Analysis & Reports

China's spaceplane Shenlong has been actively releasing and recapturing a satellite in orbit since February 6, 2023, with notable activities occurring on June 21, July 12, and again in September. These maneuvers, which involve rendezvous and proximity operations, have raised concerns among Western analysts regarding potential military applications. The operations are tracked by U.S. Space Force and have been confirmed by astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell.

North Korea test-fired an upgraded, precision-guided 240mm rocket on September 22, 2024, capable of striking targets up to 115 km away, reaching the Seoul metropolitan area. This test is part of North Korea's five-year defense development plan and follows the concept of the U.S. Army's GMLRS. The Korean Central News Agency reported the rocket uses an onboard precision guidance system.

On September 23, 2023, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) deployed 10 aircraft and 12 vessels near Taiwan, with 9 aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait. This activity indicates a strategic shift in PLA reconnaissance efforts towards Taiwan's eastern side, as part of ongoing military operations throughout September. The presence of various aircraft types suggests a focus on intelligence gathering regarding Taiwan's defense capabilities.

Li MinghuiThu Sep 24 2026Loading...

Japan's Defense Minister announced on September 11, 2023, that the country is considering the acquisition of nuclear submarines (SSNs), marking a significant shift in its defense strategy. This potential move could enhance Japan's maritime capabilities and its role in the U.S.-Japan alliance, particularly in monitoring the Pacific region. However, Japan's nuclear policy poses challenges to this transition, emphasizing peaceful use and political resistance to military applications.

Tanaka TakashiThu Sep 24 2026Loading...

On 19 March 1945, the USS Franklin (CV-13) was bombed by a Japanese dive bomber near Honshū, resulting in significant damage and casualties. The ship's crew, numbering 962 after the attack, displayed extraordinary bravery, earning 392 decorations for their actions. Despite the severe damage, the USS Franklin managed to return to Brooklyn Naval Yard under its own power on 28 April 1945.

The South Korean Air Force received its first KF-21 Boramae fighter on September 22, 2023, enhancing its defense capabilities amid ongoing tensions with North Korea. The aircraft was escorted by FA-50, TA-50, and T-50 jets to the Air Force Base. The KF-21 program aims for combat readiness by the end of 2027, with plans to produce 120 fighters by 2032.

A B-2 Spirit aircraft crashed at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on February 23, 2008, due to water interference with its sensors, leading to a stall shortly after takeoff. The U.S. Air Force reported the crash cost at $1,407,006,920, marking it as the most expensive aircraft crash in history. One pilot sustained a spinal compression fracture during ejection, while the other escaped with minor injuries.

USS Nevada (BB-36) engaged in multiple military operations from Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, through the D-Day landings and post-war testing until it sank on July 31, 1948. The battleship was the only one to return fire during the Pearl Harbor attack and later participated in significant WWII battles, including Normandy and Iwo Jima. After surviving atomic bomb tests, it was ultimately sunk by an aerial torpedo.

On April 7, 1945, 390 US Navy aircraft attacked and sank the Yamato battleship in the East China Sea during Operation Ten-Go, Japan's final attempt to thwart the American invasion of Okinawa. Despite its formidable size and armament, the Yamato never engaged an American battleship and was ultimately destroyed without firing its guns in combat against them.

Douglas MacArthur, a prominent U.S. Army General, is noted for his leadership during World War I and World War II, particularly his return to the Philippines in 1944. He presided over Japan's surrender and was involved in the Korean War, where he faced dismissal from command due to controversial decisions. His military career is marked by both admiration and criticism, reflecting his complex legacy in American military history.

The Chinese Air Force introduced the J-35A fighter jet, designated 'Yunlong', which signifies its advanced capabilities and continues the 'Dragon' series naming tradition. This new medium stealth multi-role fighter is designed for air superiority and ground attack, showcasing China's advancements in military aviation. The J-35A is set to debut at the Zhuhai Airshow in November 2024, marking a significant milestone in China's military aviation development.

Taiwan's coast guard demonstrated the missile capabilities of its Anping-class cutters, which can be armed with up to 16 Hsiung Feng III missiles each, totaling 192 launchers. This capability enhances Taiwan's defense strategy in the Taiwan Strait, complicating potential Chinese military operations. The recent test involved a successful missile launch against a decommissioned frigate, showcasing the cutters' operational readiness and strategic value.

Marcus ChenWed Sep 23 2026Loading...

Nine Chinese military aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line on September 23, entering Taiwan's air defense identification zone. In response, Taiwan deployed its own aircraft and naval vessels, activating coastal missile systems for monitoring. This incident reflects a pattern of increasing military pressure from the PLA, with Taiwan facing heightened operational demands.

Li MinghuiWed Sep 23 2026Loading...

Military operations are being conducted in the Bohai Sea, with access prohibited to certain areas starting from September 24 at 7:00 AM.

The U.S., Japan, and South Korea conducted joint military training named Freedom Edge 26 from September 11 to 22, 2026, focusing on naval operations, missile defense, and information sharing. The training aimed to enhance cooperation in response to security challenges, including North Korea's actions and maritime law enforcement. A joint statement emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait and protecting legitimate shipping activities.

Tanaka TakashiWed Sep 23 2026Loading...

Chinese military doctors are focusing on drone-related injuries and discussing advancements in medical treatment based on experiences from the Ukraine battlefield. This shift indicates a change in medical protocols to address the nature of injuries caused by drones. The PLA is exploring the integration of portable medical technologies and improving logistics for medical support in response to evolving battlefield conditions.

Li MinghuiWed Sep 23 2026Loading...

China's Maritime Safety Administration issued a navigation warning for rocket launches in the South China Sea from September 23 to September 24, prohibiting entry into the area from 20:32 to 22:32 each day.

Seven soldiers from the 82nd Group Army were awarded the title of 'Top Marksman' after excelling in a rigorous shooting assessment. The unit organized specialized training to enhance their skills, addressing individual weaknesses. On the assessment day, all soldiers performed exceptionally well, achieving the highest recognition in marksmanship.

A new amphibious spherical robot was showcased at the China International Defense Electronics Exhibition. This robot, measuring 0.8 meters in diameter and weighing over 180 kg, can reach speeds of 35 km/h and is designed for both reconnaissance and attack missions. It operates effectively on water and land, capable of traversing various terrains and equipped with tools for capturing and dispersing crowds.

USS Abraham Lincoln is concluding a 305-day deployment, having engaged in combat operations against Iran and made a logistics stop in Guam. The carrier is expected to return to San Diego in early October after a lengthy absence. Concerns have been raised regarding the crew's conditions during the extended deployment, but Navy officials maintain that the crew remains focused and ready.