Analysis & Reports

The People's Liberation Army is currently engaged in intensive training exercises in China to enhance its military capabilities and readiness. These exercises involve various advanced combat techniques and equipment, indicating a focus on improving operational effectiveness.

Japan's government is expanding its military capabilities, with the 2026 defense budget surpassing 9 trillion yen to procure unmanned combat equipment. The new defense white paper highlights a focus on 'new combat methods' and offensive capabilities, including the development of hypersonic missiles. This shift indicates a significant change in Japan's defense policy, moving towards a more aggressive military posture.

The U.S. Navy sank the USS Oriskany using 250 pounds of C4 explosives off the coast of Pensacola, Florida, on May 17, 2006. The carrier now rests upright with its flight deck 145 feet below the surface, serving as an artificial reef. This operation was part of a broader initiative to create diving destinations.

Nazi Germany initiated the construction of two H-class battleships in 1939 in Hamburg and Bremen, but neither was completed due to the war's demands. The H-class was designed for extended operations across the Atlantic, featuring advanced specifications for its time. Ultimately, the construction was halted, and the keels were dismantled for scrap as the focus shifted to U-boat production.

The U.S. Navy plans to procure 15 Trump-class nuclear-powered battleships from 2028 to 2056, with an estimated total cost of $275 billion. The first ship is projected to cost $23.4 billion and will feature advanced weaponry, making it the largest surface combatant ever built. The shift to nuclear power aims to reduce long-term operating costs despite high initial expenses.

Firestorm Labs manufactured 12 3D-printed drones aboard the USS Essex as it transited to RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii. This production utilized a containerized microfactory, allowing for rapid assembly and reducing reliance on resupply. The initiative aims to enhance the Navy's autonomous technology and operational readiness.

Houthi forces attacked a Saudi oil tanker in the Aden Gulf on August 5, marking their second attack on Saudi vessels that day. The spokesperson stated that a ballistic missile was used, forcing the tanker named 'Daisy' to return. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on Saudi tankers since implementing a maritime blockade in late July.

Rocket Lab announced it will conduct 12 to 18 suborbital launches for national-security missions from the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Kodiak, Alaska, starting this year. This $266 million contract aims to alleviate launch bottlenecks faced by the Space Force, which anticipates over 100 launches annually within five years. The HASTE rocket will be utilized for these missions, enhancing the military's capabilities in reaching polar orbits.

The U.S. Navy plans to purchase the first Trump-class battleship in 2028, with an estimated cost of $23.4 billion. This will be part of a larger program to acquire 15 nuclear-powered battleships by 2056, totaling approximately $275 billion. The battleships will feature advanced weaponry, including nuclear-armed cruise missiles, and will be the largest surface combatants globally, weighing around 35,000 tons.

The Israeli Missile Defense Organization successfully conducted a test of the Arrow Weapon System today in Israel. This test involved collaboration with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and Israel Aerospace Industries, showcasing the system's advanced capabilities in intercepting ballistic threats. The Arrow system is a key component of Israel's multi-layered air defense strategy, designed to enhance national security against evolving threats.

CSG invested in North Vector Dynamics in Calgary, Canada, on August 5, 2026, to enhance air defense technologies and capabilities. This investment aims to support the commercialization of advanced systems, including precision-guided missiles and hypersonic technologies, particularly across NATO member states. The partnership will leverage CSG's industrial expertise and commercial network to accelerate NVD's development and production efforts.

The Government Accountability Office reported that 206 employees worked for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from January 20, 2025, to January 31, 2026. Investigators found that at least 128 of these employees had left by the end of January 2026, and many federal agencies did not cooperate with requests for information regarding ethics training and compliance. Elon Musk was identified as a notable special government employee during this period.

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) announced new contracts with Capella Space, ICEYE US, and Umbra to provide synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite data from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027. This initiative aims to enhance the NRO's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities by integrating commercial SAR data with national systems. The contracts signify a transition from study contracts to operational agreements, reflecting the evolving needs of the NRO.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors conducted readiness exercises at Kadena Air Base in Japan on August 3, 2025, involving pilots and ground crews from the 27th and 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadrons. The exercises aimed to enhance combat readiness and operational tempo in the region. The F-15EX Eagle II is expected to replace older F-15C/Ds at the base by 2027, further strengthening U.S. air capabilities in Northeast Asia.

The Space Force awarded $615 million in contracts to three companies, including Rocket Lab, to develop satellites for tracking airborne targets. Rocket Lab will create advanced Flatellites and launch them using its Neutron heavy-lift rocket. This initiative is part of the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator program, aimed at diversifying capabilities in satellite technology.

USS Tarawa (CV-40) was commissioned on December 8, 1945, but did not see combat action during World War II or the Korean War. The aircraft carrier, with a crew of 3,448, was decommissioned on June 30, 1949, and later stricken from the Naval Register in 1967. The name Tarawa was subsequently used for a class of amphibious assault ships.

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) served in the Korean War and Vietnam War, completing multiple combat deployments and supporting Marine landings. The carrier was decommissioned in 1970 and sold for scrap in 1971 after financing for a museum project fell through. It received 17 battle stars for its service during these conflicts.

Lt. Gen. Daniel Lasica assumed command of US Air Forces Central at Shaw Air Force Base on Tuesday, overseeing air operations in the Middle East during the ongoing conflict with Iran. The command has faced significant challenges, including the loss of 18 troops and key aircraft, as well as a critical shortage of missile interceptors. Lasica's leadership comes at a time when airpower is expected to play a crucial role in potential escalations in military action against Iran.

A proposal in the U.S. House aims to criminalize the public disclosure of special operations troops' identities under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. This law would expand protections for military personnel involved in sensitive missions, potentially allowing the Secretary of Defense to determine what constitutes a sensitive unit. Critics argue that this could suppress important public discourse on military activities.

The U.S. Navy conducted a rocket test named Oriole IV on February 12, launching from White Sands Missile Range. The test created a plasma field in the upper atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean, involving 42 sailors in its execution. This event is significant for advancements in missile defense and communication technologies.