Analysis & Reports

Saab rolled out the first Gripen F two-seat fighter jet to the Brazilian Air Force on June 2 at its Linköping facility in Sweden. This rollout marks a significant milestone in the defense partnership between Brazil and Sweden, with the Gripen F designed to enhance pilot training and operational capabilities. The aircraft will now undergo a dedicated flight test campaign before final delivery, contributing to Brazil's aerospace sovereignty and engineering capabilities.

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked Ngadi on the night of May 30-31, 2026, killing 16 individuals, including 15 civilians and 1 soldier. The Congolese army confirmed the casualties and is pursuing the attackers while reinforcing civilian protection. This incident highlights the ADF's capability to strike in urban areas, raising concerns about security in the region.

Marie DuboisTue Jun 02 2026Loading...

GDIT is testing its AI logistics and maintenance systems during the upcoming Baja 1000 race in the Baja Desert, California, and Mexico. The AI will provide predictive analytics for when riders need to pit and replace batteries, simulating conditions relevant for military operations. This project, in collaboration with AWS, aims to enhance logistics for military applications in remote and disconnected environments.

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked a neighborhood in Beni, North Kivu, on May 31, 2023, resulting in 16 deaths, including 15 civilians and 1 soldier. The Congolese government stated that combating the ADF remains a top priority, and military efforts are underway to apprehend the attackers. The security situation in eastern DRC is critical, with various armed groups operating in the region.

U.S. military forces conducted airstrikes against drug trafficking boats in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, resulting in a death toll of 205 since September 2, 2023. The latest strike killed three individuals and is part of Operation Southern Spear targeting narco-terrorists. U.S. Southern Command reported that these operations involve lethal airstrikes against small vessels suspected of transporting illegal narcotics.

U.S. General Francis Donovan held a meeting with senior Cuban military officials at Guantanamo Bay to discuss operational security and perimeter assessments. This rare meeting included discussions on force protection and operational readiness. Both delegations agreed to maintain communication, reflecting mutual interests in security matters.

Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces Chief Roberto Legra Sotolongo met with U.S. Southern Command Commander Donovan on May 29 to discuss security issues around Guantanamo Bay. Both sides agreed to maintain communication at the command level. The U.S. has completed military deployments in the Caribbean targeting Cuba, while ongoing dialogue between the two nations has not yielded substantial progress.

U.S. Southern Command Commander Donovan held a meeting with senior Cuban military leaders near Guantanamo Bay on May 29, 2023, to discuss military operations security. The meeting included discussions on troop protection and safety for military personnel and their families. This meeting occurs amid heightened U.S. military presence in the Caribbean and ongoing tensions between the two nations.

The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit has deployed approximately 1,300 Marines to the Caribbean, replacing the 22nd MEU as part of Operation Southern Spear. Stationed at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico, the unit is tasked with deterring threats and disrupting drug trafficking networks. The deployment includes capabilities for supporting embassies and conducting air support operations.

The USS Nimitz (CVN 68) has been deployed to the Caribbean as part of a U.S. Navy pressure campaign against Cuba, extending its service life due to delays in new carrier construction. This deployment coincides with heightened political tensions in Cuba, including an indictment of former president Raúl Castro. The U.S. Navy aims to maintain military readiness and presence in the region amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is becoming operational in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea after years of debugging its advanced systems, including the EMALS and AAG, which have faced reliability issues. The carrier's crew size was reduced by 500-700 sailors, leading to increased software vulnerabilities. Despite these challenges, the Ford-class is expected to serve as a competent supercarrier for decades.

Cuba's air defense capabilities are assessed as inadequate against modern U.S. military threats, particularly from stealth aircraft like the F-35 and F-22. The Cuban Air Defense Network, reliant on outdated Soviet systems, faces challenges due to aging equipment and insufficient training. In a potential conflict, the U.S. military is expected to achieve air superiority quickly, complicating Cuba's defense efforts. Despite some modernization attempts, Cuba's economic struggles hinder its military readiness.

Brazil is advancing towards self-sufficiency in nuclear submarine fuel production by establishing a uranium hexafluoride production facility in Iperó, São Paulo. This facility, expected to produce around 40 tons annually, is crucial for the nuclear submarine program, particularly for the 'Alberto' submarine. The initiative is part of a strategic partnership with France and aims to enhance Brazil's naval capabilities.

Chinese Coast Guard vessel CCG-4305 patrolled 48 nautical miles off Zambales on May 19, 2026, prompting a response from the Philippine Coast Guard. The incident is part of a broader pattern of Chinese maritime activity, including the presence of multiple vessels in Philippine waters. This situation raises concerns about sovereignty and the normalization of Chinese incursions into contested areas.

Marcus ChenMon May 25 2026Loading...

U.S. military conducted exercises in Caracas on March 23, 2023, involving MV-22B Ospreys and naval vessels. The exercises were part of emergency drills authorized by the Venezuelan government, aimed at addressing potential medical emergencies. Protests erupted nearby, with residents opposing the U.S. military presence. U.S. Southern Command's commander met with officials from the interim Venezuelan government during this operation.

U.S. Marines conducted a mock evacuation drill at the U.S. embassy in Caracas on Saturday, utilizing two MV-22 Ospreys. The exercise, attended by Marine Corps Gen. Francis Donovan, aimed to ensure rapid response capabilities. This event marks the largest military display in the city since Operation Absolute Resolve, which involved a nighttime attack on Venezuela in January.

The U.S. conducted military exercises in Caracas on May 23, involving two MV-22B Osprey aircraft. This marks the first military exercise in Venezuela since a significant operation in January. During the exercise, protests erupted in the city center, with citizens expressing opposition to U.S. military presence. The Venezuelan government stated the exercise was authorized as an 'evacuation drill' to address potential medical emergencies or disasters.

The USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Caribbean on Wednesday, enhancing U.S. military presence amid rising tensions with Cuba. This deployment includes the USS Gridley and USS Patuxent, and is expected to last several days as a show of force. The Nimitz's arrival marks the first carrier presence in the region since February, coinciding with recent political actions against Cuban officials.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Duchaine Paul graduated from the Army’s Jungle Operations Training Course-Panama at Aeronaval Base Cristóbal Colón. He is the first Air Force member to complete this course, which involved 18 days of training in challenging jungle conditions alongside Army and Panamanian troops. The course focuses on jungle survival and military tactics, reflecting a renewed U.S. military presence in Latin America.

SIATT delivered the first production batch of MAX 1.2 AC anti-tank guided missiles to the Brazilian Army in Formosa, Goiás, on May 14, 2026. This marks the transition of the domestically designed missile into a fielded weapon, produced at SIATT's new facility in Caçapava, São Paulo. The MAX 1.2 AC is a laser-guided missile with significant armor penetration capabilities, enhancing the Brazilian Army's anti-tank capabilities.