Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
US Army looks to high-flying balloons to help see, strike along front lines with China
The U.S. Army is experimenting with high-altitude balloons to enhance battlefield monitoring and strike capabilities against China. These balloons, capable of operating above 60,000 feet, are intended to create operational windows against adversarial networks. Recent military exercises in locations such as Guam and Japan have tested their integration with drones and other systems to improve reconnaissance and targeting efficiency.
AUKUS Gets One U.S. Attack Submarine and a Ten-Year Problem
The U.S. Navy will deploy one Virginia-class attack submarine to HMAS Stirling in Western Australia in 2027 to support Australia's Submarine Rotational Force-West. This deployment is part of the AUKUS agreement, which aims to enhance military cooperation between the U.S., Australia, and the UK. However, the reliance on a single submarine raises concerns about continuous operational capability until Australia can independently operate its own nuclear submarines.
Marcus ChenTue Oct 27 2026Loading...
Like Time Travel: The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird Landed at Beale 17 1/2 Hours Before It Took Off From Kadena, and Had Pilot Dave Peters Not Stopped Three Times for Tankers, Each Time Dropping From Mach 3.2 to Mach 0.8, It Would Have Been 19
Pilot Dave Peters flew the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa to Beale Air Force Base in California, completing the 6,100-mile journey in 17.5 hours, arriving before his scheduled departure time. The flight included three refueling stops and showcased the aircraft's extraordinary speed capabilities. Peters holds the record for the most flight hours in the SR-71.
Taiwan's Drone and Artillery Overhaul Tests Its War Math
Taiwan is reorganizing its military forces to enhance drone and artillery capabilities in response to potential Chinese aggression. The Taiwanese Armed Forces are expanding artillery and drone formations, including the development of autonomous drone swarms. A significant purchase of U.S.-made V-BAT unmanned aircraft has been announced. Recent military exercises involving U.S. and Japanese forces demonstrate alliance interoperability and readiness in the region.
Marcus ChenTue Oct 27 2026Loading...
U.S. Marine Corps tests kamikaze drones in Japan
The U.S. Marine Corps tested kamikaze drones at Camp Fuji, Japan, on October 20, 2026. Marines from Battalion Landing Team 1/1 conducted two training scenarios using Neros Archer drones armed with live explosive warheads, successfully destroying targets without leaving unexploded ordnance. This marks the first live kinetic use of the drone at this training center.
U.S. Navy nuclear submarine arrives in Australia for maintenance
USS Colorado (SSN 788) arrived at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia on October 27, 2023, to begin a monthlong maintenance period. Australian civilian technicians are conducting routine maintenance alongside American specialists for the first time. This maintenance is part of the AUKUS partnership, aimed at establishing Submarine Rotational Force-West by 2027, with increasing involvement of Australian personnel in submarine operations.
Taiwan's PD-136 Drone Completes Its Maiden Flight: Can Low-Cost Swarms Change the PLA's Air Defense Calculations?
Taiwan's Thunder Tiger Company successfully conducted the maiden flight of the PD-136 drone on October 2, 2026, sparking discussions about its potential use against mainland China. The drone is designed for long-range attacks and has a payload capacity of 10 to 15 kg. Taiwan is seeking international partners for its development, emphasizing the strategic importance of low-cost drones in military operations.
Li MinghuiTue Oct 27 2026Loading...
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Destroyer Kirisame to Conduct Japan-U.S.-Philippines Joint Exercises in the South China Sea in 2026 to Test the Effectiveness of Maritime Law and Order Cooperation
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer KIRISAME conducted joint maritime training with the U.S. Coast Guard and Philippine forces in the South China Sea on October 23, 2026. The exercise involved multiple naval vessels and aircraft, focusing on enhancing maritime law enforcement cooperation. This training aimed to improve situational awareness and coordination among the participating nations.
Tanaka TakashiTue Oct 27 2026Loading...
Multi-type Weapons Weave a Dense Air Defense "Sky Net" for Precise Strikes Against Incoming "Enemy" Aircraft
The 83rd Group Army Air Defense Brigade conducted recent multi-faceted air defense exercises in China, successfully countering simulated enemy aircraft with various air defense systems. The drills involved multiple units coordinating to respond to threats, including low-altitude attacks during nighttime. This exercise aimed to enhance the brigade's operational readiness and effectiveness in modern warfare scenarios.
