Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
A Cracked Littoral Combat Ship Won't Counter China's Cambodia Port
USS Cincinnati visited Ream Naval Base in Cambodia on January 26, 2025, marking the first U.S. warship visit since China's upgrades to the facility. The ship, a Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship, has a history of structural issues and limited combat capability. China's significant investment in Ream contrasts with the U.S. Navy's stretched resources, raising concerns about the effectiveness of U.S. military presence in the region.
Marcus ChenSun Feb 15 2026Loading...China’s New H-20 ‘Flying-Wing’ Stealth Bomber Can Be Summed Up in 3 Words
China is developing the H-20 stealth bomber to enhance its long-range power-projection capabilities, aiming to threaten targets like Guam. However, U.S. officials express skepticism regarding its development and ability to achieve low observability comparable to advanced U.S. bombers. The current backbone of China's strategic bomber force consists of approximately 200 H-6 bombers, which are limited in range and payload capacity.
China Doesn’t Need to Sink U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers to Defeat Them
China has modernized its military capabilities to counter U.S. aircraft carriers, focusing on anti-ship ballistic missiles and enhanced surveillance systems. This modernization aims to compel U.S. carriers to operate at greater distances from conflict zones, thereby reducing their operational effectiveness. The People's Liberation Army has learned from past crises, particularly the 1995-1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis, and has institutionalized these lessons in its military planning.
USS Abraham Lincoln vs. Iran’s Missiles: The Aircraft Carrier Risk the U.S. Navy Can’t Ignore
The U.S. Navy is deploying a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East to counter Iranian missile threats. This move is part of a broader strategy to deter aggression and assess vulnerabilities in naval operations. Iran's anti-ship ballistic missiles, potentially aided by Chinese satellite tracking, pose significant risks to U.S. carriers. The ongoing situation reflects a larger strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region, with implications for future conflicts involving Taiwan.
U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers Now Have a Serious ‘Battleship’ Problem
China is enhancing its military capabilities, focusing on advanced anti-ship missiles and expanding its submarine fleet to counter U.S. aircraft carriers in the Pacific. The People’s Liberation Army Navy is developing systems like the DF-21D and DF-26B missiles, which pose a significant threat to U.S. naval forces. As of November 28, 2023, China operates approximately 50 submarines, with plans to increase this number to 65 by 2030.
Okinawa to Guam Is 1,500 Miles in the Wrong Direction
The U.S. Marine Corps is relocating 9,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam, which is 1,500 miles away, under a 2006 agreement. This move raises concerns about the U.S. military's rapid response capability in the event of a crisis in Taiwan, as it would take three days for the Marines to reach the First Island Chain. The strategic situation has changed significantly with China's military expansion, and Japan's defense posture does not align with its rhetoric regarding Taiwan.
Marcus ChenSun Feb 15 2026Loading...Before the Festival: They Guard Family Reunions in the Deep Blue Sea
The China Coast Guard deployed over 300 law enforcement vessels in the South China Sea during the Spring Festival to conduct patrols and law enforcement exercises. Personnel engaged in operations to maintain sovereignty and protect national maritime rights, utilizing drones for evidence collection. Despite being away from home, the Coast Guard members expressed their dedication to their mission and the importance of their role during the holiday season.
The Abolition of the "Five Categories" in Defense Equipment Exports Reflects Japan's Strategic Dilemma
Japan is reviewing its defense equipment export guidelines, considering the abolition of the current five-category system that limits exports to non-lethal equipment. The government plans to classify equipment based on lethality, reflecting the defense industry's need for survival and the balance with Japan's pacifist principles. Concerns arise regarding the ambiguity of the new classification system and its implications for national security and international relations.
Tanaka TakashiSun Feb 15 2026Loading...Navy Officers and Soldiers Send Hardcore Blessings from the Frontline
Naval personnel from the People's Navy sent New Year greetings from their posts in China, wishing for safety and peace in the coming year. The greetings were shared through a video, highlighting the dedication and morale of the naval forces as the New Year approaches.
The Launch of Disruption Munitions by the Yan'an Ship is Publicly Revealed for the First Time: The PLA's Strategic Shift in Electronic Warfare from "Secrecy" to "Visibility"
The Chinese Navy publicly demonstrated the launch of jamming missiles from the Yan'an ship in the Taiwan Strait, marking a significant shift in their electronic warfare strategy. This operation involved coordination with the Shandong aircraft carrier and the Nanchang ship, showcasing a comprehensive electronic warfare process. The demonstration highlights the PLA's evolving capabilities in electronic warfare and their intent to use these systems as conventional deterrents.
