Analysis & Reports

Taiwan's ROCS Hai Kun (SS-771) is operational in the Taiwan Strait, designed to deter potential Chinese invasions. Equipped with advanced stealth technology, it integrates Mark 48 torpedoes and Harpoon missiles for maritime defense. The submarine's capabilities enhance Taiwan's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance efforts against the People's Liberation Army Navy.

Taiwan's Army conducted a drone combat training exercise on March 10, 2026, involving the 58th Artillery Command's UAV battalion. Soldiers utilized first-person-view attack drones in a simulated urban environment, practicing reconnaissance and precision strikes. The exercise aimed to improve drone operators' skills and develop operational concepts for unmanned systems in urban combat scenarios.

China is deterred from invading Taiwan due to U.S. military operations in Iran and the enhanced capabilities of Japan and Australia. The U.S. Navy's USS Abraham Lincoln has been redeployed to Iran, impacting its presence in the Indo-Pacific. Japan's acquisition of over 150 F-35 fighters contributes to regional deterrence. Upcoming political summits and arms deals will further influence China's strategic calculations regarding Taiwan.

The 052D Destroyer conducted its first naval training exercise in Shigatse, Tibet, recently. The training included joint search and rescue operations, supply operations, and damage control training, aimed at enhancing the combat capabilities of the crew.

China announced a defense budget of 1.91 trillion RMB (approximately 277 billion USD) on March 5, 2026, reflecting a 7% increase. Concurrently, the People's Liberation Army is undergoing a significant anti-corruption campaign, resulting in the purging of over 100 senior generals. Despite these internal changes, military activities around Taiwan have intensified, indicating a continued focus on military modernization and regional assertiveness.

Li MinghuiThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

U.S. Navy destroyers deployed to the Arabian Sea to support operations against Iran, while Patriot and THAAD systems were relocated from Japan and South Korea. Joint military exercises 'Freedom Shield 2026' began on March 10, involving 18,000 troops from the U.S. and South Korea. Japan is enhancing its defense capabilities, including the development of long-range missiles, amid concerns over regional security.

Tanaka TakashiThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Navy introduced two new 055-class destroyers in China, enhancing their fleet with improved stealth capabilities and advanced radar systems. These destroyers may also be equipped with hypersonic missiles, indicating a significant upgrade in their military capabilities.

The Philippine Navy deployed a new BrahMos anti-ship missile unit at Cape Bojeador on Luzon Island. This unit, operated by the 273rd Marine Battalion, aims to block the Luzon Strait, enhancing deterrence against Chinese naval movements. The BrahMos system has a range of about 300 kilometers and can reach speeds of up to Mach 3. This deployment is part of the Philippines' alignment with U.S. strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Iran continues to ship large amounts of crude oil to China through the Strait of Hormuz despite military threats and attacks on vessels. Since February 28, 2026, approximately 12 million barrels have transited the strait, with the majority officially destined for the People's Republic of China. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has targeted vessels, but analysts believe a long-term blockade of the strait would harm Iran's own interests.

The USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is deploying to the Central Command area in February 2026 to support Operation Epic Fury and relieve the USS Gerald R. Ford. This deployment follows a successful Composite Training Unit Exercise, enhancing the U.S. Navy's operational readiness. The carrier, capable of launching over 90 aircraft, aims to deter threats from Houthi forces in the region.

The F-117 Nighthawk has been deployed by the U.S. Air Force at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea, with 300 Airmen supporting its operations. The aircraft will serve as a training platform and technology demonstrator, simulating adversarial roles against modern fighters like the Su-57 and J-20. It is expected to remain operational until 2034, showcasing its continued relevance in military training exercises.

Kenneth Walsh, a pilot with VMF-124, engaged in aerial combat against Japanese Zeros over Choiseul Island and the Solomon Islands in August 1943. He shot down multiple enemy aircraft and provided cover for Allied bombers. Walsh was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during these missions and became the first Corsair ace. He continued to serve in various capacities until his retirement in 1962.

The U.S. Air Force plans to deploy 36 F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets to bases in the Indo-Pacific starting in spring 2026 as part of a strategic shift to deter China. The 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes defending the U.S. homeland and enhancing military presence in the region, with significant funding allocated for surveillance and military readiness. Allies are expected to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, reflecting a new burden-sharing approach.

Marcus ChenWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

Military recruitment departments in China are conducting pre-recruitment education for new soldiers across various provinces, including Jilin, Shanxi, Jiangsu, and others, in the first half of 2026. This education focuses on physical training, ideological preparation, and instilling patriotism. The program utilizes local resources and aims to ensure that recruits are well-prepared for military life.

U.S. and Gulf nations requested Ukraine's assistance to defend against Iranian Shahed-136 drones as the conflict in the Gulf region escalated. Ukrainian forces, experienced in countering these drones, have developed effective low-cost defense strategies. The U.S. military acknowledged the challenges posed by these drones, indicating that existing air defense systems struggle to intercept them. Ukrainian startups are also producing affordable interceptor drones to combat this threat.

North Korea's Korean People's Army Navy conducted a test launch of multiple strategic cruise missiles on March 10. The event was observed by Kim Jong-un through a video link, as part of ongoing operational evaluations involving the 'Choi Hyun' destroyer.

China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation is developing the JH-XX stealth bomber, designed with a tailless delta-wing and three engines, with prototypes expected to fly in late 2024 and 2025. The aircraft has a combat radius of 2,000 km, positioning it as a potential threat to U.S. interests in the region. This development aims to complement existing bombers and enhance China's military capabilities in contested environments.

The U.S. Navy is restructuring its surface fleet, canceling the Constellation class program while planning to develop 25 Trump-class battleships and 24 small surface combatants. This decision, announced in late 2025, aims to accelerate the delivery of new naval capabilities in response to emerging military threats. The Arleigh Burke destroyers will continue to serve as the fleet's core until at least the 2050s, alongside a growing presence of uncrewed vessels.

The 74th Group Army recently conducted annual assessments for military vehicle drivers in China, focusing on practical skills and emergency response. The evaluations tested drivers' abilities to maneuver vehicles in confined spaces and handle unexpected situations. This initiative aims to enhance the overall operational readiness of the unit for diverse military tasks.

Japan plans to deploy improved Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles in Kumamoto Prefecture by the end of March 2026, marking a significant shift in its defense policy. Concurrently, joint military exercises with the U.S. Navy were conducted to enhance operational capabilities. This deployment is a response to regional security concerns, particularly regarding China and North Korea.

Tanaka TakashiTue Mar 10 2026Loading...