Analysis & Reports

Adm. Daryl Caudle advocates for the U.S. Navy to utilize smaller, newer assets for missions instead of large aircraft carriers, focusing on the Caribbean and Middle East. The USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln have been redeployed to support operations against Nicolás Maduro and rising tensions with Iran, respectively. Caudle's strategy emphasizes tailored naval groups and the use of drones to enhance operational flexibility.

China's Liaoning and Shandong carriers doubled their far-seas operations in 2025, conducting unprecedented naval voyages and live-fire drills around Australia and New Zealand. The PLAN demonstrated simultaneous operations of both carriers in the Pacific, indicating enhanced logistical coordination. Additionally, there were 3,764 air incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ, marking a significant increase in military activity across the Indo-Pacific region.

Marcus ChenMon Feb 09 2026Loading...

The Naval Aviation Force of the Southern Theater Command conducted search and rescue exercises in the South China Sea using the Z-9S helicopter. The unit performed operations under challenging winter conditions, demonstrating their capability to respond to emergencies at sea. The exercises included both day and night missions to ensure readiness for various scenarios.

The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army conducted routine naval and air patrols in the South China Sea from February 2 to February 6, maintaining high readiness amid rising tensions with the Philippines. This follows Philippine military exercises with external forces near Scarborough Shoal, prompting the PLA to assert its sovereignty and readiness to respond to provocations. Military experts highlight the PLA's strong capabilities in deterring threats in the region.

Iran maintains its uranium enrichment program despite significant U.S. military presence in the Gulf, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and over 60 aircraft. U.S. forces have been deployed since January 26, 2026, while Iran has taken cautious military actions, including missile deployments and halting high-level enrichment. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing among Gulf states to address the rising tensions.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Feb 08 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted military exercises simulating a blockade of Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait on January 1, 2025, marking its first incursion into Taiwan's 12-nautical-mile buffer zone. The exercises included maritime interdiction and air superiority operations, indicating a significant escalation in cross-Strait tensions. The US response has been measured, raising concerns about alliance credibility among regional partners.

Marcus ChenSun Feb 08 2026Loading...

China conducted large-scale military exercises around Taiwan from December 29-30, 2024, demonstrating its military capabilities and posing significant threats to Japan's security. On December 9, 2024, Chinese and Russian strategic bombers conducted joint patrols over the Miyako Strait, indicating a strategic partnership aimed at challenging U.S.-led regional order. Japan's Self-Defense Forces are under pressure to enhance their capabilities in response to these developments.

Tanaka TakashiSun Feb 08 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted a large-scale joint military exercise named 'Just Mission 2025' in the Taiwan Strait on December 29-30, 2025, marking its first entry into Taiwan's 12 nautical mile contiguous zone. This exercise involved multiple military branches, showcasing enhanced operational capabilities and signaling a shift in China's military posture towards Taiwan. The U.S. responded by urging restraint from Beijing, highlighting the strategic implications of the PLA's actions.

Li MinghuiSun Feb 08 2026Loading...

The Shanghai Armed Police Corps Chemical Defense Unit conducted training exercises focused on responding to biochemical weapon attacks. Troops quickly assembled and deployed to a simulated hazardous area, utilizing protective gear during the training. This exercise is part of their preparation for handling toxic and harmful substance leaks.

The August 1st Aerobatic Team of the Chinese Air Force performed at the Singapore Airshow, showcasing their aerial capabilities. The event took place recently in Singapore and was well-received by attendees.

The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command conducted routine naval patrols in the South China Sea from February 2 to 6. This operation is a response to the Philippines' collaboration with external nations, which China views as destabilizing to regional peace. The Chinese military remains on high alert to protect national sovereignty and maritime interests.

The August 1st Aerobatics Team of the Chinese Air Force showcased the J-10C fighter jet at international air shows in Malaysia, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Thailand in 2023. The J-10C, a third-generation multi-role fighter, features advanced avionics and weapon systems, enhancing its operational capabilities. This transition from the J-10B to the J-10C reflects China's rapid advancements in military aviation.

The Model Company of the National Gate Guardians from the Northern Theater Command Army conducted a full-line patrol along the China-Russia border before the Spring Festival. This mission posed a significant challenge for new recruits, who are experiencing extreme winter temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius for the first time. One recruit expressed a longing for home-cooked meals during this demanding task.

New soldiers in the Xinjiang Military District are undergoing rigorous training and participating in competitions to enhance their combat readiness. They face increased training intensity and specialized skill development, preparing them for potential real combat scenarios. This training marks a critical phase in their transition from recruits to qualified combatants.

The Ba Yi Aerobatic Team showcased their new J-10C fighter jets at the Singapore Airshow on February 3, 2023. This marks China's first use of fourth-and-a-half generation fighter jets in an aerial display, highlighting advancements in military capabilities. The team's direct transit to Singapore reflects significant improvements in the Chinese Air Force's long-range operational capabilities, supported by the Yunyou-20 aerial refueling aircraft.

A UN humanitarian aid convoy was attacked by a drone in Central Sudan on February 6, resulting in at least 1 death and multiple injuries. The convoy was en route to deliver aid to displaced families in North Kordofan State. The Sudan Doctors Network has accused the Rapid Support Forces of conducting the attack, amid escalating conflict in the region.

Armed police officers are deployed at Beijing West Railway Station to ensure safety and assist travelers during the Spring Festival travel peak in 2026. They are stationed at key areas, providing security and helping passengers with luggage. A joint mechanism for real-time data sharing has been established with station management and railway police to enhance operational efficiency.

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) showcased its long-range air power projection capabilities at the Singapore Airshow 2026, with J-10C fighter jets flying directly from China to Singapore via aerial refueling. This event marks a significant milestone in China's military modernization efforts. Additionally, the J-35A stealth fighter was presented as a potential alternative to the F-35 for international buyers, reflecting China's growing influence in the defense market amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia.

Li MinghuiSat Feb 07 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force conducted war-preparation drills with F-15EX Eagle II and F-35 fighters at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, in July 2025. This marked the F-15EX's first overseas deployment, showcasing its capabilities as a high-end force multiplier in Pacific operations. The exercises emphasized the importance of massing airpower in potential engagements with China, leveraging advanced technologies and weaponry.

The U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will conduct the Iron Fist 26 military exercise in February 2026 in the Southwestern Islands of Japan, involving approximately 1550 personnel. This exercise signifies a strategic shift in the U.S.-Japan alliance, responding to heightened tensions in the region, particularly from North Korea's missile threats. It aims to enhance joint operational capabilities and strengthen regional defense posture.

Tanaka TakashiSat Feb 07 2026Loading...