Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
US forces leave important airfield in Somalia
The U.S. military withdrew all troops from Baledogle Military Airfield last month, after over a decade of operations there. The airfield, located approximately 60 miles southwest of Mogadishu, has been a key site for counterterrorism efforts. Although troops have left the base, they will remain in Somalia, and there is a possibility of returning to Baledogle in the future.
Algeria Deploys Its Troops to Niger in 2026 — The Bet That Redefines the Sahel
Algeria is preparing to deploy troops to Niger in 2026, marking its first significant military projection abroad in over fifty years. This deployment aims to address security concerns and prevent instability from affecting Algeria's southern regions. The exact details of the troop numbers and mission remain undisclosed, but the move signifies a shift in Algeria's approach to regional security in the Sahel.
Marie DuboisFri Nov 06 2026Loading...
China's 2026 100-Ship Taiwan Surge Is a Blockade Rehearsal
China is conducting a naval surge with over 100 vessels and 21 to 22 military aircraft around Taiwan in 2026, practicing blockade tactics. This operation aims to create a perception of restricted access to Taiwan's waters without formally declaring a blockade. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is testing Taiwan's response capabilities and the reactions of the United States and regional allies.
Marcus ChenThu Nov 05 2026Loading...Algeria authorizes troops in Niger in 2026 — Africa Corps loses its security monopoly
On November 1, 2026, the Algerian parliament approved the deployment of troops to Niger to protect strategic interests and energy facilities. This decision follows Algeria's earlier military support to Niger, including the dispatch of Su-30 fighter jets. The move reflects Algeria's shift in military policy and aims to establish a direct security presence in Niger amid regional instability.
Marie DuboisSun Nov 01 2026Loading...
Sharpening the Sword in the Gulf of Aden! Direct Coverage of the Yueyang Ship's Helicopter Day-and-Night Flight Training
The Yueyang Ship of the 49th Escort Task Force conducted helicopter training exercises in the Gulf of Aden, focusing on reconnaissance, target verification, and search and rescue operations. The training included both day and night operations, with pilots successfully landing helicopters on the ship despite challenging visibility conditions at night. This exercise aimed to enhance the coordination and operational readiness of naval aviation units.
Algeria approves troops in Niger in 2026 — the Sahel changes guardian
Algeria approved the deployment of troops to Niger on October 25, 2026, following a unanimous vote in Parliament. This move aims to protect oil facilities and deter destabilization efforts in the region. The deployment comes after Algeria sent Russian aircraft to Niger and reflects a shift in regional security dynamics as Western powers reduce their presence.
Marie DuboisWed Oct 28 2026Loading...Algerian Parliament Approves Troops Deployment to Niger
Algeria's parliament approved the deployment of troops to Niger on October 25, 2023, to protect energy facilities. The upper house saw 148 out of 174 senators vote in favor, while the lower house also supported the decision by an absolute majority. This marks Algeria's first military deployment since 1973, reflecting strengthened security cooperation between the two nations after recent tensions.
Algeria deploys its troops to Niger — a security turning point against jihadist groups
Algeria is deploying military units to Niger to bolster security and protect economic interests amid rising jihadist threats. This marks Algeria's first military action abroad since 1973, with the deployment aimed at securing key economic areas while avoiding deeper involvement in Niger's internal conflicts. The strategic move reflects a shift in Algeria's long-standing non-intervention policy and is seen as a response to the changing security dynamics in the Sahel region.
Marie DuboisTue Oct 27 2026Loading...Algeria Deploys Its Army to Niger in 2026 — JNIM Faces a New Sahelian Lockdown
Algeria's People's National Army is set to deploy units to Niger in 2026 following parliamentary approval on October 25. This marks Algeria's first military projection outside its borders since 1973, aimed at safeguarding its energy and economic interests. The specifics regarding troop numbers and deployment duration remain undisclosed.
Marie DuboisTue Oct 27 2026Loading...JNIM and the Islamic State Clash in the Sahel — Burkina Faso Becomes the Battlefield
JNIM claimed control of a militia post in Kando on October 22, 2026, amid intense fighting with ISIS in the Sahel. The conflict has escalated, with both groups competing for resources and territory in Burkina Faso. Operational weaknesses in the Burkinabè military are exacerbating the situation, leading to a fragmented control of the region. The ongoing clashes signify a shift in the dynamics of jihadist warfare in the area.
Marie DuboisMon Oct 26 2026Loading...Liaoning Ship's Regular Long-Distance Voyages in 2026: The PLA's Three Aircraft Carrier Training Chain Begins to Take Shape
The Liaoning aircraft carrier conducted training exercises in the Western Pacific from October 14 to 23, 2026, accompanied by two large destroyers and one missile destroyer. The exercises included aircraft takeoffs and landings near southern islands of Japan and may extend towards the South China Sea. This deployment is part of a routine training schedule aimed at enhancing combat readiness and coincided with U.S.-Japan joint military exercises.
