Analysis & Reports

South Korea's defense industry is expanding its weapon exports, aiming to become the fourth largest globally by 2025. The UAE has successfully utilized South Korean THAAD-2 missile systems, while Poland has contracted for K2 tanks and K9 howitzers. The ongoing military conflicts in the region have increased demand for South Korean defense equipment, bolstering its international presence.

USS Missouri (BB-63) served in multiple conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Persian Gulf War, and hosted Japan's surrender in Tokyo Bay. The battleship was commissioned on June 11, 1944, and decommissioned on March 31, 1992, after a distinguished service record. It was equipped with nine 16-inch guns and later modernized to include Tomahawk missiles and Phalanx close-in weapon systems. The ship's final operational mission occurred on December 7, 1991, at Pearl Harbor.

An intelligent planning strike system was developed and tested by the Air Force Base in China for large-scale military exercises in the Gobi Desert. This system enables coordinated strikes involving hundreds of tactical units, demonstrating advanced capabilities in military operations. The project faced challenges but was successfully implemented in recent exercises.

The People's Liberation Army Navy is conducting sea trials of the Type 076 amphibious assault ship in Sichuan to assess its operational capabilities. This ship, equipped with an electromagnetic catapult, can launch various aircraft and is regarded as a 'quasi-aircraft carrier.' Its development is expected to influence global amphibious assault ship designs.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted extensive military training exercises across various units in China in 2023, showcasing capabilities in air defense, naval operations, and VIP protection. The Y-20A aircraft was utilized for electronic countermeasures, while the 055 destroyer engaged in air defense drills. The exercises coincide with the PLA's 99th anniversary, emphasizing military readiness and modernization efforts.

USS North Carolina (BB-55) served as a shield for carriers during World War II, engaging in bombardment missions across various locations including Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. Commissioned on April 9, 1941, the battleship was equipped with nine 16-inch guns and earned 15 battle stars before being decommissioned on June 27, 1947. Despite its formidable armament, North Carolina never engaged an enemy battleship in combat.

The U.S. Air Force conducted exercise PACIFIC ARCHER on June 17, 203X, deploying multiple squadrons of hypersonic missile-equipped aircraft to Guam, Tinian, and Saipan. Within 12 hours, 67% of the aircraft dispersed to other locations, demonstrating a significant advancement in U.S. hypersonic capabilities. The exercise involved F-15EX, F-22, F-35, B-21, and B-1 aircraft, all armed with hypersonic missiles, marking a qualitative shift in military operations against the PLA.

USS Massachusetts engaged in naval operations during World War II, including bombardments and anti-aircraft defense, from September 23, 1941, until her decommissioning on March 27, 1947. The battleship, armed with nine 16-inch guns, participated in significant battles across the Pacific, earning 11 battle stars. After her service, she was preserved as a museum ship in Fall River, Massachusetts.

The Northrop F-20 Tigershark program was canceled after failing to secure any orders despite its impressive capabilities, including Mach 2 speed and a weapons capacity exceeding 9,000 pounds. The program, which began in 1982, faced challenges from the F-16's market dominance and suffered from two fatal crashes during demonstrations. Ultimately, the lack of a U.S. launch customer and changing export policies led to its demise in December 1986.

On August 1, 2025, the People's Liberation Army Navy introduced new aircraft including the J-15T, J-35, and KJ-600, enhancing its operational capabilities. The 075 amphibious assault ship Hubei has been actively engaged in training exercises. These developments mark significant advancements in China's military modernization as it approaches its 100th anniversary.

The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army conducted joint naval and air exercises near Huangyan Island on August 1, showcasing capabilities for amphibious assaults and deterrence. The exercises featured H-6K bombers armed with YJ-12 missiles and included various naval vessels such as the 071 landing ship and 054A frigate. This operation was a response to regional tensions and aimed at asserting China's territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea.

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) successfully conducted carrier operations with the J-15T, J-35, and KJ-600 on the Fujian aircraft carrier from September to November 2025. These operations included multiple training exercises, validating the carrier's electromagnetic launch and recovery systems. The 075-class amphibious assault ship Hubei also participated in high-intensity training in the South China Sea, enhancing the PLAN's amphibious and naval combat capabilities.

The Sichuan Ship recently conducted a live ammunition launch and showcased footage of its electromagnetic catapult test. This marks the first public demonstration of these capabilities, highlighting advancements in naval technology.

On July 30, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force conducted the first test flight of the Type 12 air-launched anti-ship missile at Gifu. This missile, with a range of approximately 1000 kilometers, enhances Japan's stand-off defense capabilities, allowing engagement from outside enemy air defense zones. The test signifies a strategic shift in Japan's naval engagement approach, integrating various platforms for a comprehensive defense strategy.

Tanaka TakashiSat Aug 01 2026Loading...

The Zunyi Ship of the Chinese Navy successfully executed a night strike on maritime targets while maintaining continuous monitoring of an enemy submarine. The operation involved tracking the submarine and simulating torpedo attacks, demonstrating effective naval engagement tactics.

The Sichuan Navy conducted its first live ammunition firing and revealed electromagnetic catapult tests for the Sichuan ship. This vessel features a new domestically produced power system and aims to enhance capabilities for unmanned operations in deep sea. The average age of the initial crew is 25 years, marking a significant step in modern naval warfare capabilities.

China's Shenyang Aircraft Corporation developed the J-35A stealth fighter, which was officially presented in November 2024. The aircraft is designed to enhance the capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and complement the J-20. Despite its operational status, specific performance metrics remain undisclosed. A new production facility is being established to support large-scale manufacturing of the J-35A.

China is developing and testing the J-36 sixth-generation fighter aircraft, with five prototypes observed since December 2024. The aircraft has undergone three major configurations, focusing on stealth and long-range capabilities. The Chengdu Aircraft Research and Design Institute is leading the project, with testing occurring in Chengdu and at a remote airfield near Lop Nur. China aims to have a next-generation fighter operational by 2035.

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Chokai successfully launched a Tomahawk cruise missile in the Pacific on July 29, 2023. This marks Japan's entry into long-range strike capabilities, with plans to acquire 400 Tomahawk missiles by March 2028. The development poses new challenges for Chinese military planning, as Japan's missile capabilities are now politically tied to its defense strategy.

Marcus ChenFri Jul 31 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force's F-22 Raptor fleet's mission-capable rate has dropped to 40.19 percent in fiscal 2024, prompting concerns over readiness. The Air Force has 184 F-22s, including 32 older Block 20 models that Congress has blocked from retirement. Upgrading these Block 20s is projected to cost at least $3.3 billion and take about 15 years, complicating the Air Force's operational capabilities amid increasing global demands.