In the 2026 Japan-U.S. Keen Sword Exercise, 56,000 People Conduct Simultaneous Anti-Ship Attacks to Verify the Effectiveness of Joint Firepower
During the Keen Sword exercise from October 19-27, 2026, 56,000 personnel from Japan and the U.S. conducted a simultaneous anti-ship missile attack involving U.S. Navy aircraft and Marine Corps ground launchers targeting floating objects at sea. The exercise aimed to validate the effectiveness of integrated firepower, with Japan's Self-Defense Forces acting as target vessels. Concurrently, Chinese naval forces were reported operating nearby, highlighting regional tensions.
Tanaka TakashiTue Oct 27 2026Loading...A Massive Wave of "Bullet Comments" Approaches! Experience It Live!
The Naval Brigade of the Eastern Theater Command conducted live-fire shooting exercises recently. These exercises were organized to take place across both day and night, showcasing the brigade's operational capabilities.
Sharpening the Sword in the Sea and Sky! Directly Hitting the Day-Night Flight Training Scene
Naval Aviation University conducted multi-subject flight training, including air combat training and simulated landing exercises. The training occurred recently and involved both day and night operations.
US Air Force F-22 Raptors From Alaska Have Deployed to Tsuiki Air Base in Japan for Keen Sword 27, a 45,000-JSDF, 12,000-American Exercise Focused on the Islands Closest to Taiwan
US Air Force F-22 Raptors deployed to Tsuiki Air Base in Japan for Exercise Keen Sword 27, which runs from October 19 to 29, 2027. The exercise involves 45,000 Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel and 12,000 American service members, focusing on defending Japan's southwestern islands. The exercise aims to enhance allied coordination and deter potential threats from China, with participation from multiple allied nations.
At last, Army seeing progress in Pacific network
U.S. Army Pacific Command has made significant progress in upgrading communication networks for joint military exercises with allies, including Japan and Australia. Recent exercises, such as Balikatan and Yama Sakura, demonstrated the ability to share real-time data and improve command and control capabilities. The integration of advanced technologies, including drones, is enhancing operational coordination in potential conflicts in the Pacific region.
"The Boundary of 'Shape' Questioned by North Korea's Frontline Self-Propelled Howitzers"
North Korea showcased a self-propelled howitzer near the Demilitarized Zone on October 25-26, 2026, likely as a political signal rather than a demonstration of military readiness. The South Korean military has not verified the specifics of the artillery's type or position. This display coincides with North Korea's accusations against South Korea regarding a fabricated landmine incident.
Tanaka TakashiMon Oct 26 2026Loading...
Pentagon announces first US submarine joining Submarine Rotational Force-West
The Pentagon announced the assignment of the USS Colorado, the first U.S. Navy Virginia-class submarine, to the Submarine Rotational Force-West at HMAS Stirling in Perth, Australia. This initiative aims to enhance Australia's submarine capabilities and is expected to be fully operational by 2027. The announcement was made in conjunction with representatives from the UK and Australia, emphasizing the importance of the AUKUS partnership in promoting regional security.
China and Indonesia Will Hold "Sharp Blade-2026" Joint Training
China and Indonesia will conduct the 'Sharp Blade-2026' joint military training exercise in Guangdong from late October to early November 2026. This exercise, the third in the series, aims to enhance the operational capabilities of both nations' armed forces in combating terrorism and addressing non-traditional security threats. Training will focus on mountain rescue operations and specialized tactics.
China’s Aircraft Carrier Liaoning Is Circling the Philippines With 288 Missile Cells of Escort While the USS Theodore Roosevelt Runs Keen Sword in the Philippine Sea Through October 29
China's aircraft carrier Liaoning is circling the southern Philippines with 288 missile cells of escort while the USS Theodore Roosevelt leads the Keen Sword exercise in the Philippine Sea from October 19 to October 29. The Liaoning's deployment coincides with the absence of the USS George Washington, which is operating in the Middle East. Philippine naval vessels are monitoring the Chinese carrier group.
Suspected of Robbery and Murder, More Details Revealed! US Soldier Stationed in Okinawa Indicted in Homicide Case
U.S. Marine Devon Ballard was charged with robbery and murder after allegedly strangling a local woman in a Naha hotel on October 3, 2023. Following the incident, he returned to the U.S. military base and was arrested the next day. The case has ignited protests in Okinawa, reflecting ongoing tensions between the local community and U.S. military presence.
EXCLUSIVE: SOUTHCOM chief seeks unmanned river solution as he embraces autonomy
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is actively seeking new unmanned and autonomous maritime systems for reconnaissance missions against drug trafficking in South America and Central America. General Francis Donovan highlighted the need for tailored systems to understand criminal networks' use of rivers for narcotics transport. The command's Autonomous Warfare Command is collaborating with various military branches and has deployed unmanned vessels near the Panama Canal to support local forces in counter-narcotics operations.
