Analysis & Reports

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) completed extensive military training exercises in the South China Sea and Western Pacific, returning to Qingdao on June 22, 2023. The Liaoning aircraft carrier group, supported by the 901-type replenishment ship, engaged in joint drills with amphibious assault ships and successfully intercepted Japanese P-3C anti-submarine aircraft. The Y-20 tanker aircraft significantly increased the operational capabilities of the J-15 fighter jets during these exercises.

Japan deployed Type-25 anti-ship missiles on Yonaguni Island during the joint military exercise Keen Sword 27, which began on October 19 and will continue until October 29, 2026. Approximately 45,000 Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel and 12,000 U.S. military personnel are participating in various operations, including island defense and missile defense. The exercise also includes the deployment of U.S. systems such as NMESIS and HIMARS on nearby islands, highlighting a shift towards a multinational defense strategy in the region.

Tanaka TakashiSat Oct 24 2026Loading...

China built 636,208 tons of combat ships in 2024-2025, significantly outpacing the U.S. Navy's 270,509 tons. This expansion allows China to close the tonnage gap and enhance its naval presence in the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, and South China Sea. The U.S. Navy, while still larger, faces production challenges that could impact its operational readiness in future conflicts.

Marcus ChenFri Oct 23 2026Loading...

The 48th Escort Task Force of the Navy completed its escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and returned to Qingdao on October 23, 2023. The deployment lasted 378 days, during which the task force escorted 423 vessels and participated in joint exercises with South Africa and Pakistan. They also conducted various training activities, including a helicopter night flight.

Australia is sending 300 personnel to participate in the joint military exercise 'Keen Sword 2026' alongside approximately 45,000 Japanese and 11,000 U.S. personnel. The exercise, taking place in Japan and surrounding maritime areas from October 19 to October 29, 2026, focuses on integrating naval, air, cyber, and space operations. It aims to enhance logistical coordination among the participating nations, including the U.S. Navy and Japan Self-Defense Forces.

Tanaka TakashiFri Oct 23 2026Loading...

The 48th Escort Task Force of the Chinese Navy completed its escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters and returned to Qingdao on October 23, 2023. The mission lasted 378 days, covering over 150,000 nautical miles and escorting 423 vessels. The task force included the missile destroyer Tangshan, missile frigate Daqing, and comprehensive supply ship Taihu, and engaged in various training and joint exercises during its deployment.

All five Astute-class submarines of the British Royal Navy were in port in June 2023 due to a shipyard crisis, with maintenance prioritized for Vanguard-class submarines. HMS Ambush has not sailed since 2022 and is being stripped for parts, while HMS Agamemnon awaits sea trials. The Royal Navy faces significant logistical challenges that hinder its operational readiness against perceived threats, particularly from Russia.

U.S. Army soldiers have intensified training with long-range weapons across the first island chain from the Philippines to Japan between 2021 and 2025. This includes the deployment of HIMARS and Typhon missile systems in joint exercises with allies, reflecting concerns over China's military capabilities. Recent exercises demonstrated the ability to conduct rapid deployments and live-fire operations, enhancing operational readiness in the region.

EDGE achieved three significant milestones in the AL DORRA programme for the Kuwait Naval Force on 22 October 2026, with the keel laying of the third vessel and the steel cutting of the fourth and fifth vessels in Singapore. This programme involves the construction of eight 62-metre missile boats, enhancing Kuwait's naval capabilities and reinforcing the strategic partnership between the UAE and Kuwait.

The PLA Air Force is utilizing the Y-20B aircraft for both transport and aerial refueling tasks, as indicated by recent training images. This dual capability aims to enhance operational flexibility and logistical support for the air force. However, the extent of its deployment and operational readiness remains unclear, pending further testing and validation of its refueling systems.

Li MinghuiThu Oct 22 2026Loading...

The Missile Defense Agency extended Raytheon's contract for the AN/TPY-2 missile defense radars by $394 million, raising the total contract value to nearly $3 billion. This extension allows Raytheon to continue operating and maintaining the radars until October 31, 2028, supporting eight THAAD batteries across various locations, including Fort Bliss and South Korea. The radars have faced damage during the ongoing conflict with Iran.

China's naval shipbuilding capacity increased to 636,208 tons from 2024 to 2025, significantly outpacing the U.S. at 270,509 tons. The People's Liberation Army Navy is enhancing its capabilities, including nuclear submarines and unmanned systems, while the U.S. retains a larger operational fleet of 3.11 million tons. The focus is shifting towards sustained operational capabilities rather than just individual ship performance.

Li MinghuiThu Oct 22 2026Loading...

The Naval Aviation University conducted a simulated exercise for J-15 fighter jets, focusing on takeoff and landing procedures. Personnel in various colored vests coordinated their actions to ensure safety and efficiency during the exercise. The training aimed to improve emergency response and operational readiness under challenging conditions.

On October 21, the Philippines delivered supplies to its grounded ship at Ren'ai Reef under the supervision of the Chinese Coast Guard. The Chinese Coast Guard confirmed the operation and stated it would continue law enforcement activities in the Spratly Islands.

Australia initiated Project Land 6504 on October 13, 2026, to procure a medium-range ground-based air and missile defense system. This project aims to address the inadequacies of current air defense capabilities against missile threats. The vendor selection is expected by late 2027, with initial operational capability targeted for the early 2030s, amidst a broader strategy for a self-reliant defense force.

Marcus ChenTue Oct 20 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is enhancing the Y-20B transport aircraft with modular refueling pods, allowing it to serve dual roles in logistics and aerial support. This transformation aims to improve operational flexibility and support for long-range missions of fighter jets. Official reports indicate that this development is part of a broader strategy to optimize air support capabilities within the Chinese military.

Li MinghuiTue Oct 20 2026Loading...

Japan and the U.S. began joint military exercises on Yonaguni Island on October 19, 2026, involving approximately 45,000 Japanese and 12,000 U.S. personnel, along with forces from seven other nations. The exercises include the deployment of Type-25 anti-ship missiles and NMESIS systems, focusing on logistics and operational readiness amid regional tensions. The training will continue until October 29, 2026, emphasizing the importance of maintaining supply lines and operational capabilities.

Tanaka TakashiTue Oct 20 2026Loading...

Australia opened a tender on October 13, 2023, for a medium-range missile defense system to intercept ballistic and cruise missiles. This initiative is driven by the need to enhance air defense capabilities in response to China's expanding missile arsenal. The project faces challenges due to budget constraints from the AUKUS submarine program, with vendor selection expected by 2027 and initial operational capability aimed for the early 2030s.

Marcus ChenMon Oct 19 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army restructured its forces in 2026, establishing a new Western Hemisphere Command at Fort Bragg and deploying 5,000 troops to Poland. Troops withdrew from Iraq and Syria, while the Army extended deployments in the Indo-Pacific and launched a new multi-domain command. Additionally, the Marine Corps is enhancing its presence in Alaska for extreme cold-weather operations.

On October 18, the People's Liberation Army Navy conducted live-fire exercises with four 071-class amphibious assault ships in the Taiwan Strait. This exercise marks a shift towards coordinated amphibious operations, emphasizing sustained operational capability rather than just initial landings. The 071-class ships are crucial for transporting troops and equipment during such operations.

Li MinghuiMon Oct 19 2026Loading...