Analysis & Reports

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is actively engaged in disaster relief operations in China following recent floods. On July 17, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Defense highlighted the military's commitment to public safety and their ongoing efforts in reinforcing levees, clearing debris, and conducting epidemic prevention measures. The phrase 'The PLA has arrived' symbolizes the trust the people place in their military during times of crisis.

Chinese and Russian navies successfully conducted joint naval exercises named 'Maritime Joint-2026' near Qingdao on July 17, 2023. The exercises focused on joint reconnaissance and air defense, and have transitioned into a maritime patrol phase. This cooperation is part of an annual military collaboration plan and is stated to be unrelated to current international tensions.

Israel is deploying modified commercial vessels as floating bases for 9 to 12 Hermes 650 Spark drones in the Eastern Mediterranean as of July 15, 2026. This initiative by Elbit Systems aims to enhance maritime surveillance and early warning capabilities while providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional aircraft carriers. The concept is positioned against competitors in the drone maritime market, particularly targeting regional threats to Israeli gas platforms.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

The Ministry of National Defense of China hosted the fourth China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange in Kunming from July 8-10, 2023. The event focused on regional security cooperation and strategies to address global changes, with approximately 150 defense officials and scholars from China and 11 ASEAN countries in attendance. China emphasized its commitment to peace and collaboration with ASEAN nations to tackle various security challenges.

Henry Kaiser’s shipyard in Vancouver, Washington, launched 50 escort aircraft carriers from 1943 to 1944, significantly enhancing U.S. naval capabilities during World War II. The USS Casablanca was commissioned in July 1943, marking the beginning of a rapid production cycle. These carriers played vital roles in various naval operations, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and were instrumental in the U.S. Navy's efforts against German U-boats.

The 12th Marine Littoral Regiment (12th MLR) of the U.S. Marine Corps participated in joint training exercises with the Japan Self-Defense Forces in southwestern Japan, receiving NMESIS and MADIS systems. The training, conducted in July 2026 across multiple islands, aims to enhance deterrence capabilities against potential threats from China. New transport ships were also introduced to support logistics in the region, emphasizing the importance of sustained supply lines.

Tanaka TakashiFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

On July 16, 1994, fragments of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 collided with Jupiter, creating impacts equivalent to 300 million atomic bombs. NASA's Galileo orbiter observed the event, which produced massive plumes and extreme atmospheric temperatures. This unprecedented collision underscored the importance of monitoring space threats to Earth.

Russia has unveiled advanced military prototypes, including the T-14 tank and Su-57 fighter, but has produced only a handful due to production challenges. In contrast, it has successfully manufactured tens of thousands of cheap drones, highlighting a significant shift in its military capabilities. The T-14 and Su-57 remain largely unutilized in combat, while the Su-75 Checkmate has yet to fly.

Two naval aviators from the People's Liberation Army Navy died during training in the South China Sea on June 10. One of the deceased was a 38-year-old tactical commander, highlighting a critical shortage of experienced pilots. The incident underscores the increased training risks associated with the rapid expansion of naval aviation capabilities and the need for more qualified personnel.

Li MinghuiFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

Japan is exploring the development of nuclear submarines, raising concerns among citizens about military expansion and a departure from its pacifist principles. The government acknowledges the need to enhance defense capabilities, with discussions on nuclear submarines indicating a significant shift in military policy. The Maritime Self-Defense Force aims to improve its offensive capabilities in response to regional threats.

UK Prime Minister Starmer announced the provision of 16 modernized Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine during his visit to Kyiv on the 16th. This military aid, valued at 300 million euros, aims to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities. The aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2029, with production involving multiple UK companies. Sweden will also supply a total of 32 Gripen jets, including 16 used ones.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against Iran for the sixth consecutive night on October 16, 2023, targeting Iranian military capabilities. The strikes included attacks on command centers and air defense systems. The U.S. has also resumed its naval blockade against Iran. President Trump indicated that military actions will persist until Iran engages in negotiations.

President Zelenskyy fired Defense Minister Mikhailo Federov, leading to widespread protests in Ukraine and criticism from foreign allies. Federov's dismissal was attributed to procurement issues and a feud with military leadership. He called for reforms and criticized the current command for not adapting to new warfare realities. This decision has raised concerns about the impact on Ukraine's military efforts against Russia.

JS Chokai of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will conduct live-fire training with Tomahawk cruise missiles in the Eastern Pacific during Summer 2026. This training, supported by the U.S. Navy's Third Fleet, marks a significant step in Japan's operational capabilities, transitioning from defensive to offensive strike options. The modifications to JS Chokai include the integration of the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System for Tomahawk missiles, enhancing Japan's deterrent posture against regional threats.

Tanaka TakashiFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

U.S. military conducted airstrikes in multiple locations across Iran on the evening of the 16th, resulting in 7 injuries in Abadan. The strikes targeted a communication tower and residential areas, with explosions reported near Geshm Island and Sistan and Baluchestan Province. Local authorities confirmed ongoing attacks in Ahvaz and Bushehr.

On July 16, 1945, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted the Trinity test, detonating the first nuclear weapon, a plutonium implosion bomb known as 'Gadget', in the Jornada del Muerto desert of New Mexico. This event marked a pivotal moment in military history, leading to the development of nuclear deterrence and fundamentally altering international relations. Since then, no two nuclear-armed powers have engaged in full-scale conventional warfare.

Blue Water Autonomy and Saildrone filed lawsuits against the U.S. Navy after being excluded from the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel program. The companies allege that the Navy's evaluation process was flawed and request to be reinstated in the competition. The Navy has selected seven companies for at-sea testing of the MUSV prototypes, which are part of a broader procurement effort for unmanned vessels.

Kuwaiti Armed Forces intercepted 32 enemy drones on the evening of the 16th. The drones were detected entering Kuwaiti airspace, and all were successfully intercepted. However, debris from the interception fell into residential areas, resulting in damage to some facilities.

Ukrainian President Zelensky signed a decree on October 16, dismissing the heads of military administrations in Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, and Mykolaiv Oblast. Ruslan Olenik has been appointed as the acting head of Kyiv Oblast military administration, while Georgiy Leshchynov will serve as the acting head of Mykolaiv Oblast military administration. The new head for Kyiv city military administration has not yet been announced.

Two explosions were heard in Bushehr, Iran, on July 16, attributed by local authorities to U.S. military actions. The incident has raised concerns regarding military operations in the region.