Analysis & Reports

The Chinese Air Force introduced the J-35A fighter jet, designated 'Yunlong', which signifies its advanced capabilities and continues the 'Dragon' series naming tradition. This new medium stealth multi-role fighter is designed for air superiority and ground attack, showcasing China's advancements in military aviation. The J-35A is set to debut at the Zhuhai Airshow in November 2024, marking a significant milestone in China's military aviation development.

DroneShield opened a research and development hub in Adelaide in September 2026 to enhance next-generation Australian defense technology, focusing on counter-drone and electronic warfare systems.

Taiwan's coast guard demonstrated the missile capabilities of its Anping-class cutters, which can be armed with up to 16 Hsiung Feng III missiles each, totaling 192 launchers. This capability enhances Taiwan's defense strategy in the Taiwan Strait, complicating potential Chinese military operations. The recent test involved a successful missile launch against a decommissioned frigate, showcasing the cutters' operational readiness and strategic value.

Marcus ChenWed Sep 23 2026Loading...

Australia plans to allow Japan's Self-Defense Forces to use its test ranges for missile testing, including hypersonic weapons, following an agreement made in August 2026. This move reflects a deepening defense cooperation between the two nations amid Japan's concerns over U.S. reliability. The Woomera test range in South Australia is expected to be a key site for these tests, as Japan develops advanced long-range strike capabilities.

Russia urged Japan to withdraw the U.S. Tienfeng missile system following the conclusion of the 'Orient Shield 26' joint military exercise on September 24, 2023. Japan confirmed that the Tienfeng system will remain in the country, raising concerns about regional security and a potential arms race in Northeast Asia. The Tienfeng system, capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles, has been a point of contention between Russia and Japan.

Japan is planning to construct 130 new ammunition depots between 2027 and 2032, primarily in Hokkaido, Kyoto, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Okinawa. These depots will store new missile systems, including the Type 25 glide missile and Tomahawk cruise missiles, indicating a significant shift in Japan's military posture. This expansion is viewed as a response to regional tensions and reflects Japan's growing military ambitions.

Nine Chinese military aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line on September 23, entering Taiwan's air defense identification zone. In response, Taiwan deployed its own aircraft and naval vessels, activating coastal missile systems for monitoring. This incident reflects a pattern of increasing military pressure from the PLA, with Taiwan facing heightened operational demands.

Li MinghuiWed Sep 23 2026Loading...

A new amphibious spherical robot was showcased at the China International Defense Electronics Exhibition. This robot, measuring 0.8 meters in diameter and weighing over 180 kg, can reach speeds of 35 km/h and is designed for both reconnaissance and attack missions. It operates effectively on water and land, capable of traversing various terrains and equipped with tools for capturing and dispersing crowds.

Australia is investing hundreds of billions of AUD to develop nuclear-powered submarines but faces potential production delays. The Royal Australian Navy is exploring alternatives, including the B-21 Raider, to mitigate risks to its long-range strike capabilities. However, there is no official Plan B for submarines, and the F-47 NGAD is unlikely to be a viable substitute due to export restrictions.

The Australian Department of Defence announced that the Royal Australian Air Force has achieved Initial Operational Capability for its MQ-4C Triton and MC-55A Peregrine aircraft. This milestone enhances Australia's ability to conduct long-range surveillance in the Indo-Pacific region. The RAAF has received three of each aircraft type, with a fourth MC-55A expected to arrive later this year. Additionally, the first upgraded Boeing P-8A Poseidon has returned to Australia.

Australia's defense minister confirmed that missing F-35 parts, including a canopy, were diverted to Hong Kong. He stated that these parts are not sensitive and that the Australian government is collaborating with the U.S. and Lockheed Martin to address the issue. The Pentagon is also involved in investigating the incident and ensuring future safeguards.

South Korea's KF-21 fighter jet entered operational service in 2026, marking a significant milestone for the Republic of Korea Air Force. The first production aircraft was delivered from Sacheon to Yecheon, supported by various trainer aircraft. Plans include producing 40 KF-21s by 2028 and 80 more by 2032, enhancing South Korea's air capabilities amid regional tensions.

Marcus ChenTue Sep 22 2026Loading...

The South Korean Air Force took delivery of its first production KF-21 Boramae fighter jet, marking the transition from development to operational service. The aircraft was escorted by an FA-50, TA-50, and T-50 trainer jets during its flight from Sacheon to Yecheon. The Air Force plans to deploy over 100 KF-21s by the early 2030s, supported by an increasing defense budget.

Boeing Defence Australia selected Lite Coms to provide Beyond Line-Of-Sight Satellite Communications terminals for the Australian Defence Force's LAND 4140 program. The LITE SAT 1.3A terminals are designed for military operations, offering secure and resilient connectivity. This initiative aims to modernize Land Command, Control, Communications, and Computers systems to improve operational effectiveness.

The U.S. Navy is evaluating a strategy to target China's aircraft carriers, including Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian, as part of a broader military campaign. This strategy aims to complicate Chinese operations in the Philippine Sea and surrounding areas. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) highlights the need for a persistent sea-denial campaign, but notes that the U.S. currently lacks the necessary resources to implement this effectively.

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Terma signed a contract with Cornes Technologies in Japan to promote and supply the C-Guard MK II Decoy Launching System for new naval vessels. This system offers flexible soft-kill capabilities against missile and torpedo threats and can operate independently or within a vessel’s combat management system. The collaboration aims to enhance naval self-protection in the Asia Pacific region.

North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles from Wonsan on September 17, 2023, with the second missile flying over 600 km and reaching an altitude of 70 km. Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch, which was described as a test of a new type of weapon featuring a hypersonic glide vehicle. This event marks North Korea's 15th and 16th missile launches of the year, indicating a significant increase in missile testing activity.

North Korea launched two ballistic missiles from Wonsan on September 20, 2026. The first missile traveled about 440 kilometers, while the second reached approximately 590 kilometers, both landing outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. This event is part of a series of missile launches, with North Korea reportedly increasing its missile activity this year.

Tanaka TakashiTue Sep 22 2026Loading...

U.S. Army soldiers launched micro-High-Altitude Balloons carrying an APOLLO-R drone at the Yausubetsu Training Area in Hokkaido, Japan, on September 18, 2023, during Exercise Orient Shield 26. The exercise involved approximately 3,700 personnel from the U.S. Army Pacific, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Australian Army, showcasing new drone technology in military operations.

U.S. Air Force officers at the Air Force Institute of Technology are testing drones to assess airfield damage before engineers enter potentially hazardous areas. The project, led by Capt. Ross C. Jurek, aims to improve safety and efficiency in reopening runways after attacks. Two types of drones, multirotor and fixed-wing, are being evaluated for their ability to quickly map locations and identify hazards. The research is ongoing and focuses on enhancing situational awareness for Air Force operations.