Analysis & Reports

Ukrainian authorities reported that SpaceX disabled Starlink terminals used by Russian attack drones to strike military targets in Ukraine. On January 29, 2023, Ukraine's Minister of Defense confirmed that SpaceX responded promptly to their request for action. The implemented measures include speed-based restrictions that prevent Starlink terminals from functioning on fast-moving drones, effectively countering their use in military operations.

The Pentagon announced that base commanders are now empowered to directly respond to drone threats over military installations. This change follows the release of a new guide by Joint Inter-Agency Task Force 401, which aims to enhance the military's drone defense capabilities. The updated policies grant commanders expanded authority and flexibility to manage airspace above their bases, addressing previous shortcomings identified in a Department of Defense Inspector General's report.

The Pentagon announced expanded counter-drone authorities for base commanders in December 2023, allowing them to respond more effectively to drone threats. The Joint Inter-Agency Task Force 401 released a new guide to streamline drone defense measures, emphasizing the need for enhanced security against unauthorized drone flights. This policy comes after a report highlighted deficiencies in current counter-drone operations at military bases.

The U.S. Air Force has begun deploying combat search and rescue (CSAR) aircraft, including two HC-130J Combat King II and one C-17 Globemaster III, from the United States to Europe and the Middle East. The C-17 is transporting personnel and equipment from the 41st Rescue Squadron, indicating preparations for potential military operations. This movement aligns with established patterns for U.S. rescue and recovery units during overseas missions.

The U.S. Air Force is enhancing its communication capabilities for bombers and other aircraft following the successful Operation Midnight Hammer on June 22, 2023, which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. Lt. Gen. Jason Armagost and Maj. Claire Randolph discussed the importance of secure command and control networks to ensure effective mission execution while managing the authority of aircrew commanders. The B-21 Raider is anticipated to play a key role in future operations with its advanced data-sharing capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force is enhancing its communication capabilities for bombers following the successful Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. Lt. Gen. Jason Armagost stressed the importance of secure command and control networks for future missions. Maj. Claire Randolph warned against direct communication lines to cockpits that could undermine air crew authority. The B-21 Raider is anticipated to play a key role in future operations.

The U.S. Navy deployed at least 10 naval vessels in the Middle East, including the USS Delbert D. Black and USS Abraham Lincoln, amid rising tensions with Iran. The deployment includes 6 destroyers and 3 littoral combat ships, capable of conducting land strikes and defending against aerial threats. Additionally, U.S. military aircraft are being sent to the region, indicating preparations for potential military action against Iran.

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz highlighted the significance of effective leadership in military operations, focusing on selecting capable individuals and empowering them to excel. He led the U.S. Navy during World War II, notably in the Battle of Midway, and emphasized trust and initiative among his subordinates to achieve success.

USS Blue Ridge and USS Mount Whitney serve as command ships for the U.S. Navy, facilitating command and control for naval operations across the Indo-Pacific and Europe. In 2025, USS Mount Whitney participated in NATO's BALTOPS 25 exercise, enhancing allied coordination. The Navy is modernizing these aging ships to extend their operational life until 2039, despite lacking a replacement program.

A U.S. Navy destroyer named 'Delbert D. Black' arrived in the Middle East within the last 48 hours, increasing the number of U.S. destroyers in the region to six. The U.S. Navy's presence also includes one aircraft carrier and three littoral combat ships.

President Trump deployed 1,000 National Guard troops to various U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago, to assist with law enforcement and deportation operations. These deployments have incurred costs of $589 million, potentially rising to over $1 billion by year-end. Judicial actions have blocked some deployments, while several cities have opposed the presence of National Guard troops. The mobilization is politically charged, with claims of unsafe conditions in the targeted cities.

NATO personnel are receiving extended training support in SitaWare Headquarters as part of a new contract with Systematic, signed on January 28, 2026. This initiative enhances NATO's command and control capabilities and interoperability through the DEMETER Project, which aims for Final Operating Capability by March 2026. The SitaWare software will facilitate improved situational awareness and operational planning across NATO forces.

South Korea completed the deployment of the second performance upgrade of its Army Tactical Command Information System (ATCIS) on January 26. The upgraded system is now fully operational across the Republic of Korea Army, enhancing real-time battlefield information sharing and analysis. This upgrade supports AI-based operations and the integration of unmanned platforms, demonstrating South Korea's independent defense capabilities.

The Venezuelan military recognized Delcy Rodriguez as the Supreme Commander on January 28. This acknowledgment marks a significant leadership change within the Venezuelan Armed Forces.

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet during World War II, overseeing over two million personnel and 5,000 ships. He was appointed after the Pearl Harbor attack and played a crucial role in the Battle of Midway. Nimitz was known for his accessible leadership style, valuing advice from junior officers. His legacy continues with the naming of the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier.

The deployment of National Guard and active-duty Marine forces to six US cities cost approximately $496 million in the last six months of 2025. Future deployments are estimated to cost around $93 million per month. The National Guard's deployment of 1,000 members incurs costs between $18 million and $21 million monthly, depending on local living expenses. Legal barriers affecting future deployments were also noted.

General Zhang Youxia was removed from the Central Military Commission in China, accompanied by the arrest of General Liu Zhenli. This upheaval within the People's Liberation Army has raised concerns about operational leadership and political loyalty. Analysts suggest that these purges may lead to a leadership void, impacting the PLA's readiness for complex military operations. Allegations of coup plotting and unrest have emerged, indicating significant instability within the military leadership.

U.S. Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment arrived in Bardufoss, Norway on January 19, 2025, for Exercise Cold Response 26. This deployment involves approximately 25,000 personnel from various nations, with 3,000 U.S. Marines participating. They traveled on a Boeing 767-300ER owned by the New England Patriots, highlighting NATO's renewed focus on cold-weather military readiness. The UK is also enhancing its presence in the region.

NATO signed a contract with Systematic on January 28, 2026, to enhance land command-and-control training under Project DEMETER. This initiative aims to ensure the continuous adaptation of training capabilities, with initial operating capability of SitaWare Headquarters achieved in March 2025 and full capability expected by March 2026. The collaboration reflects NATO's commitment to improving training for land C2 operators.

Four Chinese Navy vessels transited from the East China Sea into the Pacific Ocean near Okinawa and the Miyako Strait on January 27-28. The group included a Jiangkai II-class frigate and three guided-missile destroyers, monitored by Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force. This movement reflects a pattern of increased Chinese naval activity, with Japan maintaining a 24-hour surveillance posture to track these operations.