Analysis & Reports

Taiwan has resolved the Altius-600 charger issue and is procuring 2,032 Anduril loitering munitions and reconnaissance systems. The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense awarded the contract in late August 2026, which includes 1,554 Altius-700M drones and 478 Altius-600 ISR systems. Local production of batteries and a non-China charging system are being developed to ensure operational readiness. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2026 and extend into 2033.

Marcus ChenFri Sep 11 2026Loading...

Taiwan increased its defense budget to NT$1 trillion for 2026, adding NT$145.7 billion to enhance military capabilities. The budget focuses on acquiring more drones and munitions, but experts warn it may not significantly improve Taiwan's wartime logistics or combat readiness against larger Chinese forces. Beijing perceives this budget increase as inadequate for Taiwan's defense needs in a potential conflict.

Marcus ChenFri Sep 04 2026Loading...

Japan is procuring Terra B1 drones to enhance its air defense capabilities, with initial delivery expected by September 2026. The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) signed a mass-production agreement following successful demonstrations. This move aims to address the threat posed by low-cost drones and improve logistical support for the Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Marcus ChenThu Aug 27 2026Loading...

China is constructing military infrastructure at Antelope Reef and Yagong Island in 2026, enhancing its operational capabilities in the South China Sea. The developments include a 9,000-foot runway and radar facilities, indicating a shift towards a more permanent military presence. This expansion allows the People's Liberation Army to increase its capacity and persistence in the region, complicating any potential military responses from neighboring countries.

Marcus ChenWed Aug 26 2026Loading...

Australia is establishing the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia to support submarine construction and sustainment, aiming for 10,000 jobs. However, significant challenges remain, including industrial capacity and skilled labor shortages, which may delay the production of SSN-AUKUS submarines until the late 2030s or beyond. The U.S. industrial base's inability to meet its own submarine targets further complicates Australia's plans.

Marcus ChenMon Aug 24 2026Loading...

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. indicated a possibility of joint oil and gas exploration with China in the West Philippine Sea, particularly at Recto Bank, during a luncheon with foreign correspondents on August 14, 2023. This potential deal raises significant constitutional and sovereignty concerns, as it may imply recognition of China's claims in the region. Marcos also stated that the Philippines would not allow U.S. offensive operations from its bases in a Taiwan conflict.

Marcus ChenWed Aug 19 2026Loading...

Two F-16V Block 70 fighters departed from the United States on August 17, heading to Taiwan, while 64 additional jets are delayed and may not arrive until 2028 or 2029. The Taiwanese Air Force is set to operate a total of 206 F-16Vs, but the slow production rate poses significant operational challenges. The delivery route also highlights logistical dependencies on U.S. support.

Marcus ChenWed Aug 19 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army conducted a drill involving drone airdrops of cash and gold, indicating preparations for potential operations in Taiwan. The exercise, described as a 'wartime financial support' drill, included New Taiwan dollars, suggesting a focus on local transactions during an occupation. The original report was deleted after it generated significant online discussion, highlighting the sensitivity of the information.

Marcus ChenTue Aug 18 2026Loading...

USS Benfold experienced a generator casualty leading to a blackout in the South China Sea on July 24, 2023, requiring external assistance for recovery. The ship was towed to Subic Bay, where repairs were completed by August 7, and it returned to service on August 8. This incident underscores the logistical challenges and lack of spare destroyers within the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Marcus ChenMon Aug 17 2026Loading...

The US and Australia are advancing their submarine deal, with the US securing enduring access to HMAS Stirling in Western Australia as of August 4, 2023. This arrangement allows for the rotation of US submarines, supported by an expansion costing A$8 billion. The first Virginia-class submarine is projected for sale to Australia in 2032, contingent on US certification and shipyard output.

Marcus ChenThu Aug 13 2026Loading...

Japan has identified China as its greatest strategic threat and is requesting a defense budget of ¥8.9 trillion ($56.1 billion) for the next fiscal year. The 2026 Defense White Paper outlines plans to enhance defense capabilities by fiscal 2027, including the acquisition of unmanned vehicles. However, Japan's Self-Defense Forces currently lack the organization and capability to effectively respond to military threats, highlighting a significant gap in readiness.

