Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army is training warrant officers as robotics technicians (MOS 390A) to adapt unmanned systems for battlefield use. Their final exercise will take place at Clarke Range, Alabama, in November, where they will demonstrate their ability to operate under stress and without reliance on external technology. This training is informed by experiences from recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is expanding its fleet of Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighters, with estimates suggesting around 520 J-20s in service. This brings China close to the US Air Force's inventory of 550-580 F-35As as of July 2026. The J-20's production rate could soon close the numerical gap, impacting air superiority dynamics.

Taiwan is expanding its Military Police Command to 11,000 personnel by 2026 to enhance its defense capabilities against potential Chinese attacks. The force will operate as motorized infantry in critical areas, utilizing advanced equipment such as counter-drone systems and jam-resistant communications. This expansion aims to secure key infrastructure and maintain command continuity during a crisis.

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The Russian Navy has completed seven Yasen-class submarines, with three more under construction and orders for two additional units. The Severodvinsk, the first of its class, has demonstrated advanced capabilities, operating undetected off the US East Coast and in the Mediterranean. The submarines are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a wrap-around passive sonar system and a quiet propulsion system, making them formidable in naval warfare.

Daimler Truck Defence will supply 61 Mercedes-Benz Unimog vehicles to the New Zealand Defence Force as part of a fleet renewal programme. The vehicles are intended for training, transport, and disaster relief operations. Delivery is scheduled to begin in 2027, marking a significant investment by the New Zealand Government to modernize its logistics and support fleet.

Hanwha Systems successfully demonstrated its Cheongwang laser air defense weapon in Seoul on October 15, 2026, achieving a 100% success rate in intercepting three target drones. The demonstration was part of the Army TIGER+ Future Warfare Integrated Combat Exercise, attended by 500 key personnel, including military officials. Cheongwang is recognized as the world's first operationally deployed laser weapon system, showcasing advanced capabilities in air defense against drone threats.

Thales Australia unveiled the BladeHaul extra-large unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) in Perth on October 6, 2023. The UGV is designed for heavy battlefield logistics, capable of carrying over 10 tons and generating 1MW of power. It can serve various roles, including transporting missiles and providing power to military operations. Development of its autonomy system is underway in partnership with Deakin University.

North Korea test-fired two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles in the East Sea on October 14, 2023, from the Hero Kim Kun Ok submarine. The launches were overseen by senior officials and aimed to evaluate the Navy's underwater combat capabilities. South Korean analysts believe the missiles may include the Hwasal-2 and Pulhwasal-3-31, which can reach targets in South Korea and U.S. bases in Japan. The test did not adversely impact the security of neighboring countries.

On October 14, 2023, the Republic of Korea Army tested the Cheongwang laser air defense weapon, successfully shooting down three target drones during the Army TIGER+ Future Warfare Integrated Combat Exercise in Seoul. The 30-kilowatt vehicle-mounted laser, developed by Hanwha Systems, is noted as the first operationally deployed laser weapon globally. The system operates by focusing a high-energy beam on drones until they fail, with a cost of about $1.50 per shot.

Japan is attempting to officially possess nuclear-powered submarines as a precursor to acquiring nuclear weapons. The Japanese Defense Minister has indicated that nuclear capabilities should not be excluded from future defense policies. This shift is supported by the U.S., raising concerns about regional military balance and potential conflicts.

The U.S. Marine Corps deployed NMESIS and MADIS systems on Yonaguni Island for the first time during the joint military exercise 'Keen Sword' from October 19 to 29, 2026. Approximately 45,000 personnel from 9 countries participated, focusing on distributed firepower and air defense across multiple islands. Logistical concerns were raised regarding the transport of large equipment on the island.

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Japan's Ministry of Defense announced on October 9, 2023, the initiation of a research project to develop a rocket for launching replacement satellites in case of attacks on existing ones. The project aims to enhance space transport capabilities and will solicit proposals from private companies by December 2023. New launch methods, including mobile and aerial options, are being explored to strengthen Japan's space defense capabilities.

North Korea test-fired two types of strategic cruise missiles from submarines in the Sea of Japan on October 14, 2026, as part of naval training exercises. The launches involved different firing positions, impacting detection by ground radar and naval defense systems. Japan and the U.S. are increasing surveillance efforts in response to North Korea's missile activities, although the actual capabilities of these missiles remain unclear.

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USS Connecticut (SSN-22) struck a seamount in the South China Sea on October 2, 2021, resulting in significant damage and 11 injured sailors. The submarine has been undergoing repairs since then, with extensive logistical challenges due to the age of the Seawolf-class and a maintenance backlog. The Navy plans to complete repairs by summer 2027, ahead of the submarine's decommissioning in 2031.

North Korea's Missile Command conducted a test launch of two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles in the East Sea on October 14. The test aimed to assess the operational readiness of its underwater combat systems and enhance the navy's strategic mission capabilities.

Hyundai Rotem is developing the K3 main battle tank in South Korea, featuring hydrogen propulsion, a 130mm main gun, and an unmanned turret. This tank is designed to replace the K2 Black Panther and is influenced by the design of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber. The K3's development comes amid North Korea's military modernization efforts, which pose a significant threat to South Korea.

The U.S. Army expanded its drone marketplace to include 33 nations during a signing ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. This initiative aims to facilitate rapid acquisition of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and has processed $800 million in transactions since its launch. The Army also awarded $7 billion in contracts for counter-drone systems through this marketplace, responding to increasing drone threats.

U.S. Army soldiers conducted exercises in Indonesia on October 3, 2023, testing new command and control systems that include smartphones for real-time location tracking and communication. The project, known as the Next Generation Command and Control System (NGC2), aims to modernize battlefield capabilities by 2032, with support from over 80 companies. Initial tests of the system are set to begin in 2024.

The 16th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition will take place in Zhuhai, Guangdong, from December 7 to 13, 2023, showcasing over 3000 pieces of military and aerospace equipment. The People's Liberation Army Air Force will present various advanced aircraft, including drones and missile systems, marking the 30th anniversary of the event. Notably, the exhibition will introduce a new maritime equipment display area and feature international flight demonstration teams.

The U.S. Army is manufacturing components for the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) in Daegu, South Korea, at a cost of $1.27 each. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to establish a supply chain that supports military operations in the Indo-Pacific region, with plans to invest $30 million in advanced manufacturing by 2028. The supply chain will enhance interoperability among U.S., Japanese, and South Korean forces.

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