Analysis & Reports

Taiwan signed a contract for 2032 ALTIUS drones, valued at 26.9 billion New Taiwan dollars, to enhance its military capabilities. The order includes 1554 ALTIUS-700M and 478 ALTIUS-600ISR drones, with deliveries starting in Q4 2023 and continuing until June 2033. This procurement reflects a strategic shift towards a more integrated and systematic approach to drone operations within the Taiwanese Army.

Li MinghuiFri Aug 28 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Navy retired the Harbin ship (112) during a ceremony in Qingdao on August 28, 2023. This Type 052 destroyer, which has been in service since 1994, will now serve as a defense education base in Changsha, Hunan Province. The ship is noted for its advanced capabilities and significant contributions to naval operations over the years.

On August 27, 2023, the U.S. approved the sale of 103 AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles and 10 Tactical Guidance Units to South Korea, valued at $125 million. North Korea condemned this decision, viewing it as a new threat amid concerns over U.S.-South Korea military cooperation. The sale aims to bolster South Korea's air defense capabilities and maintain operational readiness with U.S. forces.

Tanaka TakashiFri Aug 28 2026Loading...

USS Annapolis (SSN 760) conducted a photo exercise off the coast of Guam on December 17, 2025, as part of the U.S. Navy's ongoing operations in the Pacific. The Los Angeles-class submarines, particularly the upgraded 688I variant, have played a crucial role in U.S. naval strategy, with 62 units acquired and 23 upgraded versions in service. These submarines are known for their advanced weapon systems, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, and their significant influence on subsequent submarine designs.

USS Boxer is undergoing maintenance and modernization in the Singapore Strait after a delayed return to service. BAE Systems has been contracted for $149.8 million to conduct the Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) maintenance. The ship is currently operational and has denied recent reports of supply shortages, maintaining a full complement of supplies for its crew.

China has been utilizing dummy aircraft for firefighter training at Jining Qufu Airport, which resemble the J-20 stealth fighter. This practice raises concerns among foreign analysts about China's military modernization and potential use of these dummies as decoys to mislead intelligence efforts. The growing number of these training devices indicates an expanding Chinese air force capable of matching U.S. military capabilities.

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is set to produce 120 J-20 Mighty Dragons annually by late 2025, with 300 currently in service. In contrast, the U.S. has only 187 F-22 Raptors and over 1,345 F-35 Lightning IIs, highlighting a significant disparity in stealth fighter production capabilities. This situation raises strategic concerns regarding U.S. military readiness against China's growing air power.

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...

Japan's Ministry of Defense announced plans to develop an underwater-launched hypersonic missile as part of its fiscal 2027 defense program, marking a significant shift towards long-range counterstrike capabilities. This initiative includes funding for a vertical launch system for submarines and is part of a broader military buildup in response to regional threats from China and North Korea.

Thomas Global Systems completed the delivery of 16 M1A2 Abrams Immersive Tactical Trainers to the Australian Department of Defence, finalizing the acquisition phase of Project LAND 907 Armoured Combat programme.

Taiwan's legislature voted on a budget for military drones, with the government proposing NT$210 billion for 210,000 drones. The opposition countered with a budget of up to NT$240 billion, emphasizing the need for sustainable drone production amid potential Chinese aggression. Taiwan's military is preparing for scenarios where Chinese strikes could disrupt support systems, while domestic manufacturers aim to significantly increase drone production capacity by 2030.

The Philippines plans to enhance its military capabilities by acquiring more drones and guided-missile corvettes as part of its 2027 defense budget. The proposed budget allocates 50 billion pesos for modernization, while 142.95 billion pesos is designated for military pensions, limiting available funds. The Armed Forces of the Philippines aims to improve surveillance and operational capabilities in response to threats in the South China Sea, with a focus on unmanned systems for maritime awareness.

Marcus ChenThu Aug 27 2026Loading...

Japan's Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency (ATLA) signed a mass production agreement for the Terra B1 interceptor drone, aiming for deployment by 2027. This decision reflects a significant shift towards 3D printing technology in defense, allowing for rapid production and adaptation to threats. The procurement process was notably expedited, taking only three months, and production will be distributed across multiple sites to ensure resilience against potential attacks.

The Chinese Ministry of National Defense condemned the U.S. for delivering 2 F-16V fighter jets to Taiwan on August 27, 2023. China reiterated its opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, emphasizing the need to adhere to the One China principle. This delivery is part of Taiwan's military enhancement under the 'Phoenix Project.'

Japan plans to expand its military capabilities by 2027, establishing new departments and developing offensive weapons, including long-range missiles for unmanned underwater vehicles. Additionally, Japan has reached an agreement with Australia to test hypersonic missiles on Australian soil. The report expresses concerns over Japan's militarization and the potential for a resurgence of militarism in the region.

The People's Liberation Army Navy tested the YJ-18A anti-ship missile with a new black coating in the South China Sea on August 26. This upgrade may enhance the missile's stealth capabilities, indicating a shift in focus towards improving penetration strategies. The YJ-18A is primarily deployed on the 052D and 055 destroyers, and this development could significantly impact naval operations in the Taiwan Strait.

Li MinghuiThu Aug 27 2026Loading...

U.S. forces deployed over 600 M48 Patton tanks in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, utilizing them extensively against Soviet-supplied adversaries. The M48, equipped with a 105mm gun, demonstrated significant combat capabilities and was also supplied to the South Vietnamese Army. Israel later employed M48 tanks effectively in the Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War, showcasing their versatility in various conflicts.

In November 2011, the Royal Australian Air Force buried 23 F-111 fuselages in a coal mine at Swanbank, Queensland, due to asbestos concerns. The aircraft, which had been a vital part of Australia's air power for 37 years, were stripped of usable parts before burial. This disposal method was mandated by military agreements and aimed to eliminate health risks associated with the hazardous materials in the aircraft.

The U.S. Navy is seeking companies to develop the Silent Anvil Air-Launched Torpedo (SAA-LT) at Kadena Air Base, Japan, as of June 5, 2026. This new torpedo is designed to be launched from aircraft and drones from a distance to target enemy submarines. Companies must respond by September 29, 2026, with a working prototype expected within 18 months of an agreement.

The U.S. Army is expanding its reliance on Canadian production for 155mm artillery shells due to domestic production shortfalls. The Army has invested over half a billion dollars in a General Dynamics facility in Montreal for propellant and is facing challenges in producing the required metal parts domestically. This situation highlights the complexities of U.S.-Canada defense industrial relations amid ongoing tariff disputes.