Analysis & Reports

Yang Wei, the chief designer of China's J-20 stealth fighter, was removed from the Chinese Academy of Sciences website on March 17, 2023, and has not appeared publicly for over a year. This coincides with a significant anti-corruption campaign in China's defense sector, which has seen the dismissal of several high-ranking officials. The unusual removal of his information raises questions about his status and the implications for China's military aviation development.

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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries successfully conducted flight demonstrations of AI-powered mission autonomy for unmanned aerial vehicles in Inashiki District and Ota City, Japan, on November 7 and December 18, 2025. The ARMD UAV, weighing 20 kilograms, was integrated with the Hivemind AI system, allowing for advanced autonomous operations. This development emphasizes the importance of domestic production capabilities for Japan's future UAV operations.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force confirmed the first flight of the EC-2 electronic warfare aircraft, designed for stand-off jamming operations. This new platform aims to enhance Japan's capabilities in the electromagnetic domain while minimizing exposure to enemy air defenses. The EC-2, derived from the Kawasaki C-2 transport aircraft, is set to replace the older EC-1 model and reflects Japan's commitment to advancing its electronic warfare capabilities.

Chinese and Vietnamese navies engaged in joint patrols and cultural exchange activities in Fangchenggang, enhancing mutual trust. The activities included discussions on naval operations and sports events, showcasing teamwork. Following this, both navies will conduct joint patrols and training exercises in the Beibu Gulf.

DroneShield announced a partnership with Robin Radar Systems on 18 March 2026 to enhance radar interoperability for counter-drone technology in Sydney. This collaboration aims to improve airspace awareness and detection capabilities across defense and public safety sectors, utilizing Robin's advanced 360°, 3D radar technology. The integration of these systems is expected to provide operators with a more flexible and effective airspace security architecture.

Selected soldiers from a division of the Xinjiang Military District conducted training exercises in high-altitude conditions. The training focused on operational readiness, including the use of mortars and rocket launchers, and emphasized tactical coordination and emergency response. This exercise aimed to enhance the soldiers' combat skills and overall military effectiveness.

The Ministry of National Defense criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for obstructing Taiwanese citizens from receiving assistance for evacuation from the Middle East on March 18. The DPP is accused of prioritizing political interests over the safety of Taiwanese citizens, hindering their ability to escape conflict. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to assist Taiwanese citizens in times of crisis.

China asserted its sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, responding to a March 7 incident where a Philippine Coast Guard reconnaissance aircraft was reportedly driven away by a Chinese warship. The Chinese Defense Ministry criticized the Philippines for alleged provocations and media manipulation, reaffirming its commitment to enforce its rights in the region.

On March 18, 2023, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense responded to Japanese accusations regarding China's defense spending. The spokesperson emphasized that China's military budget is transparent and necessary for national security, while criticizing Japan for its own military budget increases and historical aggression. The statement highlighted the disparity in defense spending between China and Japan, with Japan's budget significantly higher as a percentage of GDP.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) will conduct over 2100 military open house events across more than 700 units in 2023. These activities are designed to enhance public understanding of national defense and military development, coinciding with significant national holidays. The initiative aims to foster a sense of patriotism and strengthen civil-military relations in China.

In March 2026, the U.S. transferred part of its THAAD missile systems from South Korea to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. North Korea launched about 10 ballistic missiles into the Japan Sea during U.S.-South Korea military exercises. Japan announced its intention to participate in the Golden Dome missile defense initiative and began deploying domestic long-range missiles, reflecting a shift towards greater defense autonomy in response to regional threats.

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Beijing University of Science and Technology is developing four types of flapping drones that mimic birds and insects for flight. The eagle-mimicking drone can accurately identify and track ground targets, achieving a maximum flight time of 256 minutes. Researchers aim to improve the drones' intelligence and autonomous flying capabilities.

AVIC is expanding its aircraft production capacity to 300-400 units annually by 2026, with new facilities in Chengdu and Shenyang. This expansion includes the production of J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters, potentially making the PLA Air Force the largest modern fighter force by 2029. The developments indicate a significant shift in global air power dynamics as China prepares for potential military operations, including scenarios involving Taiwan.

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The People's Liberation Army has officially issued and activated the 'People's Liberation Army Reserve Personnel Certificate' to identify reserve personnel. This certificate features advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies and replaces the previous reserve officer certificate. Reserve personnel are required to carry this certificate during military training and operations.

Sun Wantong, a female special police officer in Hohhot, has trained extensively with 50,000 rounds of ammunition over 11 years. In September 2023, she successfully led a team to capture a suspect at a complex construction site. Sun is also a police training instructor, having trained over 10,000 officers in tactical operations and firearms.

North Korea launched approximately 10 ballistic missiles from the Sunan area near Pyongyang towards the Sea of Japan on March 14, 2026. The missiles flew about 350 kilometers before landing outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. This launch coincided with U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises, marking North Korea's third missile test of the year.

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Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) deployed Type-12 anti-ship missiles in Kumamoto, marking a significant shift towards offensive military capabilities. The upgraded missile system, featuring advanced radar and guidance technology, has a range of 1,000 kilometers, allowing it to target Chinese naval assets in the East China Sea. This deployment reflects Japan's strategic pivot in response to rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Eastern Theater Command Air Force conducted flight training exercises in Eastern China during early spring, involving multiple fighter jets. The exercises included simulated combat scenarios where Red and Blue forces engaged in tactical maneuvers. Ground support personnel ensured aircraft readiness for subsequent missions, while pilots analyzed and improved their tactics after the exercises.

U.S. officials confirmed that weapons shipments to Taiwan have not been delayed due to the ongoing war on Iran. A significant arms package, including advanced interceptor missiles, is prepared for approval. The U.S. faces a multi-billion-dollar backlog of arms shipments to Taiwan, which is under increasing military pressure from China. Additionally, President Trump postponed a trip to China that was expected to address Taiwan-related discussions.

U.S. officials confirmed that weapons shipments to Taiwan have not been delayed due to the ongoing war on Iran. The U.S. is facing a multi-billion-dollar backlog of arms shipments to Taiwan, with a significant arms package ready for approval. Concerns were raised about the defense industry's ability to meet demand amid the conflict, but the administration is exploring ways to expedite shipments. Additionally, President Trump postponed a trip to China that was expected to discuss Taiwan.