Analysis & Reports

The Chinese Airborne Forces celebrated their 76th anniversary on September 17, 2026, marking their evolution from a small, weak unit to a strong military force. The report highlights their dedication to serving at the forefront of national defense, emphasizing their historical significance and resilience in challenging situations.

China's defense chief urged caution against the resurgence of hegemony and militarism during the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum on September 16, 2026. He emphasized military cooperation with nations such as Myanmar and Brunei while promoting shared security. The Japanese defense white paper noted China's expanding naval activities in the Pacific, indicating a potential threat to regional stability.

Tanaka TakashiThu Sep 17 2026Loading...

Intense explosions were reported in Kyiv as Russian forces launched multiple missile strikes on September 17, 2023, between 2:13 AM and 2:20 AM. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed air raid alerts across the country, indicating the use of MiG-31 aircraft to deliver the missiles. Following the strikes, smoke was observed rising from multiple locations in the Dnipro district of Kyiv, and some areas experienced water supply interruptions.

Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine addressed attendees at the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference, discussing cislunar operations and next-generation airlift capabilities. The conference concluded on Wednesday after three days of presentations and discussions, highlighting advancements in military technology and strategy.

U.S. military leaders announced preparations for operations in lunar space during a conference in Maryland on September 16, 2023. The U.S. Space Force plans to double its personnel to about 25,000 over the next five years, focusing on enhancing deterrence capabilities. Additionally, the U.S. has acknowledged the deployment of space control weapons, marking a significant development in its military capabilities in space.

Witnesses at a congressional hearing in Washington D.C. raised concerns about the rapid influence of AI on military targeting decisions, warning that human oversight may not be sufficient. The Pentagon's strategy aims for an 'AI-first' approach, but critics argue that this could compromise accountability and lead to civilian harm, as seen in a recent Tomahawk missile strike that killed many civilians. Congress is seeking clarity on AI's role in such incidents.

Houthi forces intercepted two batches of Saudi F-15 fighter jets over Muhah in Taiz province on the 16th. The jets, which had taken off from Khamis Mushait Air Base, were forced to retreat before engaging in any hostile actions.

Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities in Yanbu and an airbase in Asir on the 16th. They claimed to have downed a Saudi F-15 fighter jet and an armed drone, while also intercepting Saudi F-15s in Taiz province. The Houthi group vowed to continue their operations until Saudi airstrikes and blockades are lifted.

In 2015, the French Navy's Rubis-class submarine Saphir conducted simulated torpedo attacks against the USS Theodore Roosevelt off the coast of Florida. The exercise revealed vulnerabilities in the carrier's defenses, as the submarine successfully penetrated the protective envelope and targeted the carrier and its escorts. This incident raised concerns about the effectiveness of large naval vessels against smaller, older submarines.

In 1974, Israeli pilots evaluated the F-14 Tomcat and F-15 Eagle fighter jets, concluding that the F-15 was better suited to their needs. The evaluation team, led by Amnon Arad, had a combined total of 24 air-to-air kills. Despite being impressed by the F-14, the IAF found it underperformed in dogfighting compared to the F-15. Ultimately, Israel chose to purchase the F-15, while Iran acquired the F-14.

The Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, which include the HMS Queen Elizabeth, can only operate F-35B stealth fighters due to design constraints. The carriers left Portsmouth on September 5, 2024, for three months of operations and training across Northern Europe and Britain. This limitation stems from a previous decision to abandon plans for F-35C compatibility, which would have required significant modifications to the carriers.

General George Patton emphasized the significance of preparation and operational planning in military success during World War II, particularly in the Third Army's operations in 1944. His strategies were crucial in the capture of Metz and the relief of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, which lasted from December 1944 to January 1945, resulting in 19,000 American casualties.

GA-ASI and Tactical Air Support showcased their advancements in passive sensing and semi-autonomous aircraft in San Diego on September 15, 2026. This demonstration highlighted how these technologies can effectively close kill chains against adversaries.

The Space Force plans to launch the Resilient Radar System-Ground (RRS-G) satellite constellation by 2028 to track ground targets from orbit. The 77th Surveillance Squadron has been established to initiate ground moving target indicator missions. The program is developed by Northrop Grumman, with a budget request of $1.02 billion for GMTI procurement in fiscal 2027.

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.

Colt Canada unveiled the new C25 rifle at DVD 2026 in Millbrook, UK, on 16 September 2026. The C25, chambered in 5.56 x 45mm NATO, features enhancements for accuracy and performance, addressing modern battlefield challenges. Approximately 3,000 Colt Canada weapon systems are currently in service with the British Army and other European forces.

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.

U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM) is currently assessing its capabilities to target adversary space systems and improve space control operations. SPACECOM Commander Gen. Stephen Whiting emphasized the need for robust space domain awareness and real-time battlespace awareness to effectively engage threats. The command is focused on addressing technological gaps, particularly in cislunar space, to ensure comprehensive monitoring and control of space operations.

The U.S. Air Force announced the creation of a new point-defense career field to protect bases from drones and missiles, with operations expected to begin within two years. Training for approximately 20 airmen is currently underway at the Joint Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems University. The initiative includes investments in new weapon systems and technology to enhance base defense capabilities against aerial threats.

On October 3, 1993, two Delta Force snipers, Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randall Shughart, were inserted into Mogadishu to defend the crew of a crashed Black Hawk helicopter. Despite being denied twice, they descended to the site and engaged armed fighters, ultimately sacrificing their lives to protect the wounded. Their actions led to the awarding of the Medal of Honor for their bravery.