Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
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 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...
PLA 155mm Naval Gun Sea Trials Approach Deployment, 055 Destroyer Firepower Ledger Reopened
The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted sea trials for a 155mm naval gun on the Wu Yunduo test ship near Dalian on June 13. This development raises questions about the role of larger caliber naval artillery in modern naval warfare, particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness compared to missiles. The gun aims to enhance fire support capabilities, especially in scenarios requiring sustained firepower.
Li MinghuiSun Jun 14 2026Loading...
The 1260H List Expands to 188 Companies: Alibaba, BYD, and Baidu Included, Exposing U.S. Focus on China's Dual-Use Supply Chain
The U.S. Department of Defense expanded the 1260H list to include 188 companies, such as Alibaba and Baidu, on June 13, 2026. This action indicates heightened scrutiny of China's dual-use technologies and aims to exclude these firms from U.S. defense contracts. The list reflects concerns over the integration of civilian technology into military applications, potentially impacting international financing and partnerships for Chinese companies.
Li MinghuiSat Jun 13 2026Loading...
Taiwan's HIMARS Fires 32 Rockets in First Strike Across the Taiwan Strait, PLA's Anti-Landing Suppression Chain Faces 3-Minute Window
The Taiwan Army's 10th Corps conducted a live-fire exercise on June 10, 2026, deploying 6 HIMARS launchers to fire 32 rockets towards the Taiwan Strait. The exercise emphasized rapid repositioning of launchers within 3 minutes after firing, showcasing Taiwan's capability to counter potential amphibious landings by the People's Liberation Army. This marked the first live-fire demonstration of HIMARS in the direction of the Taiwan Strait.
Li MinghuiSat Jun 13 2026Loading...Taiwan's HIMARS Fires 32 Rockets on the West Coast for the First Time, PLA Forced to Recalculate Landing Window
The Taiwan Army's 10th Corps fired 32 rockets from six HIMARS systems during a live-fire exercise on the west coast near Taichung on June 10, 2026. This exercise aimed to showcase rapid deployment and precision strike capabilities against potential landing forces. The positioning of HIMARS alters the tactical landscape, enhancing Taiwan's defense against possible amphibious assaults from the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Li MinghuiFri Jun 12 2026Loading...
Navy Submarine Academy 2026 Enrollment Begins, PLA's 22 Schools to Address Underwater Talent Shortage with 17,500 Recruits
The People's Liberation Army announced plans to recruit approximately 17,500 high school graduates in 2026, focusing on officer training and emerging technologies. The Navy Submarine Academy's recruitment is particularly emphasized, addressing personnel shortages in submarine operations. This strategy reflects a shift towards aligning military personnel with modern operational requirements, particularly in the context of expanding submarine capabilities.
Li MinghuiFri Jun 12 2026Loading...Taiwanese Military Fires 32 Rockets from 6 HIMARS on the West Coast, Compressing PLA's Landing Assembly Window
The Taiwanese military conducted live-fire exercises with 6 HIMARS launchers, firing 32 M28 training rockets near the Dajia River on June 10. This exercise demonstrated rapid deployment and precision strike capabilities, with the aim of complicating potential Chinese military operations. Four rockets failed to ignite, highlighting reliability concerns. The exercise is part of Taiwan's efforts to enhance its military readiness in the face of potential threats from the mainland.
Li MinghuiThu Jun 11 2026Loading...
2026 Nine Sky Drones Enter Verification Phase, PLA Swarm Warfare Still Faces Three Hurdles Before Mass Production
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is testing the Jiu Tian drone at the Weinan flight test center as of April 15, 2026. This 16-ton drone is designed for military applications, including logistics and communication relay. It faces three major challenges before mass production: ensuring engine reliability, standardizing mission modules, and obtaining regulatory approval for operation in complex airspace.
Li MinghuiSat Jun 06 2026Loading...
052D Tongchuan Ship Joins the Southern Theater Navy in 2026, Filling the Gap in Aircraft Carrier Escort as the 35th Shield Ship of the PLA
The Chinese Navy commissioned the 052D destroyer Tongchuan into the Southern Theater Navy on June 2, 2023, marking the 35th ship of this class. The destroyer, with a displacement of approximately 8,000 tons, is equipped with advanced weaponry and is part of China's strategy to enhance naval operations in the South China Sea. This development reflects an ongoing effort to improve regional defense capabilities.
Li MinghuiSat Jun 06 2026Loading...
Grassland Partners 2026: Machine Wolves Deployed, PLA Ground Combat Drones Begin to Enter Support Chain
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is integrating unmanned equipment into operational processes during the 'Prairie Partner-2026' joint training exercise in Inner Mongolia, which began on June 1, 2026. This includes the use of unmanned vehicles, drones, and exoskeletons to enhance logistics and support roles. The exercise emphasizes practical applications of these technologies in high-risk tasks such as casualty evacuation and vehicle repairs.
Li MinghuiFri Jun 05 2026Loading...
June 3: 18 PLA Military Aircraft Circled Taiwan, 14 Crossed the Line Indicating Increased Pressure on the Northern Route
On June 3, 2026, 18 Chinese military aircraft circled Taiwan, with 14 crossing the median line into Taiwan's northern and southwestern airspace. This activity, which included 8 naval vessels and 6 public ships, indicates a shift in operational pressure rather than a crisis escalation. The increase in public ships suggests a strategy to maintain a presence while applying military pressure.
Li MinghuiThu Jun 04 2026Loading...
Liaoning Aircraft Carrier Conducts 170 Takeoffs and Landings in 3 Days, PLA 054B Frigate's First Escort Mission Exposes Shortcomings in Deep Sea Operations
The Liaoning aircraft carrier conducted approximately 170 takeoffs and landings of J-15 fighter jets and helicopters from May 26 to 28, 2023, in the Western Pacific, east of the Philippines. The 054B frigate participated in these exercises for the first time, indicating an upgrade in the People's Liberation Army Navy's operational capabilities. These activities are part of China's ongoing efforts to improve its naval presence and operational readiness in the region.
Li MinghuiThu Jun 04 2026Loading...
