Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
2026 Fujian Ship Training Pipeline Expansion: PLA Aircraft Carrier's Long-Distance Capability Stalled by Talent Production Capacity
The People's Liberation Army Navy is expanding recruitment and training channels for naval aviation personnel as of July 13, 2026, to enhance its operational capabilities. This shift aims to transition from temporary personnel assignments to a more sustainable, industrialized approach. The Fujian aircraft carrier is set to operate advanced aircraft, necessitating a skilled workforce to ensure effective operations at sea.
Li MinghuiTue Jul 14 2026Loading...
Supply Capability of Distributed Maritime Operations First Verified by Japan and the U.S. in Pacific Atlas 26-1
U.S. and Japanese forces conducted the Pacific Atlas 26-1 exercise from June 15 to 19, 2026, off Yokosuka, verifying logistics capabilities for dispersed maritime operations. The exercise featured the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett and Japan Coast Guard Patrol Vessel Yumehari, demonstrating vertical replenishment (VERTREP) operations. This event aimed to assess communication and supply procedures for sustained operations in the region.
Tanaka TakashiTue Jul 14 2026Loading...
Securing a digital future: Taiwan’s defence strategy
Taiwan is adapting its defense posture by making targeted investments in digital infrastructure to enhance its military capabilities. This strategy reflects a proactive approach to securing its defense in the current geopolitical climate.
Six Minutes — That’s All the Warning Taiwan Gets of a Missile Attack, and It Comes From a Machine China Would Target Firs
Taiwan's AN/FPS-115 Pave Paws radar detected a Chinese submarine-launched ballistic missile earlier this month, providing six minutes of warning. The radar, located in Taiwan, is the only one of its kind on the island, making it a critical vulnerability. The missile was tracked as it flew over the northern Philippines towards the South Pacific, with U.S. satellites continuing to monitor it beyond the radar's range.
Navigation Warning! Live Ammunition Firing Activities in Certain Areas of the Bohai Sea, Entry Prohibited
The Tangshan Maritime Safety Administration announced live ammunition shooting activities in the Bohai Sea from July 14 at 00:00 to July 17 at 24:00. Vessels are prohibited from entering the designated areas during this period.
U.S. Navy’s Most Heavily Armed Combat Ships Being Scrapped Without Replacement After Failed $3.7 Billion ‘Hail Mary’ Life Extension Program
The U.S. Navy is decommissioning the Ticonderoga-class cruisers USS Shiloh and USS Lake Erie, reducing the fleet to three remaining cruisers by 2029. This marks the first time in generations that the Navy will operate no cruisers, significantly impacting naval firepower. The replacement destroyers have fewer missile tubes, exacerbating the loss of capability.
Taiwan's Five-Day Drill Exposes the Hard Math of Defending Taipei
Taiwan's Marine Corps mobilized dozens of vehicles from southern Taiwan to Taipei as part of a five-day joint defense exercise from July 13 to 17. The exercise focused on rapid reinforcement of key political and economic centers, testing decentralized command and operational readiness. Concurrently, China's Fujian aircraft carrier transited the Taiwan Strait, influencing Taiwan's defense strategy.
Marcus ChenMon Jul 13 2026Loading...
Canada to plug surveillance gaps with Aussie over-the-horizon radar
Canada signed agreements with Australia to acquire the Arctic Over-The-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) to enhance NORAD's airspace surveillance capabilities. The deal, valued at US$1.75 billion, aims to fill significant gaps in radar coverage, allowing detection of airborne and surface targets. The A-OTHR is expected to achieve initial operational capability by December 2029, improving monitoring of potential threats, including from Russia.
China-Russia Naval Submarines First Joint Appearance at Sea: What Signals Do the Joint Exercises Send?
China and Russia conducted joint naval exercises near Qingdao, concluding on July 11, 2026. This marked the first instance of both nations' submarines operating together at sea, enhancing their collaborative military capabilities. The exercises focused on addressing maritime security threats and included real-time data sharing and joint command structures.
U.S. Marines train on new recon boat near Taiwan
U.S. Marines with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion conducted training on the Multi-Mission Reconnaissance Craft Bravo (Whiskey Bravo) at Naha Military Port, Okinawa, on June 5, 2024. The training focused on familiarization with the vessel's operations, including launching and recovery, and involved both classroom instruction and practical drills. This new capability is intended to enhance reconnaissance operations across the Western Pacific.
