Analysis & Reports

The Navy of the Northern Theater Command conducted high-intensity naval exercises in the Yellow Sea with the Xining Ship and Nanchang Ship. The drills involved live-fire training using main and secondary guns, aimed at improving the combat readiness of the personnel. This exercise reflects a commitment to enhancing operational capabilities in complex maritime conditions.

The People's Liberation Army conducted joint patrols in Hong Kong on June 11, involving land, sea, and air forces. The exercise focused on enhancing emergency response capabilities and operational readiness. The garrison complied with local laws during the patrols, which included high-mobility infantry, main battle ships, and helicopters.

The 74th Group Army conducted live-fire exercises at night in Guangxi and the South China Sea, utilizing portable surface-to-air missiles and executing anti-missile ambushes. These exercises reflect a focus on real combat scenarios and new tactics.

The 71st Group Army conducted practical explosive training for engineering troops at a training ground in Suhua North, China. Troops assessed their demolition capabilities using various explosive devices against different obstacles. New soldiers participated in the training under the guidance of experienced personnel to enhance their skills and psychological resilience. The exercises aimed to prepare the troops for diverse combat tasks.

The Taiwanese military conducted live-fire exercises with 6 HIMARS launchers, firing 32 M28 training rockets near the Dajia River on June 10. This exercise demonstrated rapid deployment and precision strike capabilities, with the aim of complicating potential Chinese military operations. Four rockets failed to ignite, highlighting reliability concerns. The exercise is part of Taiwan's efforts to enhance its military readiness in the face of potential threats from the mainland.

Li MinghuiThu Jun 11 2026Loading...

On June 9, 2026, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy conducted anti-submarine training south of Okinawa using P-1, P-3C, and P-8A aircraft. The exercise focused on LINKEX and anti-submarine warfare, emphasizing the strategic importance of the region amid recent Chinese naval activities. This joint operation reflects the ongoing collaboration between Japan and the U.S. in maritime defense.

Tanaka TakashiThu Jun 11 2026Loading...

Chinese military analysts assert that the J-35 stealth fighter could potentially carry four YJ-15 anti-ship missiles internally, significantly enhancing its operational capabilities. This development poses a challenge to US naval operations within the First Island Chain, as the J-35's stealth features allow for closer approaches to targets. The integration of the J-35 with the Type 003 Fujian carrier could shift China's naval strategy towards more offensive operations.

The U.S. has maintained a monopoly on stealth bombers since the B-2's introduction in 1989. China's H-20 stealth bomber program has faced delays, but its eventual deployment could threaten U.S. territories such as Guam and Hawaii. The U.S. is countering this potential shift with the development of the B-21 Raider, which is set to enter service in 2027. The introduction of the H-20 could also create nuclear ambiguity in regional conflicts, impacting U.S. military strategy.

The U.S. Air Force plans to acquire 267 F-15EX Eagle II fighters, significantly increasing its fleet size. This decision reflects a strategic shift to recapitalize aging aircraft and enhance air superiority capabilities. The F-15EX features advanced technology and is expected to play a crucial role in future operations, particularly in the Western Pacific.

The U.S. Navy established a naval support activity, NSA Stirling, in Western Australia on May 30, 2024, to enhance military cooperation with the U.K. and Australia. This facility will support the Submarine Rotational Force–West, which is expected to be fully operational by 2027, facilitating the maintenance and deployment of nuclear-powered submarines. The initiative underscores the commitment of AUKUS partners to bolster military readiness and collaboration in the region.

The Eastern Theater Command Air Force conducted multiple realistic combat training exercises, focusing on enhancing pilots' operational capabilities. Pilots executed tactical maneuvers in response to simulated enemy threats, successfully completing their objectives. The training emphasized rapid logistics, including quick rearmament and refueling, to ensure readiness for future operations.

The Chinese Coast Guard conducted a rights protection patrol in the territorial waters of Diaoyu Island on June 10. This operation is part of China's ongoing efforts to assert its claims in the region.

The Eastern Theater Command Air Force conducted multiple tactical training exercises, simulating combat scenarios with 'enemy' aircraft. Pilots engaged in defensive actions and rapid response logistics, including hot refueling for quick aircraft turnaround. The training emphasized real combat conditions to enhance pilot readiness and operational effectiveness.

The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning conducted training exercises in the Western Pacific from May 26-28, 2026, involving 170 aircraft operations. Japanese forces monitored the exercises, reporting on the number of ships and aircraft involved. The Chinese Ministry of Defense asserted that their naval operations were lawful and aimed at improving combat readiness, while also addressing Japanese surveillance activities. Military experts highlighted the significance of these exercises in enhancing the capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Navy.

Japan began transporting Type 12 anti-ship missile launch systems and reconnaissance drones to Minami-Torishima on March 8, 2023, to prepare for missile range construction and future live-fire training. This marks the first deployment of such systems to the island, raising concerns about regional security due to the missiles' extended range capabilities. Military experts warn that this action signifies Japan's offensive military expansion in the region.

Zhang Haoshuang was awarded the title of 'Outstanding New Soldier' in the Xinjiang Military District after completing his training. He shared his experiences of overcoming challenges and receiving support from his comrades and family. His grandmother sent him shoe insoles, symbolizing her care and the connection between soldiers and their families.

The Naval Aviation Unit of the Southern Theater Command conducted anti-submarine warfare training involving multiple aircraft. The exercises included sonar buoy deployment and underwater target identification, with operations carried out in both daytime and low visibility conditions at night. This training aimed to improve the crew's emergency response capabilities.

On June 9 at 8 AM, over 130 trainees from the Navy Dalian Ship Academy participated in a naval training exercise in Qingdao, operating the Zheng He and Yichang ships. The exercise focused on practical skills such as docking, communication, and joint rescue operations, simulating real combat scenarios. Trainees engaged in various naval tasks, enhancing their operational readiness.

The Qingdao Maritime Safety Administration announced a live-fire shooting exercise in the Yellow Sea from June 9 at 16:00 to June 10 at 18:00. Access to the area is prohibited during this time.

UFORCE confirmed that its Magura drones sank a decommissioned target ship during Exercise Balikatan 2026 off Itbayat in the Batanes archipelago on April 24, 2026. The exercise involved approximately 17,000 troops from the U.S., Philippines, Japan, and Canada, marking a significant evolution in military capabilities demonstrated in the region. UFORCE's drones have a proven combat record, having previously sunk Russian warships in Ukraine.