Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Raptor Destroyed: A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Was ‘Shot Down’ by a German Eurofighter Typhoon
In 2012, German Eurofighter Typhoons achieved notional kills against U.S. F-22 Raptors during aerial drills in Alaska, involving 8 Typhoons and 150 personnel. The exercises highlighted vulnerabilities in the F-22's performance, particularly when equipped with external fuel tanks. German pilots humorously claimed victory, referring to their success as having 'Raptor salad' for lunch, prompting discussions about the F-22's future.
The D Brief: Second carrier to Mideast; Hormuz closure; AI fallout at DOD; El Paso drone weapon; And a bit more.
Iran closed portions of the Strait of Hormuz for live-fire military exercises amid ongoing nuclear negotiations with the U.S. The U.S. Navy is deploying a second aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Middle East, while preparations for potential military operations against Iran are underway. U.S. officials indicated that these operations could target Iranian state and security facilities, not just nuclear infrastructure.
201 square kilometers in five days — the loss of Starlink exposed the flaws in the Russian military command system
Ukrainian forces reclaimed 201 square kilometers in Zaporizhzhia Oblast from February 12-16, 2026, following the disruption of Russian communications due to the loss of Starlink terminals. This operational failure led to significant challenges in command and control for Russian troops, halting their assault actions in several sectors. The transition to less effective geostationary satellites further complicates Russian military operations.
Dmitri VolkovTue Feb 17 2026Loading...
Saad leaves JNIM for the Islamic State — the largest transfer of fighters ever observed in eastern Burkina Faso
Saad defected from JNIM to ISIS in February 2026, taking a large number of fighters with him. This event marks the largest transfer of militants from JNIM to ISIS in eastern Burkina Faso, creating significant operational implications in the region. The defection is expected to intensify the ongoing conflict between the two groups, which has already resulted in substantial casualties.
Marie DuboisTue Feb 17 2026Loading...Before the New Round of Negotiations with Iran, the U.S. Increases Troops to Apply Pressure
The U.S. military is significantly increasing its presence in the Middle East, redeploying aircraft and extending troop deployments in response to ongoing negotiations with Iran. Recent weeks have seen dozens of military transport aircraft delivering equipment to Jordan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, while F-15 fighter jets have been stationed at a base in Jordan. A second aircraft carrier strike group is also being sent to the region as a show of force ahead of talks scheduled for the 17th in Geneva.
U.S. Continues to Increase Troops in the Middle East Ahead of New Round of Talks with Iran
The U.S. continues to bolster its military presence in the Middle East, deploying dozens of aircraft and extending the deployment of troops ahead of indirect negotiations with Iran. Recent movements include the repositioning of fighter jets to Jordan and the delivery of air defense systems to the region. A second aircraft carrier strike group is also being sent to enhance military readiness.
The U.S. Air Force Deploys 18 F-35 Fighter Jets to the Middle East
On February 16, 18 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from the U.S. Air Force departed from Lakenheath Air Base in the United Kingdom to the Middle East, supported by tanker aircraft. This deployment is one of the largest single movements of F-35s in recent months and is a direct response to escalating tensions with Iran.
First wave of US troops arrive in Nigeria to train its military
Approximately 100 U.S. troops arrived at Bauchi Airfield in Nigeria to assist in training the Nigerian military. This deployment follows a request from the Nigerian government for support in counter-terror operations against extremist groups. The U.S. forces will act as advisers and are not intended for combat roles. A total of 200 troops are expected to be deployed in total, enhancing Nigeria's capabilities to deter terrorist threats.
US troops deploy to Nigeria to train its military
U.S. troops arrived at Bauchi Airfield in Nigeria today to assist in training and supporting the Nigerian military. This deployment of approximately 100 troops follows a formal request from the Nigerian government for training and technical support. The U.S. forces will act as advisers, focusing on helping Nigeria combat extremist terrorist groups.
Russia Went to War With Smuggled Starlink and Now Musk Can Cut Them Off
Russian troops lost access to thousands of smuggled Starlink terminals in February 2023, severely disrupting their communications and drone operations. This loss coincided with Ukraine's recapture of Kosivtseve in Zaporizhzhia. SpaceX's implementation of a whitelist system cut off Russian forces, leading to chaos in their command and control. Military analysts noted that this dependency on commercial technology poses risks for both Russian and NATO operations.