Kongsberg’s profits jumped 50% on missile demand
Kongsberg reported a 31% revenue increase to NOK 10,389 million and a nearly 50% rise in operating profit to NOK 1,669 million in the second quarter of 2023. The company secured multiple contracts for its Joint Strike Missile and NASAMS air defense system, with Canada selecting the missile for its F-35A fleet. Kongsberg also expanded its focus on subsea infrastructure protection, reflecting growing interest in defense procurement.
After the 2026 DF-17 CCTV Debut, South Pacific Test Launch Reappears: PLA Missile Deterrence Enters Continuous Display Period
China showcased the DF-17 hypersonic glide missile and conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test in July 2026, with the missile landing near Nauru and Tuvalu. This demonstration highlights the PLA's focus on advanced missile capabilities and strategic deterrence in the Pacific. Concurrently, the U.S. military is enhancing its mid-range interception systems in response to these developments.
Li MinghuiMon Jul 13 2026Loading...China-Russia "Maritime Joint-2026" Joint Exercise Concludes
The joint naval exercise 'Maritime Cooperation-2026' concluded in Qingdao on July 13, 2026, with participation from ten vessels of the Chinese and Russian navies. The exercise focused on joint responses to maritime security threats and included various military activities such as reconnaissance and air defense. This event marks the continuation of military cooperation between the two nations, enhancing their capabilities in addressing maritime crises.
MAURIC partners with Couach on the VGMAR Programme: 24 new patrol vessels for the Maritime Gendarmerie
MAURIC partnered with Couach to deliver 24 coastal surveillance patrol vessels for the Maritime Gendarmerie, with the contract awarded on 29 June 2026. The first unit is expected in 2029, and five vessels will be deployed overseas in French Guiana, Mayotte, and New Caledonia. These vessels will support maritime policing and environmental protection missions.
The Joint China-Russia Maritime Exercise 2026: Submarine Cooperation and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Anti-Submarine Burden
China and Russia conducted the 'Maritime Joint 2026' naval exercise, involving multiple vessels and submarines. Following the exercise, some forces transitioned to joint patrols in the Pacific. The Japanese Self-Defense Forces are actively monitoring these developments, particularly regarding anti-submarine operations and the implications for regional security.
Tanaka TakashiMon Jul 13 2026Loading...Dongfeng-17 Appears on CCTV Again: PLA's 1,800 Kilometer Hypersonic Deterrence Targets Guam's Air Defense Gap
China showcased the DF-17 hypersonic missile's capabilities, emphasizing its range and maneuverability, while the U.S. Marine Corps successfully tested the MRIC mid-range interception system in Guam. This highlights the ongoing military developments and strategic responses in the Western Pacific, with both nations enhancing their military capabilities in the region.
Li MinghuiMon Jul 13 2026Loading...
In 2026, the U.S. Navy Sends Destroyer RFI to South Korean Shipyard to Pressure Japan
In July 2026, the U.S. Navy submitted a Request for Information (RFI) to South Korean shipyards for the construction of destroyers and medium fleet replenishment ships. This move reflects a strategic shift in U.S. naval procurement, aiming to explore legal exceptions for utilizing allied shipyards. South Korean firms, including HD Hyundai and Hanwha Ocean, are involved in this initiative, which may enhance military cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea.
Tanaka TakashiMon Jul 13 2026Loading...
Back to the Cloud! Nonagenarian Veteran Donates Half-Century Collection of Huang Jiguang's Old Photos
A 91-year-old veteran donated two historical photographs of hero Huang Jiguang to the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, sharing his memories of the Korean War during a video call with current soldiers. The unit plans to preserve the photographs in their military history museum, highlighting the importance of honoring past sacrifices and military heritage.
The U.S. Army Studied China’s New Type 100 Tank and Published Where It Breaks. It Is Building Almost the Same Tank Anyway
The U.S. Army published an assessment of China's Type 100 tank, highlighting its strengths and vulnerabilities, while concurrently developing the M1E3 Abrams, which shares similar features. The Type 100, operational in Beijing, is noted for its hybrid-electric drive and unmanned turret but faces challenges in battery endurance and repairability. The U.S. Army's findings serve as both an evaluation of the Chinese tank and a guide for its own tank development.
80 years ago, the military tested nukes on a fleet
The U.S. Army and Navy conducted nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll on July 1 and July 25, 1946, as part of Operation Crossroads. The first test, 'Able', resulted in the sinking of five ships, while the second test, 'Baker', sank ten ships. Over 42,000 personnel were involved, and the tests caused significant contamination of the area, leading to the relocation of the local population.
