Analysis & Reports

Japan successfully conducted a test of the AN/SPY-7 radar for ballistic missile defense on March 22, 2026, in the United States. This test is part of the integration process for the next-generation Aegis System Equipped Vessel, scheduled to enter service by 2027. The development reflects Japan's commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities amid increasing regional threats from North Korea and China.

Tanaka TakashiWed Mar 25 2026Loading...

China's defense budget for 2026 increased by 6.9%, emphasizing military modernization and enhanced training capabilities. The People's Liberation Army is focusing on improving joint operational capabilities and upgrading military infrastructure in strategic regions. This budget reflects China's commitment to a defensive military policy while maintaining a lower defense spending ratio compared to other major military powers.

Li MinghuiWed Mar 25 2026Loading...

Anqing Ship and Dongguan Ship conducted live-fire training exercises in the East China Sea, focusing on air defense and anti-ship missile scenarios. The ships successfully executed countermeasures against simulated threats, enhancing their operational capabilities and coordination. The training took place over several days, involving various maritime areas.

In early March 2026, the Philippine Navy, U.S. Navy, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force conducted a joint maritime patrol near the Taiwan Strait. This operation marks a significant expansion of the Philippines' maritime security efforts and enhances trilateral cooperation in the region. The U.S. is also planning to bolster defense ties with the Philippines, including deploying advanced missile systems.

Tanaka TakashiWed Mar 25 2026Loading...

The Chinese Armed Forces will begin recruiting military personnel from late March 2026, raising the age limit for applicants to 26 years for graduate students. The recruitment will cover over 400 professional fields, and online pre-registration will start in late March. Physical and political assessments are scheduled from August 1 to September 30.

China is expanding its naval shipbuilding capacity to 23 million tons, significantly outpacing the U.S. Navy's less than 100,000 tons. The U.S. faces challenges with limited shipyard capacity and maintenance delays, impacting its ability to sustain its fleet. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is expected to continue growing, while the U.S. struggles to keep pace with production and repair capabilities.

China is learning from the vulnerabilities of the U.S. military exposed during the ongoing conflict in Iran, particularly regarding missile and air defense inventories. The U.S. Armed Forces are facing significant challenges due to reliance on expensive superweapons, leading to inventory shortages and overstretch. This situation may allow China to develop strategies to overwhelm U.S. defenses with mass-produced drones and missiles.

Twelve Vietnam veterans returned to Vietnam earlier this month after nearly 50 years. Organized by the Eagle Society and Forever Young Veterans, the trip included visits to Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City, allowing veterans to share their experiences and reflect on their service. The initiative aimed to honor the veterans and address the ongoing societal impacts of the Vietnam War.

TKMS and ST Engineering signed an agreement to establish a submarine maintenance center in Singapore. This center will service Singapore's TKMS 218SG class submarines and those of allied nations. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted the strategic importance of this hub for protecting maritime trade routes. Singapore is also considering acquiring Boeing P-8 maritime-surveillance aircraft, enhancing its military capabilities alongside its existing fleet of Leopard 2 tanks.

The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes deterrence by denial in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on strengthening alliances and military capabilities while avoiding direct confrontation with China. The strategy calls for allies to increase defense spending significantly and identifies China as the primary challenge. However, it notably omits specific commitments regarding Taiwan, raising concerns about U.S. resolve in the region. The proposed defense budget is set to reach $1.5 trillion by 2027, reflecting a substantial investment in military capabilities.

Marcus ChenTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

On March 7, a Chinese corvette aimed its fire control radar at the Philippine frigate BRP Miguel Malvar near Sabina Shoal, prompting a radio challenge from the Philippine Navy. The Chinese vessel deactivated its radar following the challenge, reducing tensions. This incident reflects ongoing military confrontations in the contested South China Sea.

China is conducting extensive undersea mapping and monitoring operations across the Pacific, Indian, and Arctic oceans, utilizing the Dong Fang Hong 3 research vessel and numerous sensors. This effort aims to enhance its submarine warfare capabilities against the United States, focusing on strategically important areas such as Taiwan, Guam, and the Malacca Strait. The operation involves dozens of research vessels and is part of a broader military strategy to gather intelligence on underwater terrain and conditions.

China is conducting extensive undersea mapping and monitoring operations across the Pacific, Indian, and Arctic oceans using dozens of research vessels and hundreds of sensors. The Dong Fang Hong 3 has been active near Taiwan and Guam, gathering data crucial for submarine warfare against the U.S. and its allies. This initiative reflects China's military strategy to enhance its naval capabilities and gather intelligence on underwater conditions.

The Southern Theater Command Air Force recently held a military sports competition featuring various athletic events, including running and tug-of-war. Participants showcased their physical fitness and military readiness, with the competition aimed at enhancing morale and combat capabilities. The event highlighted the determination and spirit of the military personnel involved.

USS Tripoli, carrying 2,200 Marines and F-35B fighters, is transiting through the Indian Ocean to the Middle East as U.S. military resources are redirected from the Indo-Pacific. In December 2025, China conducted 'Justice Mission 2025', a large-scale military exercise around Taiwan, signaling its intent to deter foreign intervention. This shift in U.S. military focus raises concerns about its strategic posture in Asia and encourages Chinese assertiveness in the region.

Marcus ChenTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

Terrorist groups, including JNIM and ISSP, have escalated their operations in the Sahel, utilizing forests as strategic bases for attacks and illegal activities. In 2025, over 9,362 people were killed in security incidents across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The U.S. has deployed drones to Nigeria to assist in counter-terrorism efforts, while the region faces increasing violence and humanitarian crises due to armed groups blocking aid and targeting civilians.

Marie DuboisTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

The Navy of the Eastern Theater Command conducted live-fire training exercises with multiple vessels, including Anqing Ship and Dongguan Ship, in the East China Sea. The exercises focused on air defense and close-range fire retaliation, successfully engaging surface targets and launching countermeasures against incoming threats. Logistical operations, including supply replenishment, were also part of the training.

In January 2026, two senior generals of the People's Liberation Army were arrested amid a purge linked to corruption and strategic disagreements over military readiness for potential action against Taiwan by 2027. This reflects Xi Jinping's consolidation of power and ongoing military reforms, which face internal resistance. The PLA's modernization efforts are complicated by the prioritization of political loyalty over operational capability, as China increases its defense budget and military investments.

Li MinghuiTue Mar 24 2026Loading...

DroneShield announced interoperability between its DroneSentry-C2 command-and-control software and OpenWorks Engineering optical sensors on 24 March 2026 in Sydney. This partnership enhances detection and tracking capabilities, allowing for improved decision-making in airspace security. The integration of DroneOptID enables autonomous visual detection and tracking of drone threats, contributing to a unified operational interface for users.

In March 2026, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force completed the initial deployment of improved Type 12 anti-ship missiles at Kumamoto. This new missile system, with a range exceeding 900 kilometers, signifies a strategic shift in Japan's defense policy towards offensive capabilities. The deployment reflects Japan's evolving role in regional security, particularly in response to China's military activities.

Tanaka TakashiTue Mar 24 2026Loading...