Analysis & Reports

The Dassault Rafale fighter jet, a 4.5-generation multirole aircraft, is currently in service with nine countries including India and Egypt. It is equipped with advanced systems such as AESA radar and is capable of carrying a wide range of weapons, including nuclear-capable missiles. The aircraft has undergone significant upgrades to maintain its relevance in modern air combat scenarios.

The People's Liberation Army Navy's Type 076 amphibious assault ship is undergoing sea trials in Shanghai and is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026. It will be the first ship of its kind equipped with an electromagnetic launch system, capable of deploying up to 6 GJ-21 stealth drones for aerial support during amphibious operations. This development marks a significant advancement in China's amphibious warfare capabilities.

Li MinghuiSat Feb 14 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army established a rotational deployment of a Typhon missile battery in Luzon, Philippines, to sustain its mid-range missile capabilities. This deployment, while symbolically significant, does not fundamentally alter the military balance in the South China Sea due to logistical challenges and the overwhelming firepower of Chinese missile forces. The Typhon system, which includes 24 missiles, faces vulnerabilities and production shortfalls that limit its effectiveness in a potential conflict.

Marcus ChenFri Feb 13 2026Loading...

China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) unveiled the J-20S stealth fighter in 2025, designed for combat roles including electronic warfare and drone coordination. The aircraft enhances maritime strike capabilities and is reported to reach speeds of Mach 2.55. Its introduction is expected to challenge U.S. air superiority, particularly near Taiwan, by acting as a command node for drone operations and executing long-range strikes.

China's aircraft carrier program is advancing with the Type 003 Fujian, which incorporates Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS) but suffers from critical design flaws. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) faces challenges due to a military purge and allegations of corruption, impacting its ambitions for a blue-water fleet. Despite progress, the PLAN's capabilities remain significantly behind those of the U.S. Navy in 2026.

The U.S. Army established a rotational force in the Philippines to maintain the Typhon missile system, set to be deployed on Luzon Island starting April 2024. This system includes SM-6 and Tactical Tomahawk missiles, enhancing U.S. military capabilities in the region. The Philippines plans to procure the Typhon system to deter Chinese naval forces, although concerns exist regarding the U.S. production capacity to support multiple deployments.

Marcus ChenFri Feb 13 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is developing the H-20 stealth bomber, which could potentially reach operational status by 2026. With a range of 8,500 km and the capability to carry nuclear-capable cruise missiles, the H-20 poses a significant threat to U.S. territories such as Guam and Hawaii. Concerns exist regarding the mass deployment of these bombers, which could enable large-scale nuclear strikes.

China is building the Type 004 Supercarrier, projected to carry over 100 aircraft, as it nears completion of sea trials in February 2026. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is rapidly expanding its naval capabilities, with the Type 003 Fujian already in trials and the Shandong deployed near Taiwan. This development poses a significant challenge to U.S. naval dominance in the Pacific.

The J-15 "Flying Shark" serves as a critical component of the People’s Liberation Army Navy's fleet air defense capabilities. Operating from ski-jump carriers in China, it faces limitations in payload and fuel capacity. Recent upgrades have improved its capabilities, but it remains vulnerable in contested airspace and is not designed for deep strike missions. The J-15 is a transitional platform, enabling China to develop its carrier aviation skills and prepare for future advancements in naval air power.

China's H-20 stealth bomber program remains stalled, with no significant progress since its announcement in 2016. In contrast, the Chengdu J-36 fighter program is advancing rapidly, with prototypes expected by late 2025. U.S. intelligence indicates that the H-20's capabilities are inferior to those of the B-21 Raider, and it is not expected to be operational until the 2030s. Recent leaks about the program may serve as a political smokescreen following leadership changes in the Chinese military.

The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) showcased the Wing-Loong X combat drone at the Singapore Airshow from February 3-7, 2024, highlighting its potential for international sales. Experts suggest that the drone's competitive pricing and capabilities could attract countries looking to enhance their maritime surveillance and strike capabilities. Existing operators of Chinese drones, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, may consider the WL-X for their naval operations.

General Stephen Davis assessed that China's H-20 stealth bomber program is not yet a credible threat, citing significant engineering challenges. The H-20 is intended to enhance China's long-range strike capabilities, targeting locations such as Guam and Hawaii. However, the U.S. maintains a technological advantage with its existing bombers, the B-2 and the upcoming B-21.

On February 7, 2025, the J-15T carrier-based aircraft was equipped with YJ-15 supersonic anti-ship missiles, significantly enhancing the People's Liberation Army Navy's anti-ship capabilities. The YJ-15 has an effective range of 1200-1800 kilometers, allowing for strikes from safer distances. This development marks a strategic improvement in the naval combat capabilities of the PLA, enabling more flexible operations in the East China Sea and beyond.

Li MinghuiThu Feb 12 2026Loading...

China is significantly expanding its nuclear arsenal, with projections to exceed 1000 warheads by 2030, supported by new plutonium production capabilities from CHF-600 fast reactors on Changbiao Island. This expansion is underpinned by Russian assistance in providing high enriched uranium. The increase in warheads from over 200 in 2020 to over 600 currently indicates a rapid growth in China's nuclear capabilities, reflecting a strategic shift in its military posture.

Li MinghuiThu Feb 12 2026Loading...

Thermobaric weapons have been utilized by the U.S., Russia, and Israel in various conflicts, including recent reports of their use in Gaza. These weapons, known for their devastating effects, have evolved from World War II designs to modern munitions like the GBU-43/B MOAB. The U.S. military has employed them in significant battles, while allegations of their use against civilian populations raise concerns about potential war crimes.

China is developing the JH-XX stealth bomber, aimed at penetrating air defenses to strike high-value targets in Guam and Japan. Recent intelligence from February 2026 indicates that the aircraft features a tailless, three-engine design, although it is still in the testing phase and not yet operational. The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is pursuing this capability to enhance its regional strike potential.

China is developing the H-20 stealth bomber, which is anticipated to have intercontinental capabilities. However, U.S. Air Force General Stephen Davis has expressed skepticism about its current progress, labeling China's bomber force as primarily regional. The H-20 program was first acknowledged in 2016, and current capabilities rely on upgraded H-6 variants.

Chinese Navy's J-35 stealth fighters aboard the Fujian aircraft carrier are experiencing operational restrictions due to engine performance issues. Analysts have raised concerns about the J-35's limited endurance, estimating it can only operate for seven minutes at a distance of 900 km from the carrier. The Fujian, equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system, represents a significant advancement in China's naval capabilities, yet the reliance on the older WS-21 engine poses challenges for sustained operations.

China's People's Liberation Army Navy has commissioned the 35th 052D destroyer, demonstrating a production capacity that averages nearly three ships per year since 2014. The latest ships, including the Ganzhi, feature advanced technologies and are produced across multiple shipyards, indicating a robust naval manufacturing capability. Future production may shift towards the 055 destroyer class, potentially impacting the overall naval balance in the region.

Li MinghuiWed Feb 11 2026Loading...

The B-1B Lancer remains a vital component of the U.S. Air Force, undergoing modernization to enhance its capabilities against advanced air defenses. It is capable of launching standoff munitions from significant distances, ensuring its relevance in modern warfare. The aircraft is stationed at various bases, including Dyess Air Force Base and Guam, and continues to play a crucial role in U.S. military operations.