Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
On September 17, 19 PLA Military Aircraft Crossed the Taiwan Strait Median Line, High-Frequency Operations Test Taiwan's Early Warning System
On September 17, 19 Chinese military aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, testing Taiwan's early warning system. This action is part of a broader pattern, with Taiwan recording 127 instances of Chinese military activity in September. The PLA's increased frequency of operations suggests a shift towards routine incursions, raising concerns about Taiwan's response capabilities.
S.WThu Sep 17 2026Loading...Japan aims to build a large defense base in the "Old Military Capital."
Japan's Ministry of Defense has begun construction of a large defense base in Kure, Hiroshima, covering 140 hectares. This facility will include drone manufacturing and ammunition storage, aimed at enhancing defense capabilities in response to evolving security threats. The base is set to serve as a logistics center for military operations, particularly for the southwestern islands, amid concerns from local residents about its strategic significance.
The M551 Sheridan ‘Flying’ Light Tank Has A Message for the M10 Booker and the US Army
The M551 Sheridan light tank, retired in 1997, was notable for its ability to be deployed by parachute alongside airborne forces and its potent 152mm gun. Despite its retirement, it remains the U.S. Army's best post-World War II light tank due to its unique capabilities. The recent failure of the M10 Booker light tank highlights the lack of a suitable replacement for the Sheridan's operational role.
GA-ASI Mojave First UAS To Complete Battlefield Short Field Ops
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and Hanwha Aerospace conducted the first flight operations of the Mojave STOL aircraft from a simulated battlefield in Pocheon-Si, South Korea, on September 16, 2026. The aircraft successfully landed and took off from a live-fire range, demonstrating its capabilities for tactical missions. This milestone highlights the collaboration between GA-ASI and Hanwha in developing unmanned systems for future military applications.
One of the world’s most versatile attack planes is taking on the counter-UAS mission
Embraer is adapting the A-29 Super Tucano to counter drones, enhancing its capabilities for air defense. This aircraft will operate between ground defenses and high-end fighters, engaging UAVs at ranges of 50-200 miles from protected assets. The A-29 utilizes advanced sensors and precision weaponry to effectively target and destroy drones, addressing the cost disparity in current counter-UAS operations. A proof-of-concept demonstration is underway with an undisclosed country.
Twelve Mach 3 SR-71 Blackbirds Were Lost in Accidents and None to Enemy Fire. ‘Rapid Rabbit’ Nearly Became the Exception Over Hanoi. A Typhoon Did.
On July 20, 1972, the U.S. Air Force's SR-71 Blackbird, nicknamed 'Rapid Rabbit', was lost during a landing accident at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa due to strong winds from an approaching typhoon. The two crew members survived without injury, but the aircraft was written off after sustaining severe damage during the landing. This incident marked one of the twelve SR-71s lost in accidents throughout its service.
China Coast Guard's Successful Conclusion of the 2026 Marine Closed Fishing Enforcement Action
The China Coast Guard successfully concluded its enforcement actions in the East China Sea on September 16, 2026, following the end of the closed fishing season. Over 25,000 vessels were deployed, inspecting more than 1,000 fishing boats and seizing illegal catches. The operation led to the expulsion of 570 foreign fishing vessels and a notable reduction in illegal fishing activities.
‘As Quiet As a Baby Dolphin’: The Royal Navy’s Astute-Class Submarine Is One of the Best on Earth and Actually Compares to a US Navy Nuclear Virginia-Class Sub
The Royal Navy's Astute-class submarines, displacing 7,800 tons, are compared to the U.S. Navy's Virginia-class submarines, which displace 7,900 tons. Both classes are recognized for their advanced capabilities, including stealth and armament. The Astute-class is noted for its superior test depth and speed, while the Virginia-class has a larger crew and missile capacity. This comparison highlights the ongoing rivalry between the two navies regarding submarine technology.
First vehicle pre-delevery acceptance tests succesfully completed in the KAPLAN APC program developed by FNSS and PT Pindad.
The first KAPLAN APC (HARIMAU APC) was successfully manufactured and underwent pre-delivery acceptance tests in Türkiye, involving PT Pindad. Following these tests, the vehicle will be shipped to Indonesia for final acceptance tests. Concurrently, production of a second KAPLAN APC is ongoing at PT Pindad's facilities, showcasing advancements in military vehicle technology tailored for the Indonesian army.
