Analysis & Reports

NATO member states are conducting collective maritime operations to secure critical undersea infrastructure in Northern Europe, particularly in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland. This includes the establishment of the Baltic Sentry operation and the use of uncrewed underwater vehicles for surveillance. The response follows significant incidents affecting undersea infrastructure, with ongoing efforts to enhance maritime readiness and situational awareness since 2016.

Southern Theater Command Air Force pilots conduct nighttime intercepts of foreign aircraft in the South China Sea. The pilots report that foreign aircraft turn off their navigation lights, making it difficult to determine their positions. Despite the challenges, the pilots express confidence in their ability to manage these encounters.

On February 3, U.S. military forces shot down an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea while it approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. The drone's intentions were unclear, but no U.S. personnel or equipment were harmed. Iran stated the drone was on a legitimate reconnaissance mission when it lost contact. President Trump confirmed ongoing negotiations with Iran regarding various issues.

The U.S. has deployed a small team of military officers to Nigeria to enhance military collaboration following recent attacks. This deployment is part of ongoing efforts to support Nigeria in combating armed groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State. The U.S. Africa Command's General Dagvin R.M. Anderson confirmed the deployment, which follows a meeting with Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu.

The Chinese Air Force August 1st Aerobatic Team performed a flight demonstration with six J-10C fighter jets at the 10th Singapore Airshow, which opened on March 3, 2023. This marked the team's first public appearance with the new aircraft model in Singapore.

A vessel illegally entered Iranian territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz on February 3 and was warned by the Iranian regulatory team before leaving. Iranian officials stated that the vessel did not possess the necessary navigation permits. They also refuted claims of a security incident involving a U.S. tanker, which was reportedly escorted by a U.S. warship.

On February 3, the Russian military attacked the city of Zaporizhzhia, resulting in 2 deaths and 7 injuries. The local military administration reported the incident, but there has been no response from Russian authorities regarding the attack.

On February 3, 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces reported a drone strike by the Rapid Support Forces in Kadugli, South Kordofan, resulting in the deaths of eight civilians, including three children. The attack targeted several locations, including a medical center. The Rapid Support Forces have not yet responded to these allegations.

The U.S. military shot down an Iranian drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea on February 3, 2023. Following this, U.S. Navy forces escorted a U.S. oil tanker threatened by two Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The situation was de-escalated, and the oil tanker is now safely navigating the waters.

Ukraine has effectively neutralized the Russian Black Sea Fleet through targeted drone and missile strikes, resulting in the sinking or damage of approximately one-third of its 74 ships. The flagship Moskva was sunk in April 2022, and the fleet has since been forced to relocate to Novorossiysk due to ongoing threats. As of December 2024, the Russian Navy has shifted to a defensive posture, primarily launching long-range missile strikes from safer distances.

On February 1, Russian forces struck a maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia, wounding at least six individuals. This attack is part of a broader genocidal agenda against Ukrainians, as outlined by the report. The actions of the Russian military are compared to historical genocides, emphasizing the intent to harm civilians and disrupt living conditions in Ukraine.

A U.S. Navy fighter jet shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday. The drone was deemed a threat as it aggressively approached the aircraft carrier despite de-escalatory measures. This incident follows harassment of a U.S.-flagged merchant vessel by Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions between the two nations.

A team is working to recover the last viable U.S. Navy Douglas TBD-1 Devastator torpedo bomber, Bureau Number 1515, from Jaluit Atoll, where it has rested since its ditching on February 1, 1942. The recovery effort involves multiple organizations, including the U.S. Navy and Texas A&M University, aiming to preserve the aircraft for future exhibition. This initiative highlights the historical significance of the Devastator in early Pacific War operations.

Pvt. Brian Jones Jr. was sentenced to over 20 years in prison for the unpremeditated murder of Pvt. Abdul N. Latifu at Fort Rucker, Alabama, on January 10, 2023. The court-martial concluded on January 29, 2023, resulting in a sentence of 247 months, rank reduction, dishonorable discharge, and forfeiture of pay. The incident involved an attack with an Army-issued tool.

Casualty estimates in the Ukraine War indicate nearly 2 million combined losses, with 1.2 million Russian and 600,000 Ukrainian casualties. Despite these high numbers, Russia's territorial gains remain minimal, primarily characterized by attrition warfare. North Korean troops are reported to be fighting alongside Russian forces, adding complexity to the conflict. The war continues to strain Russia's economy, reflecting a broader decline in military effectiveness and capability.

The Sudanese Armed Forces announced the lifting of a two-year siege on Kadugli by the Rapid Support Forces on February 3, 2023. Following intense combat, the military successfully opened the Kadugli-Dilling road and reported significant losses for the Rapid Support Forces. The siege had been in place since July 2023, leading to severe humanitarian conditions in the area.

The F-117 Nighthawk continues to fly selective missions at Tonopah Test Range Airport, supporting U.S. Air Force training and technology testing. Despite its official retirement in 2008, approximately 45 aircraft remain operational, with at least 5 actively participating in exercises. The F-117 serves as a surrogate for adversary stealth aircraft, aiding pilots in training against low-observable targets and testing new radar and sensor technologies.

Soldiers from the 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment conducted a live unmanned aerial system demonstration at Fort Hood, Texas, on January 29, 2026. The event tested counter-UAS integration against multiple drone profiles, utilizing systems such as M-LIDS and electronic warfare jammers. The training aimed to enhance the Army's capabilities in detecting and engaging drone threats effectively.

U.S. Army soldiers from the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment conducted mounted maneuver operations as opposing forces during the NATO Winter Camp exercise near Tapa, Estonia, on January 31, 2026. The training involved coordination with French and British units and focused on enhancing cold-weather readiness and interoperability among allied forces. The exercise emphasized operations in challenging winter conditions.

Russian Armed Forces conducted large-scale strikes against Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises and energy facilities from February 2 to 3, 2023, using over 70 missiles and 450 drones. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed that energy facilities were damaged during the attacks, which were reported to have successfully hit all designated targets.