Analysis & Reports

The People's Liberation Army Air Force transported new flight students to the Air Force Aviation University using multiple Yun-20B aircraft from July 31 to August 1. This operation involved six boarding points, including Shenyang and Nanjing, marking the fifth consecutive year of this initiative. The Yun-20B, featuring domestically produced engines, symbolizes the parallel development of military equipment and flight personnel training.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against Iran on July 29, 2023, in response to an attempted missile attack on U.S. forces in the Middle East. President Trump stated that the U.S. would retaliate against Iran, emphasizing a shift to offensive actions. U.S. Central Command confirmed the interception of all incoming missiles from Iran and reported ongoing maritime operations against Iranian shipping.

The Rocket Force is constructing underground strategic missile positions in China, involving 313 soldiers dedicated to this mission. They operate in secrecy, focusing on innovative construction techniques to ensure precision. This effort honors the memory of 313 fallen soldiers who contributed to national defense.

On July 24, 2026, three Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 aircraft, two U.S. Air Force F-16s, and one MQ-9B drone conducted a joint tactical training exercise over the Pacific Ocean northeast of Japan. The exercise focused on air operations and ISR capabilities, reflecting the ongoing military collaboration between Japan and the U.S. and addressing regional security concerns.

Tanaka TakashiThu Jul 30 2026Loading...

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against Iran on July 29 at 20:00 EDT. This action was in response to an attempted attack on U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East the previous day.

The Air Force Aviation Brigade engaged in a confrontation late at night, successfully driving away foreign aircraft that approached under the pretext of training. Pilot Ding Xiaochuan, reflecting on past military legacies, led the response with his wingman, ensuring the integrity of China's airspace. The unit remains on high alert, particularly during holidays, to safeguard national security.

The Chinese Navy successfully conducted a test flight of the KJ-600 carrier-based early warning aircraft using an electromagnetic catapult from the Fujian aircraft carrier. Test pilot Yang Yong overcame significant challenges during previous flights and has been instrumental in refining the launch and control processes. This advancement marks a significant upgrade in China's naval combat capabilities.

China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is actively deploying J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighters in the Taiwan Strait, increasing military pressure on Taiwan. The PLAAF currently operates around 500 J-20s, with plans to potentially double this number by 2030. This deployment is part of a broader strategy to assert dominance in the Indo-Pacific region, complicating U.S. military responses.

The United States is conducting a new round of airstrikes against Iran as reported by Axios, citing a U.S. official. This action took place on July 29.

The U.S. Navy's Iowa-class battleships, including USS Iowa and USS New Jersey, engaged in various naval operations during World War II, primarily supporting aircraft carriers and conducting bombardments. Despite their heavy armament, they never engaged in a classic battleship duel. Key operations included the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the pursuit of enemy vessels during Operation Hailstone in the Pacific.

At the Farnborough International Airshow, there was a notable increase in handshake deals between companies rather than aircraft purchases. This reflects a trend of dual-use commercial aircraft entering the defense sector. Additionally, an executive order on critical minerals is pushing defense contractors to enhance supply chain visibility, amid rising demand from both commercial and military markets.

U.S. Air Force officials are prioritizing upgrades to the KC-135 tanker fleet in response to the ongoing war in Iran. This includes enhancing connectivity through Link 16 and real-time information in the cockpit, following a deadly crash that killed six airmen. The upgrades aim to improve battlespace awareness and operational capabilities for aircrews in contested environments.

Ukraine has retaken 270 square miles of territory, while Russia faces significant fuel shortages and logistical challenges. The U.S. is deepening its military support for Ukraine, including new defense agreements. Russia is expected to mobilize an additional 300,000–500,000 troops by October 2023, as it struggles to maintain its hold on occupied territories, particularly Crimea.

The USS George Washington, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, deployed to the South China Sea earlier this week amid escalating tensions between China and the Philippines. Recent confrontations occurred near the Second Thomas Shoal and Scarborough Shoal, prompting U.S. officials to assert their commitment to freedom of navigation. The deployment underscores the U.S. military's readiness to respond to regional conflicts and support its allies in the area.

The U.S. Navy faces significant challenges to the effectiveness of its aircraft carriers due to advancements in missile technology and the capabilities of adversaries like China. The future USS Doris Miller, valued at $15.2 billion, exemplifies the high stakes involved, as it carries 60 aircraft and requires extensive support. The Navy is adapting by exploring unmanned systems to enhance operational range and reduce vulnerability.

The U.S. Navy awarded contracts totaling $76.6 billion for the construction of 9 Block VI Virginia-class submarines and 5 Build II Columbia-class submarines. This investment aims to enhance undersea superiority and support the shipbuilding industrial base. Challenges in the Virginia-class program have been noted, including delays in construction and material shortages. The contracts are expected to provide stability for shipyards and suppliers through the late 2030s.

The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a contract modification worth $53.86 billion for PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors, raising the total contract value to $58.62 billion. This contract enables rapid scaling of production to meet the needs of U.S. and allied forces. The announcement aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance munitions production amid global conflicts, including the Ukraine-Russia war.

The UK Government awarded a £5.9bn contract to BAE Systems for the development of the Dreadnought Class nuclear deterrent submarines, with the first delivery expected in the early 2030s. This programme supports approximately 30,000 jobs and aims to replace the existing Vanguard fleet, ensuring the UK's Continuous at Sea Deterrent capability. BAE Systems is collaborating with over 1,500 UK suppliers to deliver this critical military capability.

On July 29, a Ukrainian Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed while on a mission to intercept enemy aerial targets. The pilot safely ejected and was evacuated for medical checks. There were no casualties or damage reported on the ground, and an investigation into the crash is underway.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed three scenarios regarding Iran's situation with U.S. President Trump on July 29, 2023, including a diplomatic agreement, continued sanctions, or military action. He also expressed a desire to gradually reduce U.S. military aid over the next decade while proposing a joint fund for new weapon systems. Israeli officials recognized the necessity of reducing reliance on U.S. political conditions for Israel's security.