Analysis & Reports

Naval Training Fleet 83, consisting of Qijiang Ship and Kunlun Mountain Ship, set sail from Zhanjiang on July 20 at 10:00 AM with over 900 personnel for naval training exercises. The mission includes joint training with foreign military personnel and aims to enhance the skills and professional development of naval trainees. The fleet has a history of international visits, including to Russia and Vietnam.

Six Coast Guard fast-response cutters have relocated from the Middle East to the western Pacific, now operating out of Singapore and Subic Bay. This deployment aims to enhance U.S. maritime security in the region, particularly around Guam and the South China Sea. The cutters were previously part of Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, conducting operations for over two decades.

Kuwait's power and desalination plants were attacked on July 17 and 19, causing significant operational disruptions. The attacks, attributed to Iran, led to fires at the facilities. In response, the Kuwaiti government activated emergency measures to mitigate damage and maintain the stability of the national grid. The armed forces reported intercepting missiles and drones during these incidents.

U.S. troops have quietly withdrawn from Estonia, reducing their presence to fewer than 100 personnel as of July 2023. This move has raised concerns among Eastern European allies regarding the future of U.S. military support. The Estonian Defense Minister had previously assured that U.S. forces would remain, highlighting a significant shift in U.S. military strategy in the region.

Air raid sirens were sounded in Bahrain on November 19 at 11:20 AM local time, indicating a potential military alert. The Bahraini Defense Forces are involved in this response.

The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted anti-submarine warfare training in the South China Sea on July 14, 2023, involving coordination between patrol aircraft and submarines. The training emphasized realistic combat scenarios and data analysis post-exercise, shifting focus from target detection to search reorganization after target loss. This reflects a significant evolution in training methodology.

Li MinghuiSun Jul 19 2026Loading...

On July 13, 2026, China and Russia concluded joint naval exercises in the Pacific Ocean, featuring three types of Aegis warships: a Chinese 055 destroyer, a Chinese 052D destroyer, and a new-type Russian frigate. The 055 destroyer is designated as the command platform due to its advanced capabilities. This event marks the twelfth series of joint naval exercises and emphasizes the strengthening military cooperation between the two nations.

President Zelenskyy dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov in Kyiv, impacting Ukraine's drone warfare strategy in 2026. This leadership change raises concerns about procurement processes and the military's ability to adapt to modern warfare. The report highlights a significant casualty ratio for Russian forces and the potential political ramifications of this decision on Ukraine's military operations.

Alexandra ReevesSat Jul 18 2026Loading...

China and Russia conducted a joint naval exercise from July 6-13, 2026, in Qingdao, Shandong, involving multiple naval vessels and submarines. Following the exercise, both navies organized a joint maritime patrol in the Pacific Ocean. The exercise included various operational drills such as reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare.

Army pilots began conducting solo cross-country flights in civilian airspace for the first time in years at Fort Rucker, Alabama. This training involves 1,300 students annually and includes advanced maneuvers and aeronautical decision-making. Students must complete at least two solo flights to progress to advanced training, reflecting a significant shift in the Army's aviation training approach.

President Zelenskyy fired Defense Minister Mikhailo Federov, leading to widespread protests in Ukraine and criticism from foreign allies. Federov's dismissal was attributed to procurement issues and a feud with military leadership. He called for reforms and criticized the current command for not adapting to new warfare realities. This decision has raised concerns about the impact on Ukraine's military efforts against Russia.

Ukrainian President Zelensky signed a decree on October 16, dismissing the heads of military administrations in Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, and Mykolaiv Oblast. Ruslan Olenik has been appointed as the acting head of Kyiv Oblast military administration, while Georgiy Leshchynov will serve as the acting head of Mykolaiv Oblast military administration. The new head for Kyiv city military administration has not yet been announced.

Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess justified the U.S. Space Force's $71 billion budget request during a Senate confirmation hearing, citing threats from China and Russia. He emphasized the need for increased funding to enhance military readiness and modernization. Schiess outlined plans to improve combat readiness and expand space launch capabilities, with a goal of 100 national security launches over the next five years.

Jean-Brice Dumont will take over as CEO of MBDA on 1 November 2026, succeeding Eric Béranger. Dumont brings 14 years of experience in the aerospace and defense sector, having held various leadership roles at Airbus. Under Béranger, MBDA expanded significantly, doubling its production and enhancing its role in European defense. Dumont aims to continue this transformation and address future challenges in defense.

On July 9, 2026, two F-15s from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and two F-22s from the U.S. Air Force conducted a joint tactical training exercise over the East China Sea near Okinawa. This exercise highlights the operational readiness and cooperative capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance in response to increasing regional security challenges.

Tanaka TakashiThu Jul 16 2026Loading...

Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This leadership change is a notable development within the Ukrainian government.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Mykhailo Fedorov as Minister of Defense in a significant government shake-up. This decision followed the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and has raised concerns about the potential impact on ongoing military efforts. Fedorov, who served for six months, highlighted his accomplishments in military reforms and drone procurement in his farewell message. Ihor Klymenko has been suggested as a possible successor.

Gen. Chance Saltzman of the U.S. Space Force announced his retirement next month during the Global Air and Space Chiefs’ Conference in London. He urged support for the Space Force's budget amid congressional resistance to fully fund requested programs. The White House has requested $1.15 trillion for defense, with only $60 billion likely to be approved for Space Force initiatives, which include critical missile defense and space capabilities.

Gen. Chance Saltzman emphasized the military's role as a stabilizing force for democracy during his farewell address in London. He highlighted the importance of alliances amid political divisions and discussed the integration of space power into military operations. Saltzman confirmed expectations for initial capabilities in airborne moving target indication by 2028 and announced Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess as his successor.

U.S. military forces conducted airstrikes against Iranian military facilities, while Iran retaliated by attacking U.S. installations in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. President Trump threatened further military action unless Iran returns to negotiations. The situation has escalated with significant U.S. naval and air deployments in the region.