Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Spokesperson of the Southern Theater Command Issues a Statement
The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command conducted combat readiness patrols in the South China Sea from February 15 to 16. This operation was a response to the Philippines' attempts to engage in joint patrols with external nations, which China views as destabilizing. The command reaffirmed its commitment to defending national sovereignty and maintaining regional peace and stability.
Southern Theater Command organizes naval and air forces to conduct combat readiness patrols in the South China Sea.
The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command conducted combat readiness patrols in the South China Sea from February 15 to 16. This action was a response to the Philippines' attempts to involve external nations in joint patrols, which China views as disruptive to regional peace and stability. The Chinese military emphasized its commitment to defending national sovereignty and maritime rights.
Great Powers' Heavy Equipment, Come to Celebrate the New Year!
The People's Liberation Army showcased military assets, including J-20 fighter jets, the Fujian aircraft carrier, and 100 tanks, on New Year's Day 2026. This display serves as a celebratory greeting while emphasizing the military's commitment to national defense and readiness. The message reassures the nation of the military's role in safeguarding the country.
China’s New J-35A Stealth Fighter Has 1 Mission That Has the U.S. Air Force A Little Worried
China is ramping up its stealth aviation capabilities, producing hundreds of J-20s and advancing the J-35A for operations against Taiwan. The J-35A, designed for air superiority, is expected to engage in 'grey zone' operations, testing its capabilities against Taiwan's F-16Vs. The J-35A's production is indicative of China's strong aerospace industrial base, which is not hindered by sanctions unlike Russia's defense industry.
The Largest Air Force On Earth Will Soon Have a B-52 Bomber Firing Hypersonic Missiles
The U.S. Air Force is upgrading the B-52 Stratofortress with new engines, an expanded weapons bay, and hypersonic missile capabilities. The aircraft will also feature an advanced AESA radar system to improve target tracking and survivability. These enhancements position the B-52 as a versatile platform for both nuclear and conventional missions, capable of operating as a command-and-control hub and launching drones.
A 100-Aircraft Chinese Navy Supercarrier Is Coming Soon But Has a J-35 Fighter Problem
China is advancing its naval capabilities with the construction of a fourth supercarrier, the Type 004, which is expected to carry over 100 aircraft. The Fujian carrier is currently in sea trials, but challenges with its catapults may hinder its operational readiness. Despite these advancements, China's air wing remains limited in fifth-generation fighters, impacting its immediate combat credibility against U.S. forces in the Taiwan and South China Sea regions.
The U.S. Air Force’s B-1B Lancer Bomber Is Fighting In a World It Was Never Designed to Fly In
The U.S. Air Force's B-1B Lancer bombers continue to conduct long-range precision strikes and support Bomber Task Force missions from locations such as Andersen Air Force Base and Diego Garcia. Despite the presence of advanced air defense systems, the B-1B remains relevant due to its adaptability and capability to carry standoff munitions. The aircraft plays a crucial role in demonstrating interoperability and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region while awaiting the arrival of the B-21 Raider.
A father and uncle were killed in Vietnam. This family returned to remember them.
Jeff Evans and his family traveled to Vietnam to honor his father, Norman Francis Evans, and uncle, David Lynn Evans, who were killed during the Vietnam War. They visited significant locations related to their deaths, including a memorial for South Vietnamese soldiers and one American near David's crash site. The trip was emotionally significant for Jeff, who sought to connect with his family's legacy in Vietnam.
Satellite images show US aircraft carrier near Oman coast.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was spotted near the Oman coast on February 15, with the U.S. Navy releasing images of its operations. The carrier arrived in the Middle East in January, and the USS Gerald R. Ford has also been deployed to the region. Ongoing indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S. are taking place in Oman.
The New Type of Nuclear Submarine at Bohai Shipyard Reveals Structural Challenges in Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force's Anti-Submarine Warfare
China launched its first 095-class nuclear submarine at Bohai Shipyard on February 9, posing a significant challenge to Japan's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. The new submarine's advanced stealth features may outpace Japan's current P-1 patrol aircraft and monitoring systems. Japan's defense budget has prioritized land and air forces, potentially neglecting necessary upgrades to ASW capabilities in response to this evolving threat.
