Analysis & Reports

North Korea launched approximately 10 ballistic missiles from the Sunan area near Pyongyang towards the Sea of Japan on March 14, 2026. The missiles flew about 350 kilometers before landing outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. This launch coincided with U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises, marking North Korea's third missile test of the year.

Tanaka TakashiWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) deployed Type-12 anti-ship missiles in Kumamoto, marking a significant shift towards offensive military capabilities. The upgraded missile system, featuring advanced radar and guidance technology, has a range of 1,000 kilometers, allowing it to target Chinese naval assets in the East China Sea. This deployment reflects Japan's strategic pivot in response to rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Eastern Theater Command Air Force conducted flight training exercises in Eastern China during early spring, involving multiple fighter jets. The exercises included simulated combat scenarios where Red and Blue forces engaged in tactical maneuvers. Ground support personnel ensured aircraft readiness for subsequent missions, while pilots analyzed and improved their tactics after the exercises.

China has developed a comprehensive anti-access/area-denial strategy over the past three decades, focusing on long-range anti-ship weapons and enhanced reconnaissance capabilities. This strategy aims to limit the operational effectiveness of U.S. aircraft carriers by forcing them to operate at greater distances from Taiwan. Key systems include the DF-21D and DF-26 missiles, supported by advanced surveillance and targeting networks.

The U.S. Marine Corps is hosting a weeklong celebration from June 1 to 4, 2023, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, to honor the legacy of the Harrier aircraft as it nears the end of its service life. The AV-8B Harrier II+ will be deactivated in September, and the Corps is transitioning to the F-35B Lightning II aircraft, aiming for a full fifth generation fleet by 2030. Events will include a social, picnic, and sundown ceremony, with some requiring payment for attendance.

The US military redirected critical assets from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East due to the ongoing war with Iran, withdrawing THAAD interceptors from South Korea and depleting munitions stockpiles. Approximately 140 US service members were wounded, and 6 were killed in action. This shift has raised concerns among US allies in the Indo-Pacific about America's commitment to regional security, as the Pentagon executes around 1,000 strikes daily.

Marcus ChenTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

On March 16, the Chinese Coast Guard took necessary control measures and warned the Japanese fishing vessel 'Chao Maru' that had illegally entered Chinese territorial waters near Diaoyu Island. China maintains that Diaoyu Island is its inherent territory and urges Japan to cease all provocative actions in the area.

The U.S. Army deployed the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Inc 2 (IFPC) air defense system at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, on March 16, 2026, during the Freedom Shield 26 exercise. This deployment aims to enhance the protection of forward-deployed forces against various aerial threats and is integrated into the Army’s Integrated Battle Command System for improved coordination.

In mid-March 2026, the U.S. military deployed the amphibious assault ship Tripoli and over 2000 Marines from Sasebo, Japan, to the Middle East in response to escalating tensions with Iran. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is involved in this deployment, which raises security concerns for U.S. allies in Northeast Asia, particularly regarding missile defense systems being relocated from South Korea. Additionally, North Korea is reportedly increasing military cooperation with Russia.

Tanaka TakashiTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

Seventeen nations, including Egypt, Turkey, and Taiwan, continue to rely on the M60 Patton main battle tank, particularly the M60A3 variant, which remains a strategic asset into 2026. The U.S. Marine Corps utilized the M60A3 effectively during Operation Desert Storm, achieving a significant kill ratio against enemy forces. Despite its retirement from U.S. service in 1997, the M60's legacy endures with various foreign military forces.

China is preparing to exploit the strategic vacuum created by U.S. military actions in Iran, potentially targeting Taiwan and Japan. The U.S. Navy is avoiding engagement in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to concerns about its operational capacity. Chinese forces have amassed around Taiwan, indicating a possible blockade or invasion strategy. Beijing is learning from the Iranian conflict to enhance its military readiness in the Indo-Pacific.

The Dongguan Ship, a 055-class destroyer, conducted its first real combat training in the East China Sea earlier this month. The exercises included anti-surface attacks, air defense, and anti-submarine operations. This event marks a significant milestone as the 055-class destroyer family has now expanded to ten ships, enhancing China's naval capabilities.

The Yanan Ship, a 055-class destroyer of the Chinese Navy, successfully drove away an external ship that attempted to scout the Shandong aircraft carrier formation. This action underscores the crew's readiness and the effectiveness of their training in defending national maritime interests.

U.S. forces destroyed 16 Iranian minelayers and storage bunkers for naval mines in Kharg Island last week. The U.S. Navy is preparing to counter Iranian naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, deploying Avenger-class minesweepers and Independence-class littoral combat ships equipped with mine countermeasures. The USS Canberra, USS Santa Barbara, and USS Tulsa are currently in the region, with the USS Canberra operating in the Indian Ocean.

U.S. forces destroyed Iranian naval mines and minelayers in the Strait of Hormuz and Kharg Island last week. The U.S. Navy is preparing to counter potential mine threats with its current assets, including four Avenger-class minesweepers and three Independence-class littoral combat ships. The U.S. Central Command reported the destruction of storage bunkers for naval mines and is increasing its naval presence in the region.

U.S. President Trump pressured NATO allies to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, warning of dire consequences if they do not respond. Allies, including the UK and Germany, expressed reluctance to engage militarily, with some countries outright rejecting participation. Trump indicated he has requested naval support from around seven nations, while discussions about forming an 'escort alliance' are ongoing.

The U.S. Navy redirected the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group from the South China Sea to the Middle East as military operations against Iran intensified. On March 10, 2023, the U.S. conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, utilizing B-2 stealth bombers. The financial cost of the operations has surpassed $11.3 billion within the first week, highlighting the logistical challenges of sustaining military efforts far from established bases.

Marcus ChenMon Mar 16 2026Loading...

South Korea is promoting the use of anti-aircraft guns to enhance drone defense capabilities amid rising threats from drone attacks. The shift aims to address the limitations of traditional missile systems, which are often costly and less effective against low-cost drones. The South Korean Armed Forces are integrating advanced technologies, including programmable airburst ammunition, into their air defense strategies.

Ukrainian forces intensified their medium and long-range strike campaign against Russian military infrastructure in March 2026, targeting locations such as Krasnodar Krai and Belgorod City. France committed to supplying Ukraine with SAMP/T NG air defense systems for battlefield testing. Ukrainian operations included strikes on oil facilities and air defense systems, while Russian forces launched a significant number of drones and missiles. The situation indicates a strategic effort by Ukraine to degrade Russian capabilities ahead of anticipated offensives.

Dmitri VolkovMon Mar 16 2026Loading...

The U.S. and South Korean militaries conducted joint river-crossing drills in Yeoncheon County as part of the Freedom Shield exercise. This training focused on interoperability between the two nations' engineering units and occurred on the same day North Korea launched ten ballistic missiles toward the East Sea. The exercise aims to enhance operational readiness and reinforce combined defense capabilities between the allies.