Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army deployed the Typhon Missile System to northern Luzon, Philippines, in April 2024, enhancing its long-range strike capabilities. In 2026, the system was also operational at Japan's Kanoya Air Base. The Typhon, developed by Lockheed Martin, allows for strikes against ships and land targets, complicating Chinese military strategies. Russia and China have publicly opposed its deployment, highlighting its strategic importance in the region.

Corvid Technologies LLC was awarded a $33.86 million contract to build a weapon sled assembly for the U.S. Marine Corps' NMESIS land-based anti-ship missile launcher. The contract, which runs through August 2034, allows the Department of War to place orders as needed. NMESIS integrates the Naval Strike Missile with an unmanned launch vehicle, enhancing the Marine Corps' anti-ship capabilities.

France's arms exports exceeded 20 billion euros for the second consecutive year, driven by significant orders including 26 Rafale fighter jets for India and 2 submarines for Indonesia. The report indicates a global arms buildup following the Ukraine conflict, with missile orders projected to increase by 15% from 2024 to 2025. The French Ministry of Defense noted that the Rafale fighter jet remains a key driver of these exports.

Japan's Ministry of Defense requested a record-high budget of over 130 trillion yen for FY 2027, focusing on offensive capabilities such as hypersonic missiles and attack drones. This shift indicates a move away from a strictly defensive posture, raising concerns about increased national debt and potential instability in domestic politics. Analysts warn that this militarization could lead to long-term implications for Japan's military strategy and fiscal health.

Japan's Ministry of Defense plans to apply for a record-high defense budget of 8.9 trillion yen for Fiscal Year 2027, reflecting a significant increase in military spending. This budget aims to reach 2% of GDP, indicating a shift from passive defense to proactive deterrence. The Ministry also intends to deploy intercept drones, marking a transition towards advanced technologies in defense strategy.

Japan's Ministry of Defense is advancing the development of submarine-launched hypersonic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles to enhance its counterattack capabilities. The budget request for the 2027 fiscal year is approximately 8.9 trillion yen, with a focus on new military technologies to address threats from Russia and China. Analysts indicate that these developments are influenced by U.S. strategic interests in the region.

The Fujian aircraft carrier has successfully integrated the J-35 and KJ-600 aircraft during recent trials in Fujian. This marks a significant step in the operational capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Navy, with expectations of achieving near full operational capability by the end of 2026. The trials included testing the electromagnetic catapult system and involved three types of aircraft working together.

Li MinghuiSat Aug 22 2026Loading...

Japan's Ministry of Defense requested a record 8.9 trillion yen for the 2027 fiscal year, focusing on unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range missiles. This budget reflects a significant shift in defense strategy towards advanced military capabilities. North Korea and China have condemned the budget, labeling it as preparation for invasion. The request aims to enhance Japan's defense posture in response to regional threats.

Tanaka TakashiSat Aug 22 2026Loading...

The U.S. Department of State approved the sale of 103 AIM-9X Block II missiles and 10 tactical guidance systems to South Korea on August 21, 2023, valued at $125 million. This sale is intended to enhance South Korea's air defense and deterrence capabilities, ensuring interoperability with U.S. forces.

Governments involved in the GCAP program are pushing to accelerate the introduction of the 6th Generation Fighter to 2033, as stated by Leonardo CEO Lorenzo Mariani. This acceleration may require modifying the initial capabilities of the aircraft. Japan's Mitsubishi F-2 fleet is expected to retire around 2035, raising concerns about a capability gap. Canada has become the first official observer of the program, with other nations expressing interest in joining.

The U.S. Air Force lost two B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, one in Guam in 2008 and another in Missouri in 2022, reducing the fleet to 19 aircraft. The Spirit of Kansas was destroyed due to sensor failure, while the Spirit of Hawaii was deemed uneconomical to repair after a landing gear failure. The production line for B-2s has been closed since the 1990s, preventing any further construction of these aircraft until the B-21 Raider becomes operational.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers are actively engaged in air operations against targets in Iran, utilizing stand-off munitions. The bombers have been modified to enhance their payload capacity and integrate hypersonic weapons. Recent deployments include operations from Dyess Air Force Base and Misawa Air Base, with significant contributions to U.S. military efforts in the region.

Japan's Defense Minister visited Australia and India to promote military cooperation, including the sale of upgraded Mogami-class frigates and hypersonic missiles. Japan seeks to integrate India into its defense technology network while attempting to establish a political-military strategy in the Indo-Pacific region. However, Japan's military ambitions are constrained by its limited industrial capacity and reliance on U.S. support.

On August 19, 2023, Blue Arrow Aerospace successfully landed the first stage of the Zhuque-3 rocket on land in Minqin, Gansu, marking China's first land recovery of a rocket stage using landing legs. This achievement highlights advancements in China's reusable rocket technology, which aims to reduce launch costs significantly. The rocket's first stage is powered by nine Tianque-12A engines, showcasing a shift towards more economical space launch capabilities.

Li MinghuiFri Aug 21 2026Loading...

The U.S. Government announced the X-30 National Aerospace Plane (NASP) project in 1986, aiming for hypersonic travel from Washington, D.C. to Tokyo in two hours. However, the program faced insurmountable engineering challenges and was canceled by the early 1990s without producing a prototype. Despite its failure, the project contributed to advancements in aerospace materials and hypersonic technology research.

North Korea launched approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles towards the East Sea around 5 PM on August 20, 2023, from the Pyongyang metropolitan area. This action was a direct response to the recent reduction of the UFS26 military exercises by the US and South Korea. The missiles reportedly flew about 300 kilometers, and the South Korean government condemned the launch as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

Tanaka TakashiThu Aug 20 2026Loading...

Rheinmetall is experiencing significant delays in the delivery of the Schwerer Waffenträger armored vehicle and Skyranger air defense system, with the first vehicles now expected in 2026-2028. The Bundeswehr's procurement office has cited deficiencies in the programs, leading to increased scrutiny from German lawmakers and military officials. The delays are attributed to insufficient maturity and quality of the systems, impacting Germany's rearmament efforts.

On June 27, 2026, a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit from the 509th Bomb Wing sank the decommissioned USS Juneau with a live AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile in the Philippine Sea, north of the Mariana Islands. This operation followed a joint exercise with the Navy and highlights the B-2's new role in anti-ship operations. The event underscores the U.S. military's commitment to adaptability in maritime warfare.

North Korea has significantly aided Iran's military capabilities, providing ballistic missile technology and naval assets. The US has reduced its annual war games with South Korea, which may impact military readiness. Since February 2026, Iran has utilized North Korean-provided missiles against US forces. The report raises concerns about South Korea's lack of support for US operations in Iran despite the threat posed by North Korean proliferation.

Japan's Ministry of Defense is advancing the development of submarine-launched hypersonic missiles to enhance its military capabilities by 2027. The defense budget is projected to exceed 10 trillion yen, reflecting a shift towards offensive military strategies. Japan is also collaborating with Australia on hypersonic missile technology, indicating a significant change in its defense posture.