Analysis & Reports

The fifth China-ASEAN Young Officers Friendly Exchange Activity will be held from November 2 to 8 in Nanjing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Kunshan. The event aims to enhance mutual understanding and friendship among young military officers from China and ASEAN countries, commemorating the 5th anniversary of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Chinese military aircraft and ships operated around Taiwan, with six aircraft and seven navy ships detected in the 24 hours leading to 6 a.m. on October 29. Five aircraft entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone, while Taiwan's forces responded with combat air patrols and naval assets. This activity reflects ongoing military operations by the People's Liberation Army in the region.

North Korea launched approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area toward the Sea of Japan at 12:30 p.m. local time on October 29. The missiles fell near the east coast of the Korean Peninsula without reaching Japan's territory. Japan, the United States, and South Korea are analyzing the launch, which is seen as a threat to regional peace and security.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force integrated the Type-25 anti-ship guided missile system into joint military exercises with the U.S. in October 2026. This marked the first participation of the Type-25, emphasizing Japan's commitment to enhancing its defensive capabilities. The exercises aimed to validate the integration of long-range firepower into operational scenarios, while discussions also focused on strengthening Japan-U.S. military cooperation and addressing cyber threats.

Tanaka TakashiThu Oct 29 2026Loading...

Japan and the U.S. agreed to jointly produce medium-range air-to-air missiles during a defense ministerial meeting in the Philippines on October 28, 2026. This initiative includes establishing final assembly and inspection facilities in Japan, enhancing logistical capabilities for rapid replenishment of air power. However, Japan will still depend on U.S. components for certain missile parts.

Tanaka TakashiThu Oct 29 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy will deploy the USS Colorado, a Virginia-class nuclear submarine, to Stirling Naval Base in Western Australia by the end of 2027 as part of the AUKUS security alliance. This deployment represents the first permanent presence of U.S. nuclear submarines in Australia since World War II, aimed at enhancing regional deterrence capabilities. The U.S. and U.K. will rotate a total of four U.S. submarines and one British submarine at this base.

US Forces Korea faces daily electronic jamming on the Korean Peninsula, complicating operations against adversaries like North Korea. General Brunson highlighted the need for resilient communication systems and urged the defense industry to adapt technologies to meet military requirements. He emphasized the importance of rapid information sharing and a shift towards data-centric security to enhance operational effectiveness.

USS Colorado was assigned to the AUKUS submarine rotation in Western Australia, marking a significant operational step. However, Australia faces challenges in recruiting sufficient personnel to crew the submarine effectively. Retired Admiral Peter Briggs emphasized the need for hundreds more submariners to support this initiative, highlighting the importance of training and infrastructure for sustaining a submarine force.

Marcus ChenWed Oct 28 2026Loading...

China launched the Shenlong spaceplane into orbit on February 7, 2024, where it has remained operational. The Shenlong, resembling the U.S. X-37B, is part of China's military capabilities in space, alongside the Tengyun and the developing Haolong. These developments indicate China's preparation for counterspace warfare and potential ISR activities.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, killing three Hamas commanders on October 25-26, 2023. The strikes targeted a commander from the elite Nukhba unit in Khan Younis and two other commanders in Gaza City, all of whom were involved in the October 7 attack on Israel.

China claims that the J-20S stealth fighter can conduct precision strikes on maritime targets, posing a potential threat to US Navy aircraft carriers in the South China Sea. The People's Liberation Army Air Force has stated that the J-20S has enhanced targeting systems and capabilities. However, skepticism remains regarding the actual effectiveness of the J-20S and its weapon systems, as they may need to be carried externally, compromising stealth.

Finland's Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen visited New Zealand on October 21, 2023, to discuss security issues and defense cooperation with officials from New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. He highlighted Finland's commitment to NATO and its military support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of national defense and international partnerships. Häkkänen also noted Finland's readiness to host NATO assets and its strategic role in northern Europe.

Finland's Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen visited New Zealand on October 21, 2023, to discuss security cooperation and NATO's role in northern Europe. He emphasized Finland's readiness to defend itself and its commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Häkkänen also highlighted the importance of defense cooperation with countries like the United States and the need for comprehensive security measures in Finland.

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi agreed to establish a final assembly plant for the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile in Cebu, Philippines, on October 28, 2023. They also decided to enhance joint military exercises and share technical information on missile production, including the SM-3 Block IIA interceptor. Japan is set to strengthen its defense capabilities and increase its defense production base.

The Russian Navy's Kareliya, a Vishnya-class intelligence-gathering ship, was tracked by Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force as it sailed southwest through the Tsushima Strait into the East China Sea on October 27-28, 2023. Japan deployed the minesweeper Hirashima and a P-1 maritime patrol aircraft for monitoring. The Kareliya is known for collecting electronic signals and has previously operated near Japanese waters.

USS Colorado arrived at HMAS Stirling on October 26, 2026, marking its assignment as the first U.S. attack submarine under the AUKUS agreement. This deployment enhances U.S.-Australia naval cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, although concerns remain about the sustainability of submarine rotations. China is expected to closely observe the operational effectiveness of this arrangement.

Marcus ChenWed Oct 28 2026Loading...

Chess Dynamics secured a £3 million contract with PT Len for the supply of SeaEagle Fire Control Electro-Optical systems for two Indonesian Navy Bung Tomo-class frigates on 28 October 2026. This contract completes the planned modernization program for the class, enhancing their combat effectiveness and operational life. The SeaEagle systems will integrate with existing naval guns and combat management systems, reflecting Chess Dynamics' commitment to supporting naval modernization in Indonesia and the wider region.

Wescom Defence has significantly increased production of its Portable Obstacle Minefield Breaching System (POMBS) to meet a tenfold rise in demand. The company has expanded its manufacturing capabilities across facilities in Germany, the UK, Australia, and Spain. The POMBS systems, including Light and Heavy variants, are designed for rapid clearance of minefields and require minimal training for operators. Recent integrations with unmanned ground vehicles enhance their operational effectiveness.

Saab confirmed its collaboration with Canadian aerospace firms to potentially produce Gripen fighter jets in Canada, contingent on government approval. The Canadian government is reviewing its commitment to purchase 88 F-35s, with two already delivered. Saab has established agreements with local firms for production and support, while also planning to supply six GlobalEye aircraft to enhance Canadian military capabilities.

Australia is enhancing its air defense capabilities through Project LAND 6504, seeking a medium-range ground-based air defense system. The Royal Australian Navy is also pursuing a Very Short Range Air and Surface Defence system for its Hunter-class frigates. Recent test firings of the SM-2 missile highlight ongoing developments in air defense. Experts warn that integrated air and missile defense must accompany efforts to protect military bases and infrastructure.