas (NDAs) to enhance security operations. This includes the militarization of approximately 200 miles of borderland, with assets such as Seasats Lightfish and various aircraft deployed for monitoring and enforcement. The move aims to strengthen interagency coordination despite a significant decrease in border crossings, prompting debate over its necessity.

The U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyers serve as the backbone of naval operations, engaging in multi-mission roles such as ballistic missile defense and anti-submarine warfare. These destroyers, equipped with advanced systems like the Aegis combat system, are actively deployed in regions including the Baltic Sea and Indo-Pacific. They are expected to remain operational into the 2050s, adapting to evolving threats.

Leopard 2 tanks deployed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces have struggled in combat since February 2022 due to maintenance challenges and insufficient combined arms support. Initially, 14 tanks were sent, followed by over 100 more. The complexity of the tanks' systems has made them vulnerable to Russian drone attacks, highlighting the logistical burdens faced by Ukrainian forces.

Russian forces struck Ukrainian military targets and gained control of a settlement in the Zaporizhzhia region. Over the past day, Ukrainian forces reported 168 combat engagements, successfully repelling multiple Russian attacks while conducting strikes on Russian troop concentrations and infrastructure. Russian air defense systems shot down numerous drones during these operations.

U.S. President Trump announced plans to consider deploying a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East on February 10, 2023, amid ongoing negotiations with Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln is already stationed in the region, and Trump indicated that further military readiness may be necessary if talks fail. He emphasized the importance of including Iran's nuclear program and missile stockpile in any potential agreement.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) remains a vital asset for the U.S. Navy amid potential conflicts with China or Russia, conducting routine operations in the Philippine Sea and Pacific Ocean. The carrier, commissioned over 50 years ago, is currently awaiting the combat-readiness of its replacement, USS John F. Kennedy. With a crew of approximately 3,500 and an air wing of 2,480, the Nimitz continues to play a significant role in U.S. naval power.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is conducting integrated carrier strike group operations in the Atlantic Ocean alongside the Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (CVH 550) as part of its post-delivery test and trials phase. Despite facing technical challenges, the Ford-class carriers are deemed essential for U.S. naval power projection, with significant investments already made in their development. The U.S. Navy continues to rely on these carriers for their operational capabilities.

The U.S. Navy is reshuffling its traditional carrier strike group model to create tailored forces for greater operational flexibility. This initiative, outlined in the new 'Fighting Instructions' guidance, aims to provide combatant commanders with customizable formation options. The Navy plans to integrate unmanned systems into its strategy, optimizing asset deployment beyond conventional cycles. Key locations involved include the Red Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, with a focus on missions such as mine clearance in strategic chokepoints.

U.S. President Trump is considering the deployment of a carrier strike group to the Middle East in response to unsuccessful negotiations with Iran. The Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is already positioned in the region and could launch military operations within one to two days if directed by the White House.

Israeli Defense Forces are planning a new offensive to disarm Hamas in the Gaza Strip as of February 10, 2023. The Southern Command is preparing operational plans, but the implementation remains uncertain. Hamas leaders have stated they will not disarm and reject external control over Gaza, indicating potential for intensified conflict if hostilities resume.

The U.S. Air Force, along with the Royal Air Force and Australian Defence Force, conducted a joint military exercise at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, simulating combat against Chinese fifth-generation aircraft. Over 100 aircraft and 3000 military personnel participated in the 'Red Flag' exercise, which included the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B simulating tactics of the Chinese J-35. This exercise is part of ongoing military preparations to counter high-tech adversaries.

PFC. Manuel Pérez Jr. engaged in combat operations to liberate Manila from Japanese forces between February 3 and March 14, 1945. He singlehandedly neutralized a fortified position at Fort William McKinley, killing 18 enemy soldiers. Pérez was shot by a sniper and died shortly after, receiving posthumous honors including the Medal of Honor. His actions contributed to the liberation efforts amidst significant civilian casualties.

The 157th Air Refueling Wing conducted a nuclear operational readiness exercise at Pease from February 5–8, testing its aerial refueling capabilities in support of the U.S. nuclear deterrence mission. The exercise involved the KC-46A Pegasus and focused on validating procedures and command-and-control processes. Despite severe winter conditions, the unit reported no injuries and successfully executed operations under time constraints.

China is actively planning to suppress U.S. airpower in the Western Pacific by targeting forward bases with precision-guided missiles, aiming to ground F-35 fighters and bombers without engaging in aerial combat. This strategy emphasizes the importance of logistics and rapid runway repair for the U.S. to maintain operational capabilities under sustained missile fire.

Napoleon Bonaparte revolutionized warfare in the 19th century by mastering the 'fog of war' and employing combined-arms tactics with his Napoleonic Corps. He utilized infantry, cavalry, and artillery flexibly to create tactical advantages, particularly during the Battle of the Pyramids in Egypt. His strategies emphasized decentralized command and controlling the battlefield's center, leading to significant military victories.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the formation of a new combat division, the 38th Division, on October 10. This marks the first establishment of a new combat division in decades. The division will integrate various units from the ground forces training system and is expected to achieve ground combat capability by 2027.

U.S. Air Force conducted airstrikes on December 25, 2025, in Bauni, Nigeria, killing over 100 fighters. The strikes targeted positions claimed to be affiliated with ISIS, but local sources indicate the presence of the Lakurawa group instead. This operation signifies a renewed military strategy by AFRICOM in Africa, raising concerns about civilian casualties and the accuracy of intelligence used.

Marie DuboisTue Feb 10 2026Loading...

The USS Santa Barbara conducted a live-fire training exercise in the Persian Gulf, supported by an A-10 Thunderbolt II for aerial coordination. This operation highlights the ongoing military presence in the region, particularly near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, amid rising tensions with Iran. The Littoral Combat Ships are being repurposed for mine hunting as the U.S. military continues to adapt its aging equipment for current operational needs.

Russian Aerospace Forces conducted continuous airstrikes over Ukraine in January 2026, dropping 5,717 guided bombs, including the newly developed UMPB-5. This weapon allows strikes from distances of 50-60 km, keeping aircraft safe from Ukrainian air defense systems. A recent strike on Kharkiv resulted in 33 civilian injuries, highlighting the impact of this new tactical approach.

Dmitri VolkovTue Feb 10 2026Loading...