Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Behind Nine Aircraft Carriers: Can China's Naval Shipbuilding Capability Support This Goal?
China plans to build 6 new aircraft carriers by 2035, aiming for a total of 9. The People's Liberation Army Navy is challenged by technological and logistical hurdles, including the need for advanced nuclear power systems and a robust supply chain for aircraft production. The report highlights the strategic implications of this expansion in naval capabilities.
Li MinghuiSat Feb 07 2026Loading...Indonesia and Australia Sign Security Agreement
On February 6, 2023, Indonesia and Australia signed a bilateral security agreement in Jakarta. This agreement marks a significant expansion in security defense cooperation, with both nations committing to consult each other in the event of security threats. The agreement builds on a previous security pact from 1995, which was revoked in 1999.
Blind Spots in Communication Infrastructure for the Defense of the Nansei Islands
Japan's Ministry of Defense contracted Mitsubishi Electric for a 123.5 billion yen satellite communication system, set to operate by March 2030, to enhance communication for the Self-Defense Forces in the southwestern islands. The current reliance on a single satellite poses vulnerabilities, especially against potential Chinese attacks. The report advocates for exploring integration with U.S. military communication systems to mitigate risks.
Tanaka TakashiSat Feb 07 2026Loading...Video | -20℃ First Experience: New Recruits Step onto Patrol for the First Time
The Model Company of the National Gate Guardians from the Northern Theater Command Army conducted a full-line patrol along the China-Russia border before the Spring Festival. This mission posed a significant challenge for new recruits, who are experiencing extreme winter temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius for the first time. One recruit expressed a longing for home-cooked meals during this demanding task.
New Recruits → Qualified Combatants: A Detailed Reveal of Training and Competition Practices
New soldiers in the Xinjiang Military District are undergoing rigorous training and participating in competitions to enhance their combat readiness. They face increased training intensity and specialized skill development, preparing them for potential real combat scenarios. This training marks a critical phase in their transition from recruits to qualified combatants.
Military Situation Time: J-10C Makes Its First Appearance in Singapore After Upgrades, August 1st Aerobatic Team Demonstrates Hardcore Combat Capability
The Ba Yi Aerobatic Team showcased their new J-10C fighter jets at the Singapore Airshow on February 3, 2023. This marks China's first use of fourth-and-a-half generation fighter jets in an aerial display, highlighting advancements in military capabilities. The team's direct transit to Singapore reflects significant improvements in the Chinese Air Force's long-range operational capabilities, supported by the Yunyou-20 aerial refueling aircraft.
UN humanitarian convoy in central Sudan attacked by drone, 1 dead
A UN humanitarian aid convoy was attacked by a drone in Central Sudan on February 6, resulting in at least 1 death and multiple injuries. The convoy was en route to deliver aid to displaced families in North Kordofan State. The Sudan Doctors Network has accused the Rapid Support Forces of conducting the attack, amid escalating conflict in the region.
The Spring Festival Travel Rush Begins, Armed Police Officers Warmly Guard the Journey Home!
Armed police officers are deployed at Beijing West Railway Station to ensure safety and assist travelers during the Spring Festival travel peak in 2026. They are stationed at key areas, providing security and helping passengers with luggage. A joint mechanism for real-time data sharing has been established with station management and railway police to enhance operational efficiency.
Strategic Signals Behind the Singapore Airshow: Leap Forward in the PLA's Air Power Projection Capability
The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) showcased its long-range air power projection capabilities at the Singapore Airshow 2026, with J-10C fighter jets flying directly from China to Singapore via aerial refueling. This event marks a significant milestone in China's military modernization efforts. Additionally, the J-35A stealth fighter was presented as a potential alternative to the F-35 for international buyers, reflecting China's growing influence in the defense market amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia.
Li MinghuiSat Feb 07 2026Loading...
A Fleet of F-15EX Eagle II and F-35 Fighters Has Trained for Combat in China’s Backyard
The U.S. Air Force conducted war-preparation drills with F-15EX Eagle II and F-35 fighters at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, in July 2025. This marked the F-15EX's first overseas deployment, showcasing its capabilities as a high-end force multiplier in Pacific operations. The exercises emphasized the importance of massing airpower in potential engagements with China, leveraging advanced technologies and weaponry.