Tanaka TakashiMon Feb 16 2026Loading..."Post-00s Soldiers at the Arctic Outpost Say: 'No Need to Be Too Ostentatious, Flowers Naturally Have Their Fragrance'"
Chinese soldiers are stationed at a border outpost in Mohe, serving as guardians of the nation's frontier. They dedicate their youth to this duty, considering the outpost their home. The report emphasizes their commitment and the legacy of service at this location, especially before the Spring Festival.
The Technological Competition at 400 Feet Under the Sea: The PLA's Aircraft Carrier Aircraft Recovery Capability Faces a Test
On December 5, 2023, the U.S. Navy successfully recovered wreckage of an F/A-18F Super Hornet and an MH-60R Seahawk from 400 feet deep in the South China Sea. This operation highlighted the U.S. Navy's advanced underwater recovery capabilities, contrasting with China's limited resources in this area. The deployment of the Fujian aircraft carrier raises concerns about potential aircraft accidents and the need for effective recovery operations.
Li MinghuiMon Feb 16 2026Loading...Three U.S. Soldiers Stationed in Japan Arrested for Alleged Theft, Total Value May Exceed 10 Million Yen
Three U.S. Marines were arrested in Japan for theft on February 15, 2023. Two soldiers, stationed at Iwakuni, are suspected of stealing cash from restaurants in Tokyo, while a third soldier in Okinawa was arrested for stealing a customer's bag at a bar. The total value of the thefts may exceed 10 million yen.
New Year Grassroots Visit | You Guard the Country, I Guard the Home, They Reunite Where They Planted the "Wishing Tree"
Military personnel stationed at Triangle Mountain reunited with their families during the Spring Festival. Chen Fujun, who has served for 19 years, welcomed his wife and two daughters after a long journey of over 1,000 kilometers. The reunion underscores the sacrifices made by military families and the importance of their support in maintaining security at the border.
New Year in the Military Camp | Under the Cold Moon at the Border, Guarding Thousands of Homes' Lights
PLA troops conducted patrols and emergency rescue operations in Xinjiang, Nansha, and Tibet during the Spring Festival. They ensured the safety of civilians and maintained readiness against potential threats. The operations included snow removal efforts and communication support to safeguard national security.
Three U.S. Soldiers Stationed in Japan Arrested on Suspicion of Theft
Three U.S. soldiers were arrested in Japan for theft, with allegations involving over 10 million yen. Two soldiers, stationed in Yamaguchi Prefecture, were implicated in stealing cash from restaurants in Tokyo on December 24, 2025. Another soldier from Okinawa was arrested for stealing a customer's bag in a bar. The Japanese police suspect these soldiers are connected to multiple theft cases.
Seeing off the warship for 30 years, this time he finally boarded the ship.
Senior Chief Petty Officer He Chunlin fulfilled his long-held dream of boarding the 054A-class missile frigate Ziyang after 30 years of service on an island. This event occurred during the 2026 New Year, marking a significant personal milestone for He, who had never been on a warship despite his extensive naval career. The report emphasizes the commitment of naval personnel to coastal defense operations in the East China Sea.
A Cracked Littoral Combat Ship Won't Counter China's Cambodia Port
USS Cincinnati visited Ream Naval Base in Cambodia on January 26, 2025, marking the first U.S. warship visit since China's upgrades to the facility. The ship, a Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship, has a history of structural issues and limited combat capability. China's significant investment in Ream contrasts with the U.S. Navy's stretched resources, raising concerns about the effectiveness of U.S. military presence in the region.
Marcus ChenSun Feb 15 2026Loading...China Doesn’t Need to Sink U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers to Defeat Them
China has modernized its military capabilities to counter U.S. aircraft carriers, focusing on anti-ship ballistic missiles and enhanced surveillance systems. This modernization aims to compel U.S. carriers to operate at greater distances from conflict zones, thereby reducing their operational effectiveness. The People's Liberation Army has learned from past crises, particularly the 1995-1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis, and has institutionalized these lessons in its military planning.
USS Abraham Lincoln vs. Iran’s Missiles: The Aircraft Carrier Risk the U.S. Navy Can’t Ignore
The U.S. Navy is deploying a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East to counter Iranian missile threats. This move is part of a broader strategy to deter aggression and assess vulnerabilities in naval operations. Iran's anti-ship ballistic missiles, potentially aided by Chinese satellite tracking, pose significant risks to U.S. carriers. The ongoing situation reflects a larger strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region, with implications for future conflicts involving Taiwan.
