Global Security and Defense Developments - 12 February 2026

This daily brief examines heightened military posturing and strategic deployments amid ongoing diplomatic engagement, as major powers balance deterrence, signaling, and negotiation. It assesses force movements, operational readiness, and alliance dynamics alongside parallel diplomatic tracks, highlighting indicators that shape escalation risk and crisis management across multiple theaters. The brief is designed to support timely situational awareness by contextualizing tactical developments within broader geopolitical and security trends.

U.S. POSSIBLE ATTACK ON IRAN - MIDDLE EAST DEPLOYMENT

• The frequency of U.S. military flights related to the transfer of air and missile defense systems to U.S. bases in the Middle East has declined significantly, a development assessed as an indication that the bulk of system deployments has largely been completed.

• On February 10, twelve F-15E fighter jets redeployed from Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan to Morón Air Base in Spain, transiting via Chania Air Base in Crete, with support from KC-135R tankers operating from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and Morón Air Base.

• Following the completion of the withdrawal of all personnel and equipment associated with the twelve F-15Es returning from Jordan to the United States, six F-35A fighters currently based in Spain are expected to be deployed to Jordan.

GLOBAL SECURITY DEVELOPMENTS

• U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House to discuss regional security issues, with a particular focus on the ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. While both leaders reviewed strategic approaches toward Iran, no concrete agreement was announced. Trump emphasized the continuation of talks and reiterated that diplomacy should remain the priority.

• Netanyahu called for the U.S.–Iran negotiations to be expanded beyond the nuclear file to include Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, its support for regional proxy groups, and broader security risks. However, it was reported that he did not secure a clear commitment from Trump on this issue.

• In statements following the meeting, Trump said nuclear negotiations with Iran could continue and stressed that reaching an agreement would be preferable if possible, underlining his intention to keep diplomatic efforts alive.

• Iran declared that its ballistic missile program is a non-negotiable red line and will not be discussed under any circumstances, while reiterating that it remains open to limited negotiations on its nuclear program.

• The Trump administration stated that, even as diplomacy continues, it is assessing the possibility of deploying additional military assets to the region, signaling that deterrence against Iran remains an integral part of its strategy.

• Russia carried out a large-scale air attack targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with power and water facilities damaged in cities including Kyiv, Odesa, and Dnipro.

• China’s military activities and exercises around Taiwan continue to sustain regional security risks. Officials from Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense stated that China’s military pressure represents an immediate and real threat, requiring heightened defensive readiness.

• The European Parliament approved a €90 billion support package for Ukraine covering the 2026–2027 period, with the majority of funding allocated to defense procurement and the modernization of military forces.

GLOBAL DEFENSE DEVELOPMENTS

• The European Commission released a comprehensive EU Anti-Drone Action Plan aimed at countering drone threats, including joint certification standards, enhanced monitoring infrastructure, and integrated supply chain solutions.

• It has been alleged that F-35A fighter jets delivered to the U.S. Air Force since June 2025 were handed over with ballast installed in place of the delayed new APG-85 radar. Images have been shared showing F-35A aircraft, claimed to be from these deliveries, with ballast weights mounted in the radar bay.

• Lockheed Martin, introduced the Lamprey MMAUV, a modular autonomous undersea vehicle built to deploy torpedoes, decoys, and aerial drones from a rechargeable hitchhike platform. The system signals a shift toward scalable, forward-deployed undersea combat power that reduces reliance on scarce manned submarines.

• Hypersonica confirmed that its SCOOTER HS-1 demonstrator exceeded Mach 6 during a February 2026 test flight at Andøya Space in Norway, traveling more than 300 kilometers downrange.

• Recent photos and videos circulating on social media show that Iran has received Russian-made Mi-28NE attack helicopters, with aircraft spotted at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport and observed conducting flight tests over the capital.

• Raytheon announced that it has successfully tested a non-kinetic variant of its Coyote counter-drone system, known as Coyote Block 3NK.

• Lockheed Martin and Japanese technology company Fujitsu signed a contract for the initial procurement of components that supply power to the modular Subarray Suite, a critical element of the SPY-7 radar selected for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) Aegis System Equipped Vessels.

• American shipbuilder, Davie Defense, has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to build five Arctic Security Cutters.