Analysis & Reports

Vegvisir is launching a communications module for military drones at Eurosatory 2026, aimed at maintaining connectivity in contested environments. The module supports various communication channels and is designed for harsh field conditions. It has already secured its first European customer and is being tested in nine countries, including the US and Australia.

The Pentagon is procuring dozens of autonomous cargo boats to enhance logistics for U.S. Army units in the Pacific Islands amid potential conflicts with China. These unmanned vessels will operate autonomously, carrying shipping containers over 1,600 nautical miles, addressing current logistical limitations. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve military supply chains in contested environments.

The Longyan Military Sub-district released an original song titled 'Militia is also a soldier' to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Party and the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Army. The song highlights the loyalty of militia forces to the Party and the state, reflecting their importance in both historical and modern contexts.

The Navy of the Northern Theater Command conducted high-intensity naval exercises in the Yellow Sea with the Xining Ship and Nanchang Ship. The drills involved live-fire training using main and secondary guns, aimed at improving the combat readiness of the personnel. This exercise reflects a commitment to enhancing operational capabilities in complex maritime conditions.

The People's Liberation Army conducted joint patrols in Hong Kong on June 11, involving land, sea, and air forces. The exercise focused on enhancing emergency response capabilities and operational readiness. The garrison complied with local laws during the patrols, which included high-mobility infantry, main battle ships, and helicopters.

The 74th Group Army conducted live-fire exercises at night in Guangxi and the South China Sea, utilizing portable surface-to-air missiles and executing anti-missile ambushes. These exercises reflect a focus on real combat scenarios and new tactics.

The 71st Group Army conducted practical explosive training for engineering troops at a training ground in Suhua North, China. Troops assessed their demolition capabilities using various explosive devices against different obstacles. New soldiers participated in the training under the guidance of experienced personnel to enhance their skills and psychological resilience. The exercises aimed to prepare the troops for diverse combat tasks.

The Taiwanese military conducted live-fire exercises with 6 HIMARS launchers, firing 32 M28 training rockets near the Dajia River on June 10. This exercise demonstrated rapid deployment and precision strike capabilities, with the aim of complicating potential Chinese military operations. Four rockets failed to ignite, highlighting reliability concerns. The exercise is part of Taiwan's efforts to enhance its military readiness in the face of potential threats from the mainland.

Li MinghuiThu Jun 11 2026Loading...

On June 9, 2026, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy conducted anti-submarine training south of Okinawa using P-1, P-3C, and P-8A aircraft. The exercise focused on LINKEX and anti-submarine warfare, emphasizing the strategic importance of the region amid recent Chinese naval activities. This joint operation reflects the ongoing collaboration between Japan and the U.S. in maritime defense.

Tanaka TakashiThu Jun 11 2026Loading...

China launched its first Type 095 nuclear-powered attack submarine at Bohai Shipyard on February 9, 2026, marking a significant advancement in its naval capabilities. This launch is part of a broader trend, with China now operating approximately 32 active nuclear submarines, surpassing Russia. The Type 095 is expected to enhance China's strategic deterrent capabilities, with implications for regional military balance.

China is expanding its fighter production capacity, with the Chengdu complex potentially producing 100 J-20 stealth fighters annually. The total output of Chinese fighter aircraft is projected to reach 300 to 400 per year, significantly increasing their military capabilities in the Pacific. The People's Liberation Army Air Force is now producing two types of stealth fighters, the J-20 and J-35A, which complicates the strategic landscape for the United States.

Chinese military analysts assert that the J-35 stealth fighter could potentially carry four YJ-15 anti-ship missiles internally, significantly enhancing its operational capabilities. This development poses a challenge to US naval operations within the First Island Chain, as the J-35's stealth features allow for closer approaches to targets. The integration of the J-35 with the Type 003 Fujian carrier could shift China's naval strategy towards more offensive operations.

The U.S. has maintained a monopoly on stealth bombers since the B-2's introduction in 1989. China's H-20 stealth bomber program has faced delays, but its eventual deployment could threaten U.S. territories such as Guam and Hawaii. The U.S. is countering this potential shift with the development of the B-21 Raider, which is set to enter service in 2027. The introduction of the H-20 could also create nuclear ambiguity in regional conflicts, impacting U.S. military strategy.

The U.S. Air Force plans to acquire 267 F-15EX Eagle II fighters, significantly increasing its fleet size. This decision reflects a strategic shift to recapitalize aging aircraft and enhance air superiority capabilities. The F-15EX features advanced technology and is expected to play a crucial role in future operations, particularly in the Western Pacific.

The U.S. Navy established a naval support activity, NSA Stirling, in Western Australia on May 30, 2024, to enhance military cooperation with the U.K. and Australia. This facility will support the Submarine Rotational Force–West, which is expected to be fully operational by 2027, facilitating the maintenance and deployment of nuclear-powered submarines. The initiative underscores the commitment of AUKUS partners to bolster military readiness and collaboration in the region.

LeoLabs' Scout-S radar system became operational in June 2026 and is set to participate in the U.S. military's Valiant Shield exercise from June 22 to July 1, 2026, in Hawaii, Guam, and Japan. This radar enhances space monitoring capabilities, allowing for extended tracking of objects in low Earth orbit. It was developed with private investment and U.S. Space Force support.

The GCAP project, involving the UK, Italy, and Japan, is experiencing delays due to funding issues and rising tensions between Tokyo and London. The UK plans to invest at least £12 billion over the next decade, but budget constraints may lead to delays. Meanwhile, the US is advancing its own sixth-generation fighter projects, including the F-47 and F/A-XX, with significant costs and uncertainties surrounding their development.

Leonardo's CEO welcomed Germany's potential entry into the GCAP fighter program, emphasizing the need to balance capabilities and delivery timelines. Concerns were raised about the impact on the 2035 target date for the new aircraft, especially given Japan's apprehensions about funding. The German Defense Minister presented options for addressing Germany's fighter needs following the collapse of the FCAS program, including purchasing more F-35s or starting a new program.

Taiwan is positioning to sell homegrown drones to the U.S. military to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains. The Taiwanese drone industry, valued at NT$12.9 billion last year, is expanding its exports, with the U.S. being a significant importer. Recent collaborations between Taiwanese and U.S. entities aim to enhance drone technology and production capabilities.

The Eastern Theater Command Air Force conducted multiple realistic combat training exercises, focusing on enhancing pilots' operational capabilities. Pilots executed tactical maneuvers in response to simulated enemy threats, successfully completing their objectives. The training emphasized rapid logistics, including quick rearmament and refueling, to ensure readiness for future operations.