Analysis & Reports

Japan and South Korea are restructuring their naval forces to address the challenges posed by the expanding Chinese Navy. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is focusing on Mogami-class destroyers, while the Republic of Korea Navy is enhancing its capabilities with KSS-III submarines and large surface combatants. Both nations aim to improve their operational readiness and strategic coordination in the face of shared threats from China.

Tanaka TakashiWed Sep 16 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy retired four Ticonderoga-class cruisers, USS Hue City, USS Anzio, USS Cowpens, and USS Vicksburg, after spending $1.84 billion on modernization efforts that ultimately failed. This retirement results in a significant loss of Tomahawk missile launch capacity, as these cruisers were equipped with 122 Mk 41 launch cells each. The Navy's ongoing challenges with aging vessels and modernization have led to a decrease in available missile capacity at a critical time for long-range strike capabilities.

The U.S. military has utilized a significant portion of its missile defense interceptors in ongoing operations against Iran, which may hinder its ability to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. The Congressional Budget Office warns that the depletion of these interceptors could take years to recover, with costs to replace them estimated at $21.7 billion. The report highlights the strategic implications of this depletion for U.S. defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Japan is developing quantum sensors to be mounted on inexpensive drones for surveillance of Chinese submarine transit routes in the Pacific Ocean. The Defense Ministry aims to have this technology ready by fiscal 2031. Meanwhile, China is also enhancing its anti-submarine capabilities with new drone technologies and vessels.

U.S. Marine Corps reorganizes for small-unit expeditionary warfare, raising concerns among Chinese naval officers about the effectiveness of Marine Stand-In Forces (SIF) on Pacific islands. Chinese military experts warn that SIFs could disrupt their naval operations and recommend proactive measures to counter these forces, including the development of undersea weapons and enhanced surveillance capabilities.

Chinese defense technology companies showcased advanced unmanned systems at the International Defense Electronics Exhibition in Beijing on September 15, 2023. Notable exhibits included the FWH-3000 heavy-lift unmanned helicopter and various anti-drone systems. The event highlighted the growing capabilities and applications of unmanned technologies in military and emergency response scenarios.

Chinese state television acknowledged the existence of approximately 320 missile silos under construction in western China, marking the first semi-official recognition of the project. The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, under pressure from Beijing, aimed to enhance its second-strike nuclear capability. This acknowledgment follows years of speculation regarding China's nuclear policy and its response to U.S. missile defense initiatives.

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV lost contact over the Sea of Japan around 12:58 local time and is presumed to have crashed. Debris believed to be from the UAV has been discovered, prompting ongoing search efforts by the Japan Coast Guard and Self-Defense Forces. This incident marks the first loss of this UAV model since its deployment in Japan.

Taiwanese Armed Forces conducted a three-day live-fire exercise at Jiupeng, Pingtung, starting September 16, 2026, testing its missile network. The exercise involved various missile systems, including HIMARS and Hsiung Feng missiles, to assess integration under combat conditions. This drill aims to enhance Taiwan's capabilities against potential threats.

S.WTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

The analysis concludes that the Iowa-class battleship would defeat the Yamato-class battleship in a hypothetical naval engagement in 1945. Iowa's superior speed and radar-directed fire control would allow it to engage effectively at optimal ranges, while Yamato's optical targeting system would struggle in degraded visibility conditions. Historical data supports the conclusion that Iowa's gunnery would dominate the engagement.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force suspects that a lost Global Hawk drone has crashed over the sea near Tottori Prefecture on September 15, 2023. The drone lost contact around 13:00 local time, and debris believed to be from the drone was discovered during the search. This drone is one of three stationed at Misawa Air Base and was not engaged in a training mission at the time of the incident.

Donald Trump is contemplating a new summit with Kim Jong Un to negotiate concessions. The U.S. must consider significant offers, such as reducing military presence, to entice North Korea into a serious agreement. Previous negotiations failed due to inadequate concessions from the U.S., and North Korea's alignment with Russia complicates the situation. Without meaningful offers, further talks may lead to continued nuclear stalemate.

Chinese Defense Minister General Dong Jun welcomed defense ministers from Myanmar, ASEAN, Brunei, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia at the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum on September 15. Discussions focused on military cooperation, regional stability, and the importance of partnerships in addressing global security challenges. The forum has been a key platform for international defense dialogue for 20 years, emphasizing peace and collaboration among nations.

South Korea is developing its own nuclear-powered submarines under the Chang Bogo N Project, with plans to launch the first vessel in the mid-2030s. The South Korean government has allocated $74.4 million for initial research and design, aiming to enhance its naval capabilities in response to North Korea's military advancements. The submarines will utilize low-enriched uranium and will not be equipped with nuclear weapons, focusing instead on monitoring North Korean threats and protecting trade routes in the Indo-Pacific.

Taiwan is flight-testing two MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones at Hualien in September 2026. This testing marks a significant step in Taiwan's operational capabilities for maritime surveillance amid increasing pressure from China. The MQ-9B drones, known for their long endurance and advanced sensors, are intended to enhance Taiwan's ability to monitor Chinese maritime activities. However, the limited number of drones poses challenges for continuous coverage of critical areas.

Marcus ChenTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

The Eastern Theater Command Navy conducted multi-subject training with shipborne helicopters in a sea area, focusing on day and night operations. The exercise involved precise coordination among deck personnel and support teams, ensuring effective takeoff and landing procedures. This training aimed to enhance the joint operational capabilities of the forces, preparing them for combat readiness.

Officer Zhao Hang rescued a father and son from drowning at Fengqi Bay in Xingcheng, Liaoning, during her vacation. She bravely entered the water to assist them, providing a life ring to the father and bringing the son to safety. The family expressed their gratitude in a letter, highlighting Zhao's dedication to her duty as a soldier.

The new generation Yinchuan ship, hull number 175, was commissioned into the People's Navy on July 12, 2016, succeeding the first generation ship that served as a command vessel during a significant mission in 1980. The Yinchuan ship has successfully completed various major tasks, including escort missions and joint exercises in the South Pacific, showcasing its advanced capabilities and operational readiness.

The revised National Defense Mobilization Law in China will take effect on October 1, 2026, allowing the People's Liberation Army to mobilize civilian resources during crises. This law aims to enhance the PLA's logistical capabilities by integrating civilian assets, including personnel and infrastructure, into national defense efforts. The implications of this law have raised concerns among neighboring countries regarding regional security dynamics.

S.WTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

The Wuzhishan ship of the South China Sea Navy Fleet conducted training exercises aimed at enhancing combat readiness and operational capabilities. Crew members have adapted their training to include rapid response to threats and electronic warfare scenarios. This shift reflects a broader change in mindset, emphasizing the ship's role in both transport and combat operations.