Analysis & Reports

China and Indonesia will conduct the 'Sharp Blade-2026' joint military training exercise in Guangdong from late October to early November 2026. This exercise, the third in the series, aims to enhance the operational capabilities of both nations' armed forces in combating terrorism and addressing non-traditional security threats. Training will focus on mountain rescue operations and specialized tactics.

China's aircraft carrier Liaoning is circling the southern Philippines with 288 missile cells of escort while the USS Theodore Roosevelt leads the Keen Sword exercise in the Philippine Sea from October 19 to October 29. The Liaoning's deployment coincides with the absence of the USS George Washington, which is operating in the Middle East. Philippine naval vessels are monitoring the Chinese carrier group.

CNS Liaoning conducted naval operations in the western Pacific from October 14 to 23, 2026, alongside two large destroyers and a guided-missile destroyer. The carrier group operated near Japan's Ishigaki Island and moved towards the South China Sea, coinciding with the U.S.-Japan Keen Sword 27 exercise. This deployment highlights China's ongoing naval training and operational capabilities despite the carrier's limitations.

Marcus ChenMon Oct 26 2026Loading...

The Liaoning aircraft carrier group conducted routine training exercises in the West Pacific from October 14 to 23, 2026, involving at least two large destroyers and one missile destroyer. The operations, which included activities near Japan and the Philippines, signify a transition from single-ship demonstrations to integrated naval operations. This deployment coincided with U.S.-Japan military exercises, suggesting increased operational complexity and regional implications for Taiwan and Japan.

Li MinghuiMon Oct 26 2026Loading...

The Liaoning carrier group conducted training exercises in the western Pacific on October 14, 2026, including multiple aircraft takeoffs and landings south of Ishigaki Island. This deployment is part of a routine training plan for the People's Liberation Army Navy, marking at least the sixth distant deployment of the Liaoning since its service began. The operation coincided with the U.S.-Japan Keen Sword 27 exercise, highlighting the strategic significance of the carrier's presence in the region.

Marcus ChenSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

The Liaoning aircraft carrier conducted training exercises in the Western Pacific from October 14 to 23, 2026, accompanied by two large destroyers and one missile destroyer. The exercises included aircraft takeoffs and landings near southern islands of Japan and may extend towards the South China Sea. This deployment is part of a routine training schedule aimed at enhancing combat readiness and coincided with U.S.-Japan joint military exercises.

Li MinghuiSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

The Liaoning aircraft carrier conducted routine training exercises in the western Pacific from October 14 to October 23, 2026, reaching areas near southern Japan and moving towards the South China Sea. This operation marks a shift from trial voyages to systematic training, enhancing the operational capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Navy. The carrier's evolving role emphasizes the integration of training and operational readiness within the Chinese naval forces.

Li MinghuiSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) deployed the Liaoning aircraft carrier group to the western Pacific from October 14 to 23, 2026, conducting training exercises near Japan and the Philippines. This deployment included two large destroyers and a guided-missile destroyer, contributing to the operational capabilities of China's carrier fleet. The activities are part of a broader strategy to normalize naval presence in contested waters, enhancing China's maritime operational experience and pressure on regional adversaries.

Marcus ChenSat Oct 24 2026Loading...

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced a review of the military AI policy on October 19, 2024, citing the rapid advancement of AI technology. The current policy, established on July 2, 2024, outlines priority areas for AI use within the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces. The review will also address the role of human oversight in AI decision-making.

The Liaoning carrier group conducted its second far-seas training deployment to the Western Pacific in October 2023, observed by Japanese forces. The group, which includes the Liaoning and several destroyers, performed flight operations south of Ishigaki-jima. This deployment is part of routine training exercises by the People's Liberation Army Navy, emphasizing their enhanced naval capabilities over the past decade.

The Chinese Navy's 48th Naval Escort Task Force returned to Qingdao on October 23, 2026, after a record 378-day deployment. During this mission, the task force escorted 423 vessels and participated in joint exercises in South Africa and Pakistan. This deployment marks the longest in the history of China's anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters.

Four KJ-3000 aircraft were observed near a production facility in Xi'an, indicating a potential transition to serial production by the People's Liberation Army. These aircraft could enhance command and control capabilities for Chinese military operations in the Taiwan Strait, allowing for improved coordination among various military assets. However, the actual operational capability and production sustainability remain uncertain.

Marcus ChenSat Oct 24 2026Loading...

Japan and the U.S. are conducting the 'Sword 27' joint military exercises from October 19 to 29, 2023, involving 45,000 Japanese Self-Defense Forces and 12,000 U.S. personnel. The exercises include the deployment of advanced military systems like NMESIS and MADIS on Yonaguni Island, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the region and potential impacts on local civilian life in Okinawa.

Japan's 25th type anti-ship guided missile participated for the first time in the Keen Sword joint exercise, which began on October 19, 2026, in the Southwest Region. Approximately 45,000 Japanese personnel, 11,000 U.S. personnel, and 300 Australian personnel engaged in the exercise, testing interoperability and defense strategies against potential threats from the Chinese Navy. The exercise involved the deployment of various military assets, including ships and aircraft, to enhance regional defense capabilities.

Tanaka TakashiSat Oct 24 2026Loading...

Naval Aviation University conducted a multi-subject flight training exercise involving several fighter jets. The exercise included day and night operations, with Red and Blue forces engaging in air combat training. Maintenance personnel ensured aircraft readiness for night operations, culminating in a successful completion of the training.

CNS Liaoning conducted naval training exercises in the Western Pacific Ocean on October 14, 2023, as part of a routine deployment. The carrier group, which included two large destroyers and a guided-missile destroyer, aimed to enhance combat readiness and demonstrate China's naval capabilities. These movements have raised alerts among regional military observers, particularly near Taiwan and Japan.

Air Marshal Tony Davies resigned as Chief of Defence Force of New Zealand due to personal reasons and past errors of judgement. Rear Adm. Mat Williams will serve as Acting Chief of Defence Force, with Maj. Gen. Rose King temporarily filling the role until Williams officially takes over on Sunday. Davies admitted to having an inappropriate relationship while in command, which he regrets not disclosing earlier.

The U.S. Air Force is testing new command methods for drones using F-22 stealth fighters and carrier platforms in the Taiwan Strait. This shift in command authority from ground stations to manned platforms poses new challenges for the PLA's air defense systems, which will face a greater variety of targets. The integration of drones into naval operations is also being explored, indicating a significant evolution in military tactics.

Li MinghuiFri Oct 23 2026Loading...

Tony Davis resigned as Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force on September 23, 2023, due to integrity issues that he had not previously disclosed. Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the resignation, which is effective immediately. Matt Williams, the Deputy Chief, will serve as acting Chief until a new appointment is made.

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...