Analysis & Reports

On September 28, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to increase the military personnel by 15,500, raising the total to 2,441,630. This marks the fourth expansion of military personnel in 2026, reflecting ongoing military needs amid a protracted conflict. The increase is part of a strategy to manage personnel shortages and maintain military readiness, while also indicating a shift in Russia's approach to the war.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 29 2026Loading...

Finnish and Swedish fighter jets intercepted at least two Russian MiG-31s during their first joint mission earlier this month. This operation was part of their Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties, responding to the presence of Russian aircraft in the region. The Finnish Air Force had recently received two F-35A Lightning II jets, enhancing their capabilities for such missions.

Poland will modify its combat procedures for fighter jets and helicopters to permit beyond-visual-range engagement of foreign aircraft based on radar and other intelligence. This change, announced by Deputy Defense Minister Czajkowski on September 28, 2023, is a response to increasing security threats, particularly from Russian attacks near Poland's borders. The new rules will allow pilots to make engagement decisions without visual confirmation, enhancing operational capabilities.

USS Theodore Roosevelt departed San Diego on September 27, 2026, for an extended deployment in the Middle East, becoming the fifth U.S. aircraft carrier involved in operations related to the Iran war. The carrier, with a crew of 5,000, will relieve the USS George Washington and is implementing logistical improvements based on lessons learned from previous deployments.

USS Theodore Roosevelt departed San Diego on September 27, 2026, and is currently conducting routine operations in the Pacific. It is preparing for an extended deployment to the Middle East, making it the fifth U.S. aircraft carrier involved in operations related to the Iran war. The Navy is applying lessons learned from previous deployments to enhance sailor conditions during this mission.

Russia is preparing to escalate military pressure on NATO, with significant troop movements and infrastructure developments near the Finnish border. Clandestine operations have been reported in allied territories, including attempted drone attacks and sabotage. The situation is evolving as NATO faces increasing threats along its eastern flank.

The People's Liberation Army conducted joint naval and air exercises near Scarborough Shoal on September 27, 2026. This operation marks a shift in China's approach to controlling contested maritime areas, integrating air power to enhance operational effectiveness. The exercises are seen as a move towards more regularized military presence in the South China Sea.

Li MinghuiMon Sep 28 2026Loading...

The Naval Aviation of the Eastern Theater Command conducted continuous day and night flight training exercises to enhance operational capabilities. Pilots engaged in various training tasks, including instrument flying and multi-aircraft coordination, while communication systems were tested and restored. The exercises incorporated tactical scenarios to improve battlefield adaptability, with maintenance crews ensuring aircraft readiness for subsequent flights.

Japan, the U.S., and South Korea conducted missile defense training near Jeju Island from September 7-11, 2026, involving 6 ships and multiple aircraft. The exercise emphasized the sharing of tactical information without the presence of an aircraft carrier, reflecting a shift towards distributed operations. This training comes in response to North Korea's enhanced missile capabilities, highlighting the need for improved coordination among allied forces.

Tanaka TakashiMon Sep 28 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command conducted joint military exercises near Huangyan Island on September 27, 2026, focusing on reconnaissance, rapid maneuvering, and search and rescue operations. Concurrently, the Chinese Coast Guard executed law enforcement drills in the same area, emphasizing a coordinated approach to maritime control. This dual-layered strategy aims to manage potential confrontations while maintaining military readiness in the South China Sea.

Li MinghuiMon Sep 28 2026Loading...

On August 22, 2026, the Chinese Navy's 054A frigate joined the Eastern Theater Command fleet for combat-related training, enhancing its operational capabilities in the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean. This deployment raises concerns for Japan as the frigate's capabilities could challenge maritime security in the region.

Tanaka TakashiMon Sep 28 2026Loading...

U.S. Army soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division tested new command-and-control software at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, from September 14 to 25, 2023, during the Nakoa Fleek exercise. The exercise certified the division's 2nd Mobile Brigade for future operations and focused on improving battlefield data sharing and decision-making capabilities. Key activities included connecting new radios and sensors and conducting a defensive battle against an opposing force.

Kazakhstan's President Tokayev appointed Aidos Merzakhmetov as the new Minister of Defense on September 27, 2023. This leadership change is significant for the Kazakh Armed Forces, indicating a potential shift in defense policy or strategy.

The Submarine Unit of the Eastern Theater Command Navy conducted training exercises and prepared for a mission in the East China Sea during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The crew focused on sonar target identification and simulated attacks, reporting an unidentified target suspected to be an enemy surface vessel. They also celebrated the festival together while on duty, highlighting their commitment to duty and camaraderie.

China Coast Guard conducted law enforcement drills with multiple vessels near Scarborough Shoal on September 27. The exercise aimed to test rapid response and emergency handling capabilities, involving vessels such as Wanshan, Chuanshan, and Sifang. The drills simulated scenarios of foreign vessels illegally entering Chinese waters, with directives issued for identification and control of these vessels.

China Coast Guard conducted law enforcement drills near Scarborough Shoal on September 27, focusing on boarding inspections, interception of intruders, and forced towing of foreign vessels. Multiple coast guard vessels participated, and drones were utilized for evidence collection. The exercises were a direct response to foreign provocations in the region, emphasizing China's control over its territorial waters.

The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command conducted joint air and sea exercises near Scarborough Shoal on September 27, responding to increased military activities by the Philippines. These activities include the deployment of small boats, aircraft incursions, and drone operations, indicating a rising tension in the region.

The Chinese Coast Guard is actively countering Philippine provocations in the South China Sea, employing measures such as blocking and forcibly removing vessels. Control over Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal has expanded to 24 nautical miles, while normalization of control around Xianbin Reef and Tiexian Reef has been achieved. These actions are part of China's ongoing efforts to strengthen its maritime control in response to increasing provocations from the Philippines.

Russian forces controlled three settlements in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions and conducted strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and military positions. As of the morning of the 26th, they reported shooting down 645 Ukrainian drones. The Ukrainian Armed Forces engaged in 205 combat incidents, targeting Russian drone command points and artillery systems.

Thales is in advanced discussions with NATO countries regarding its AI-powered command-and-control system, HexaForce, which was tested during NATO's Coalition Warrior Interoperability Exercise in Poland. The system aims to enhance military operations by integrating with existing systems and allowing users to select their own AI models. Thales emphasizes that HexaForce is designed as a NATO solution, enhancing command and control capabilities across various military levels.