Li MinghuiSun Feb 15 2026Loading...The Quiet Rotation Deployment of the U.S. Army in the Philippines Indicates a New Phase in Defending the First Island Chain
U.S. Army units deployed to northern Luzon, Philippines, in early February 2026, marking a shift towards a semi-permanent military presence. This 'quiet rotation' aims to enhance deterrence capabilities in the region, particularly against potential threats from China. The deployment includes long-range precision fire systems, with the strategic location allowing coverage of critical maritime areas.
Tanaka TakashiSun Feb 15 2026Loading...
So Cool! New Hardcore Training Photos of the J-16 Fighter Jet
The Eastern Theater Air Force is conducting realistic combat training exercises under complex weather conditions to enhance pilot combat skills, occurring near the Spring Festival.
China's New Carrier Missile Pushes the Threat Ring 700 Miles Out
China's J-15 fighter was photographed carrying two YJ-15 supersonic anti-ship missiles in 2025, demonstrating operational readiness. The YJ-15 can engage targets at ranges of 1,200 to 1,800 kilometers, significantly extending the threat range for surface ships. This development coincides with China's expansion of its carrier fleet, including the new Fujian carrier, which enhances its naval strike capabilities in the South China Sea and Western Pacific.
Marcus ChenSat Feb 14 2026Loading...
It Took the U.S. Navy 5 Years to Fix a Seawolf-Class Submarine After Smashing Into an Underwater Mountain
USS Connecticut (SSN-22) suffered major bow damage after colliding with an uncharted seamount in the South China Sea on October 2, 2021. The submarine is currently undergoing extensive repairs at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and is expected to return to service in late 2026 or 2027. The command team was relieved following an investigation that deemed the incident preventable due to poor command climate.
How to Save the U.S. Navy from Becoming A Bunch of Old ‘Battleships’
The U.S. Navy is actively testing and planning to implement directed energy weapons, specifically lasers, for air defense on ships to counter missile and drone threats. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle emphasizes the need for these systems to enhance naval capabilities in future conflicts, particularly against adversaries like China. The HELIOS system is currently being tested aboard the USS Preble, with plans to integrate such technologies into the fleet.
Navigation Warning! Military Operations in the Bohai Strait and Northern Yellow Sea
The Dalian Maritime Safety Administration issued a navigation warning regarding military operations in the Bohai Strait and northern Yellow Sea from February 15 at 16:00 to March 1 at 16:00. Entry into the specified maritime areas is prohibited during this period.
Sorry, Stealth F-22 and F-35: The ‘Super’ Dassault Rafale Fighter Summed Up in 2 Words
The Dassault Rafale fighter jet, a 4.5-generation multirole aircraft, is currently in service with nine countries including India and Egypt. It is equipped with advanced systems such as AESA radar and is capable of carrying a wide range of weapons, including nuclear-capable missiles. The aircraft has undergone significant upgrades to maintain its relevance in modern air combat scenarios.
Exclusive: Diaoyu Island, Huangyan Island, Ren'ai Reef... Already Filled with Chinese New Year Flavor
Chinese Coast Guard vessels are conducting patrols and celebrating the Spring Festival around Diaoyu Island, Huangyan Island, and other reefs. The vessels are decorated and personnel are sending New Year greetings, demonstrating China's maritime presence in these contested areas. Despite rough sea conditions, the Coast Guard maintains its patrols to assert sovereignty during this festive period.
The Problem with Putting 48 F-35s in Japan: They're All in One Place
The U.S. Air Force deployed 48 F-35A Lightning IIs to Misawa Air Base in Japan, raising concerns about their vulnerability to Chinese missile strikes. With a mission-capable rate of only 50-55%, operational availability is limited to 24-26 aircraft. The concentration of these high-value assets within range of Chinese ballistic missiles presents significant operational risks, especially given the slow production rate of replacement aircraft. This deployment signals U.S. commitment to the region but raises questions about the credibility of deterrence strategies.
Tanaka TakashiSat Feb 14 2026Loading...
Alarm sounds, drive away the external machine! Frontline pilots share how to take off swiftly.
Two J-16 fighter jets from the People's Liberation Army Air Force conducted air defense missions in the South China Sea during the Spring Festival holiday. Pilots were on high alert, ready to respond to unidentified aerial threats, demonstrating the operational readiness of the air force. The entire team and systems were prepared for rapid deployment and effective response.
