Analysis & Reports

The Southern Theater Command Air Force recently won first place in an air force competition. The unit celebrated the return of its participants with flowers and congratulations. Leadership highlighted the goal of enhancing professional skills and contributing to combat readiness in the future.

USS Abraham Lincoln conducted jet engine tests and launched weather balloons from its fantail in March 2026 while deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The ship's activities included handling mooring lines and deploying floating targets for training. These operations are part of ongoing efforts to maintain maritime security and stability in the Middle East.

The U.S. Navy is evaluating a strategy to target China's aircraft carriers, including Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian, as part of a broader military campaign. This strategy aims to complicate Chinese operations in the Philippine Sea and surrounding areas. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) highlights the need for a persistent sea-denial campaign, but notes that the U.S. currently lacks the necessary resources to implement this effectively.

Marcus ChenTue Sep 22 2026Loading...

On the 22nd, a Ukrainian drone attacked a radiation monitoring station approximately 13 kilometers from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, causing damage. The monitoring station is part of the plant's radiation monitoring system, but current capabilities remain intact, and no immediate radiation threat has been identified. However, the damage may affect the ability to quickly gather radiation data in emergencies.

The North Sea Fleet of the People's Liberation Army Navy conducted a public open day for its naval vessels, the 052D destroyer Kaifeng and the 054A frigate Linyi, in Qingdao on October 22. This event allowed visitors to tour the ships and engage with naval personnel, promoting national defense education and military awareness.

Ukrainian Special Operations Forces conducted an airstrike on the Samara oil refinery in Russia on September 22, using multiple drones. The operation was coordinated with the Ukrainian Security Service and the Ministry of Defense. This refinery is one of the largest in the region, with a capacity of 7 million tons of oil per year, and has been targeted multiple times by Ukrainian forces.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) is refueling Saudi jets in the Red Sea to bolster their defensive operations against Houthi attacks as of September 21, 2026. This time-limited mission aims to enhance Saudi air defense capabilities amid a renewed Houthi campaign threatening military sites and energy infrastructure. The operation utilizes an Airbus A330 MRTT Voyager to extend the operational range of Saudi fighters.

Alexandra ReevesTue Sep 22 2026Loading...

Ukrainian forces conducted airstrikes on two significant oil facilities in Ufa and Samara Oblast, Russia, between September 21 and 22, 2023, resulting in fires and civilian casualties. The strikes led to one death and four injuries, as reported by local authorities. Both facilities are key components of Russia's oil infrastructure.

The Eastern Theater Command Air Force conducted joint training exercises with reserve units at an unspecified airbase, focusing on aircraft maintenance and operational readiness. Personnel engaged in simulated combat scenarios, enhancing their tactical skills. The training validated the effectiveness of the mixed active-reserve operational model.

The UK government announced the successful test-firing of a torpedo from the 'Swordfish' unmanned submersible in UK waters on the 21st. This event marks a significant advancement in submarine technology and is part of the AUKUS defense cooperation with the US and Australia, which was established in September 2021.

On September 10, 2026, JNIM launched an attack on a Malian army position in Dioura, resulting in over 100 soldiers killed. JNIM claimed to have killed 150 soldiers and captured 93. The attack underscores the vulnerability of isolated military positions in central Mali and raises questions about the effectiveness of Malian forces and their Russian allies in maintaining control.

Marie DuboisTue Sep 22 2026Loading...

The Chinese Navy's 48th escort fleet concluded its visit to Chittagong, Bangladesh, on September 21, 2026, and is scheduled to participate in the ASEAN Trident Resolve exercise in Indonesia from September 22 to 25. This exercise will focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, testing multinational coordination capabilities. During the visit, the fleet engaged in professional exchanges with Bangladeshi military leaders.

Li MinghuiTue Sep 22 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army engaged and defeated three hostile drones using a Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser system on the U.S. southern border on August 25 and 26. This operation was conducted by the Joint Task Force Southern Border, which includes around 8,000 service members. The Army has linked these drone incursions to cartel surveillance activities.

Saudi Arabian Air Force conducted airstrikes on a residential building in Mokha, Yemen, on September 22, 2023, resulting in 6 deaths and 8 injuries. Among the deceased were 2 children and 1 woman. This incident is part of the ongoing conflict between Houthi forces and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, which has seen increased hostilities recently.

The French Army received its first 21 upgraded Jaguar armored vehicles built to the R3 standard as of September 4, 2023. These vehicles are part of the SCORPION modernization program and feature the Akeron MP anti-tank missile. France plans to order a total of 300 Jaguars to equip seven armored cavalry regiments by 2035, with deliveries continuing through 2030.

Saudi Arabia launched missile strikes in the Zahir area of Saada Governorate, Yemen, as reported by Houthi-controlled Masirah TV on the 22nd. No casualties have been reported, and there has been no response from Saudi authorities regarding the strikes.

North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles from Wonsan on September 17, 2023, with the second missile flying over 600 km and reaching an altitude of 70 km. Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch, which was described as a test of a new type of weapon featuring a hypersonic glide vehicle. This event marks North Korea's 15th and 16th missile launches of the year, indicating a significant increase in missile testing activity.

U.S. Army air defense crews employed SGT STOUT vehicles to protect artillery units from drone threats during Saber Junction 26 at Hohenfels, Germany, from August 15 to September 13, 2023. The exercise involved approximately 2,300 paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade and over 2,100 allied troops facing 1,900 autonomous systems from the opposing force. The SGT STOUT system, which includes advanced radar and weaponry, allowed artillery units to maintain operations while monitoring drone threats.

On September 22, 2026, Saudi Arabia faced renewed Houthi attacks while receiving British military support, including aerial refueling for its F-15SA fighters. Reports indicated Houthi attempts to strike the Saudi capital and a Saudi airstrike in Al-Mokha that killed six Houthi fighters. The situation reflects a shift from limited border threats to a broader aerial and missile conflict, highlighting the need for enhanced reconnaissance and operational independence for Saudi forces.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Sep 22 2026Loading...

North Korea launched two ballistic missiles from Wonsan on September 20, 2026. The first missile traveled about 440 kilometers, while the second reached approximately 590 kilometers, both landing outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. This event is part of a series of missile launches, with North Korea reportedly increasing its missile activity this year.

Tanaka TakashiTue Sep 22 2026Loading...