Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
The United States, Japan, and the Philippines Conduct the 15th Multinational Maritime Cooperation Activity in the Northern Waters of Batanes, with Chinese Vessels Tracking the Entire Journey
The Philippines, Japan, and the U.S. conducted the 15th Multinational Maritime Cooperation Activity (MMCA) from February 20-26, 2026, in the West Philippine Sea, extending to the northern waters of the Batanes Islands. Chinese naval vessels tracked the participating ships, raising tensions in the area. The exercise included live-fire drills and various maritime operations, demonstrating enhanced cooperation among the three nations.
Tanaka TakashiSat Feb 28 2026Loading...
U.S. and Iran: Are They Going to War?
The U.S. State Department approved the evacuation of non-essential personnel from Israel on February 27, 2023, citing security risks. The USS Ford aircraft carrier arrived in Israel, signaling an increased military presence in the region. Canada and India advised their citizens to leave Iran due to escalating tensions, while Iran's military warned of a strong response to U.S. provocations. President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of nuclear negotiations with Iran.
11 U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighters Are Now Based in Iran’s Backyard
Eleven U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors have deployed to Ovda Air Base in southern Israel, enhancing U.S. airpower in the region amid rising tensions with Iran. This deployment signifies a strategic shift, providing the U.S. with greater operational flexibility and altering the military balance in the area. The F-22s are intended to establish air superiority and support potential military operations against Iranian threats.
Arctic Sentry: NATO's Strategic Realignment to the Far North
NATO launched Operation Arctic Sentry on February 11, 2026, to coordinate military activities in the Arctic, marking a strategic shift towards permanent presence. The Cold Response 26 exercise, involving 25,000 soldiers from 14 nations, is set to take place from March 9-19, 2026, in Norway, Finland, and Sweden. This operation responds to increased Russian military activity in the region and aims to enhance NATO's deterrence capabilities.
Dr. Klaus WeberFri Feb 27 2026Loading...
PHOTOS: 11th Airborne operates in freezing conditions in Alaska
The 11th Airborne Division conducted a training exercise in the Yukon Training Area, Alaska, simulating Arctic conflict scenarios during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 26-02 rotation. Soldiers operated in temperatures around 18 degrees, utilizing Cold-Weather All-Terrain Vehicles and snow machines. Senior leaders, including the Chief of Staff of the Army, observed command and control operations during the exercise.
IDF Spokesperson: Closely Monitoring the Situation in Iran and Maintaining High Alert
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is closely monitoring the situation in Iran and remains vigilant to ensure public safety. On October 27, an IDF spokesperson stated that there are no changes to the defense guidelines for the public, despite rising uncertainty and tension in the region. The IDF is also coordinating with partners to strengthen its defense capabilities.
Germany, Austria complete ‘Alpine triangle’ for airspace surveillance
Germany and Austria signed a mutual aerial security treaty on February 26, 2024, allowing both nations to address non-military airspace violations without prior approval. This agreement completes the 'Alpine triangle' of airspace treaties among Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, enhancing cooperation in aerial surveillance and security.
The good, the bad and the ugly — Inside Europe’s race to supplant US defense enablers
Europe is developing critical defense enablers to deter or defeat Russia without U.S. support, focusing on air and missile defense, long-range strike capabilities, and command and control systems. Analysts estimate that Europe will achieve sufficient long-range strike capabilities within two years, while full strategic integrated air and missile defense may take longer. European nations have significantly increased their investment in air defense systems since 2022, totaling $18 billion.
The good, the bad and the ugly — Inside Europe’s race to supplant US defense enablers
European nations are developing critical defense enablers to deter Russia without U.S. support, focusing on air and missile defense, long-range strike capabilities, and command and control systems. By the early 2030s, Europe aims to enhance its military capabilities, with significant investments in air defense and long-range strike systems. Analysts emphasize the urgency of these developments in light of the evolving security landscape.
Escalating Military Tensions: Anatomy of the Largest US Gulf Deployment in Decades
The United States has deployed six E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft to Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia and F-22 Raptors to Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, preparing for potential conflict in the Persian Gulf. Concurrently, Iran has conducted military exercises demonstrating its missile capabilities and positioned ballistic missile launchers along its coastline. Diplomatic tensions are rising within the Gulf Cooperation Council as the UAE opposes military operations against Iran from its territory.
Ahmed Al-RashidFri Feb 27 2026Loading...
Spring Starts a New Journey, War Eagles Line Up! Multiple Types of Warplanes Soar in the Southern Sky!
