Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Australia gets the ball rolling on medium-range air defense
Australia launched a tender for a medium-range, ground-based air defense solution on October 13, 2023, to enhance its defense capabilities against threats from China. The Australian Army aims to select a vendor by the end of 2027, with initial operational capability expected in the early 2030s. The project seeks to integrate with existing systems and address ballistic missile threats.
China's 16-Ship Pressure Campaign Is Testing Taiwan's Maritime Defenses
Taiwan drove away 16 Chinese vessels engaged in maritime harassment in October 2026. Following this, China announced five days of military exercises around Taiwan, complicating the operational environment. Taiwan is enhancing maritime coordination with the Philippines in response to increased Chinese pressure. The situation reflects a strategic effort by China to normalize its maritime presence and test Taiwan's defenses.
Marcus ChenMon Oct 19 2026Loading...
A shifting landscape: Where the US Army moved in 2026 and what may be on the horizon
The U.S. Army restructured its forces in 2026, establishing a new Western Hemisphere Command at Fort Bragg and deploying 5,000 troops to Poland. Troops withdrew from Iraq and Syria, while the Army extended deployments in the Indo-Pacific and launched a new multi-domain command. Additionally, the Marine Corps is enhancing its presence in Alaska for extreme cold-weather operations.
Chinese Navy's 4 Type 071 Landing Ships Conduct Live Fire Drills, Amphibious Operations Shift from Single Ship Assault to Fleet Coordination
On October 18, the People's Liberation Army Navy conducted live-fire exercises with four 071-class amphibious assault ships in the Taiwan Strait. This exercise marks a shift towards coordinated amphibious operations, emphasizing sustained operational capability rather than just initial landings. The 071-class ships are crucial for transporting troops and equipment during such operations.
Li MinghuiMon Oct 19 2026Loading...
2026 Keen Sword: U.S. Marine Corps NMESIS and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Type 12 Improved Model Conduct Strait Blockade Exercise on Yonaguni Island
The U.S. Marine Corps deployed NMESIS and MADIS on Yonaguni Island during the Keen Sword 26 exercise, which began on October 19, 2026. Approximately 45,000 Japanese Self-Defense Forces personnel participated, focusing on maritime traffic control and missile deployment. The exercise marks a strategic shift towards utilizing island-based systems for regional deterrence.
Tanaka TakashiMon Oct 19 2026Loading...
J-20 and Drone Swarms Embrace AI Racing: America's Project Meridian Pushes Warfare to the Algorithmic Level
The U.S. is advancing Project Meridian to identify key technologies for future warfare, emphasizing algorithmic capabilities and rapid iteration in military competition with China. The report highlights China's strengths in drone manufacturing and military technology but notes challenges in integrating AI systems effectively. The competition is increasingly focused on supply chain speed and the ability to adapt military systems quickly.
Li MinghuiMon Oct 19 2026Loading...Japan-U.S. Joint Exercise Keen Sword 26 Begins on October 19, Mobilizing 45,000 Personnel to Test Defense of the Southwestern Islands
The U.S. Armed Forces and Japan Self-Defense Forces commenced the Keen Sword 26 joint military exercise on October 19, focusing on the defense of Japan's Southwest Islands. Involving 45,000 personnel, the exercise will run until October 29 and includes 260 aircraft, 40 ships, and 6,100 vehicles. The operation emphasizes logistical support and the need for effective communication between the forces.
Tanaka TakashiMon Oct 19 2026Loading...Discussion on "Women Serving in the Military" Heats Up in South Korea
Discussions on the conscription of women in South Korea have intensified due to declining birth rates affecting military personnel. Recent surveys show that 59.6% of the population supports this initiative, with significant backing from male respondents. Military experts and lawmakers are debating the implications and necessary preparations for such a policy change, while the Ministry of National Defense stresses the importance of societal consensus before any implementation.
China's 7,300km Submarine Missile Test Changes the Western Pacific Balance in 2026
China conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the South Pacific in 2026, demonstrating a range of 7,300 kilometers. This test complicates military calculations for the U.S. and its allies, as it allows China to threaten targets across the Pacific without needing to approach the U.S. mainland. The missile launch is part of a broader pattern of military activity involving China and Russia, raising concerns about U.S. military readiness and undersea surveillance capabilities.
Marcus ChenSun Oct 18 2026Loading...
Genghis Khan’s Simplest Military Quote Just Might Make Total Sense: ‘There is no good in anything until it is finished.’
Genghis Khan united the Mongols and launched military campaigns against the Xi Xia kingdom and the Jin Dynasty in China during the 12th and 13th centuries. His forces, primarily cavalry, employed tactics such as false withdrawals and sieges, leading to significant territorial expansion. By 1225, he controlled vast territories from the Sea of Japan to the Caspian Sea before dying in 1227 due to injuries sustained in battle.
