Analysis & Reports

Gerald E. Brown, a retired U.S. Air Force pilot, taught Chinese airmen U.S. military tactics and engaged in espionage activities from 2023 to 2026. He was arrested after returning to the U.S. and is accused of sharing sensitive information about dogfighting techniques and air defense suppression. Brown was allegedly motivated by financial gain and a desire to fly again, receiving over $18,000 monthly from a Chinese company. He faces serious charges related to his actions while working in China.

China is constructing artificial islands in the South China Sea, destroying over 21,000 acres of coral reef in the process. This military strategy aims to enhance China's control and surveillance capabilities in the region, while causing significant and likely irreversible ecological damage. The construction has led to a collapse of local fisheries and biodiversity, impacting regional food security and increasing geopolitical tensions.

On March 30, 1967, I Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines engaged in a defensive battle at Hill 70 in Quang Tri Province against approximately 700-800 troops of the PAVN 324B Division. Lt. John P. Bobo, despite being severely wounded, refused evacuation and continued to lead his men, resulting in significant enemy casualties. The battle concluded with 16 Marine deaths and 252 PAVN killed, marking a notable engagement during Operation Prairie III.

U.S., Filipino, and Japanese forces conducted a counter-landing live-fire training exercise off the coast of Laoag, Philippines, as part of the annual Balikatan military exercise. The exercise involved the use of HIMARS launchers and various drones to target simulated enemy warships, showcasing the modernization and coordination of joint military operations in the Pacific. This training aimed to enhance readiness against potential amphibious assaults.

China is expanding its aircraft carrier fleet to nine by 2035, with the Type 004 nuclear-powered carrier under construction at Dalian Shipyard. This carrier will exceed the USS Gerald R. Ford in size and capability, operating over 100 aircraft. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is modernizing rapidly, despite challenges in operational experience and fighter availability.

Taiwan's defense budget is projected to increase significantly over the next five years, with spending expected to exceed 5% of GDP by 2031. This reflects a strategic shift in Taiwan's military policy to enhance its defense capabilities.

Allied forces from the U.S., Philippines, and Japan conducted live-fire training using a mock Chinese ZBD-05 vehicle as a target during the Shoulder-to-Shoulder exercise on the coast of Laoag, Philippines. Approximately 800 personnel participated, including members of Japan's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, emphasizing trilateral defense cooperation against potential amphibious threats. The exercise reflects the nations' shared threat assessment regarding Chinese military capabilities in the region.

The U.S. Army Pacific’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force and the Philippine Army Artillery Regiment test-fired a Tomahawk cruise missile from the Typhon launcher in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, on May 5 at 12:20 a.m. The missile successfully struck a target 995 kilometers away, supporting ground troops during the Balikatan joint exercises involving around 17,000 troops from various nations. The launch has drawn attention due to its implications for regional security, particularly concerning China.

The U.S. Army Pacific’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force and the Philippine Army Artillery Regiment test-fired a Tomahawk cruise missile from the Typhon launcher in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, on May 5 at 12:20 a.m. local time. The missile successfully struck a target 995 kilometers away in Nueva Ecija, landing 61 minutes after launch. This event was part of the ongoing Balikatan joint military exercises involving 17,000 troops from various nations.

Peraton was awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy on May 4, 2026, to maintain the operational readiness of MK 18 underwater drones. The contract, valued at up to $90.7 million, includes work at locations such as San Diego, Little Creek, Spain, Bahrain, and Okinawa, with a base value of $17.3 million for one year. The MK 18 drones are essential for explosive ordnance disposal and mine countermeasures.

China unveiled the J-35AE fighter jet for export in Sanya, Hainan, in early May 2026, showcasing its advanced capabilities. Concurrently, Pakistan received its first Hangor-class submarine, marking a significant step in its naval modernization efforts. These developments highlight China's strategic shift towards providing high-end military equipment to its allies, particularly Pakistan.

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Vietnam has developed the XTC-03, an 8×8 amphibious armored personnel carrier prototype, to replace the aging Russian BTR-80 series. The new vehicle features a 30mm autocannon, advanced thermal imaging systems, and is designed to enhance troop safety and operational effectiveness. This development reflects Vietnam's strategic goal to reduce reliance on foreign military equipment and strengthen its domestic defense capabilities.

Over 50 active armed conflicts are currently testing global stability, with significant violence reported in regions including Ukraine, Iran, and Yemen. The international system is facing unprecedented challenges, as conflicts escalate and intertwine, leading to humanitarian crises and geopolitical instability. The situation in Ukraine remains critical, with ongoing reliance on Western military support amid a prolonged conflict with Russia. Meanwhile, the humanitarian disaster in Yemen continues, exacerbated by regional power dynamics.

Japan is revising its defense export principles to allow arms exports, including lethal weapons, under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's leadership. The U.S. Department of Defense is exploring outsourcing shipbuilding to Japan and South Korea, marking a significant shift in military collaboration. Concurrently, China has issued warnings regarding Japan's nuclear capabilities, indicating rising tensions in Northeast Asia. These developments reflect a broader transformation in Japan's post-war security policy.

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Reconnaissance units from the 73rd Group Army and the Navy conducted high-intensity training exercises at their respective training grounds during the May Day holiday. The exercises included coordinated infiltration drills using armored reconnaissance vehicles and drones, emphasizing the importance of real-time intelligence gathering and tactical skills. Female naval reconnaissance soldiers also participated in demanding assessments, showcasing their readiness and capabilities.

China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) showcased advancements in naval capabilities, including the testing of the YJ-20 hypersonic missile and the introduction of the 'Zhongda 79' containerized weapon ship. These developments occurred amid U.S.-led military exercises in the South China Sea. Additionally, Pakistan commissioned its first Hangor-class submarine, marking a significant enhancement in its naval power. The Asia-Pacific region's military spending has surged, reflecting growing security concerns.

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Iran is enhancing its military capabilities with support from Russia and North Korea, complicating U.S. military strategies. The U.S. debates its approach to Iran, which has gained operational insights from recent conflicts. China's economic ties with Iran continue to bolster its defense budget, undermining sanctions. The report warns that episodic military strikes will not resolve the underlying issues, as Iran's military partnerships and capabilities are evolving.

In May 2026, Japan engaged in significant diplomatic and military activities, hosting 30 NATO ambassadors in Tokyo and signing a joint economic security declaration with Australia. The Japan Self-Defense Forces participated in live-fire exercises in the Philippines, marking a shift in Japan's defense posture. Additionally, Japan and Indonesia agreed to enhance defense cooperation amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

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Du Hao was awarded the rank of Second Lieutenant in 2025 after completing his master's degree at Zhejiang University and serving in the People's Armed Police Inner Mongolia Corps. He expressed a lifelong commitment to national defense, emphasizing the importance of military service in his life. The report highlights his journey from enlistment to academic achievement and his aspirations to contribute to the military.

U.S. recovery operations for missing troops in Laos were canceled due to fuel shortages and budget cuts, impacting planned missions from April 27 to June 10, 2023. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) reported that these cancellations follow previous reductions in operations due to insufficient fuel supplies. Approximately 288 U.S. troops remain unaccounted for in Laos, with over 1,500 in Vietnam, as the region faces significant logistical challenges stemming from the ongoing fuel crisis.