Analysis & Reports

U.S. Army tested tethered unmanned aircraft systems (Te-UAS) at Fort Benning from July 27 to August 7 to enhance infantry unit capabilities. The drones, connected to ground vehicles, were evaluated for their ability to operate without battery limitations and improve communication in challenging terrains. The Maneuver Battle Lab is compiling feedback and performance data for future program decisions.

U.S. Marines tested the Mobile All-Domain Observation and Sensing System (MA-DOSS) at Twentynine Palms, California, on August 19, successfully detecting a vehicle that entered a live-fire training area. The system, which combines radar and AI technology, alerts operators to potential threats, allowing for uninterrupted training. This demonstration supports further investment in MA-DOSS as a replacement for the older G-BOSS system.

MSI-Defence Systems unveiled the TERRAHAWK RAPTOR remote weapon station at the DVD 2026 exhibition in Millbrook. This system is specifically designed for counter-drone operations and can be equipped with various weaponry, including machine guns and grenade launchers. It integrates with command-and-control systems to enhance air defense capabilities, responding to increased demand for specialized counter-drone systems across multiple markets.

Hanwha Aerospace and General Atomics demonstrated the Mojave drone's capabilities at the 2026 Defense Drone Technology Exhibition in Pocheon, South Korea. The drone successfully took off and landed on a tank maneuver route, showcasing its ability to operate from short, unimproved sites. Hanwha plans to establish production facilities in South Korea, with the first flight of the production version expected in early 2027.

Italy announced it will send warships to protect its commercial vessels through Bab el-Mandeb on September 18, 2026, while South Korea reiterated it will not send combat troops to the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi control of Bab el-Mandeb are testing the Gulf's ability to protect its exports. Saudi Arabia is resorting to ship-to-ship transfers to move oil due to threats from Houthi attacks.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

On September 18, a Philippine ship collided with a Chinese Coast Guard vessel near Xianbin Reef in the Spratly Islands after ignoring multiple warnings. The Chinese Coast Guard stated that the incident violated international law and threatened the safety of its personnel. China has warned the Philippines to stop all provocative actions or face consequences.

The U.S. Navy proposed a strategy to target China's Fujian aircraft carrier, treating it as a potential threat rather than a defensive asset. This strategy, reported by CSIS on September 17, 2026, involves utilizing 300 unmanned vessels alongside submarines and missile systems to create operational risks for China in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. Japan is expected to play a significant role in monitoring and supporting these operations.

Tanaka TakashiFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

An F-16 fighter jet from the Texas Air National Guard crashed in Michigan on September 17, 2023, around 14:00 ET during a training mission. The pilot successfully ejected and is currently hospitalized. Residents within a one-mile radius were evacuated due to a hazardous chemical leak associated with the crash. The evacuation order was lifted later that evening.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung announced that South Korea will not deploy military forces to the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that the country will take minimal actions to protect its commercial vessels and citizens. The Cheonghae Unit is already present in the region to address security threats, and South Korea is considering enhancing its military presence in response to these threats.

Fifteen People's Liberation Army aircraft and eight naval vessels were detected near Taiwan, with twelve aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait between September 15 and 16, 2026. This operation reflects a shift towards normalized gray zone tactics, increasing pressure on Taiwan's defense forces. The Taiwanese military responded by deploying fighter jets and naval vessels to monitor the situation, indicating a sustained operational challenge.

Li MinghuiFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

On September 16, the People's Liberation Army successfully transported hundreds of new recruits from Haikou, Hainan Province, by air for the first time. This operation significantly reduced the travel time from several hours to about 2 hours, enhancing the efficiency of military logistics. Special arrangements were made at Haikou Meilan International Airport to facilitate the smooth boarding of recruits.

The first ship of the second generation of domestically produced missile destroyers, known as the 'Chinese First Ship', has been decommissioned and will serve as a national defense education base in Changsha, Hunan. This ship has completed over 400,000 nautical miles and numerous significant missions since its commissioning, marking a transition from active military service to educational purposes.

Military personnel from the Northern Theater Navy and Army Branches engaged in various commemorative activities in Dalian and Shenyang to mark the 95th anniversary of the September 18 Incident. These activities included visits to historical museums, lectures on military history, and discussions on enhancing military readiness. The events aimed to instill a sense of historical awareness and patriotism among the troops.

Japan plans to acquire approximately 52,000 unmanned systems, including 10,000 attack drones and 1,300 anti-ship drones, from 2027 to 2031. The defense budget is projected to nearly double, exceeding 9 trillion yen, to enhance its offensive capabilities with long-range missiles. This marks a significant shift in Japan's military posture towards more aggressive defense strategies.

An RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force crashed in the Japan Sea on September 15, 2026, leading to a significant reduction in ISR capabilities. The loss of communication occurred shortly before the crash, and the cause remains unknown. This incident raises concerns about Japan's surveillance operations amid ongoing tensions with North Korea and China, as the country plans to introduce MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs starting in 2027 to bolster its capabilities.

Tanaka TakashiFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

Yemeni government forces are engaged in combat with Houthi forces in the Kahbob Mountains and other strategic locations to halt their advance. Saudi Arabia is providing air support, conducting airstrikes in Taiz and Hajjah provinces. Houthi forces have reportedly suffered significant losses, and a Houthi drone was intercepted in Saudi Arabia, resulting in civilian casualties.

On September 18, 2023, various units of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted activities to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the September 18 Incident across locations in China, including Shandong Weifang and the Tibet Plateau. Soldiers participated in solemn ceremonies, reflecting on historical struggles and honoring fallen heroes, while also emphasizing their commitment to military readiness and national defense.

Saudi Arabia conducted 37 airstrikes using F-15 fighter jets in Taiz and Hajjah provinces of Yemen within the last 24 hours, resulting in civilian casualties. The strikes were reported by Houthi spokesperson Yahya, with no response from Saudi authorities.

Intense fighting occurred between Yemeni government forces and Houthi fighters near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait over the past 24 hours. At least 19 government soldiers and 25 Houthi fighters were killed, with many others injured. Saudi Arabia conducted multiple airstrikes to support government forces, while the conflict remains in a stalemate with no decisive breakthroughs.

China is expanding its naval capabilities, particularly in submarines and aircraft carriers, as a challenge to the U.S. in the South China Sea. By 2025, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has 787 ships and 384,000 active personnel. The Bohai shipyard is undergoing expansion to support increased submarine production, with significant investments in nuclear submarine programs. China aims to field nine aircraft carriers by 2035, with the Type-003 Fujian already commissioned.