Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
The Undersea Gap: Why the U.S. Navy Can’t Build Its Way Out of a Submarine Crisis
The U.S. Navy is facing a submarine crisis, with its attack boat fleet projected to decline to 47 hulls by 2028. To address this, the Navy is shifting towards unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) for persistent ISR and seabed warfare, aiming to maintain operational effectiveness in the Western Pacific. This strategic pivot is necessary as older submarines retire faster than new ones are delivered, highlighting the need for a robust unmanned layer to support naval operations.
Niger Under Double Pressure: 36 Soldiers Killed in Makalondi, Russia Intervenes in Niamey
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...![An M1 Abrams of the Royal Saudi Land Forces, during Exercise Eager Lion in Jordan, on 11 September 2022. While many Middle Eastern states have and continue to be dependent on foreign suppliers for their defence equipment, over the past decade, efforts have been made to change this. [US Army/Sgt Nicolas Ramshaw]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.hiwars.com%2Fassets%2F9df9ea2b-4ea9-445b-b4a5-1fb0d7399577.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Tracing the path of Middle Eastern efforts to develop indigenous defence industries
Egypt has developed a range of military capabilities, including over 1,000 Walid armored vehicles and various aircraft, while Saudi Arabia and the UAE are significantly expanding their defense industries. Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) aims to ensure 50% of military spending occurs domestically by 2030, and EDGE Group in the UAE is consolidating defense enterprises to enhance capabilities and pursue international markets. Both countries are leveraging their financial resources to modernize and expand their military production.
34 Miners and Traders Killed on the Gao-Ansongo Road: When Military Escorts Turn Civilian Convoys into Targets in Mali
On February 7, 2024, a convoy of 19 civilian vehicles was attacked by Islamist fighters on the Gao-Ansongo Road near Kobe, Mali, resulting in 34 deaths and 34 injuries. The convoy, which included Nigerien miners and Malian traders, was under military escort when it came under fire. The Islamic State in the Greater Sahara is suspected of the attack, which underscores the risks posed by military escorts to civilian safety in the region.
Marie DuboisSun Feb 08 2026Loading...One Carrier Cannot Hold the Indo-Pacific
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group redeployed to the Persian Gulf in January 2023, leaving the USS George Washington as the only American carrier in the Indo-Pacific. This situation raises concerns about U.S. naval presence and response capabilities in the region, especially as China expands its carrier fleet. The U.S. Navy faces logistical challenges and potential strategic vulnerabilities due to insufficient carrier numbers and ongoing global commitments.
Marcus ChenSat Feb 07 2026Loading...Washington Returns to the Sahel Through the Back Door
U.S. Secretary of State Nick Checker visited Mali in January 2024, signaling a strategic shift in U.S. policy towards the Sahel. The U.S. plans to offer intelligence and potential arms to Sahelian juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, moving away from previous democratic conditionality. This engagement aims to counter the growing jihadist threat and Russian influence in the region.
Marie DuboisSat Feb 07 2026Loading...The Carrier That Isn't There
The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group redeployed from the Indo-Pacific to the Persian Gulf in February 2026, reducing U.S. naval presence in a critical region. This shift highlights the U.S. Navy's capacity issues, as only a few carriers are available for global operations. Meanwhile, China continues to enhance its naval capabilities, potentially exploiting the gap left by the Lincoln's departure.
Marcus ChenSat Feb 07 2026Loading...The Attack on Air Base 101 Reveals the Flaws of the Militarized Sahel
Over thirty fighters from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara attacked the Diori Hamani International Airport and Base Aérienne 101 in Niamey, Niger, shortly after midnight on January 29. The assault lasted nearly two hours, resulting in three civilian aircraft being hit and one ammunition depot destroyed. Four Nigerien soldiers were injured, and local reports indicate twenty attackers were killed and eleven captured.
Marie DuboisSat Feb 07 2026Loading...
