Analysis & Reports

The 82nd Group Army conducted a comprehensive live-fire exercise focused on all-weather air defense capabilities in China. The exercise involved rapid troop mobilization, equipment setup, and coordination among units, emphasizing night operations and equipment training. This training aimed to enhance the troops' combat readiness and response capabilities in various scenarios.

On August 11, the 76th Group Army conducted autonomous coordinated training with multiple Type 19 8×8 wheeled infantry fighting vehicles in the Gobi Desert. This vehicle, featuring an unmanned turret and advanced weaponry, has entered mass production and is expected to replace the Type 08 as the core equipment of medium combined brigades. However, the actual deployment speed and production capacity are still unclear.

Li MinghuiFri Aug 14 2026Loading...

The Naval Aviation Unit of the Eastern Theater Command conducted a live-fire training exercise at sea, involving multiple aircraft including helicopters and fighter jets. Pilots performed evasive maneuvers in response to simulated enemy radar detection and successfully launched missiles at designated targets. This exercise underscores the unit's readiness for combat operations.

The U.S. conducted multiple intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests from 2021 to 2026, including launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base and submarines off California. These tests, involving Minuteman III and Trident II missiles, are part of the U.S. strategy to maintain nuclear deterrence and respond to global security dynamics. The frequency of these tests has drawn criticism and highlighted the U.S.'s significant investment in its nuclear arsenal.

The Royal Australian Navy's Collins-class submarines, in service since the 1990s, have faced significant construction and design issues, including defective welds and a delayed combat system. The AUKUS program aims to replace these aging submarines with new Virginia-class submarines, but ongoing delays have forced reliance on the Collins-class. Maintenance and repairs have quadrupled the time spent in dock due to these issues.

The U.S. Army is testing and selecting reconnaissance drones at Clarke Range in Alabama, with plans to purchase 590 unmanned aircraft systems based on soldier demand. This initiative is part of a broader effort to adapt procurement processes to the rapidly evolving drone technology landscape. The Army's UAS Marketplace allows units to choose drones that best fit their mission requirements, reflecting a shift towards more soldier-involved decision-making in military acquisitions.

U.S. Army soldiers from Delta Battery, 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment conducted training on the Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) system at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, on August 5, 2026. This training prepares them to employ the IFPC for air and missile defense operations, enhancing their capabilities against aerial threats.

The South Korean Navy is legalizing the nuclear submarine 'Jangbogo-N' through special legislation, aiming for operational deployment by the mid-2030s. The legislation includes provisions for a nuclear submarine strategy committee and safety regulations, while ensuring compliance with non-proliferation standards. The U.S. has approved South Korea's construction of nuclear attack submarines, marking a significant development in regional military capabilities.

Tanaka TakashiThu Aug 13 2026Loading...

Former members of Unit 731 confirmed that Japanese forces buried large quantities of chemical shells in China before their defeat in World War II. These testimonies, collected during a 2016 investigation, provide direct evidence of the actions taken by the Japanese military regarding chemical weapons. The revelations highlight the historical implications of chemical warfare in the region.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) began flight testing the EC-2 electronic warfare aircraft on July 15 at Gifu, marking a return to stand-off jamming capabilities after 40 years. The EC-2, developed from the C-2 transport aircraft, aims to counter China's A2/AD network and is expected to enhance Japan's electronic warfare capabilities significantly. The JASDF plans to operate up to four EC-2 aircraft by 2027.

Tanaka TakashiThu Aug 13 2026Loading...

U.S. Navy aircraft carriers conducted operations in the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific, responding to threats from Iranian missiles and drones during Operation Epic Fury. The carriers faced challenges that forced them to operate from greater distances, impacting their operational effectiveness and increasing reliance on logistical support. Despite these challenges, the carriers demonstrated their relevance in modern conflict.

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) conducted air combat training exercises at an air force base, involving multiple aircraft types including J-10C, J-20, and J-16. The training focused on adapting to complex weather conditions and included both real and virtual aircraft operations. A pilot recently earned the 'Golden Helmet' award for outstanding performance during these exercises.

Echo Battery of the U.S. Army completed its final live-fire exercise with the Avenger air defense system in Airai, Palau, during Exercise Tenacious Archer 2026. The multiday exercise involved soldiers and Marines from various branches practicing air defense against aerial threats. This exercise emphasized the importance of interoperability and real combat training as the U.S. military transitions to newer air defense systems.

North Korea launched a ballistic missile on August 12, 2023, from near Wonsan, which flew over 700 kilometers and landed outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. This marks the second missile launch in less than a week, occurring just before the U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises scheduled to begin on August 17. Japan's Defense Minister lodged a strong protest against the launch, emphasizing the threat to national security.

Tanaka TakashiWed Aug 12 2026Loading...

The Hubei amphibious assault ship of the People's Liberation Army Navy completed its full training assessment and is now combat-ready for missions. The assessment included various exercises in the South China Sea, demonstrating the ship's capabilities in live-fire scenarios and anti-aircraft operations. This marks a significant milestone in the ship's operational readiness since its commissioning on August 1, 2025.

Iran and North Korea have established a cooperative missile relationship since the 1980s, involving technology exchange and joint development of missile systems. This partnership has evolved from simple transactions to a more symbiotic relationship, with Iran developing its own missile capabilities while benefiting from North Korean technology. The Shahab-3 missile, derived from North Korea's Nodong, exemplifies this cooperation, enhancing Iran's military capabilities significantly.

US attack submarines threaten China's carrier fleet due to significant gaps in the PLAN's undersea detection capabilities. The Fujian carrier, commissioned in November 2025, features a new anti-torpedo torpedo system as a response to this threat. However, the effectiveness of this system against heavyweight torpedoes is still unproven, raising concerns about the carrier's vulnerability in the Western Pacific.

Marcus ChenTue Aug 11 2026Loading...

Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division and 1st Cavalry Division evaluated various drones at Clarke Range in Alabama, selecting systems for their units. This event aimed to expedite drone acquisition by involving operational units in the decision-making process. The Army's UAS Marketplace facilitated the evaluation, allowing troops to compare options based on performance and cost. Feedback collected will inform future evaluations as the Army seeks to enhance its drone capabilities.

DroneShield launched RfRecon, a portable device designed to decode enemy radio signals in real time. This device enhances signal intelligence capabilities by combining detection and interpretation functions, providing a tactical advantage on the battlefield. RfRecon features significant improvements over previous systems, including increased RF spectrum coverage and processing power, and is intended for use in various military applications.

China is providing extensive military and economic support to Russia's war efforts in Ukraine, including critical components and intelligence. This partnership has significantly increased Russia's dependency on China, allowing Beijing to enhance its military capabilities, particularly in nuclear technology. The ongoing cooperation is reshaping the military landscape in the region, with implications for global security.