Analysis & Reports

Dutch Armed Forces conducted Exercise Fighter Lion in Bergen-Hohne, Germany, with 7,000 troops training against a fictional invasion scenario. The exercise, running through early July 2026, incorporates lessons from Ukraine, including the use of anti-drone tunnels and electronic warfare tactics. The 13th Light Brigade and 43rd Mechanized Brigade executed defensive maneuvers to stop the fictional enemy's advance, reflecting NATO's focus on modern warfare challenges.

Ukraine is actively recruiting foreign nationals to bolster its Defense Forces, with private companies licensed to facilitate this process. The initiative, announced by Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, aims to fill 30-50% of assault and infantry positions with foreign fighters, offering competitive salaries. This marks a significant reform in Ukraine's military recruitment strategy, formalizing a process that has been ongoing since the start of the conflict with Russia.

The Liaoning aircraft carrier group completed over 40 days of realistic combat training, returning safely to Qingdao on the 22nd. The training involved operations in the South China Sea and Western Pacific, enhancing the group's capabilities through joint exercises with amphibious assault ships. The use of the Yunyou-20 tanker significantly increased the operational range of the carrier-based J-15 fighter jets, while the group remained vigilant against provocations from Japanese naval forces.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted strikes against armed personnel in the security zone of southern Lebanon on June 23. The operation targeted a group near Mount Tahrir. Concurrently, Israeli fire in Nabatieh resulted in two civilian deaths and one injury. Israeli officials reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing military actions in the region to counter threats from Hezbollah.

India commissioned three new naval vessels in Kolkata on Sunday, including the advanced stealth frigate 'Dunagiri.' These ships enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities in anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance, addressing the increasing submarine deployments in the Indian Ocean region. The vessels are part of India's broader strategy to modernize its naval forces and reduce reliance on foreign defense imports.

The PL-16 missile enhances the J-20's capabilities, allowing it to target US tanker and reconnaissance aircraft from a distance of 200 to 300 kilometers. This development could significantly impact US air operations in the Taiwan and Philippine Sea regions, as it forces US support aircraft to operate farther from the conflict zone. The J-20 can now carry six PL-16 missiles, increasing its strike potential against high-value targets.

Marcus ChenTue Jun 23 2026Loading...

The 12th Marine Littoral Regiment received new anti-ship and counter-drone weapons systems, NMESIS and MADIS, in Okinawa this month. This deployment enhances their capabilities for coastal defense and island-hopping campaigns, as part of the U.S. military's strategy to deter potential conflicts in the Pacific region. Approximately 2,000 Marines are involved in this initiative, which emphasizes mobility and rapid relocation of these systems in response to threats.

Russian Tu-160 bombers conducted a 16-hour flight over the Barents and Norwegian seas, practicing aerial refueling and prompting NATO F-35s to respond. The operation involved MiG-31 interceptors and was framed by Russia as routine, although it tested NATO's air defense readiness in the Arctic. This flight underscores the strategic significance of the Kola Peninsula and the ongoing military dynamics in the region.

Alexandra ReevesTue Jun 23 2026Loading...

An Italian M-346 jet trainer controlled a Baykar Kizilelma drone during a loyal wingman trial at Baykar’s flight and test center in Çorlu, Turkey. The test involved two M-346 jets and aimed to evaluate algorithms and procedures for crewed/uncrewed teaming. Leonardo and Baykar are advancing drone technology integration, with more complex tests planned in the coming months.

Israeli forces opened fire on civilians in Nabatieh, Southern Lebanon, on June 23, resulting in one death and two injuries.

Ukrainian drones penetrated Russian air defenses, conducting over 7,000 strikes on critical infrastructure in March 2026. This campaign has severely degraded Russia's oil refining capabilities, with a reported 20-30% success rate in strikes. The Ukrainian Armed Forces, utilizing the 14th Separate Regiment, have demonstrated a cost-effective strategy that undermines Russian military logistics and operational capacity.

The U.S. Navy chartered four civilian roll-on/roll-off cargo ships for operations out of Naha, Japan, starting July 30, 2026. This $37 million contract aims to enhance logistics capabilities for military operations in the Pacific, supporting the Marine Corps' Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations concept. The vessels will enable rapid deployment of military equipment to various locations without reliance on fixed port infrastructure.

The U.S. Marine Corps deployed the NMESIS anti-ship system and MADIS air defense system to Okinawa in June 2023. This move enhances U.S. military capabilities in the region, allowing for improved anti-ship operations and air defense against drones. The deployment is part of a strategy to establish a network of dispersed firepower in the first island chain, increasing deterrence against potential threats from the People's Liberation Army.

Li MinghuiTue Jun 23 2026Loading...

Russia executed a series of coordinated strikes against Ukraine in June 2023, deploying over 600 drones and approximately 70 missiles, primarily targeting Kyiv. The attacks involved a mix of ballistic and hypersonic missiles, reflecting a shift in military strategy. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a significant portion of the incoming threats, but the strikes aimed to overwhelm these systems. This new approach indicates a potential strain on Russian missile production capabilities as they adapt their tactics.

Dmitri VolkovTue Jun 23 2026Loading...

The Chinese Navy 83rd Fleet arrived in Vladivostok on June 23, 2023, for a four-day visit, marking its first visit to Russia since commissioning. A welcoming ceremony took place with over 200 attendees, including Chinese consulate staff and Russian Navy representatives. During the visit, the fleet will participate in professional exchanges and cultural activities with the Russian Navy.

Valiant Shield 26 commenced on June 22, 2026, involving the U.S. Army and Japan Self-Defense Forces in multi-domain interoperability training. The exercise, running until July 1, includes the deployment of Typhon missile systems and HIMARS at Kano Air Base for integrated anti-ship warfare. The focus is on maintaining operational readiness and deterrence in the Western Pacific, with training extending from Kagoshima to Hawaii and Guam.

Tanaka TakashiTue Jun 23 2026Loading...

The Liaoning aircraft carrier returned to Qingdao on June 22 after 40 days of training, marking the first public joint exercise with the Anhui amphibious assault ship. The training involved various tactical operations, including live-fire exercises, in the South China Sea and Western Pacific, while being monitored by Japanese naval forces. This exercise aimed to enhance coordination between different naval platforms and tested the PLA Navy's operational capabilities.

Li MinghuiTue Jun 23 2026Loading...

RAND's 2026 exercise assessed the repair capabilities of DDG-51 destroyers, revealing vulnerabilities in the U.S.-Japan alliance. The report emphasizes that political decisions could impede the use of Japanese ports during a crisis, affecting naval readiness. It recommends multinational pre-positioning of repair teams to enhance operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.

Tanaka TakashiTue Jun 23 2026Loading...

U.S. Marines in Okinawa received the first Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) and Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) this month. These systems enhance the Marines' capabilities for sea denial and air defense operations. The NMESIS is a ground-based missile system, while the MADIS provides short-range air defense against drones and aircraft. Recent exercises demonstrated their effectiveness in operational scenarios across the Indo-Pacific region.

Israel will continue military operations in southern Lebanon to address security threats and maintain control over the security zone. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized the IDF's commitment to act decisively against threats and military infrastructure. A meeting was conducted to evaluate the security situation in the northern front on June 22.