Analysis & Reports

On October 24, 2023, China's Ministry of National Defense reiterated its commitment to the peaceful use of space and criticized the U.S. for its acknowledgment of offensive space capabilities. The ministry warned that U.S. actions would exacerbate the arms race in space, turning it into a new battleground for great power competition.

Ukrainian military units are facing delays in salary payments to soldiers due to significant budget shortfalls. Officials have confirmed that the funding crisis has led to a prioritization of military expenditures over other areas, with reliance on Western aid to address the budget deficit. This situation has been described as a catastrophic crisis affecting the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The Russian Armed Forces have effectively utilized the 'Package' cruise missile in operations against Ukrainian port facilities, particularly in Odessa Oblast during the summer of 2023. This missile, capable of reaching speeds of 500 km/h and a range of 500 km, has proven difficult for Ukrainian defenses to intercept. Reports indicate that 80% of strikes on port infrastructure were carried out using this missile, highlighting its significant impact on the battlefield.

Iran is modifying the 'Dawn'-5 rocket system to deploy naval mines from land, as reported on September 14, 2023. The U.S. Central Command has targeted two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launch sites on Larak Island due to preparations for launching rockets equipped with naval mines. This modification allows Iran to avoid using conventional mine-laying vessels, enhancing its capability to deploy mines in strategically significant waters such as the Hormuz Strait.

Germany is rapidly restructuring its military, raising concerns among European neighbors about the potential shift in the balance of power in Europe. The rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is exacerbating these fears, as it advocates for closer ties with Moscow and a reduction in sanctions. European officials worry that a rearmed Germany could lead to renewed territorial claims and instability in the region.

A U.S. Army heavy battalion and an engineer battalion are deploying to Lithuania at the end of October, totaling about 1,000 soldiers. This deployment ends a gap of several months without a U.S. rotational force in the country. The engineer battalion will support Lithuania's army division and border protection projects, continuing the U.S. military presence in the region.

Azerbaijan's army in Nakhchivan received Sivrisinek kamikaze drones from Turkey. The delivery includes the Baykar-built YIHA-III drones, which have a range of up to 1,000 km and a warhead weight of 20 kg. The exact number of drones delivered has not been disclosed, and the delivery was not officially announced by Baku.

The Philippines is conducting joint military exercises with ASEAN countries near Huangyan Island, which China claims as its territory. China has condemned these actions as provocations and violations of its sovereignty. The Chinese Defense Ministry has called for the Philippines to stop these exercises and fulfill its responsibilities as chair of the maritime security expert group.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense announced plans to donate the retired naval vessel 'Lien Chiang' to the Philippines, which is set to be registered as a law enforcement ship. This decision has drawn criticism in Taiwan due to previous incidents where Philippine coast guard personnel shot Taiwanese fishermen. The Ministry condemned the action as a betrayal of national dignity and called for adherence to the One China principle by the Philippines.

On September 24, 2023, a collision occurred between a Chinese Coast Guard vessel and a Philippine government vessel near the Spratly Islands. The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated that the Philippine vessel provoked the incident by ignoring warnings and deliberately colliding with the Chinese vessel. China emphasized its commitment to defending its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea.

The Ministry of National Defense of China highlighted the significance of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum in fostering international dialogue on security issues. The forum, which has evolved over 20 years, emphasizes equal participation from all nations and addresses both traditional and emerging security challenges. It aims to promote peace and stability through open communication and mutual respect among countries.

Ethiopia's military has received at least two Chinese-made FK-2000 air defense systems, likely delivered through the UAE, for deployment around Bahir Dar Airport. These systems are intended to protect Ethiopian National Defense Forces' aircraft and drones amid ongoing conflict with Fano militias in the Amhara region. The FK-2000 is designed to counter various aerial threats, including drones and missiles.

China's spaceplane Shenlong has been actively releasing and recapturing a satellite in orbit since February 6, 2023, with notable activities occurring on June 21, July 12, and again in September. These maneuvers, which involve rendezvous and proximity operations, have raised concerns among Western analysts regarding potential military applications. The operations are tracked by U.S. Space Force and have been confirmed by astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell.

Russian forces conducted large-scale attacks on civilian infrastructure in Kyiv and Odesa Oblast on September 24, resulting in two deaths and at least eight injuries in Kyiv. The attacks damaged various civilian facilities, including hospitals and shopping centers.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed U.S. defense commitments to Saudi Arabia on September 23, 2026, amid rising Houthi threats. This commitment aims to deter Houthi attacks following Saudi airstrikes in Yemen. While not signaling a new military operation, it serves as a political message to both the Houthis and Saudi leadership regarding U.S. support. The report highlights Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to enhance its defense capabilities and reduce dependency on U.S. military support.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Sep 24 2026Loading...

North Korea test-fired an upgraded, precision-guided 240mm rocket on September 22, 2024, capable of striking targets up to 115 km away, reaching the Seoul metropolitan area. This test is part of North Korea's five-year defense development plan and follows the concept of the U.S. Army's GMLRS. The Korean Central News Agency reported the rocket uses an onboard precision guidance system.

Canada's first F-35A fighter jet completed its maiden flight on September 23, 2023, from Lockheed Martin's facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The aircraft, designated CF-35A for the Royal Canadian Air Force, flew with an F-35C as a safety chase plane. The RCAF has initiated pilot training on the F-35A at Luke Air Force Base, while the government reviews its broader F-35 purchase amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States.

Russia delivered a new batch of upgraded Su-57 stealth fighters to its air force. The jets feature enhanced onboard systems and a broader range of weapons options. Rostec confirmed the delivery, emphasizing the aircraft's capabilities in military operations. The Su-57 is designed for multi-domain strikes and has been operational since 2020.

Japan's Self-Defense Forces are exploring the use of AI-equipped humanoid robots for non-combat roles by 2026 due to personnel shortages. The initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency in tasks like base patrol and supply. The Defense Ministry is evaluating prototypes from various sectors while maintaining a cautious stance on deploying armed robots in combat situations.

Tanaka TakashiThu Sep 24 2026Loading...

Pakistan conducted airstrikes on 10 drone launch and storage sites in Afghanistan on September 24, 2023, in response to drone incursions. The strikes targeted military objectives directly related to attacks against Pakistan. No casualties or damage have been reported by Afghan officials, and the operation was characterized as a self-defense action by Pakistan.