Analysis & Reports

Japan plans to acquire approximately 52,000 unmanned systems, including 10,000 attack drones and 1,300 anti-ship drones, from 2027 to 2031. The defense budget is projected to nearly double, exceeding 9 trillion yen, to enhance its offensive capabilities with long-range missiles. This marks a significant shift in Japan's military posture towards more aggressive defense strategies.

An RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force crashed in the Japan Sea on September 15, 2026, leading to a significant reduction in ISR capabilities. The loss of communication occurred shortly before the crash, and the cause remains unknown. This incident raises concerns about Japan's surveillance operations amid ongoing tensions with North Korea and China, as the country plans to introduce MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs starting in 2027 to bolster its capabilities.

Tanaka TakashiFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

Yemeni government forces are engaged in combat with Houthi forces in the Kahbob Mountains and other strategic locations to halt their advance. Saudi Arabia is providing air support, conducting airstrikes in Taiz and Hajjah provinces. Houthi forces have reportedly suffered significant losses, and a Houthi drone was intercepted in Saudi Arabia, resulting in civilian casualties.

On September 18, 2023, various units of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted activities to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the September 18 Incident across locations in China, including Shandong Weifang and the Tibet Plateau. Soldiers participated in solemn ceremonies, reflecting on historical struggles and honoring fallen heroes, while also emphasizing their commitment to military readiness and national defense.

Saudi Arabia conducted 37 airstrikes using F-15 fighter jets in Taiz and Hajjah provinces of Yemen within the last 24 hours, resulting in civilian casualties. The strikes were reported by Houthi spokesperson Yahya, with no response from Saudi authorities.

Intense fighting occurred between Yemeni government forces and Houthi fighters near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait over the past 24 hours. At least 19 government soldiers and 25 Houthi fighters were killed, with many others injured. Saudi Arabia conducted multiple airstrikes to support government forces, while the conflict remains in a stalemate with no decisive breakthroughs.

China is expanding its naval capabilities, particularly in submarines and aircraft carriers, as a challenge to the U.S. in the South China Sea. By 2025, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has 787 ships and 384,000 active personnel. The Bohai shipyard is undergoing expansion to support increased submarine production, with significant investments in nuclear submarine programs. China aims to field nine aircraft carriers by 2035, with the Type-003 Fujian already commissioned.

Admiral David Glasgow Farragut commanded the West Gulf Blockading Squadron during the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, leading an attack against Confederate fortifications. His famous command, 'Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead,' became legendary despite disputes over its exact wording. The battle involved intricate naval maneuvers and resulted in a Union victory, solidifying Farragut's legacy in U.S. naval history.

The Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Georgia, is hosting a three-day event from September 24-26 to honor the SR-71 Blackbird and its crew. The SR-71A 61-7958 holds the world speed record for air-breathing, manned aircraft at 2,193.167 mph, a record set by Maj. Gen. Eldon Joersz in 1976. The event will feature displays and discussions with former crew members and engineers.

Captain James Lawrence uttered the famous phrase 'Don't give up the ship' on June 1, 1813, during the War of 1812 while mortally wounded in the Battle of Boston Harbor. He died on June 4, 1813, and his legacy continues to inspire the U.S. Navy, with the phrase serving as a rallying cry for over two centuries. Lawrence's actions during the war, including capturing British vessels, solidified his place in naval history.

In March 2023, the Israeli Air Force destroyed several Iranian F-14 Tomcats at Isfahan in Central Iran. These aircraft, originally sold to Iran in 1976, were believed to be the last operational F-14s globally. The U.S. had previously dismantled its own F-14s to prevent parts from reaching Iran.

The U.S. Army is prioritizing training for soldiers to operate drones effectively in contested electromagnetic environments as part of the Drone Dominance program. With 12,080 drones acquired, the focus is on ensuring every squad is equipped and trained by the end of fiscal 2026. Recent exercises in Germany highlighted the need for soldiers to navigate the electromagnetic spectrum effectively.

The U.S. Army is focusing on training soldiers to operate small, one-way attack drones, particularly in contested electromagnetic environments. This initiative follows the acceptance of 12,080 drones from the Drone Dominance program's first gauntlet. Training is being conducted both domestically and abroad, including exercises in Germany with NATO partners. The Army aims to ensure every squad is equipped and capable of using these drones effectively by the end of fiscal 2026.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking a ground-based, medium-caliber gun weapon system to defend against drones and cruise missiles as of September 3. This initiative aims to enhance air base defenses in response to the increasing threat from inexpensive and effective drone technology. The system must be rapidly deployable and capable of engaging multiple threats simultaneously, reflecting a significant shift in air defense strategy.

The Air Force Test Center is prioritizing safety while rapidly developing and testing new technologies, including upgrades for the B-52 Stratofortress and the introduction of Massed Modular Aircraft to replace the MQ-9 Reaper. This follows a recent incident where eight airmen died during a B-52 test flight. The center is collaborating with tech industries to enhance capabilities and integrate AI into military operations.

U.S. airstrikes in February 2026 resulted in 150 casualties, including 120 schoolchildren, in Minab and Lamerd, Iran. The U.N. report indicated that these strikes were indiscriminate and violated international law. Additionally, Iranian authorities faced accusations of crimes against humanity for their violent suppression of protests, leading to numerous civilian deaths and executions.

The Royal Navy is set to introduce four Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines, with the first, HMS Dreadnought, expected to be commissioned in the early 2030s. These submarines will replace the aging Vanguard-class and are designed to enhance the UK's nuclear deterrent capabilities. Each submarine will be equipped with 12 Trident 2 D5 missiles and advanced stealth technology, including new X-rudders and Pumpjet propulsors for reduced noise.

The U.S. think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies proposed that the U.S. Navy should target Chinese aircraft carriers, viewing them as a strategic vulnerability. The report outlines tactics involving submarines and land-based missiles to counter China's growing naval capabilities. It highlights the need for the U.S. to adapt its naval strategy and increase its submarine fleet to effectively challenge the People's Liberation Army Navy.

The Royal Navy's aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, faced significant mechanical breakdowns and maintenance issues from 2022 to 2025, impacting operational readiness. HMS Prince of Wales broke down shortly after departing Portsmouth, leading to a nine-month repair period, while HMS Queen Elizabeth experienced multiple issues, including a propeller shaft coupling failure. Despite these challenges, HMS Prince of Wales successfully completed Operation Highmast in 2025, suggesting improved reliability moving forward.

On September 16, 2026, U.S. and Indian soldiers conducted a counterterrorism building-clearing demonstration in Auli, India, involving approximately 6,000 personnel. The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability in mountain warfare without indicating a formal military alignment against China. While it improves cooperation, India's military priorities remain focused on continental issues rather than Pacific engagements.

Marcus ChenThu Sep 17 2026Loading...