Analysis & Reports

Japan Air Self-Defense Force conducted joint training exercises with U.S. Air Force B-52H bombers from February 16-18, 2026, in the South China Sea and Sea of Japan. This exercise involved F-15 and F-2 fighter jets and aimed to enhance tactical coordination amid rising military activities from China and Russia. The training demonstrated the effectiveness and responsiveness of the U.S.-Japan alliance in the evolving security environment.

Tanaka TakashiFri Feb 20 2026Loading...

The Chinese Ministry of Defense announced an investigation into Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli for serious violations of discipline and law on January 24, 2026. This marks a significant power restructuring within the Central Military Commission, reflecting deeper issues regarding military modernization and command stability. The rapid handling of the investigation suggests a severe internal crisis, with potential implications for the operational readiness of the People's Liberation Army.

Li MinghuiFri Feb 20 2026Loading...

The U.S. military is significantly increasing its presence in the Gulf region, deploying multiple fighter aircraft and naval assets in February 2026. This includes 6 F-22 Raptors and 18 F-35s, alongside aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford. The buildup is part of preparations for potential confrontations with Iran, amid ongoing diplomatic tensions regarding nuclear agreements.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army has significantly increased its rotational presence in the Philippines as of mid-February 2026, establishing a persistent ground force capability. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance deterrence against China, with the Philippines serving as a key location for military exercises and rapid response capabilities. Concurrently, U.S. Senators are advocating for a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue summit to strengthen alliances before a critical meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Marcus ChenThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

Iron Fist 26, a joint amphibious exercise involving 5,000 personnel from Japan and the U.S., is taking place in the Southwest Islands, including Okinawa, from February to March 9, 2023. The exercise emphasizes operations in outdoor terrain, reflecting a shift towards practical training. This event is strategically significant amid rising tensions related to Taiwan and North Korea's military developments.

Tanaka TakashiWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) conducted simultaneous dual-carrier operations in the Pacific in 2025, marking a significant increase in military activity. The PLAN executed 3,764 air incursions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone and conducted live-fire drills in the South China Sea. The commissioning of the Fujian carrier enhances China's naval capabilities, allowing for more effective power projection. China plans to expand its carrier fleet with six additional nuclear-powered carriers by 2035, indicating a shift towards a more global naval presence.

Marcus ChenTue Feb 17 2026Loading...

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was spotted near the Oman coast on February 15, with the U.S. Navy releasing images of its operations. The carrier arrived in the Middle East in January, and the USS Gerald R. Ford has also been deployed to the region. Ongoing indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S. are taking place in Oman.

The U.S. Marine Corps is relocating 9,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam, which is 1,500 miles away, under a 2006 agreement. This move raises concerns about the U.S. military's rapid response capability in the event of a crisis in Taiwan, as it would take three days for the Marines to reach the First Island Chain. The strategic situation has changed significantly with China's military expansion, and Japan's defense posture does not align with its rhetoric regarding Taiwan.

Marcus ChenSun Feb 15 2026Loading...

U.S. Army units deployed to northern Luzon, Philippines, in early February 2026, marking a shift towards a semi-permanent military presence. This 'quiet rotation' aims to enhance deterrence capabilities in the region, particularly against potential threats from China. The deployment includes long-range precision fire systems, with the strategic location allowing coverage of critical maritime areas.

Tanaka TakashiSun Feb 15 2026Loading...

The U.S. completed its withdrawal from the Tanf base in Syria on February 12, 2026, while simultaneously increasing its military presence in the Gulf region with 36 F-15E Strike Eagles and the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group. This strategic repositioning aims to deter Iran, as U.S. forces face risks from Iranian missile and drone attacks. Regional allies, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, express concerns about escalating tensions.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Feb 13 2026Loading...

The August 1st Air Demonstration Team completed their mission at the Singapore Airshow and departed from Changi Airport, Singapore, on February 10. They are returning to China with support from a Y-20 tanker aircraft.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) established the Information Support Force in December 2024 to enhance communication infrastructure stability. This new unit focuses on ensuring operational capabilities under threat, as demonstrated in recent exercises. The PLA is addressing a talent gap by recruiting from civilian technology sectors and aims to improve inter-branch data sharing for better coordination in military operations.

Li MinghuiMon Feb 09 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army established a rotational presence in the Philippines with approximately 50 personnel in July 2025, focusing on building partnerships and improving infrastructure. This deployment, part of the Army Rotational Force-Philippines (ARF-P), is seen as a symbolic gesture amid China's extensive military presence in the region. The Philippine military continues to face challenges in maritime defense against Chinese operations.

Marcus ChenSun Feb 08 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army established a new rotational force in the Philippines in July 2025, comprising approximately 50 personnel from Army Pacific. This force aims to strengthen military partnerships and improve infrastructure in the region. The announcement of the force was made in January 2026, indicating a shift towards a more sustained military presence in the Philippines.

The U.S. Army established a rotational presence in the Philippines in July 2025, consisting of approximately 50 personnel under U.S. Army Pacific. This move aims to enhance army-to-army partnerships and improve infrastructure with the Philippine Army. The formation of Task Force Philippines is intended to reinforce military collaboration and deter Chinese claims in the South China Sea, marking a shift towards a more sustained U.S. military presence in the region.

The U.S. Army established a rotational presence in the Philippines in July 2025, consisting of approximately 50 personnel under U.S. Army Pacific. This move aims to build army-to-army partnerships and improve infrastructure with the Philippine Army. The formation of Task Force Philippines is intended to enhance military collaboration and deter Chinese claims in the South China Sea, marking a shift towards a more sustained U.S. military presence in the region.

Xi Jinping has purged senior military leaders from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) between 2023 and 2025, citing corruption and bureaucratic politics as key reasons. The most notable removal was Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission. This has led to a significant reduction in the PLA's leadership, with only two official members remaining in the CMC. The purges have affected multiple branches of the military, indicating a broader restructuring under Xi's command.

The 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team is deploying to U.S. Central Command to replace an Iowa National Guard unit. This deployment is part of a regular rotation and supports ongoing operations against ISIS in the Middle East. The announcement did not provide specific details on the countries of operation or a timeline for the deployment.

South Korea completed the deployment of the second performance upgrade of its Army Tactical Command Information System (ATCIS) on January 26. The upgraded system is now fully operational across the Republic of Korea Army, enhancing real-time battlefield information sharing and analysis. This upgrade supports AI-based operations and the integration of unmanned platforms, demonstrating South Korea's independent defense capabilities.

General Zhang Youxia was removed from the Central Military Commission in China, accompanied by the arrest of General Liu Zhenli. This upheaval within the People's Liberation Army has raised concerns about operational leadership and political loyalty. Analysts suggest that these purges may lead to a leadership void, impacting the PLA's readiness for complex military operations. Allegations of coup plotting and unrest have emerged, indicating significant instability within the military leadership.