Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Protests Against Japan-U.S. Joint Military Exercises in Various Parts of Japan
Protests erupted in Kyushu and Okinawa against the Japan-U.S. joint military exercise, which involves approximately 9600 personnel and is scheduled from June 20 to June 30. Local residents expressed concerns over the impact of the exercise, particularly regarding low-flying Osprey transport aircraft. Various citizen groups have formally requested an end to the drills, citing fears of escalating regional tensions.
China’s Xiang Yang Hong 22 Survey Shows Taiwan’s Undersea War Problem
Xiang Yang Hong 22, a Chinese oceanographic vessel, conducted a maritime ecological survey and undersea mapping near Taiwan from Tuesday to Friday. The vessel was tracked by Taiwan's Coast Guard, which attempted to disrupt its operations in restricted waters. This activity is part of China's broader strategy to enhance its undersea warfare capabilities in the region, impacting U.S. and allied submarine operations.
Marcus ChenSat Jun 20 2026Loading...
Mystery shrouded fighter jet spotted at Japan’s top test base
A mystery military aircraft covered in white fabric was spotted at Gifu Air Base on June 18, 2026, prompting speculation about its identity. The aircraft, likely comparable in size to an F-15, is believed to be undergoing evaluation related to electronic warfare capabilities. This sighting coincides with the construction of a new Electronic Warfare Evaluation Facility at the base, indicating ongoing advancements in Japan's military aviation.
Coast Guard 08 Completes Survey 1,025 Nautical Miles East of Taiwan, Filling in the Deep Water Area of the PLA's Anti-Submarine Puzzle
Chinese Coast Guard's Haixun 08 completed a 1025 nautical mile hydrographic survey east of Taiwan from June 11 to 20, 2026. This operation, involving multiple agencies, aims to gather critical underwater data for military applications. Concurrently, PLA Air Force and Navy activities were reported in the region, indicating a coordinated effort to enhance military presence and intelligence capabilities.
Li MinghuiSat Jun 20 2026Loading...Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza City Leave at Least 5 Palestinians Dead
Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes in Gaza City on October 20, resulting in at least 5 Palestinian fatalities and multiple injuries. The strikes targeted a residential apartment and a crossroads area, leading to significant casualties.
Resolute Dragon 26 Begins in the Southwestern Islands, Reassessing Japan-U.S. Island Defense
Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Marine Corps are conducting the joint military exercise 'Resolute Dragon 26' from June 20 to June 30, 2026, across the southwestern islands of Japan. The exercise focuses on enhancing island defense capabilities and logistics, involving multiple units and equipment such as the Typhon missile system and HIMARS. Training locations include Nishinoomote, Amami, Miyako, Ishigaki, and Yonaguni.
Tanaka TakashiSat Jun 20 2026Loading...
China Will Sell You Almost Any Weapon It Makes — But It Will Never Sell You the J-20 Mighty Dragon Stealth Fighter
China refuses to export the J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighter, viewing it as a strategic asset essential for military competition with the US. The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) prioritizes the J-20 for domestic use, focusing on protecting sensitive technologies and capabilities. Instead, China offers the J-35 as an export-oriented alternative.
Navigation Warning! Military Training in Certain Waters of the Beibu Gulf, Entry of Vessels Prohibited
The North Sea Maritime Bureau issued a navigation warning for military training in the Gulf of Tonkin on June 22 from 12:00 to 14:00, prohibiting vessels from entering the area.
The Reality of Integrated Air Defense Among 29 Countries Demonstrated by the Destroyer Kongo Heading to RIMPAC 2026
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's JS Kongo participated in group sailing exercises with naval forces from the Philippines, South Korea, Italy, and Singapore, heading towards RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii from June 24 to July 12, 2026. This exercise aims to enhance multilateral command and control capabilities amid evolving threats from North Korea and increasing Chinese naval activities in the Pacific.
Tanaka TakashiSat Jun 20 2026Loading...
Just a Few Months Apart, New Soldiers' Parents Enter the Barracks and Discover Their Children's Growth is Visibly Apparent
New recruits of the People's Liberation Army Air Force were awarded ranks and showcased their training achievements during a recent ceremony attended by family members. The event emphasized the growth of the recruits and included a display of their training results. One recruit was recognized for outstanding performance, reflecting the support and pride of their families in their military journey.