Military Intelligence Time: A Comprehensive Review of the J-10 Family of Fighter Jets, Each Stronger than the Last
The August 1st Aerobatics Team of the Chinese Air Force showcased the J-10C fighter jet at international air shows in Malaysia, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Thailand in 2023. The J-10C, a third-generation multi-role fighter, features advanced avionics and weapon systems, enhancing its operational capabilities. This transition from the J-10B to the J-10C reflects China's rapid advancements in military aviation.
The Jihadist Expansion of the Sahel into Nigeria: Kwara State, New Front of the Terrorist Threat
On February 4, 2026, a terrorist attack in Kaiama, Kwara State, Nigeria, resulted in over 160 civilian casualties. In response, President Bola Tinubu deployed a full battalion of the Nigerian Armed Forces to address the escalating jihadist threat. This incident marks a significant shift in jihadist operations, with groups from the Sahel expanding their activities into central Nigeria, exploiting local vulnerabilities and limited security presence.
Marie DuboisFri Feb 06 2026Loading...Beyond the First Island Chain: China's Expanding Blue-Water Operations Signal Strategic Shift in Indo-Pacific Balance
The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) conducted unprecedented naval operations beyond the First Island Chain in 2025, including live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea. The Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers spent a combined 58 days in the Western Pacific, marking a significant increase in their operational presence. These developments challenge US military strategy and indicate China's growing maritime power projection capabilities.
Marcus ChenFri Feb 06 2026Loading...
Egypt buys Turkish TOLGA counter-drone turret system
Egypt signed a $130 million contract to acquire the Turkish-developed TOLGA short-range air defense system. The TOLGA system is designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles and tactical drones, featuring modular architecture for flexible integration. This acquisition reflects Egypt's efforts to enhance its air defense capabilities against low-cost aerial threats.
The U.S. Navy Is In Big Trouble: China Could Have 9 Aircraft Carriers by 2035
China is expanding its naval capabilities, potentially operating nine aircraft carriers by 2035, including the advanced Fujian. This shift from coastal defense to blue-water operations complicates U.S. military planning in the Western Pacific. The People's Liberation Army Navy is increasing its activity around Taiwan and the South China Sea, indicating a strategic intent to project power beyond its home waters.
The Niamey Attack Reveals New Security Dynamics in the Sahel: Between Russian Presence, Diplomatic Accusations, and Western Realignment
The Islamic State in the Sahel launched a coordinated attack on Niamey airport on January 28, 2026, involving approximately 20 assailants equipped with heavy weapons and drones. The assault resulted in the deaths of 20 attackers and injuries to four Nigerien soldiers. This incident highlights a significant escalation in jihadist operations and the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Sahel, particularly with the involvement of Russian military forces.
Marie DuboisFri Feb 06 2026Loading...From Circumnavigating Taiwan to Three-Dimensional Coverage: The Strategic Shift in the PLA's Systematic Development of Unmanned Systems
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has rapidly developed a comprehensive unmanned combat network, conducting frequent drone patrols around Taiwan. This network includes advanced UAVs like the Attack-11 and WZ-8, enhancing the PLA's operational capabilities across multiple domains. The shift towards unmanned systems is reshaping military strategies and the balance of power in the Western Pacific.
Li MinghuiFri Feb 06 2026Loading...The capital of South Kordofan State in Sudan was attacked by drones, resulting in the deaths of 15 civilians.
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 M60 Patton ‘Zombie’ Tank Has a Message for the U.S. Army
Countries like Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia continue to upgrade and maintain M60 Patton tanks, which have been modernized with 120mm smoothbore guns and advanced fire control systems. Spain announced plans to sell 260-300 M60s in 2024, while Iran has significantly modified its M60s for enhanced combat capabilities. The M60 remains a viable military asset due to its affordability and reliability.
US military team deployed to Nigeria after recent attacks
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 U.S. military claims to have deployed a troop to Nigeria.
U.S. Africa Command deployed a small contingent of ground troops to Nigeria on February 3. This marks the first acknowledgment of such a deployment since airstrikes against terrorist targets in Nigeria on December 25. The operation is part of ongoing security cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria.
The capital of South Kordofan State in Sudan was attacked by drones, resulting in 8 deaths.
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.
