Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
It Took 19 Torpedoes and 10 Bombs to Destroy a 70,000-Ton Yamato-Class Battleship That Was the Largest Ever Built During WWII
On October 24, 1944, the Imperial Japanese Navy's battleship Musashi was attacked and sunk by American aircraft in the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The ship sustained severe damage from approximately 19 torpedoes and 17 bombs, leading to the loss of around 1,000 crew members. Musashi was part of a naval operation aimed at countering U.S. forces landing in the Philippines.
China Russia Joint Sea 2026 Turns a Naval Drill Into Pacific Presence
China and Russia completed the Joint Sea-2026 naval exercise in Qingdao in July 2026, involving 10 vessels. Following the exercise, they conducted joint patrols in the Pacific Ocean to enhance interoperability and maintain a combined presence. This operation signifies a shift from ceremonial exercises to practical maritime cooperation, despite the absence of a formal military alliance between the two nations.
S.WFri Sep 18 2026Loading...Live video released! Philippine ship accelerates to ram Chinese Coast Guard vessel
On September 18, the Philippine vessel 3015 intentionally collided with a Chinese Coast Guard vessel during a rights enforcement operation near Xianbin Reef in the Spratly Islands. The incident involved the Philippine vessel attempting to cut across the bow of the Chinese vessel, resulting in a collision. The Chinese Coast Guard maintained a stable course throughout the encounter, which was characterized as a provocation by the Chinese authorities.
The PLA Reduces to 10 Combined Brigades at the China-India Border: 2026 Plateau Standoff Shifts to Infrastructure Competition
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has reduced its troop presence to approximately 10 combined brigades along the India-China border as part of a strategic shift towards rapid rotation and support. This change, noted in India's defense report for 2025-2026, does not signify a decrease in military pressure but rather a transformation in operational readiness. Both nations continue to enhance border infrastructure, indicating ongoing competition despite the reduction in visible troop numbers.
Li MinghuiFri Sep 18 2026Loading...
Hanwha, General Atomics test runway-free drone in South Korea
Hanwha Aerospace and General Atomics demonstrated the Mojave drone's capabilities at the 2026 Defense Drone Technology Exhibition in Pocheon, South Korea. The drone successfully took off and landed on a tank maneuver route, showcasing its ability to operate from short, unimproved sites. Hanwha plans to establish production facilities in South Korea, with the first flight of the production version expected in early 2027.
Philippine Vessel Collides with Our Coast Guard Boat, Chinese Coast Guard Warns Philippines
On September 18, a Philippine ship collided with a Chinese Coast Guard vessel near Xianbin Reef in the Spratly Islands after ignoring multiple warnings. The Chinese Coast Guard stated that the incident violated international law and threatened the safety of its personnel. China has warned the Philippines to stop all provocative actions or face consequences.
The U.S. Navy's New Concept Targeting China's Fujian Ship: A 300-Vessel Unmanned Fleet Approaches a Turning Point for the Japan-U.S. Alliance
The U.S. Navy proposed a strategy to target China's Fujian aircraft carrier, treating it as a potential threat rather than a defensive asset. This strategy, reported by CSIS on September 17, 2026, involves utilizing 300 unmanned vessels alongside submarines and missile systems to create operational risks for China in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. Japan is expected to play a significant role in monitoring and supporting these operations.
Tanaka TakashiFri Sep 18 2026Loading...Lee Jae-myung says South Korea will not deploy military forces to the Strait of Hormuz
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung announced that South Korea will not deploy military forces to the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that the country will take minimal actions to protect its commercial vessels and citizens. The Cheonghae Unit is already present in the region to address security threats, and South Korea is considering enhancing its military presence in response to these threats.
15 PLA Military Aircraft Cross the Taiwan Strait Median Line, 2026 Gray Zone Operations Shift to Normalized Attrition
Fifteen People's Liberation Army aircraft and eight naval vessels were detected near Taiwan, with twelve aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait between September 15 and 16, 2026. This operation reflects a shift towards normalized gray zone tactics, increasing pressure on Taiwan's defense forces. The Taiwanese military responded by deploying fighter jets and naval vessels to monitor the situation, indicating a sustained operational challenge.
Li MinghuiFri Sep 18 2026Loading...
Hainan Province's New Recruits Achieve Air Transport for the First Time Out of the Island
On September 16, the People's Liberation Army successfully transported hundreds of new recruits from Haikou, Hainan Province, by air for the first time. This operation significantly reduced the travel time from several hours to about 2 hours, enhancing the efficiency of military logistics. Special arrangements were made at Haikou Meilan International Airport to facilitate the smooth boarding of recruits.
