Analysis & Reports

MAURIC partnered with Couach to construct 24 coastal surveillance patrol vessels for the Maritime Gendarmerie, with the first unit expected by 2029. The contract was awarded on 29 June 2026, and five vessels will be deployed overseas in French Guiana, Mayotte, and New Caledonia. The vessels will support maritime policing, counter-trafficking, and search and rescue missions.

The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted a test launch of a submarine-launched missile in the Pacific Ocean on July 6, 2023, at 12:01 PM. The missile reportedly traveled approximately 7000 kilometers, landing near Nauru and Tuvalu. This marks the first known test of such a missile by China since 1982, demonstrating advancements in its nuclear capabilities. The launch was monitored by Taiwan's radar systems and is part of routine military training, although it raises concerns regarding regional security and international diplomatic implications.

Li MinghuiFri Jul 10 2026Loading...

An F-15EX Eagle II landed at Kadena Air Base on June 29, 2026, as part of preparations for its deployment. The U.S. Air Force's 67th Fighter Squadron will operate the aircraft, which is set to replace older F-15C/D models. This deployment follows the Valiant Shield 26 exercise and aims to enhance air defense and strike capabilities in the region.

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Taiwan's radar successfully tracked a Chinese submarine-launched missile shortly after its launch from the South China Sea on July 10. This event marks the first known test of a submarine-launched missile by China since 1982, highlighting advancements in China's nuclear deterrence capabilities. The Taiwanese AN/FPS-115 Pave Paws radar, which can detect missiles up to 5000 km, played a crucial role in this tracking. China also informed several nations about the test, indicating a political dimension to the demonstration of its military capabilities.

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The Chinese Navy's 83rd fleet concluded a four-day friendly visit to Vietnam on July 9, departing from Lotus Port in Ho Chi Minh City. A farewell ceremony was held, attended by representatives from the Chinese consulate and the Vietnamese Navy. Following the visit, the fleet conducted joint training exercises with the Vietnamese Navy in nearby waters, highlighting the cooperation between the two nations' naval forces.

A Chinese Navy submarine launched a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on July 6, 2023, which traveled approximately 7,300 kilometers into the Pacific Ocean. The missile reportedly landed near a nuclear-free zone in the South Pacific, raising concerns among Japan and other nations. This test demonstrates China's advancing nuclear deterrence capabilities and highlights the challenges of detecting and tracking such launches before they occur.

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China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations urged parties involved in the Ukraine crisis to maintain calm and restraint, advocating for conditions conducive to an early ceasefire. The representative expressed concern over the escalating military attacks and their impact on civilians, calling for adherence to international humanitarian law and a political resolution to the conflict.

On July 1, 2026, the U.S. Air Force conducted a military exercise over the Philippine Sea, featuring an F-15EX fighter flying alongside an Australian-built MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone. This marked the first time the Air Force published an image of a collaborative combat aircraft with a crewed fighter. The MQ-28 has demonstrated combat capabilities, including an autonomous missile launch that resulted in an air-to-air kill.

China's People's Liberation Army Navy conducted live-fire drills and operations around Australia, showcasing its capabilities with over 90 modern destroyers and frigates. The Type 055 cruiser led a task group that operated 5,000 miles from home, demonstrating a sophisticated naval architecture. The fleet's rapid growth and modernization have positioned it as a significant force in the Pacific, with capabilities that challenge Western naval standards.

The demand for HIMARS has surged due to its successful deployment in Ukraine, prompting Lockheed Martin to double production to 96 launchers in 2024. Countries like Poland, Estonia, and Canada have placed significant orders, while HIMARS has also been utilized in operations against Iran. Despite its effectiveness, challenges remain with ammunition supply, impacting operational capabilities.

The Pentagon is enhancing its detection capabilities for deepfakes but is failing to address the more significant issue of adversaries poisoning AI training data. This vulnerability has been documented by civilian researchers, revealing that disinformation campaigns from countries like Iran and Russia are influencing AI outputs. The report emphasizes the need for data provenance standards and greater awareness of these threats among defense professionals.

The K9 Thunder howitzer, produced by South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace, has become the most exported tracked self-propelled howitzer globally, outselling competitors like the American M109 Paladin and German PzH 2000. Its success is attributed to rapid delivery, technology transfer, competitive pricing, and a self-sufficient production model. Eleven nations, including Poland and India, have adopted the K9, which is designed for quick firing and mobility, making it a preferred choice in the defense market.

The U.S. Air Force has equipped the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber to carry 16 Long-Range Antiship Missiles (LRASMs) for operations in the Taiwan Strait. This development enhances the bomber's capability for maritime access-denial missions, crucial for countering Chinese naval strategies. The LRASM is designed to strike hostile shipping, potentially altering the balance of power in the region.

The Dassault Rafale has secured over 640 orders by the end of 2024, becoming a preferred choice for countries like Egypt, Qatar, and India. It is marketed as a sovereign purchase, free from American control, appealing to nations seeking operational independence. The aircraft's continuous upgrades further enhance its attractiveness, contrasting with the F-35's market dominance.

The Pentagon and Silicon Valley are actively pursuing the development of space-based solar power technology to enhance military logistics. The U.S. Air Force has contracted Overview Energy to study its applications in conflict zones like Guam and remote areas such as Alaska and Greenland. The technology aims to provide electricity without relying on vulnerable fuel supply chains, with a demonstration planned for 2028 and commercial operations expected by 2030.

The Chinese Navy's 83rd Fleet concluded a four-day friendly visit to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on July 9, and resumed its training mission at sea. During the visit, the fleet conducted joint naval exercises with the Vietnamese Navy and participated in cultural exchanges, including a football match. The fleet has been on a training mission since June 15, navigating through several seas.

The Southern Theater Command Army conducted rescue operations in Guigang, Guangxi, on July 9, evacuating over 10,000 trapped students and teachers due to severe flooding caused by Typhoon 'Maysak'. Military personnel utilized speedboats to deliver supplies and facilitate the orderly evacuation to safe locations, with local volunteers assisting in the efforts. All individuals were successfully relocated as the military transitioned to further flood response operations.

Chinese and Russian naval forces commenced the 'Maritime Joint-2026' exercise on July 9, 2026, at 6 AM, departing from a military port in Qingdao. The exercises will take place in the nearby maritime area and include joint reconnaissance, air defense, anti-ship strikes, and joint rescue operations.

On July 7, the Chinese People's Liberation Army and armed police arrived in Guigang, Guangxi, to assist approximately 4000 students and teachers trapped by severe flooding caused by Typhoon Mekkhala. Local residents expressed their gratitude, stating that the presence of the military provided a sense of safety.

On July 9, the Chinese Defense Ministry criticized Taiwan's military procurement and defense autonomy, labeling these efforts as dangerous. The ministry emphasized that Taiwan's push for independence is futile and that reunification with China is inevitable. It also noted Taiwan's recent establishment of a coastal operations command as part of its military adjustments.