Analysis & Reports

U.S. Central Command concluded 12 consecutive nights of airstrikes against Iranian military targets on July 22, 2023, at 10:30 PM EDT. The strikes lasted for 5 hours and targeted facilities including missile and drone storage, coastal monitoring sites, and air defense systems. Additionally, the U.S. has resumed maritime blockade operations, forcing 9 merchant vessels to alter their routes and rendering one vessel inoperable.

The Zhangzhou Maritime Safety Administration announced live-fire exercises in the Taiwan Strait, scheduled for July 23 and 24 from 6 AM to 6 PM. Entry into the designated areas is prohibited during these times due to the use of live ammunition.

The People's Liberation Army Navy deployed the hospital ship 'Jixiang Fangzhou' on July 22, 2023, for a 200-day mission to provide humanitarian medical services in Djibouti and other regions in Africa and South Asia. This marks the ship's first overseas operation since its commissioning in 2025, as part of the ongoing 'Harmonious Mission' initiative.

Li MinghuiThu Jul 23 2026Loading...

On July 22, unidentified attackers opened fire and threw bombs at a checkpoint in Narathiwat, Thailand, resulting in the deaths of 5 soldiers and injuries to 6 civilians. The attack occurred around 18:45 local time, and the assailants fled the scene in a pickup truck. Thai security forces are actively pursuing the attackers and have heightened security measures in the region.

The Houthi forces attacked the Saudi oil tanker 'Ensilia' in the Red Sea on July 23, causing a fire at the bow of the ship. All crew members are reported safe. The Houthis had previously declared a maritime blockade against Saudi vessels, warning of military action against those violating it.

Germany is investing 35 billion euros in a multi-orbit hybrid space architecture to enhance military operations and command and control capabilities. The Bundeswehr's Cyber and Information Domain Service (CIDS) is central to this initiative, providing essential satellite communications and reconnaissance services. This development follows NATO's recognition of space as a critical operational domain, underscoring the importance of reliable space-based services for military effectiveness.

The Eastern Theater Command Navy conducted a joint military training exercise in the East China Sea, involving multiple naval vessels and air force units. The exercise focused on integrated command and defense operations, enhancing coordination and response times among different military branches. This training aimed to address challenges faced in previous exercises and improve overall operational effectiveness.

The 73rd Group Army conducted air-ground confrontation training exercises in China during the summer of 2023, implementing a new review process to enhance operational effectiveness. This approach, which includes pre-training reviews and post-training evaluations, was introduced after two previous training failures. The unit utilized video analysis and data collection to improve decision-making and adaptability, resulting in better performance during the exercises.

The Hubei Ship of the Chinese Navy recently conducted multi-subject realistic training exercises in the South China Sea, involving multiple helicopter launches and damage control drills. The training focused on enhancing combat readiness and operational capabilities, integrating real combat scenarios throughout the exercises.

UK and French forces are conducting military exercises in Poland to prepare for a potential troop deployment to Ukraine in Fall 2023. The exercises, which may also involve German troops, aim to enhance operational coordination among allies. The initial plan to send 30,000-50,000 troops has been scaled back to 15,000. Russia perceives these activities as a demonstration of Western unity against its influence.

The Federal Armed Forces of Germany plans to expand its homeland security unit to over 10,000 personnel by 2035, up from the current 6,000. This expansion includes the creation of new defense and support battalions to enhance the unit's capability to protect critical infrastructure and respond to disasters. The move is in response to the evolving security landscape following the Russia-Ukraine war.

Iran has conducted missile strikes against U.S. forces in Jordan, utilizing improved ballistic missiles and drones. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has emphasized advancements in missile technology, particularly in evading defense systems. Reports indicate that Iran possesses around 2500 missiles, with ongoing improvements to their capabilities. This follows a series of retaliatory actions against U.S. military positions since mid-July 2023.

The Chinese Navy's hospital ship 'Peace Ark' departed from Qingdao on October 22, 2023, for its first overseas mission under the 'Harmonious Mission-2026' initiative. The ship, carrying over 100 medical personnel, will provide humanitarian medical services in Africa and South Asia for over 200 days. Equipped with advanced medical facilities, it aims to treat common diseases and engage in professional exchanges with local countries.

On September 22, 2023, at 17:30 EDT, U.S. Central Command initiated airstrikes against Iranian military targets, marking the 12th consecutive night of strikes. Iran reported missile attacks in several regions, resulting in 2 casualties, and vowed to retaliate against U.S. infrastructure if attacked. President Trump threatened to bomb Iranian civilian facilities, escalating tensions in the region.

Russian forces captured two settlements in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions on the 22nd. They also intercepted 80 Ukrainian drones. In response, Ukrainian forces launched long-range strikes on logistics centers supplying drone components and navigation equipment in Krasnodar and Stavropol regions, as well as targeting Russian tankers in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.

The Chinese Navy's 052D destroyer Kaifeng conducted a live-fire exercise 180 km southwest of Okinotorishima in 2026, within Japan's EEZ in the Philippine Sea. The exercise involved the use of a 30mm close-in weapon system, rather than missiles, to assert operational control in the area. This event occurred alongside a Russian naval vessel, highlighting joint operations between China and Russia. Japan has raised safety concerns regarding the exercise.

Tanaka TakashiThu Jul 23 2026Loading...

During a recent Senate hearing in Washington D.C., Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced bipartisan criticism for his evasive responses regarding the U.S. strategy in the war on Iran. Senators highlighted a significant drop in public support for the war and questioned the administration's shifting justifications. Concerns were raised about the implications of the war on the U.S. defense budget and military readiness.

U.S. Central Command conducted missile strikes against Iranian military targets in multiple locations, including Sirik County, Ahvaz, and Bushehr County, on July 22, 2023, at 17:30 EDT. Explosions were reported in these areas, indicating the strikes' impact.

The U.S. military conducted a missile strike at the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iran and Iraq on July 23, resulting in 2 fatalities.

Houthi forces attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea on July 23, 2023, using ballistic missiles and drones, which resulted in the vessels catching fire. The attack was part of a declared maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, with Houthi officials warning of further military actions against Saudi targets.