Analysis & Reports

The 48th Escort Task Force of the Navy completed its escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and returned to Qingdao on October 23, 2023. The deployment lasted 378 days, during which the task force escorted 423 vessels and participated in joint exercises with South Africa and Pakistan. They also conducted various training activities, including a helicopter night flight.

Tony Davis resigned as Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force on September 23, 2023, due to integrity issues that he had not previously disclosed. Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the resignation, which is effective immediately. Matt Williams, the Deputy Chief, will serve as acting Chief until a new appointment is made.

A Typhoon uncrewed surface vessel demonstrated naval interception capabilities at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, on October 21, 2026, during the Keen Sword 27 exercise. This exercise involved approximately 57,000 personnel from U.S. and Japanese forces, focusing on defense operations. The Typhoon, developed by Splash Industries, is capable of high speeds and has been tested for various military applications, including autonomous resupply missions.

Australia is sending 300 personnel to participate in the joint military exercise 'Keen Sword 2026' alongside approximately 45,000 Japanese and 11,000 U.S. personnel. The exercise, taking place in Japan and surrounding maritime areas from October 19 to October 29, 2026, focuses on integrating naval, air, cyber, and space operations. It aims to enhance logistical coordination among the participating nations, including the U.S. Navy and Japan Self-Defense Forces.

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The 48th Escort Task Force of the Navy successfully completed its escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and returned to Qingdao, Shandong on October 23. The task force included the missile destroyer Tangshan, missile frigate Daqing, and comprehensive supply ship Taihu, all of which were welcomed back after their successful operation.

Australia announced plans to enhance its underwater drone fleet with weapons, including the Ghost Shark drone capable of deploying mines and reconnaissance drones. Defence Minister Pat Conroy stated that these drones are being delivered to the Australian Navy at an increasing pace. Additionally, funding has been allocated for the Flycatcher unmanned surface vessel to assist in maritime surveillance and drug trafficking monitoring.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Japan Innovation Party are negotiating revisions to Japan's security policy, including discussions on acquiring nuclear submarines. These negotiations, set to begin in November 2023, arise from differing views on defense spending and submarine capabilities. Concerns have been expressed regarding the impact of nuclear submarines on Japan's longstanding peace efforts.

Japan's Ministry of Defense announced on October 20, 2023, the selection of 47 research topics for military technology funding, marking a significant increase in applications. This initiative has raised concerns among academics regarding the militarization of research and its impact on academic freedom. Kobe University and Nagoya University have expressed opposition to this shift, questioning the implications for their institutional policies on military research.

The 48th Escort Task Force of the Chinese Navy completed its escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters and returned to Qingdao on October 23, 2023. The mission lasted 378 days, covering over 150,000 nautical miles and escorting 423 vessels. The task force included the missile destroyer Tangshan, missile frigate Daqing, and comprehensive supply ship Taihu, and engaged in various training and joint exercises during its deployment.

The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted routine training exercises with the Liaoning aircraft carrier group in the Western Pacific from October 15 to 22, 2023. Taiwan monitored the movements of six Chinese naval vessels and seven civilian ships but reported no military aircraft activity in the Taiwan Strait. This operation is part of China's annual military training, aimed at improving naval capabilities and testing regional responses.

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U.S. Navy destroyers, including the John Finn and Mustin, are experiencing extended deployments, with some crews facing up to 14 months at sea. Navy officials announced that future deployments will last 10 to 12 months, reflecting a shift in operational policy. Families of sailors report significant challenges, including lack of support and uncertainty about return dates, with some ships not expected back until April 2027.

Keen Sword 2027 commenced on Ishigaki Island on October 19, 2026, involving approximately 57,000 personnel from the Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Armed Forces. The exercise features the first deployment of Type-25 anti-ship missiles, emphasizing multi-domain operations across land, sea, air, space, and cyber. It will continue until October 29, 2026, with participation from seven countries, enhancing regional defense capabilities.

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A landmine explosion in the Korean Demilitarized Zone on October 21 injured three South Korean soldiers, prompting South Korea to demand an apology from North Korea. The South Korean Army's 25th Division reported that the explosion was caused by landmines planted by North Korean forces, violating the armistice agreement. North Korea has rejected these claims, labeling them as provocations.

The USS Charleston conducted a patrol near Sabina Shoal on October 20, 2026, while being tracked by Chinese naval forces. China did not attempt to force the U.S. ship out, indicating a strategy of calibrated pressure. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, with China employing a layered maritime presence to assert its claims without direct confrontation.

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Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force has been conducting live-fire air defense training at McGregor Range in New Mexico and various locations in Japan since July 2026. The exercises involve the Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile and coordination with Japan Air Self-Defense Force Patriot units. This training aims to enhance Japan's air defense capabilities.

All five Astute-class submarines of the British Royal Navy were in port in June 2023 due to a shipyard crisis, with maintenance prioritized for Vanguard-class submarines. HMS Ambush has not sailed since 2022 and is being stripped for parts, while HMS Agamemnon awaits sea trials. The Royal Navy faces significant logistical challenges that hinder its operational readiness against perceived threats, particularly from Russia.

U.S. Army soldiers have intensified training with long-range weapons across the first island chain from the Philippines to Japan between 2021 and 2025. This includes the deployment of HIMARS and Typhon missile systems in joint exercises with allies, reflecting concerns over China's military capabilities. Recent exercises demonstrated the ability to conduct rapid deployments and live-fire operations, enhancing operational readiness in the region.

USS Charleston was tracked by Chinese naval forces near Sabina Shoal on October 20, 2026, but was not stopped or forced to leave. The U.S. Navy conducted a routine operation in contested waters, while China increased its naval presence in the area. This incident underscores the challenges of maintaining control in the South China Sea amid rising tensions.

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EDGE achieved three significant milestones in the AL DORRA programme for the Kuwait Naval Force on 22 October 2026, with the keel laying of the third vessel and the steel cutting of the fourth and fifth vessels in Singapore. This programme involves the construction of eight 62-metre missile boats, enhancing Kuwait's naval capabilities and reinforcing the strategic partnership between the UAE and Kuwait.

IWI has delivered its ARBEL Anti-Drone System to Thailand's Ministry of Defence, making it operational for day and night use. The system integrates into existing rifles, enhancing soldiers' capabilities against small tactical drones. Discussions for additional orders are ongoing, reflecting a regional emphasis on counter-drone technology.