Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy is deploying two aircraft carrier strike groups, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and potentially the USS George H.W. Bush, to the Arabian Sea amid rising tensions with Iran. President Trump indicated that military strikes may be considered if negotiations with Iran fail, as Iran continues to demand sanctions relief while rejecting U.S. proposals on ballistic missiles. The situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military preparations.

SR-71 pilot David Peters recounted a flight from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa to Beale AFB in California, departing at 10:00 AM and landing 17.5 hours earlier due to the aircraft's speed. The flight included refueling stops and showcased the Blackbird's capabilities, allowing the pilots to arrive in time for happy hour despite the significant distance covered.

The Southern Theater Command Navy conducted a naval training exercise in the South China Sea, focusing on combat readiness and response to enemy actions. The Copper Bell ship engaged in air defense and retaliated against enemy targets. The exercise included various scenarios, testing the crew's operational capabilities, and resulted in one injury due to enemy fire.

The submarine crew of the Eastern Theater Command Navy returned from a long-range mission, engaging in logistics to maintain combat readiness. As the Spring Festival approaches, they prepare for future operations while managing personal communications with families. The unit emphasizes teamwork and the challenges of operating in deep-sea environments.

The Naval Escort Fleet of the Southern Theater Command is conducting comprehensive training assessments focused on maritime combat, logistical support, and inspections. This training aims to evaluate the operational readiness and decision-making capabilities of commanders and personnel involved. The exercises are part of ongoing military preparations.

The U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy, alongside the Japan Self-Defense Forces, commenced the 'Iron Fist' joint military exercise in Kyushu, Okinawa, and Yamaguchi Prefecture, aimed at enhancing island defense capabilities. The exercise, involving approximately 800 U.S. Marines and 2100 U.S. Navy personnel, will last until March 9, 2023, and includes training in amphibious operations and joint command. Local groups in Okinawa have voiced their opposition to the exercise.

The U.S. Navy faces evolving threats in naval combat, particularly in the South China Sea and Yemen, where they encounter advanced weaponry and tactics from adversaries like China. Experts warn that the distinction between combat and non-combat missions is increasingly unclear, with potential future conflicts resembling those of World War II. The Navy must adapt to new technologies and strategies as it prepares for possible peer-on-peer engagements.

The SR-71 Blackbird, operated by the U.S. Air Force, flew from Kadena Air Base in Japan to Beale AFB in California, landing 17.5 hours before its scheduled departure. This high-speed aircraft, capable of exceeding Mach 3, was never shot down and was designed for rapid intelligence gathering during the Cold War. Its operational costs and the rise of satellite technology ultimately led to its retirement.

The F-15EX Eagle II was deployed to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, in July 2025, participating in the Resolute Force exercise alongside F-35s. This advanced fighter jet can perform 87 billion functions per second and carry 12 missiles, enhancing U.S. airpower in the Pacific against China's stealth fleets. The F-15EX is designed to serve as a critical force multiplier, supporting 5th-generation aircraft in air superiority operations.

U.S. Air Force leaders are implementing Agile Combat Employment to enhance military readiness against potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region. This includes a hub-and-spoke approach to basing, emphasizing the importance of pre-positioned equipment and air mobility. Recent exercises have informed future strategies, with a focus on integrating capabilities with allies in Korea and Japan.

On January 11, 1,400 Chinese fishing vessels formed a 320-kilometer rectangular formation in the East China Sea, indicating a military exercise rather than normal fishing activity. This mobilization disrupted shipping routes and suggests enhanced command and control capabilities of the Chinese Maritime Militia, potentially preparing for blockade scenarios against Taiwan.

Tanaka TakashiWed Feb 11 2026Loading...

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) remains a vital asset for the U.S. Navy amid potential conflicts with China or Russia, conducting routine operations in the Philippine Sea and Pacific Ocean. The carrier, commissioned over 50 years ago, is currently awaiting the combat-readiness of its replacement, USS John F. Kennedy. With a crew of approximately 3,500 and an air wing of 2,480, the Nimitz continues to play a significant role in U.S. naval power.

PFC. Manuel Pérez Jr. engaged in combat operations to liberate Manila from Japanese forces between February 3 and March 14, 1945. He singlehandedly neutralized a fortified position at Fort William McKinley, killing 18 enemy soldiers. Pérez was shot by a sniper and died shortly after, receiving posthumous honors including the Medal of Honor. His actions contributed to the liberation efforts amidst significant civilian casualties.

The August 1st Air Demonstration Team of the People's Liberation Army Air Force successfully completed their mission at the 10th Singapore Airshow on October 10. They performed five flight demonstrations, showcasing their capabilities and engaging in cultural exchanges with international teams. After the event, they returned to China via aerial refueling from a Y-20 tanker, receiving a warm welcome at their home airport.

Taiwan's military plans to deploy the HIMARS system to Penghu and Dongyin, enabling strikes on PLA positions in Fujian and Zhejiang. The Taiwanese defense department has suggested a preemptive strike against the PLA. A spokesperson from the Ministry of National Defense warned that any provocation by Taiwanese independence forces would lead to severe consequences from the PLA.

The August 1st Aerobatic Team of the Chinese Air Force participated in the 10th Singapore Airshow from February 3-8, 2023. This marked their first appearance in Singapore in six years, showcasing their upgraded J-10C fighter jets. The team performed three official shows, including synchronized maneuvers and color smoke displays symbolizing the friendship between China and Singapore. The event aimed to enhance international military cooperation and foster diplomatic relations.

The Sansha Maritime Safety Administration announced rocket recovery operations in the South China Sea from February 10 to February 12, 2023. Access to the area is prohibited during this period to ensure safety during the operations.

Adm. Daryl Caudle advocates for the U.S. Navy to utilize smaller, newer assets for missions instead of large aircraft carriers, focusing on the Caribbean and Middle East. The USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln have been redeployed to support operations against Nicolás Maduro and rising tensions with Iran, respectively. Caudle's strategy emphasizes tailored naval groups and the use of drones to enhance operational flexibility.

China's Liaoning and Shandong carriers doubled their far-seas operations in 2025, conducting unprecedented naval voyages and live-fire drills around Australia and New Zealand. The PLAN demonstrated simultaneous operations of both carriers in the Pacific, indicating enhanced logistical coordination. Additionally, there were 3,764 air incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ, marking a significant increase in military activity across the Indo-Pacific region.

Marcus ChenMon Feb 09 2026Loading...

The Naval Aviation Force of the Southern Theater Command conducted search and rescue exercises in the South China Sea using the Z-9S helicopter. The unit performed operations under challenging winter conditions, demonstrating their capability to respond to emergencies at sea. The exercises included both day and night missions to ensure readiness for various scenarios.