The Southern Theater Command Air Force conducted its first flight training exercise after the Spring Festival, involving multiple aircraft and personnel. The training focused on operational readiness and included simulated combat scenarios. Personnel ensured safety and maintenance of aircraft before the flights, which were executed successfully in a controlled environment.
Seoul raises concerns after U.S. drills trigger Chinese aircraft response
U.S. Forces Korea conducted military training flights over waters west of the Korean Peninsula on February 18, 2023, prompting a response from Chinese aircraft and resulting in a brief aerial standoff. This incident highlighted coordination challenges between the U.S. and South Korea amid heightened regional tensions, raising concerns over notification procedures and operational communication. South Korea's defense leadership expressed protest to U.S. commanders following the event.
Pakistan orders airstrikes after clashes with Afghan forces
The Pakistani Air Force conducted airstrikes in Kabul in February 2026 following escalating clashes with Afghan forces along the border. This marked a significant escalation in the conflict, with both sides engaging in offensive operations across multiple Afghan provinces. Pakistan's Defense Minister declared an 'open war' against the Taliban government, accusing them of harboring international militants and destabilizing the region.
Arctic Sentry: NATO's New Permanence Strategy for the High North
NATO established Operation Arctic Sentry on February 11, 2026, to create a permanent military presence in the Arctic, responding to Russian and Chinese activities. The Cold Response 26 exercise, involving 25,000 soldiers from 14 nations, is set to take place from March 9 to 19, 2026, testing NATO's integrated military capabilities in the region. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance deterrence against potential threats in the Arctic.
Dr. Klaus WeberFri Feb 27 2026Loading...Russia's Fifth Year of War: Ukrainian Counteroffensives Challenge Moscow's Narrative of Inevitable Victory
Ukrainian forces executed successful counteroffensives, liberating approximately 183 square kilometers in the Kupyansk area and gaining 165 square kilometers in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhia oblasts between mid-December 2025 and late February 2026. Russia's military faces increasing vulnerabilities, with casualty rates surpassing recruitment for the first time since 2022, while the Kremlin continues to allocate significant resources to sustain its war effort. Ukraine has also strengthened defense industrial cooperation with European partners.
Dmitri VolkovFri Feb 27 2026Loading...The Depth and Impact of the PLA's High-Level Purge: Concerns About Combat Readiness Revealed by Dual Reports from CSIS and IISS
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has undergone an unprecedented purge of over 101 senior military leaders since 2022, significantly impacting its command structure. This has resulted in a power vacuum within the Central Military Commission, now reduced to only two members. Reports from CSIS and IISS highlight serious deficiencies in military readiness and command capabilities, raising concerns about the PLA's ability to conduct complex operations, particularly regarding Taiwan.
Li MinghuiFri Feb 27 2026Loading...
The Gulf at a Crossroads: Analyzing the Largest US Military Buildup Since 2003 and Its Implications for Regional Security
The U.S. has deployed its largest military presence in the Persian Gulf since 2003, including two aircraft carrier strike groups and over 150 combat aircraft, amid escalating tensions with Iran. Concurrently, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps conducted military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, demonstrating missile capabilities. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have stated they will not permit their territory to be used for U.S. strikes on Iran, complicating the regional security landscape.
Ahmed Al-RashidFri Feb 27 2026Loading...
The Deep Impact of Xi Jinping's Military Purge: The PLA Command Structure Faces Serious Deficiencies
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is experiencing a major anti-corruption purge initiated by Xi Jinping, resulting in the removal of at least 101 individuals, including high-ranking generals. This has led to a significant weakening of the Central Military Commission, with only two active leaders remaining. The purge prioritizes political loyalty over military expertise, creating serious deficiencies in military readiness and operational capability. Despite these internal challenges, China's defense spending and military activities continue to increase, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Li MinghuiFri Feb 27 2026Loading...
Confrontation between the U.S. and China over the Yellow Sea: A New Phase in East Asian Security Indicated by the Strategic Role Shift of U.S. Forces in South Korea
On February 18, 2026, U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) deployed up to 10 F-16 fighter jets from Osan Air Base to conduct operations in international airspace over the Yellow Sea, prompting a rapid response from Chinese military aircraft. This incident signifies a strategic shift in U.S. military operations in East Asia, emphasizing a focus on deterring China while maintaining a strong defense posture in the region.
Tanaka TakashiFri Feb 27 2026Loading...
Pentagon pick to lead homeland defense policy grilled over election security
Mark Ditlevson, nominated for assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense, faced scrutiny during his confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C. regarding the potential deployment of National Guard troops to polling places. He emphasized the need for safety but did not provide clear answers on whether such deployments would be appropriate, leading to concerns from senators about military involvement in domestic elections.
