Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
RAND's Four Types of War Games on China Expose the U.S. Military's Ship Repair Shortcomings, PLA's Nearshore Maintenance System Becomes a Hidden Strength
RAND study indicates that the U.S. Navy may struggle to repair battle-damaged ships during a potential conflict with China in August 2025. The analysis highlights vulnerabilities in the U.S. repair logistics, particularly in the Western Pacific, while noting that the Chinese Navy has advantages due to closer industrial support. The report emphasizes the need for improved logistics and pre-positioning of spare parts to maintain operational readiness.
Li MinghuiWed Jun 24 2026Loading...
NMESIS and MADIS Arrive in Okinawa: US Military Pushes Anti-Ship Firepower to the Doorstep of the PLA
The U.S. Marine Corps deployed the NMESIS anti-ship system and MADIS air defense system to Okinawa in June 2023. This move enhances U.S. military capabilities in the region, allowing for improved anti-ship operations and air defense against drones. The deployment is part of a strategy to establish a network of dispersed firepower in the first island chain, increasing deterrence against potential threats from the People's Liberation Army.
Li MinghuiTue Jun 23 2026Loading...
Liaoning Aircraft Carrier Returns to Port After 40 Days of Open Sea Training, PLA Aircraft Carrier and 075 Amphibious Ship Conduct Joint Training for the First Time
The Liaoning aircraft carrier returned to Qingdao on June 22 after 40 days of training, marking the first public joint exercise with the Anhui amphibious assault ship. The training involved various tactical operations, including live-fire exercises, in the South China Sea and Western Pacific, while being monitored by Japanese naval forces. This exercise aimed to enhance coordination between different naval platforms and tested the PLA Navy's operational capabilities.
Li MinghuiTue Jun 23 2026Loading...
Dongfeng-17 First Public Video Launch: PLA Rocket Force Showcases 2500 km Strike Range
The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force publicly displayed and launched multiple Dongfeng-17 missiles on June 21, showcasing their operational capabilities. This event marks a significant moment as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Rocket Force. The Dongfeng-17, with a range of 1800 to 2500 kilometers, is designed for complex attack trajectories against high-value targets, enhancing China's military deterrence in the region.
Li MinghuiMon Jun 22 2026Loading...PLA Army Anti-Tank Missile Unit High-Temperature Sandstorm Training: 2026 Human-Equipment Integration Shortcomings Exposed
PLA anti-tank missile units conducted a training exercise in the Gobi Desert in late June 2026, focusing on target acquisition and engagement under challenging conditions. The exercise emphasized the integration of drones and command vehicles for real-time updates, showcasing the unit's adaptation to modern warfare requirements. This training reflects the PLA's ongoing efforts to enhance operational capabilities in complex environments.
Li MinghuiMon Jun 22 2026Loading...North Industries 2026 Paris Exhibition Showcases Drone Assembly Line: China's Military Industry Exports Shift from Selling Complete Machines to Selling Production Capacity
North Industries showcased a miniature drone assembly line at the Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition in Paris from June 15-19, indicating a strategic shift in China's military exports towards selling production capabilities rather than complete drones. The displayed systems included the BZK-005E reconnaissance drone and others, emphasizing the importance of local production for international buyers, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. Egypt's collaboration on the Hamza-2 drone further illustrates this trend.
Li MinghuiSun Jun 21 2026Loading...South Sea Fleet Frigates Conduct Day-Night Training in June, PLA's Anti-Submarine Fundamentals Being Reinforced
On June 20, 2023, the Southern Theater Command Navy conducted training exercises in the South China Sea, focusing on anti-submarine warfare, anti-piracy operations, naval gunnery, and replenishment at sea. The exercises involved over 40 frigates, including the 054A and 054B classes, highlighting the importance of operational readiness and task switching. The training aims to maintain basic skills while preparing for future upgrades in naval capabilities.
Li MinghuiSun Jun 21 2026Loading...
Coast Guard 08 Completes Survey 1,025 Nautical Miles East of Taiwan, Filling in the Deep Water Area of the PLA's Anti-Submarine Puzzle
Chinese Coast Guard's Haixun 08 completed a 1025 nautical mile hydrographic survey east of Taiwan from June 11 to 20, 2026. This operation, involving multiple agencies, aims to gather critical underwater data for military applications. Concurrently, PLA Air Force and Navy activities were reported in the region, indicating a coordinated effort to enhance military presence and intelligence capabilities.
Li MinghuiSat Jun 20 2026Loading...
2026 Northern Industrial Paris Exhibition BZK-005E and CY-8 PLA Drone Production Capacity Begins to Overflow
North Industries Group showcased various drone systems, including the BZK-005E reconnaissance drone and CY-8 cargo drone, at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris on June 18, 2026. The display emphasized China's intent to not only sell drones but also production capabilities, potentially impacting military logistics in the Middle East. The BZK-005E is already operational within the PLA and has been exported to several countries.
Li MinghuiSat Jun 20 2026Loading...The entire army senior cadre class graduates in June, the People's Liberation Army settles accounts with its cadres a century before its founding.
On June 16, the People's Liberation Army concluded its first senior officer training course at the National Defense University. Vice Chairman Zhang Shengmin emphasized the need to consolidate training results and enhance military readiness, linking this initiative to broader anti-corruption efforts and management reforms within the PLA. The training aims to address issues in procurement and accountability, ensuring that military modernization is effectively managed and implemented.
Li MinghuiFri Jun 19 2026Loading...