Marcus ChenWed Aug 12 2026Loading...

Malcolm Turnbull warned that Australia risks not receiving any Virginia-class submarines due to certification issues under the AUKUS agreement during an inquiry in Canberra. He criticized the A$368 billion pact as a bipartisan error and highlighted the logistical challenges posed by the certification clause, which requires US presidential approval. The Australian Submarine Agency awarded Lockheed Martin a contract for combat systems integration, marking a significant step towards developing sovereign capabilities in Australia.

Marcus ChenTue Aug 11 2026Loading...

On August 4, 2023, Admiral Mark Hammond confirmed that U.S. Navy submarines will have enduring access to HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. Australia will receive three used Block IV Virginia-class submarines, while the facility is being expanded to support additional U.S. and British submarines. However, the U.S. Navy faces production challenges that may impact the availability of submarines for deployment.

Marcus ChenSat Aug 08 2026Loading...

Taiwan conducted the Han Kuang military exercise on August 5, 2026, mobilizing 20,000 reservists and integrating civil-military operations. The exercise featured communications denial to simulate wartime conditions and involved the relocation of military assets. For the first time, local governments activated emergency operations alongside military commands, reflecting a shift in Taiwan's defense strategy to address the evolving threat from China.

Marcus ChenSat Aug 08 2026Loading...

Taiwan's military conducted the Han Kuang 42 exercise starting August 5, 2023, mobilizing 20,000 reservists and implementing new operational protocols. The exercise included throttling civilian internet access to simulate conditions during a potential Chinese assault, testing command-and-control structures, and relocating military assets out of Taipei. These actions reflect Taiwan's shift towards realistic military preparedness in response to perceived threats from China.

Marcus ChenFri Aug 07 2026Loading...

The United States has reportedly expended nearly all Army Tactical Missile Systems and Precision Strike Missiles during operations against Iran, impacting missile availability in the Pacific. This depletion raises concerns about the U.S. military's readiness to respond to potential conflicts in the region, particularly with China. The report emphasizes the need for improved logistics and inventory management to ensure sufficient missile stocks are available across theaters.

Marcus ChenTue Aug 04 2026Loading...

Taiwan is set to receive a $2 billion military aid package from the U.S. in Fiscal Year 2027, aimed at enhancing its defense capabilities against potential Chinese aggression. The package includes $1 billion for direct security assistance and $1 billion for replenishing U.S. military stocks. As China increases its military activities around Taiwan, the U.S. aid focuses on air defense, anti-ship weapons, and logistics, although concerns remain about the adequacy of these measures in a potential conflict.

Marcus ChenSun Aug 02 2026Loading...

Saronic Technologies is conducting extensive on-water trials of its 180-foot Marauder unmanned surface vessel, which has a range of 5,400 nautical miles and a payload capacity of 150 metric tons. The U.S. Navy plans to utilize these vessels to enhance operational capabilities in contested maritime areas, particularly in response to the growing presence of the People's Liberation Army Navy. Saronic aims to produce up to 20 Marauders annually by the end of 2026, focusing on logistics and operational readiness.

Marcus ChenSun Aug 02 2026Loading...

The U.S. Senate passed a bill encouraging Taiwan's navy to participate in RIMPAC 2026 and authorized $1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative. This initiative aims to enhance Taiwan's military readiness amid ongoing pressures from China. RIMPAC, involving 31 countries and significant military assets, is seen as a critical opportunity for Taiwan to improve its operational capabilities. However, the report highlights that mere participation is insufficient without substantial military utility and readiness improvements.

Marcus ChenThu Jul 30 2026Loading...

The U.S., Japan, and the Philippines conducted maritime drills from July 21-25 in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, involving various naval and air assets. During this period, Chinese Coast Guard vessels confronted Philippine ships using water cannons. The exercises demonstrated interoperability among the allies but highlighted logistical challenges in maintaining a continuous presence in the contested South China Sea.

Marcus ChenSun Jul 26 2026Loading...