Alexandra ReevesMon Feb 16 2026Loading...Satellite images show US aircraft carrier near Oman coast.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was spotted near the Oman coast on February 15, with the U.S. Navy releasing images of its operations. The carrier arrived in the Middle East in January, and the USS Gerald R. Ford has also been deployed to the region. Ongoing indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S. are taking place in Oman.
France’s Nuclear Charles De Gaulle Aircraft Carrier Has A Message for the U.S. Navy
The French Navy's Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier is actively conducting operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and Pacific, showcasing interoperability with U.S. Navy forces. This nuclear-powered carrier, weighing 42,000 tons, is equipped with advanced aircraft including Rafale M fighters and various missile systems. Its recent deployments highlight France's commitment to maintaining naval presence and cooperation with allied forces.
Okinawa to Guam Is 1,500 Miles in the Wrong Direction
The U.S. Marine Corps is relocating 9,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam, which is 1,500 miles away, under a 2006 agreement. This move raises concerns about the U.S. military's rapid response capability in the event of a crisis in Taiwan, as it would take three days for the Marines to reach the First Island Chain. The strategic situation has changed significantly with China's military expansion, and Japan's defense posture does not align with its rhetoric regarding Taiwan.
Marcus ChenSun Feb 15 2026Loading...America Sends Aircraft Carriers to the Gulf in Preparation for Extended Military Operations Against Iran - Can $88 Billion in Gulf Deals Replace the American Umbrella?
The U.S. is deploying the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to the Gulf within three weeks as part of preparations for extended military operations against Iran. This deployment will complement the existing Abraham Lincoln carrier in the region, enhancing U.S. military capabilities. U.S. officials indicate that the operations will target Iranian state and security facilities, anticipating a significant response from Iran.
Ahmed Al-RashidSun Feb 15 2026Loading...The Quiet Rotation Deployment of the U.S. Army in the Philippines Indicates a New Phase in Defending the First Island Chain
U.S. Army units deployed to northern Luzon, Philippines, in early February 2026, marking a shift towards a semi-permanent military presence. This 'quiet rotation' aims to enhance deterrence capabilities in the region, particularly against potential threats from China. The deployment includes long-range precision fire systems, with the strategic location allowing coverage of critical maritime areas.
Tanaka TakashiSun Feb 15 2026Loading...
US sends Ford aircraft carrier, fresh off Venezuela operations, to the Middle East
USS Gerald R. Ford is being deployed to the Middle East, joining USS Abraham Lincoln and other U.S. forces as part of a military buildup. The carrier, currently in the Caribbean, will bring its air wing, including F/A-18 and E/A-18G aircraft. This deployment comes amid ongoing tensions with Iran, with the U.S. negotiating with Iranian officials in Geneva.
The U.S. Navy’s Biggest Aircraft Carrier Ever Is Now Surging Towards Iran’s Backyard
The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is being deployed to the Mediterranean from the Caribbean amid rising tensions with Iran and ongoing nuclear talks. This deployment follows the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) already in the region, positioning two carrier strike groups to enhance U.S. military presence and leverage in negotiations. The Ford's air wing includes advanced aircraft such as F-35C stealth fighters and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, providing significant operational capabilities.
The UK will deploy aircraft carrier strike groups to the North Atlantic and the "High North" this year.
UK Prime Minister Starmer announced the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group to the North Atlantic and High North region in 2023.
The U.S. Plans to Send Troops to Nigeria for Counterterrorism Operations
The U.S. plans to deploy approximately 200 soldiers to Nigeria to train local forces in combating Islamic militants. This decision follows recent airstrikes ordered by President Trump against ISIS targets in the region. The deployment marks the first acknowledgment of U.S. ground troops in Nigeria since airstrikes commenced last Christmas.
Narrative of the Transitional Government's Takeover of the U.S. Tanfu Base
The U.S. military completed its withdrawal from the Tanf military base in Syria on February 11, 2023, handing control over to Syrian forces. This transition was coordinated between the U.S. and Syria, with U.S. Central Command emphasizing ongoing readiness to counter ISIS threats. Syrian forces have begun deploying in the border area with Iraq and Jordan.