The 72,000-Ton Battleship Yamato’s 18-Inch Shells Punched Through US Navy Destroyer Escorts Without Exploding at Samar in 1944. They Were Armor-Piercing Rounds Meant for Battleships
On October 25, 1944, the Taffy 3 task unit engaged a superior Japanese fleet off Samar during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Despite being outgunned, Taffy 3 sank three Japanese cruisers and inflicted significant damage, while suffering the loss of five ships and 1,161 personnel. The Japanese battleship Yamato's armor-piercing shells failed to explode against the American vessels, contributing to the unexpected American resistance that forced Admiral Kurita to retreat.
A US Navy Nuclear Attack Submarine Did an ‘Emergency Blow’ to Surface and Went Right Through a Japanese Fishing Vessel That Had No Chance
On February 9, 2001, the USS Greeneville (SSN-772) performed an emergency ballast tank blow and collided with the Ehime Maru, a Japanese fishing vessel, nine nautical miles south of Oahu, Hawaii. The incident resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including four students, and caused significant diplomatic tensions between the United States and Japan. The submarine was carrying 16 civilian VIPs during the maneuver.
China Coast Guard Law Enforcement Vessels Patrol Huangyan Island Lagoon According to Law
A Chinese Coast Guard enforcement vessel conducted patrol operations in the Scarborough Shoal on October 12, 2026. The vessel engaged in cleanup activities, collecting floating debris to maintain the marine environment while on patrol. Journalists accompanied the operation, providing direct observation of the activities.
China's Liaoning Is Testing the First Island Chain Again
The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning crossed the Luzon Strait into the South China Sea on October 16, 2026, conducting 10 take-offs and landings while being tracked by Japanese forces. This deployment coincided with the U.S.-Japan Keen Sword 27 military exercise, highlighting China's intent to exert operational pressure in the region. The Liaoning's movements are part of a broader strategy to complicate the operational environment for opposing forces.
Marcus ChenSun Oct 18 2026Loading...Taiwan Deploys AI Satellite Analysis System in 2026, PLA Maritime and Aerial Activity Warnings Enter Minute-Level Competition
Taiwan is deploying an AI satellite imagery analysis system by 2026 to enhance its early warning capabilities against PLA naval and air activities. This system aims to integrate various data sources for quicker identification of potential threats. Recently, Taiwan recorded 2 PLA aircraft and 5 naval vessels operating in its vicinity, highlighting the ongoing military activities in the region.
Li MinghuiSun Oct 18 2026Loading...
Daimler Truck receives order for 61 Mercedes-Benz Unimog vehicles for New Zealand Defence Force
Daimler Truck Defence received an order to supply 61 Mercedes-Benz Unimog vehicles to the New Zealand Defence Force. This procurement is part of the New Zealand Ministry of Defence's efforts to enhance military logistics and capabilities.
China's Aircraft Carrier "Liaoning" Advances South of Okinawa, Japan's Insufficient Surveillance Capability Becomes a Challenge for the Japan-U.S. Alliance
Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning sailed south of Okinawa on October 15, 2023, accompanied by multiple destroyers. The carrier conducted around 10 flight operations before moving towards the South China Sea on October 16. In response, Japan deployed an escort ship and two patrol aircraft to monitor the situation, emphasizing the need for improved surveillance capabilities in the region.
Tanaka TakashiSun Oct 18 2026Loading...
After the Liaoning's Western Pacific Training, Why Has the 2026 Circum-Taiwan Grand Exercise Not Yet Appeared?
Chinese military activities were reported near Taiwan, with 15 aircraft and 10 warships active in the region on October 15-16, 2026. The Liaoning aircraft carrier conducted routine training in the Western Pacific, while 13 aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan's airspace. Taiwan's defense authorities are on alert for potential military exercises by the PLA in the coming months, indicating a shift in PLA strategy towards more frequent, smaller-scale operations.
Li MinghuiSun Oct 18 2026Loading...The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Type 25 Anti-Ship Missile and the U.S. Marine Corps NMESIS Demonstrate a Shift in Southwest Defense during Exercises Around the Senkaku Islands in 2026
The Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Marine Corps conducted the Keen Sword 27 joint military exercise from October 19 to 29, 2026, deploying Type-25 anti-ship missiles and NMESIS on Yonaguni Island. The exercise involved 45,000 personnel and emphasized a shift towards a distributed firepower strategy for island defense. Notably, there was no participation from aircraft carrier strike groups, indicating a focus on ground-launched systems.
Tanaka TakashiSun Oct 18 2026Loading...
A Certain Unit of Naval Aviation University Conducts Day-Night Flight Training
Naval Aviation University is conducting flight training exercises that include cross-day and night operations. The training aims to enhance the operational readiness of the unit. Specific details about the aircraft used were not disclosed.
