Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military conducted five airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria from January 27 to February 2, 2025, including a facility containing 50 precision-guided munitions. These operations resulted in the death or capture of over 50 ISIS terrorists. The airstrikes followed a previous attack on U.S. and allied forces near Palmyra.

Ukraine confirmed the shootdown of a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber and an Su-30SM multirole fighter by a U.S.-made PAC-3 Patriot system. Both aircraft were equipped with advanced Khibiny electronic warfare systems, which failed to counter the Patriot. This incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by the Russian Aerospace Forces in Ukraine, with at least 23 Su-34s lost since the conflict began.

The August 1st Air Demonstration Team of the Chinese Air Force performed an impressive aerial display at the Singapore Airshow on April 4, featuring six J-10 aircraft. The team executed intricate maneuvers and formations, receiving high praise from the audience, including international pilots. This marked their return to the airshow after six years, showcasing their enhanced skills and aircraft capabilities.

The Southern Theater Command Navy conducted realistic combat training exercises in the South China Sea over recent days. During the training, personnel rapidly responded to simulated enemy situations, honing their coordinated combat capabilities.

In June 2025, seven B-2 Spirit bombers from the U.S. Air Force executed Operation Midnight Hammer, conducting a precision strike on Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordow and Natanz. This mission marked the first combat use of the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator, showcasing the B-2's advanced capabilities after decades of modernization. The operation involved non-stop flights from Missouri and required sophisticated planning and aerial refueling support.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against Islamic State members in Syria between January 27 and Monday, destroying a communication site and weapons storage facilities. These operations resulted in the death or capture of over 50 Islamic State members, including a leader connected to a December ambush that killed two U.S. soldiers and one civilian interpreter. U.S. Central Command emphasized the importance of these strikes in preventing an ISIS resurgence in the region.

The United States is deploying 48 F-35A stealth fighters to Misawa Air Base in Japan to enhance military presence in the Pacific. This strategic move aims to extend the operational reach towards Taiwan and mainland China, fortifying a perimeter of allied stealth aircraft. The deployment is part of a broader strategy involving Japan's Self-Defense Forces, which are also acquiring F-35s and developing mini-carriers for enhanced military capabilities.

The U.S. Navy shot down an Iranian drone that approached the USS Lincoln aircraft carrier, approximately 500 miles off the southern coast of Iran. The incident involved an F-35C stealth fighter from the 314th Fighter Attack Squadron acting in self-defense. Iran confirmed the drone's loss but stated it had successfully transmitted reconnaissance data back to its command center. No U.S. personnel were injured, and no equipment was damaged during the engagement.

U.S. Navy Carrier Air Wing 8 conducted a coordinated formation flight over the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) in the Caribbean Sea on January 19, 2026, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony. The flight included seven F/A-18 Super Hornets, two MH-60 Seahawk helicopters, and one E-2D Hawkeye, showcasing military readiness and capability. This operation supports U.S. Southern Command's mission to disrupt illicit drug trafficking.

Corpsman Edward Clyde Benfold engaged in combat on September 5, 1952, at Bunker Hill, Korea, to save two wounded Marines. He counter-charged the enemy and detonated grenades, sacrificing his life in the process. His actions earned him the Medal of Honor, awarded posthumously to his infant son on July 16, 1953.

Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis was killed in Afghanistan on August 28, 2013, while shielding Polish Army Lt. Karol Cierpica from a suicide bomber. He will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery, as announced by his parents after a conversation with President Trump. Ollis had previously received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the attack on Forward Operating Base Ghazni.

Hamas denied firing at Israeli forces and condemned the Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip that began at dawn on the 4th, resulting in at least 21 deaths and 38 injuries. The Israeli Defense Forces accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire by firing at their troops, leading to retaliatory strikes across Gaza.

M1A2 Abrams tanks from the 1st Infantry Division and 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment conducted winter training exercises at Bemowo Piskie Training Area in Poland in January and late last year. The crews, known for their unique tank names, trained to maneuver effectively across restrictive terrain in winter conditions, showcasing their operational readiness.

The U.S. Navy's Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) are actively deployed in the South China Sea and Caribbean for patrol and counter-drug operations. By 2024, crews have significantly improved maintenance capabilities, handling 70% of maintenance tasks. The USS Charleston completed a notable 26-month deployment in the western Pacific, while the fleet size has been reduced from 55 to 35 due to various operational challenges.

The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division conducted drone bomber training using the C100 Medium Range Reconnaissance drone during the Spartan Focus exercise. The training involved operators from the Multi-Function Reconnaissance Troop and focused on integrating drone-delivered munitions into ground operations, reflecting battlefield lessons from Ukraine. The C100 drone was employed in a bomber configuration to simulate missions supporting ground forces.

Ukrainian forces launched a joint attack on Bryansk Oblast, Russia, on February 4, using HIMARS rocket systems, fixed-wing drones, and Neptune missiles. The assault resulted in damage to 20 residential buildings and injuries to one woman. Russian air defense successfully intercepted the Neptune missile and 11 drones during the attack.

On February 3, a drone strike by the Rapid Support Forces targeted a health center and residential areas in Kadugli, South Kordofan, resulting in 15 civilian deaths. Eyewitnesses reported that five drones were involved, with three being shot down. The attack caused panic among the local population, and the majority of casualties were patients receiving treatment at the health center.

The Israeli military conducted artillery shelling and airstrikes in multiple locations across Gaza early on October 4, resulting in at least 9 Palestinian deaths, including a child. The strikes targeted residential areas, including tents and homes in Gaza City and Khan Younis, with additional attacks reported in the Bureij refugee camp and southern coastal regions.

Babcock International Group and ASELSAN signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a Surface Electronic Warfare Threat training system for the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom. This collaboration aims to enhance aircrew training by providing advanced simulations of modern Integrated Air Defence Systems, reflecting the complexities of current military operations. The initiative is part of the UK's Next Generation Operational Training programme, ensuring readiness for evolving military challenges.

NATO is seeking assistance from private companies to develop counter-drone defense systems due to increasing drone incursions affecting airports and military facilities in Europe. Recent incidents have been reported in Poland, Romania, Denmark, Lithuania, Belgium, and the UK, prompting NATO to enhance its defense capabilities. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has called for increased investment in defense technologies to address these threats.