Li MinghuiSun Oct 25 2026Loading...
The PLA Liaoning Aircraft Carrier's Regular Offshore Training in 2026: Transitioning from Trial Voyages to System Integration
The Liaoning aircraft carrier conducted routine training exercises in the western Pacific from October 14 to October 23, 2026, reaching areas near southern Japan and moving towards the South China Sea. This operation marks a shift from trial voyages to systematic training, enhancing the operational capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Navy. The carrier's evolving role emphasizes the integration of training and operational readiness within the Chinese naval forces.
Li MinghuiSun Oct 25 2026Loading...
What Exclusive Advantages Does the J-15T Have? The Only "Glide Bomb Integrated" Carrier-Based Aircraft in the World
The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted training exercises with the Liaoning aircraft carrier group in the Western Pacific. The J-15T carrier-based fighter participated, showcasing its unique capabilities as the only aircraft of its kind globally. This exercise marks the 10th anniversary of the Liaoning's service, emphasizing China's naval operational flexibility.
China’s Liaoning carrier: 10 years from training ship to warship
The Liaoning carrier group conducted its second far-seas training deployment to the Western Pacific in October 2023, observed by Japanese forces. The group, which includes the Liaoning and several destroyers, performed flight operations south of Ishigaki-jima. This deployment is part of routine training exercises by the People's Liberation Army Navy, emphasizing their enhanced naval capabilities over the past decade.
From Training Ship to Combat Ship to Core of Aircraft Carrier Formation! Liaoning Ship Completes "Three Steps" in Ten Years
The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) conducted training exercises with the Liaoning aircraft carrier in the Western Pacific, marking its second such operation in 2023. This year also marks the tenth anniversary of the Liaoning's service. The exercises are routine and part of a broader enhancement of naval capabilities, despite interpretations by Japanese media suggesting a confrontational stance.
Video | Seamless Coordination Between Sea and Air! Unveiling the Collaborative Code Between H-6K and Carrier-Based Aircraft
The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted training exercises in the Western Pacific, involving coordination between H-6K bombers and carrier-based aircraft. H-6K pilots utilized coded communication with J-15 and J-35 fighter pilots to enhance operational effectiveness. This exercise demonstrates significant improvements in joint operations between the Air Force and Navy.
Japan's Type 25 Anti-Ship Guided Missile Makes Its Debut in Keen Sword 2026, Operationalizing Southwest Defense
Japan's 25th type anti-ship guided missile participated for the first time in the Keen Sword joint exercise, which began on October 19, 2026, in the Southwest Region. Approximately 45,000 Japanese personnel, 11,000 U.S. personnel, and 300 Australian personnel engaged in the exercise, testing interoperability and defense strategies against potential threats from the Chinese Navy. The exercise involved the deployment of various military assets, including ships and aircraft, to enhance regional defense capabilities.
Tanaka TakashiSat Oct 24 2026Loading...Algeria deploys 4 Su-30 to Niger — the strategic break that reshapes the Sahel in 2026
Algeria deployed 4 Su-30 fighters and 1 refueling aircraft to Niamey, Niger, on August 30, 2026, marking its first military projection outside its borders since 1973. This deployment was a response to a mutiny among Nigerien soldiers and aimed at preventing a coup. The move indicates a significant shift in Algeria's military doctrine, treating the Sahel as a strategic depth rather than a diplomatic buffer zone.
Marie DuboisFri Oct 23 2026Loading...
A shifting landscape: Where the US Army moved in 2026 and what may be on the horizon
The U.S. Army restructured its forces in 2026, establishing a new Western Hemisphere Command at Fort Bragg and deploying 5,000 troops to Poland. Troops withdrew from Iraq and Syria, while the Army extended deployments in the Indo-Pacific and launched a new multi-domain command. Additionally, the Marine Corps is enhancing its presence in Alaska for extreme cold-weather operations.
After the Liaoning's Western Pacific Training, Why Has the 2026 Circum-Taiwan Grand Exercise Not Yet Appeared?
Chinese military activities were reported near Taiwan, with 15 aircraft and 10 warships active in the region on October 15-16, 2026. The Liaoning aircraft carrier conducted routine training in the Western Pacific, while 13 aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan's airspace. Taiwan's defense authorities are on alert for potential military exercises by the PLA in the coming months, indicating a shift in PLA strategy towards more frequent, smaller-scale operations.
Li MinghuiSun Oct 18 2026Loading...