"The 'First Ship of China' and the First Ship of the Second Generation Domestic Missile Destroyer Recently Retired, Will Dock in Changsha, Hunan - Telling the Story of Striving for Maritime Strength to More People"
The first ship of the second generation of domestically produced missile destroyers, known as the 'Chinese First Ship', has been decommissioned and will serve as a national defense education base in Changsha, Hunan. This ship has completed over 400,000 nautical miles and numerous significant missions since its commissioning, marking a transition from active military service to educational purposes.
On the 95th Anniversary of the September 18 Incident, Various Troops Conduct Commemorative Activities in Various Forms
Military personnel from the Northern Theater Navy and Army Branches engaged in various commemorative activities in Dalian and Shenyang to mark the 95th anniversary of the September 18 Incident. These activities included visits to historical museums, lectures on military history, and discussions on enhancing military readiness. The events aimed to instill a sense of historical awareness and patriotism among the troops.
Japan's Defense Plan Draft Revealed: Plans to Purchase 52,000 Unmanned Equipment in 5 Years, Defense Spending May Nearly Double
Japan plans to acquire approximately 52,000 unmanned systems, including 10,000 attack drones and 1,300 anti-ship drones, from 2027 to 2031. The defense budget is projected to nearly double, exceeding 9 trillion yen, to enhance its offensive capabilities with long-range missiles. This marks a significant shift in Japan's military posture towards more aggressive defense strategies.
The Crash of One Japanese RQ-4B Global Hawk Disrupts the Three-Aircraft System: The Reality of ISR Redesign in 2026
An RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force crashed in the Japan Sea on September 15, 2026, leading to a significant reduction in ISR capabilities. The loss of communication occurred shortly before the crash, and the cause remains unknown. This incident raises concerns about Japan's surveillance operations amid ongoing tensions with North Korea and China, as the country plans to introduce MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs starting in 2027 to bolster its capabilities.
Tanaka TakashiFri Sep 18 2026Loading...
Yemeni Government Forces and Houthi Militants Continue to Clash on Multiple Fronts
Yemeni government forces are engaged in combat with Houthi forces in the Kahbob Mountains and other strategic locations to halt their advance. Saudi Arabia is providing air support, conducting airstrikes in Taiz and Hajjah provinces. Houthi forces have reportedly suffered significant losses, and a Houthi drone was intercepted in Saudi Arabia, resulting in civilian casualties.
Do Not Forget September 18! All Military Units Conduct Various Activities to Commemorate the Martyrs
On September 18, 2023, various units of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted activities to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the September 18 Incident across locations in China, including Shandong Weifang and the Tibet Plateau. Soldiers participated in solemn ceremonies, reflecting on historical struggles and honoring fallen heroes, while also emphasizing their commitment to military readiness and national defense.
China Is Building Nuclear Submarines and Aircraft Carriers Faster Than the US Navy Ever Dreamed Possible
China is expanding its naval capabilities, particularly in submarines and aircraft carriers, as a challenge to the U.S. in the South China Sea. By 2025, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has 787 ships and 384,000 active personnel. The Bohai shipyard is undergoing expansion to support increased submarine production, with significant investments in nuclear submarine programs. China aims to field nine aircraft carriers by 2035, with the Type-003 Fujian already commissioned.
The Royal Navy’s HMS Astute Nuclear Attack Submarine Is Going to Be Out of Action Indefinitely
HMS Astute is undergoing its first midlife refit at Devonport, rendering it out of action indefinitely. This refit is part of the Royal Navy's efforts to maintain its submarine fleet capabilities amid ongoing defense commitments. The Royal Navy currently operates five Astute-class submarines, with plans for future replacements under the SSN-AUKUS program.
The F-22 was designed for short fights over Europe and the United States built 183 of them; the J-20 was designed for the Pacific, already numbers about 500, and China is adding roughly 120 a year — more than 800 F-35s are in service, and they still cannot reopen a Raptor line
The U.S. Air Force operates 183 F-22 Raptors and over 800 F-35s, while China has around 500 J-20s and 60 J-35s, with production rates of 120 J-20s annually. The J-20's combat range of 1,200 miles exceeds that of the F-22, which has a range of 530 miles. The report highlights the growing challenge posed by China's mass production capabilities to U.S. air dominance.
US Navy should target carriers in fight with China, report says
The U.S. think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies proposed that the U.S. Navy should target Chinese aircraft carriers, viewing them as a strategic vulnerability. The report outlines tactics involving submarines and land-based missiles to counter China's growing naval capabilities. It highlights the need for the U.S. to adapt its naval strategy and increase its submarine fleet to effectively challenge the People's Liberation Army Navy.
