Analysis & Reports

USS Connecticut (SSN-22) collided with an uncharted seamount in the South China Sea on October 2, 2021, causing severe damage and injuries to several crew members. The submarine has been out of action since and is undergoing extensive repairs at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, with a projected return to service in late 2026. A Navy investigation revealed deficiencies in navigation planning and command climate, prompting accountability measures and institutional changes within the submarine force.

The People's Navy's latest semi-submersible ship, the 711 type named Yinma Lake, is conducting training exercises that include night loading and submerging operations. This ship is capable of deploying heavy equipment like tanks and helicopters to remote islands and serves as a maritime transfer platform. Recent exercises tested the crew's endurance and the ship's operational limits under adverse weather conditions.

SKYON Capital Limited is developing and offering for export a high-power laser strike drone system designed to counter drone threats. The system can engage various unmanned aerial vehicles, including small FPV drones and larger attack drones like the Shahed-136, with laser power ranging from 1 to 200 kilowatts. This development reflects a growing international demand for affordable air defense solutions against unmanned threats, particularly in regions like the Arab world.

Japan established the Pacific Defense Promotion Office on April 1, 2026, to enhance its defense capabilities in the Pacific region. This new organization, consisting of 10 personnel, aims to address the significant defense vacuum identified in the area. The establishment follows China's increased naval operations, which pose a direct threat to Japan's security. Ongoing joint military exercises with the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand further support this strategic shift in Japan's defense policy.

Tanaka TakashiFri Apr 10 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Navy has enhanced its operational capabilities with the Type 901 and Type 885 supply ships, which provide essential logistics support to aircraft carrier groups. These ships can carry significant amounts of fuel, water, and ammunition, allowing for extended operational ranges and improved combat readiness. The Type 901 is noted for its ability to increase the operational range of carrier groups by nearly 10,000 nautical miles, underscoring the critical role of logistics in modern naval warfare.

China expanded its stealth fleet with the unveiling of the J-35A at the Zhuhai Airshow in November 2024, indicating a shift towards multirole capabilities in its air force. The J-35 and J-35A are designed to support the Fujian aircraft carrier, which features advanced launch systems. This development reflects China's intent to project power beyond its coastline and enhance its naval aviation capabilities.

In 2024, a Chinese nuclear submarine sank at its dock in Wuhan, requiring extensive recovery efforts involving heavy cranes and barges. U.S. defense officials confirmed the incident, identifying the submarine as the first of the Zhou-class or Type 041. Despite the recovery, Chinese authorities have not acknowledged the event, raising concerns about the implications for the People's Liberation Army Navy's capabilities.

The Yamato, the largest battleship ever built, was sunk by U.S. aircraft during Operation Ten-Ichi-Go on April 7, 1945, off Okinawa. The attack involved 386 planes and resulted in the loss of 2,740 of its 3,332 crew members. Armed with nine 460-mm naval guns, the Yamato was intended to disrupt U.S. landings but was overwhelmed by air assaults before it could engage.

China has built over 300 J-20 stealth fighters, operationally deploying them with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) since March 2017. The J-20 is reshaping air power in the Western Pacific and is designed to challenge U.S. air dominance, particularly in the context of potential conflicts over Taiwan. China is also advancing towards developing a sixth-generation fighter.

The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) departed Naval Base Kitsap on March 7, 2026, for its final operational deployment around South America before retirement. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will participate in operations within the U.S. Southern Command area and engage in multinational exercises. The carrier's transit will require logistical support from Military Sealift Command due to its route around Cape Horn, as it cannot transit the Panama Canal.

Chinese defense spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang condemned allegations of military cooperation with Iran and criticized the Philippines for provocative actions in the South China Sea. He emphasized China's commitment to neutrality and mediation in regional conflicts. The report highlights ongoing tensions and China's military responses to perceived threats.

China is repurposing local airstrips and ports in the South Pacific, including the Luganville Wharf in Vanuatu, to accommodate military vessels and aircraft. This development involves close to 40 dual-use facilities, with significant investments totaling approximately $3.55 billion. The implications of these actions could reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific, as they enhance China's military capabilities and operational reach during crises.

On May 2, 1964, two Viet Cong frogmen executed a surprise attack on the USNS Card in Saigon, using 90 pounds of TNT and C4 explosives. The explosives detonated at 0300 hours, causing the ship to sink and resulting in five civilian casualties. The Card was later refloated and returned to service after repairs.

China's J-35A stealth fighter has been introduced as a significant advancement in military aviation, designed for mass production and optimized for networked warfare. It operates under China's missile defense umbrella, enhancing its capabilities against U.S. airpower. The J-35A is integrated into the People's Liberation Army Air Force and Navy, representing a strategic shift in regional military dynamics.

SEA is collaborating with OSHEN to develop an autonomous underwater acoustic sensing network, deploying hydrophones on C-STARS micro-drones from ZeroUSV’s Oceanus12 vessel in Plymouth. This initiative, supported by UK Defence Innovation, aims to enhance communications with subsurface assets and improve underwater situational awareness. The project reflects a growing demand for scalable acoustic monitoring capabilities in maritime security.

The U.S. Air Force is set to introduce the F-47 NGAD stealth fighter, which boasts a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles, enhancing its operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. This new fighter will incorporate advanced technologies, including AI and UAVs, and is designed to carry weapons internally to maintain stealth. The F-47 aims to outperform current 5th Generation fighters and is a significant advancement in military aviation.

BAE Systems Australia was awarded a $163 million contract to sustain and upgrade the Royal Australian Navy's Anzac class frigate fleet, primarily from the Henderson shipyard in Perth. This seven-year contract, in partnership with BMT, positions them as the principal design authority for the fleet of ten frigates. The award signifies a commitment to enhancing Australia's naval capabilities and developing local industrial capacity.

The Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon Stealth Fighter has undergone significant upgrades, particularly with the introduction of the WS-15 engine, enhancing its performance for air superiority. It is designed to engage high-value targets and is integrated into China's A2/AD system. However, while improvements have been made, the J-20's stealth and data fusion capabilities still do not match those of US fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 and F-35.

On April 9, Japan's Defense Minister announced the deployment of long-range missiles capable of attacking enemy bases, which is seen as a direct threat to China. The Chinese Defense Ministry criticized Japan's rapid militarization, warning that it poses risks to regional stability and deviates from Japan's pacifist constitution. The report emphasizes the need for international vigilance regarding Japan's military ambitions.

On April 9, 2023, Chinese military spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang condemned Philippine incursions into Chinese territorial waters at Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Islands. He stated that the Philippines' actions are creating instability in the Asia-Pacific region and warned that continued provocations would lead to negative consequences for the Philippines. China reaffirmed its commitment to defending its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.