The PLA Dali Ship Participates in the 2026 China-Singapore Military Exercise, Exposing New Focus Areas for South China Sea Cooperation in Five Subjects
The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted a joint naval exercise with the Singapore Navy from September 3 to 9, 2026, near Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China. The exercise included various activities such as communication drills, live-fire exercises, and joint search and rescue operations, focusing on operational interoperability. The Dali frigate represented China, highlighting a shift towards lower-cost naval assets for regional cooperation.
Li MinghuiWed Sep 16 2026Loading...
2026 PLA 71st Group Army Upgrades to PLZ-05, Taiwan Strait Coastal Firepower Chain Enters 155mm Era
The 71st Group Army of the PLA received a batch of 155mm PLZ-05 self-propelled howitzers and conducted their first live-fire exercise in September 2026. This transition from 122mm to 155mm artillery systems enhances their firepower capabilities in the Taiwan Strait and East China Sea. The PLZ-05's advanced features allow for greater range and effectiveness in various military operations.
Li MinghuiWed Sep 16 2026Loading...
Two Challenges Posed to the Chinese Navy by the Naval Build-up of Japan and South Korea in 2026
Japan and South Korea are restructuring their naval forces to address the challenges posed by the expanding Chinese Navy. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is focusing on Mogami-class destroyers, while the Republic of Korea Navy is enhancing its capabilities with KSS-III submarines and large surface combatants. Both nations aim to improve their operational readiness and strategic coordination in the face of shared threats from China.
Tanaka TakashiWed Sep 16 2026Loading...
US munition stockpile ‘especially problematic’ in a war with China, report warns
The U.S. military has utilized a significant portion of its missile defense interceptors in ongoing operations against Iran, which may hinder its ability to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. The Congressional Budget Office warns that the depletion of these interceptors could take years to recover, with costs to replace them estimated at $21.7 billion. The report highlights the strategic implications of this depletion for U.S. defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
US Marine Stand-In Forces in the Pacific worry China, report details
U.S. Marine Corps reorganizes for small-unit expeditionary warfare, raising concerns among Chinese naval officers about the effectiveness of Marine Stand-In Forces (SIF) on Pacific islands. Chinese military experts warn that SIFs could disrupt their naval operations and recommend proactive measures to counter these forces, including the development of undersea weapons and enhanced surveillance capabilities.
Visiting the Beijing National Defense Electronics Exhibition: Exploring the "Ocean of Unmanned Equipment"
Chinese defense technology companies showcased advanced unmanned systems at the International Defense Electronics Exhibition in Beijing on September 15, 2023. Notable exhibits included the FWH-3000 heavy-lift unmanned helicopter and various anti-drone systems. The event highlighted the growing capabilities and applications of unmanned technologies in military and emergency response scenarios.
Taiwan 2026 SINKEX Tests Whether Its Missile Network Can Survive
Taiwanese Armed Forces conducted a three-day live-fire exercise at Jiupeng, Pingtung, starting September 16, 2026, testing its missile network. The exercise involved various missile systems, including HIMARS and Hsiung Feng missiles, to assess integration under combat conditions. This drill aims to enhance Taiwan's capabilities against potential threats.
S.WTue Sep 15 2026Loading...
Iowa vs. Yamato: America’s and Japan’s Best Battleships, Head to Head
The analysis concludes that the Iowa-class battleship would defeat the Yamato-class battleship in a hypothetical naval engagement in 1945. Iowa's superior speed and radar-directed fire control would allow it to engage effectively at optimal ranges, while Yamato's optical targeting system would struggle in degraded visibility conditions. Historical data supports the conclusion that Iowa's gunnery would dominate the engagement.
Dong Jun and Guests Attend Talks at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum
Chinese Defense Minister General Dong Jun welcomed defense ministers from Myanmar, ASEAN, Brunei, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia at the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum on September 15. Discussions focused on military cooperation, regional stability, and the importance of partnerships in addressing global security challenges. The forum has been a key platform for international defense dialogue for 20 years, emphasizing peace and collaboration among nations.
Carrier-based helicopters, striking day and night!
The Eastern Theater Command Navy conducted multi-subject training with shipborne helicopters in a sea area, focusing on day and night operations. The exercise involved precise coordination among deck personnel and support teams, ensuring effective takeoff and landing procedures. This training aimed to enhance the joint operational capabilities of the forces, preparing them for combat readiness.
Female Soldier Rushes into the Sea to Brave Rescue Father and Son in Distress!
Officer Zhao Hang rescued a father and son from drowning at Fengqi Bay in Xingcheng, Liaoning, during her vacation. She bravely entered the water to assist them, providing a life ring to the father and bringing the son to safety. The family expressed their gratitude in a letter, highlighting Zhao's dedication to her duty as a soldier.