We Made a Mistake We Can’t Ever Fix: The U.S. Air Force’s B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber Shortage Makes Russia and China Smile
The U.S. Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bomber fleet has been reduced to 19 operational aircraft due to program cuts and two accidents. Originally planned to number 132, the fleet's size has significant implications for U.S. military capabilities. The B-21 Raider is being developed to ensure a larger and more capable stealth bomber fleet in the future.
The J-20 Isn’t Built to Dogfight American Fighters — It’s Built to Kill the Tankers and AWACS That Keep Them Flying
China is expanding its J-20 stealth fighter production, with estimates of 100-120 aircraft annually and a potential fleet of 1000 by 2030. The J-20 is designed to target support aircraft like tankers and AWACS, rather than frontline fighters. The PL-16 missile, with a range of 300 kilometers, is also being developed for long-range engagements against these support systems. This shift in strategy reflects China's focus on mass production and industrial capacity in military operations.
Philippines Basa Air Base Gives U.S. 18 Fighters But Little Shelter
The U.S. has constructed a new parking apron at Basa Air Base in the Philippines, capable of supporting 18 fighters and 2 large transport aircraft. This development enhances military capabilities in the region, particularly for surveillance and operations in the South China Sea. The MQ-9A Reaper is stationed at the base, providing extended operational reach. However, concerns remain about the base's vulnerability and the need for additional wartime infrastructure.
Marcus ChenFri Jun 19 2026Loading...
North Korea Capsized Its New Destroyer on Live TV Before Kim Jong Un: Now It’s Building Warships Twice the Size
North Korea's second guided-missile destroyer capsized during its launch at Chongjin on May 21, 2025, leading to a public outcry from Kim Jong Un. The ship was salvaged and relaunched by June 2025, with missile tests conducted in 2026. North Korea is now pursuing the construction of larger warships, indicating a significant shift in its naval capabilities.
China Built Ten 13,000-Ton Cruisers in Five Years While the U.S. Navy Retires Its Last Ones: The Per-Ship Edge Is Gone
China has built ten Type 055 cruisers, the most powerful surface combatants in its fleet, while the U.S. Navy is retiring its Ticonderoga-class cruisers. The Type 055, classified as a cruiser by the U.S., displaces 13,000 tons and carries advanced weaponry, marking a significant shift in naval capabilities. As of March 2026, the People's Liberation Army Navy operates these modern warships, highlighting a growing naval power imbalance between the U.S. and China.
China Is Building Aircraft Carriers Faster Than Anyone Since WWII — But It May Not Have Enough Ships To Protect Them
China is rapidly constructing aircraft carriers, currently operating three and aiming for nine by 2035. However, the People's Liberation Army Navy lacks sufficient escort ships and anti-submarine capabilities to protect these carriers effectively, as acknowledged by its own analysts. The Type 055 destroyers are the primary escorts, but their numbers are inadequate for the planned carrier groups, highlighting significant logistical and operational challenges.
Japan joins the global craze to field interceptor drones
Japan plans to deploy autonomous interceptor drones by 2027 to enhance its defense capabilities against threats from long-range suicide UAVs. The Ministry of Defense is expediting the acquisition process amid concerns over potential delays in Tomahawk missile deliveries. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase defense spending and capabilities, including the production of 80,000 drones annually by 2030.
China's 2026 Haixun Patrol East of Taiwan Maps a Submarine Problem
Chinese state vessels conducted a maritime patrol east of Taiwan in early June 2026, involving four ships including a hydrographic survey vessel. The operation aimed to collect data and test Taiwan's response, highlighting China's strategic interest in the region. This activity is part of a broader effort to assert jurisdiction and gather intelligence that could enhance military operations.
Marcus ChenFri Jun 19 2026Loading...72nd Birthday Coincides with Dragon Boat Festival: Submarine Forces Safeguard a Safe and Healthy Festival for Thousands of Families
The Submarine Force of the People's Navy celebrated its 72nd anniversary on June 19, 2023, highlighting its contributions to national security. The event coincided with the Dragon Boat Festival, emphasizing the force's role in safeguarding the nation. The report reflects on the historical significance and ongoing commitment of the submarine unit to protect the country.
The entire army senior cadre class graduates in June, the People's Liberation Army settles accounts with its cadres a century before its founding.
On June 16, the People's Liberation Army concluded its first senior officer training course at the National Defense University. Vice Chairman Zhang Shengmin emphasized the need to consolidate training results and enhance military readiness, linking this initiative to broader anti-corruption efforts and management reforms within the PLA. The training aims to address issues in procurement and accountability, ensuring that military modernization is effectively managed and implemented.
Li MinghuiFri Jun 19 2026Loading...
