Analysis & Reports

On August 24, 2023, the UK and France pledged to increase military aid to Ukraine during a meeting in Kyiv. This includes sharing technology for the production of Storm Shadow cruise missiles and enhancing air defense capabilities. President Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for more air defense systems to withstand the upcoming winter. Russia criticized these actions, viewing them as an escalation of the conflict.

The Rocket Force of the People's Liberation Army is conducting a comprehensive review of its missile equipment supply chain, collecting leads on procurement violations until November 30. This initiative involves not only military personnel but also suppliers and evaluation experts, indicating a systemic approach to address potential issues in the procurement process. The focus is on ensuring the reliability of components and logistics support for missile systems.

Li MinghuiWed Aug 26 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command conducted routine naval and air patrols in the South China Sea from August 21 to 25. This action was in response to the Philippines' attempts to involve external nations in the region, which the command views as a threat to national sovereignty and regional stability. The command reaffirmed its commitment to defending China's territorial integrity.

On the afternoon of the 26th, multiple Russian military aircraft temporarily entered South Korea's Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ), prompting the South Korean Air Force to scramble fighter jets. This incident underscores the ongoing pressure on South Korean and allied forces, as they must continuously monitor and respond to such incursions despite the lack of a legal violation. Political dynamics involving the U.S. and North Korea further complicate the security situation in the region.

Tanaka TakashiWed Aug 26 2026Loading...

A simulated dogfight occurred between the F-22 Raptor and EA-18G Growler in the Pacific, where the Growler successfully employed electronic warfare tactics to achieve a simulated hit. The F-22, while advanced, demonstrated vulnerabilities in this scenario, prompting discussions on its operational effectiveness against peer rivals. The U.S. Air Force continues to enhance the F-22's capabilities with new weapons systems.

Ousted Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov warned that Ukraine is gradually losing the war against Russia and needs urgent strategic changes. He highlighted the lack of innovation and a cohesive military plan, while Russia continues to launch ballistic missile attacks. Fedorov also called for wartime elections, which has sparked controversy, and emphasized the importance of developing advanced military technologies to improve Ukraine's defense capabilities.

The U.S. Navy is developing the Silent Anvil Air-Launched Torpedo, which can be launched from aircraft or drones and is designed to glide into the water to target submarines. The Navy is seeking contractors for this project, with a prototype expected within 18 months and 180 additional prototypes to follow after successful demonstration. This initiative aims to enhance anti-submarine warfare capabilities as China expands its submarine fleet.

USS Enterprise and USS Nimitz are undergoing complex decommissioning processes in the Pacific Ocean, with Enterprise costing $1.43 billion and Nimitz projected to exceed $1 billion. Both carriers face extensive logistical challenges due to their nuclear reactors, requiring specialized handling and regulatory compliance. The Navy has initiated a dedicated program office to manage these retirements as the Nimitz class ages out over the next two decades.

Rheinmetall received an initial call-off from the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Infrastructure, Environmental Protection and Services in Germany for a modular camp order. This marks the first order under the G-CAP II SU program.

On August 20, a plane carrying eight individuals crashed while attempting to land at the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site in Alaska, resulting in no survivors. Among the deceased was Air Force 2nd Lt. Leah R. Borsich, a project programmer with the 611th Civil Engineer Squadron. The crash occurred in foggy conditions, and federal officials are investigating the incident.

The U.S. Air Force faces significant challenges in producing the F-47 stealth fighter, with costs projected at $300 million per unit and a desired fleet size of 185 to 200. As China continues to expand its advanced aircraft capabilities, the U.S. risks being outmatched in a potential conflict. The Air Force is considering the use of drones to enhance its operational capacity, but production limitations may hinder its effectiveness against China's growing military strength.

The U.S. military demonstrated advanced ship-sinking capabilities during multinational naval exercises in the Pacific from June 24 to July 31, 2026. A B-2 bomber successfully launched an LRASM missile at a decommissioned ship during Valiant Shield, while RIMPAC saw the sinking of two ships using various missile systems. The exercises involved collaboration with allied forces from Japan, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, focusing on joint operational proficiency and the use of Unmanned Surface Vessels.

On November 22, 1975, the USS John F. Kennedy collided with the USS Belknap in the Mediterranean Sea during nighttime operations, resulting in significant damage and fires. The incident led to the deaths of seven sailors on the Belknap and injuries to 47 others. A 'Broken Arrow' alert was issued due to the risk of nuclear warheads onboard the Belknap being compromised.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking a contractor to maintain and update the software for the AC-130J Ghostrider's targeting system at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. A notice posted on August 25, 2024, outlines the need for support on the Brimstone Software Suite, which is critical for the aircraft's operations. L3Harris ForceX Inc. is currently the sole provider of this software, and the Air Force is exploring options for additional contractors to ensure system reliability and updates.

The U.S. Air Force's F-22 Raptor, renowned for its advanced weaponry and stealth, continues to be a leading fighter jet as of 2022. It is equipped with six AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, two AIM-9 Sidewinders, and a 20mm cannon, allowing for effective combat in both beyond visual range and close-range scenarios. Additionally, the development of the AIM-260 missile aims to further enhance its capabilities against advanced enemy threats.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal toured the SkyFall drone factory in Kyiv, highlighting the production of thousands of attack drones daily. He praised the company's innovative technology, which is crucial for Ukraine's defense against Russia. The visit reflects increasing bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress for collaboration on drone technology with Ukraine.

Australia announced the selection of Henderson Defense Precinct as the primary maintenance and shipbuilding base for nuclear submarines under the AUKUS project on August 24, 2023. The project involves an investment of approximately 25 billion AUD over the next decade to develop necessary infrastructure. Concerns have been raised regarding the performance of second-hand submarines to be received from the US, while China has warned about the nuclear proliferation risks associated with the AUKUS partnership.

The U.S. Air Force deployed four F-22 Raptors and one C-17 Globemaster III to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, for air training and aerial refueling operations over the Baltic Sea on September 4, 2015. This deployment involved approximately 60 Airmen and highlighted the F-22's advanced capabilities in maintaining air superiority. However, the production of the F-22 has been terminated, limiting the fleet to fewer than 200 aircraft.

Chinese military firefighters conducted a live training exercise at Jining Qufu Airport on August 25, 2025, using a fire-fighting trainer mock-up resembling a stealth fighter. The exercise involved crews spraying water on the mock-up, which was engulfed in smoke and flames. This training is part of military airfield emergency preparedness, confirming the mock-up's role.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth significantly reduced the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response program despite opposition from military leaders. In 2025, an air campaign in Yemen resulted in 153 civilian deaths, and a subsequent airstrike in Iran killed over 100 children, igniting global criticism. The program's reduction has raised concerns about the efficiency and ethical implications of U.S. military operations.