Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
The Royal Navy Had to Take an Astute-Class Nuclear Attack Submarine And Cannibalize it for Spare Parts
HMS Ambush has been idle at Faslane since August 2022, serving as a parts locker for other Astute-class submarines. The Royal Navy currently has all five in-service Astute boats tied up, with none operational at sea. Infrastructure bottlenecks and a shortage of qualified engineers are contributing to the crisis, as the Navy struggles to maintain its submarine fleet while planning for future replacements with SSN-AUKUS boats.
Russia's Bulava and North Korea's KN-25 Missiles Test the Western Pacific
Russia launched a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile from the Sea of Okhotsk toward the Chizha test range on October 25-31, 2026. Two days later, North Korea fired 10 short-range ballistic missiles from Wonsan into the Sea of Japan. These events highlight the increasing complexity of military operations in the Western Pacific, where both nations are testing their missile capabilities and signaling to U.S. forces and allies.
Marcus ChenMon Nov 02 2026Loading...
Australia unveils secretive Ghost Shark underwater drone payloads
Australia unveiled payloads for the Ghost Shark underwater drones on October 19, 2023, in Sydney. The Royal Australian Navy revealed that the drones can carry sea mines, Altius-600 loitering munitions, and logistics supply caches. This development aims to enhance undersea warfare capabilities as Australia invests A$1.7 billion in the fleet, with the first unit expected for testing by early 2026.
Japan Self-Defense Forces to Research Underwater Drones in Fiscal Year 2027, Mass Production by 2035 to Transform Anti-Submarine Surveillance
Japan's Self-Defense Forces will initiate research on underwater unmanned vehicles (UUVs) in fiscal year 2027, aiming for mass production by 2035 to improve anti-submarine surveillance. This development addresses personnel shortages by increasing surveillance density with unmanned systems. The design will feature interchangeable payloads for different missions, although challenges in communication and operational integration remain.
Tanaka TakashiMon Nov 02 2026Loading...Video: "Hongqi-9, 19, and 29, all will be there, everything that should be will be!"
The Central Theater Command Air Force successfully intercepted multiple missile targets during a recent exercise, demonstrating the effectiveness of their air defense systems, including the Hongqi-9, Hongqi-19, and Hongqi-29. Military experts assert that China has reached a leading position in global missile defense capabilities. The interception was completed within two minutes, showcasing rapid response times against fast-moving threats.
2026 PLA Sichuan Ship First Tests GJ-21 Drone, Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship Shifts to Unmanned Combat
The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted tests of the GJ-21 stealth reconnaissance drone aboard the Sichuan amphibious assault ship on October 30-31, 2026. This event marks a significant development as the 076 ship demonstrates capabilities akin to an aircraft carrier. The GJ-21's specifications remain undisclosed, and further testing is needed to assess its operational effectiveness in various conditions.
Li MinghuiMon Nov 02 2026Loading...
Global Competition for Drone Carriers: What Makes the Sichuan Ship Strong?
The Sichuan ship of the Chinese Navy successfully conducted takeoff and landing tests with the Attack-21 drone, marking a significant advancement in naval capabilities. This event occurred on October 30, 2023, showcasing China's ability to integrate advanced drone technology into its amphibious assault operations. The Attack-21 drone, designed for high-intensity combat, has a takeoff weight exceeding 10 tons and utilizes advanced launch systems.
China Claims Its AI Seeker Recognizes the F-22 and F-35 97.1 Percent of the Time, and the Problem Is Not the Accuracy: the Jets It Recognized Were Mock-Ups, and the Real-Aircraft Data Is Confidential
Chinese researchers at the Beijing Institute of Technology and the China Airborne Missile Academy developed an AI system for missile-mounted infrared imaging, claiming it can recognize F-22 and F-35 jets with 97.1% accuracy in lab tests. However, the system was trained on simulated images, and actual performance data against real aircraft remains confidential. This development could impact the effectiveness of current countermeasures like flares.
Japan Seeks to Use Underwater Drones for Coastal Surveillance
Japan's Self-Defense Forces will begin utilizing underwater drones for surveillance of foreign submarines starting from FY 2027. This initiative aims to reduce personnel burdens and enhance deterrence against neighboring submarine forces. The Ministry of Defense has included this project in its budget request, with plans to finalize participating companies and prototype development by 2035.
Kim Jong-un Calls for Strengthening North Korea's Drone Technology
North Korea conducted a weapons exhibition on October 29, 2023, showcasing drone technology and missile launches. Kim Jong-un attended the event, which featured the demonstration of a 600mm rocket artillery and various drones. The Korean People's Army launched over 10 short-range ballistic missiles towards the eastern sea during the event. The exhibition likely occurred at Wonsan Kalma International Airport.