Taiwan's First Westward Test Launch of HIMARS: PLA's Landing Operations Need to Recalculate Three Variables
Taiwan conducted its first live-fire exercise of the HIMARS system towards the Taiwan Strait on June 17, 2023, employing a 'shoot and scoot' tactic. During this period, eight Chinese naval vessels were detected around Taiwan, indicating ongoing surveillance. The exercise highlights Taiwan's strategy to enhance its defensive capabilities against potential Chinese amphibious assaults by targeting critical landing zones and logistical points.
Li MinghuiFri Jun 19 2026Loading...Completion of Senior Cadre Training Course for the Whole Army: 2026 PLA Political Reorganization Enters Deep Water of Equipment Procurement
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) concluded its first senior officer training course on June 16, 2026, in Beijing, focusing on integrating political training with military readiness and procurement. This initiative aims to enhance political reliability and budget discipline within the military, addressing corruption and improving operational capabilities. The course reflects a significant shift in the PLA's approach to leadership and equipment procurement.
Li MinghuiThu Jun 18 2026Loading...Taiwan's HIMARS Conducts First Live Fire on the West Coast, PLA Amphibious Landing Must Recalculate 3-Minute Countermeasure Window
Taiwan conducted its first live-fire exercise of the M142 HIMARS on June 10 near the Dajia River, launching 32 rockets, with 28 successfully fired. The exercise demonstrated the system's ability to reposition within 3 minutes, impacting PLA amphibious landing strategies. However, 4 rockets failed to launch, highlighting reliability concerns as Taiwan aims to expand its HIMARS capabilities by 2025.
Li MinghuiThu Jun 18 2026Loading...The U.S. 1260H List Adds 65 Chinese Companies, Military-Civilian Integration of the PLA Under Scrutiny
On June 8, 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense updated the 1260H list, adding 65 Chinese companies, including major tech firms like Alibaba and Baidu, due to concerns over military-civil fusion. This expansion indicates a shift in focus towards supply chain vulnerabilities rather than just traditional military contractors. U.S. defense procurement restrictions are set to tighten, impacting these companies' operations in the U.S. market.
Li MinghuiWed Jun 17 2026Loading...
The Qi Jiguang Ship and Kunlun Mountain Ship Conduct Long-Distance Training in 2026, Transforming the PLA Navy's Amphibious Platforms into Mobile Classrooms
On June 15, 2026, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) launched a training exercise from Qingdao involving the Qijiang-class training ship and Type 071 amphibious transport dock. The exercise included over 400 personnel, including foreign military students from 10 countries, focusing on naval operations and education on large operational platforms. This initiative aims to improve the operational capabilities of naval officers.
Li MinghuiWed Jun 17 2026Loading...
Coast Guard 08 Conducts First Survey of Eastern Waters Around Taiwan, PLA Anti-Submarine Log Completes 1,025 Nautical Miles of Underwater Data
The China Coast Guard conducted a maritime enforcement and survey operation along the East Coast of Taiwan from June 6-10, 2023, covering 1030 nautical miles. This operation involved inspecting 198 vessels and is interpreted as preparation for potential submarine warfare, gathering critical underwater data. The operation's focus on the East Coast highlights its strategic military significance.
Li MinghuiTue Jun 16 2026Loading...
Latest Review of PLA Amphibious Exercises 2026: 360-Kilometer Civilian Ship Mobilization Changes Taiwan Strait Logistics
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted a large-scale amphibious training exercise on June 15, 2026, along the Taiwan Strait, utilizing civilian vessels for logistics and troop deployment. The exercise spanned approximately 360 kilometers, demonstrating the PLA's focus on enhancing its amphibious operational capabilities. Key elements included overcoming coastal obstacles and employing floating bridges for troop movement.
Li MinghuiTue Jun 16 2026Loading...
Southern Theater Command's Anti-Submarine Training for Dozens of Hours: PLA KQ-200 Highlights Underwater Shortcomings in the South China Sea
The People's Liberation Army Navy Aviation conducted several hours of uninterrupted anti-submarine training in the South China Sea on June 14, utilizing 30 KQ-200 aircraft. The training focused on integrating various systems for effective submarine detection and tracking, highlighting the PLA's efforts to enhance its anti-submarine capabilities in response to external submarine activities. The KQ-200, while not as advanced as the P-8A, plays a crucial role in China's maritime defense strategy.
Li MinghuiMon Jun 15 2026Loading...
Southern Theater Command Naval Aviation J-11B Reappears in Air Combat Training, 2026 Old Platform Still on the Frontline Indicates Production Capacity Account
The Southern Theater Command Naval Aviation conducted air combat training with J-11B aircraft from June 12 to 14, 2023, in the South China Sea. Concurrently, Z-20 and Z-20T helicopters engaged in high-altitude training, while Mengshi armored vehicles performed long-distance maneuvers. This indicates a focus on operational readiness and the integration of older and newer military platforms.
Li MinghuiMon Jun 15 2026Loading...Taiwan's HIMARS Fires 32 Rockets on the West Coast for the First Time, PLA's Landing Firepower Account Needs to Be Recalculated
On June 10, the Taiwan Army conducted a live-fire exercise near the Dajia River estuary in Taichung, launching 32 training rockets from HIMARS towards the Taiwan Strait. This exercise aimed to showcase rapid deployment and firing capabilities, although the rockets used were not operational GMLRS. The ongoing military activities in the region indicate continued pressure from the Chinese military.
Li MinghuiSun Jun 14 2026Loading...
