Analysis & Reports

U.S. and Italian soldiers participated in a four-day training event at an Italian military base in early February to earn the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge. More than 110 candidates completed various assessments, resulting in 66 badges awarded. The event aimed to enhance cooperation and morale among allied forces, with evaluations conducted by German troops from the 10th Panzer Division. A ceremony honoring the participants took place on February 6.

China's Liaoning and Shandong carriers doubled their far-seas operations in 2025, conducting unprecedented naval voyages and live-fire drills around Australia and New Zealand. The PLAN demonstrated simultaneous operations of both carriers in the Pacific, indicating enhanced logistical coordination. Additionally, there were 3,764 air incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ, marking a significant increase in military activity across the Indo-Pacific region.

Marcus ChenMon Feb 09 2026Loading...

U.S. military forces boarded the Aquila II, a sanctioned oil tanker, in the Indian Ocean on Monday. The operation followed the ship's tracking from the Caribbean Sea and is part of U.S. efforts to enforce sanctions against Venezuela's oil exports. The Pentagon indicated that the tanker was operating in defiance of established U.S. sanctions.

The 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters, fought valiantly in World War I under French command, participating in key battles and suffering significant casualties. Despite their bravery and contributions, they faced racial discrimination both during and after the war, receiving few American honors for their service. The regiment's legacy highlights the struggles of Black soldiers for recognition and equality in the U.S. military.

The U.S. military seized its eighth tanker linked to Venezuela in the INDOPACOM area, while also conducting airstrikes on drug-trafficking boats in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in two fatalities. U.S. Navy warships, including the USS Stockdale, are operating near Haiti to address growing gang violence. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that recent strikes have deterred cartel operations in the region.

Russian Armed Forces have lost over 1,200 T-80 tanks in Ukraine, leading to their withdrawal from production and replacement with older T-62 tanks. The T-80's design flaws have resulted in high casualties among crews, and the failure of the Gerasimov Doctrine has exacerbated tactical issues. As a result, the Russian military is facing significant operational challenges in the ongoing conflict.

Russia has deployed 1960s-era T-62 tanks to the front lines in Ukraine as of January 2026, following the loss of over 4,000 modern main battle tanks since the invasion began in 2022. This shift in armored strategy highlights the severe depletion of Russia's armored forces and the reliance on outdated equipment. The T-62 tanks are facing catastrophic design flaws, leading to significant casualties among crews when hit.

In 2024, Iran launched drone and cruise missile attacks against critical infrastructure in Israel, marking the first sustained state-on-state drone conflict in the Middle East. Israel responded with advanced UAS platforms and layered air defenses. The conflict highlighted the strategic importance of persistent ISR and precision targeting, prompting regional nations to reassess their airpower strategies and invest in systems like the MQ-9B and Gambit Series for enhanced military capabilities.

U.S. Marines and British Royal Marines conducted a simulated battle exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and Twentynine Palms, California. Media reports inaccurately claimed that U.S. Marines suffered a humiliating surrender, which was debunked by military officials emphasizing the exercise's focus on readiness and interoperability. This incident highlights the risks of misinformation affecting allied military cooperation.

The U.S. Coast Guard conducted training with tactical jet skis for interdiction operations in San Diego and Coronado Beach on January 14-15, 2023. This training is part of the Coast Guard's Office of Rapid Response and Prototyping program, aimed at enhancing drug interdiction capabilities. The Coast Guard has seized over 200,000 lbs. of cocaine in the eastern Pacific since launching Operation Pacific Viper.

On February 4, 2026, 36 Nigerien soldiers were killed in Makalondi as JNIM fighters overwhelmed a military position, capturing at least 12 armored vehicles. Concurrently, the Islamic State in the Sahel attacked Niamey's Diori Hamani International Airport, resulting in 20 assailants killed. Russian forces confirmed their role in defending the airport, while the U.S. deployed a small military team to Nigeria, marking a renewed American presence in the region.

Marie DuboisMon Feb 09 2026Loading...

Israeli Defense Forces killed 4 armed personnel in Rafah, Gaza Strip, on September 9. The personnel emerged from a tunnel and opened fire on the Israeli forces, who reported no injuries among their soldiers. This incident is considered a violation of the ceasefire agreement, and the Israeli military stated they would continue operations in the area to identify and eliminate armed personnel in the tunnels.

Two F-22 Raptors from the U.S. Air Force withdrew from the Super Bowl performance on February 6, 2021, due to operational tasking. Katie Spencer stated that the aircraft were reassigned to meet increased military demands. The F-22s have been involved in recent significant operations, including monitoring potential threats.

The Naval Aviation Force of the Southern Theater Command conducted search and rescue exercises in the South China Sea using the Z-9S helicopter. The unit performed operations under challenging winter conditions, demonstrating their capability to respond to emergencies at sea. The exercises included both day and night missions to ensure readiness for various scenarios.

The Rocket Army's unique cavalry unit patrols the Snowy Plateau on horseback due to challenging terrain. This unit has been operational for over 60 years, successfully completing critical security tasks and establishing a strong defensive line in harsh conditions.

On February 8, the Israeli government approved measures to strengthen its control over the West Bank, leading to increased violence and displacement of Palestinians. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned these actions as war crimes, while Hamas accused Israel of attempting to eliminate Palestinian existence. Reports indicate ongoing assaults by Israeli forces and settlers, resulting in injuries and forced displacements of Palestinian residents.

Russian forces attacked energy and transportation infrastructure supporting Ukrainian troops and controlled two settlements in the past 24 hours. Ukrainian forces reported 123 battles, primarily in the Pokrovsk direction. Russian air defense intercepted multiple HIMARS rockets, Neptune missiles, and drones during this period.

More than 230 Americans, including active-duty military members from the U.S. Army and Air Force, are competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy. Events include bobsled, biathlon, and figure skating, with notable athletes like Army Sgt. Frank Del Duca serving as a flag bearer. The Winter Olympics run through February 22, 2026.

U.S. Navy sailors aboard USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) participated in a live-fire maritime gunnery exercise in the Arabian Gulf last week, supported by U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The exercise, named Killer Tomato, focused on improving surface gunnery proficiency and joint air-maritime integration. A-10s were utilized for their effectiveness in close air support, allowing for enhanced coordination between naval and air forces.

The FS Charles de Gaulle completed its first-ever Pacific deployment in March 2025, showcasing interoperability with U.S. Navy forces and conducting joint exercises with Japan and India. This deployment signifies NATO's commitment to countering Chinese naval expansion in the region. The French carrier strike group included the CDG, destroyer FS Forbin, and frigates FS Provence and FS Alsace, highlighting France's growing role as a Pacific power.