North Korea tests cluster-bomb warhead for ballistic missiles
North Korea tested a cluster-bomb warhead for its tactical ballistic missiles on October 31, demonstrating its combat readiness and destructive power. The 'Standard Type 2' warhead can destroy a target area of 12 to 13 hectares. The test was overseen by Kim Jong Sik, and North Korea plans to allow military units to select from four types of cluster warheads by year-end. The missile was fired at an uninhabited island target in the West Sea, marking a significant development in its missile capabilities.
"One Phrase 'Can Be Displayed' Actually Dates Back Ten Years!"
The J-20 stealth fighter jet of the People's Liberation Army Air Force was publicly showcased for the first time on November 1, 2016, during the 11th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the J-20 has marked several milestones, including its first combat posture appearance and participation in military training exercises, highlighting its role as a key asset in China's military aviation.
Full Replacement with Domestic Engines: Core Details Analysis of the J-20 Family Iteration
The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has upgraded the J-20 fighter jet, replacing imported engines with domestically produced ones and introducing the dual-seat J-20S variant. These enhancements improve speed, maneuverability, and operational capabilities, allowing for a more integrated air combat system. The J-20 is now a key component of China's evolving air force strategy, focusing on offensive capabilities and advanced combat scenarios.
A One-Sentence Summary of How Powerful Fifth-Generation Fighters Are: "The Opponent Doesn't Even Know Where the Threat Is Coming From"
The J-20, China's first fully indigenous stealth fighter jet, showcases advanced capabilities that allow it to operate undetected while engaging targets. It features superior stealth, strong situational awareness, and supersonic cruising ability, enabling it to undertake complex missions like penetrating air defenses and precision strikes. The J-20's design aligns with modern aerial combat requirements, enhancing China's defense capabilities.
Video | The J-20's First Public Debut 10th Anniversary: A Look Back at the Highlights of the Weilang!
The J-20 stealth fighter jet was publicly showcased for the first time on November 1, 2016, at the 11th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition. Over the years, it has participated in significant military events, demonstrating its evolution and operational capabilities within the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The J-20 continues to represent advancements in China's military aviation technology.
Kim Jong-un Demands "Absolute Advantage" in Drones as South Korea's Anti-Drone System Faces New Cost Calculations
Kim Jong-un demanded absolute superiority in drone capabilities during an exhibition in North Korea on October 30-31, 2023. The event highlighted advancements in drone technology and production, indicating a strategic shift from ballistic missiles to unmanned aerial systems. South Korea is challenged by the need to counter low-cost drone threats effectively.
Tanaka TakashiSat Oct 31 2026Loading...North Korea’s 10 KN-25 Launches Expose a 2026 Drone-Missile Gap
North Korea launched 10 KN-25 rockets from Wonsan toward the Sea of Japan on October 29, 2023, demonstrating its missile capabilities. South Korea assessed the launch as involving 10 short-range ballistic missiles, while the U.S. reported only two, highlighting discrepancies in allied detection. The KN-25's capabilities, including potential nuclear warhead delivery, pose risks to regional security.
Marcus ChenSat Oct 31 2026Loading..."Hand-Rubbed" Animation! Watch "Attack-21" Successfully Take Off and Land on the Sichuan Ship
The Chinese Navy successfully conducted the first takeoff and landing of the Attack-21 stealth drone on the Sichuan ship. This event signifies a major advancement in the Navy's capabilities to operate fixed-wing UAVs from large maritime platforms.
When the Map is Exhausted, the Dagger Appears! What Are the Intentions Behind the Japan-U.S. "Sword 27" Joint Military Exercises?
The U.S. and Japan conducted the 'Sword 27' joint military exercise from October 19 to 29, 2023, involving nearly 60,000 personnel and multiple nations. The exercise featured advanced weapon systems, including the F-22 Raptor and Japan's 25-type anti-ship missile. Protests against the military exercises were reported across various Japanese cities.
2026 PLA GJ-21 Completes Shipboard Takeoff and Landing, Type 076 Sichuan Ship Shifts to Unmanned Combat Node
On October 30, 2026, the GJ-21 stealth drone successfully completed its first takeoff and landing on the Type 076 amphibious assault ship, Sichuan, marking a significant advancement in naval drone operations. The Sichuan, equipped with electromagnetic launch systems, is expected to enhance the People's Liberation Army Navy's operational capabilities in reconnaissance and strike missions. Ongoing testing indicates a continuous development project rather than a singular event.
Li MinghuiSat Oct 31 2026Loading...