A New Phase in the Defense of the First Island Chain: The Strategic Shift of the Japan-U.S. Alliance Demonstrated by Exercise Iron Fist 26
The U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will conduct the Iron Fist 26 military exercise in February 2026 in the Southwestern Islands of Japan, involving approximately 1550 personnel. This exercise signifies a strategic shift in the U.S.-Japan alliance, responding to heightened tensions in the region, particularly from North Korea's missile threats. It aims to enhance joint operational capabilities and strengthen regional defense posture.
Tanaka TakashiSat Feb 07 2026Loading...
China’s New J-35A Is a Big Problem for the F-22 and F-35 U.S. Air Force Stealth Fighters
China has unveiled the J-35A stealth fighter, which is designed to have significant advantages in detection and strike capabilities, potentially rivaling the U.S. F-35. The J-35A features a twin-engine layout and is reported to possess advanced sensing and targeting systems. This development raises concerns regarding its operational effectiveness against U.S. stealth fighters.
The American Ability for Rapid Deployment in the Gulf: Redefining Regional Deterrence
The United States rapidly deployed a large military force in the Gulf region, including F-35 and F-18 fighters, an aircraft carrier, and advanced air defense systems, between January 17 and February 2, 2026. This deployment, in response to rising tensions with Iran, enhances U.S. military readiness and air defense capabilities. The U.S. is now prepared for sustained air operations, with significant logistical support in place.
Ahmed Al-RashidFri Feb 06 2026Loading...Beyond the First Island Chain: China's Expanding Blue-Water Operations Signal Strategic Shift in Indo-Pacific Balance
The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) conducted unprecedented naval operations beyond the First Island Chain in 2025, including live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea. The Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers spent a combined 58 days in the Western Pacific, marking a significant increase in their operational presence. These developments challenge US military strategy and indicate China's growing maritime power projection capabilities.
Marcus ChenFri Feb 06 2026Loading...
Why the F-15EX Eagle II Fighter Won’t Fly for Indonesia (Blame the Dassault Rafale and KF-21)
Indonesia has canceled its plans to acquire 24 Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighters due to stalled negotiations and budget constraints. The decision comes as Indonesia ramps up defense spending, focusing on the acquisition of 42 Dassault Rafale fighters, which will become the backbone of its airpower modernization. The complexity of maintaining a mixed fleet of aircraft has raised concerns about logistics and support costs.
Australia’s EOS opens Singapore hub to produce laser weapons
Electro Optic Systems (EOS) opened a new manufacturing and integration facility in Singapore on February 6, 2026, to produce high-energy laser weapon systems for customers in Asia and Europe. This facility will serve as EOS' primary regional center for directed-energy capabilities, supporting contracts with the Netherlands and South Korea. The hub aims to enhance supply chain resilience and provide localized support for air defense systems.
China’s Submarine Surge Is a Big Problem for the U.S. Navy
China's submarine force is expanding and modernizing, posing a significant challenge to U.S. naval dominance. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) operates a diverse fleet of submarines, including SSBNs and SSNs, with advancements in domestic designs. However, U.S. industrial delays and strategic assessments indicate potential vulnerabilities in maintaining undersea primacy. Additionally, China's ambitions in the Arctic raise further concerns regarding its military capabilities.
Why Xi Jinping has been purging China’s military leadership, and what may come next
Xi Jinping has purged senior military leaders from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) between 2023 and 2025, citing corruption and bureaucratic politics as key reasons. The most notable removal was Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission. This has led to a significant reduction in the PLA's leadership, with only two official members remaining in the CMC. The purges have affected multiple branches of the military, indicating a broader restructuring under Xi's command.
China’s Flying Aircraft Carrier Drone ‘Mothership’ Has a Message for the U.S. Military
China showcased the Luan Niao mothership concept, designed to deploy 88 Xuan Nu autonomous fighter drones and hyper-ballistic missiles. This mothership is proposed to operate at the edge of space, with dimensions significantly larger than any existing aircraft. Analysts regard this concept as aspirational, primarily serving as a recruitment and messaging tool rather than an immediate military capability.
Shield AI, ST Engineering join forces on fine-tuning drone swarms
Shield AI integrated its AI-enabled software into Singaporean military applications to enhance drone swarm coordination. On February 5, 2025, Shield AI and ST Engineering signed a memorandum of understanding at the Singapore Airshow. The Singapore Armed Forces utilized over 100 drones during Exercise Wallaby, marking a significant operational milestone.
