Analysis & Reports

The Chinese Coast Guard monitored the transfer of injured personnel from the Philippines. This operation highlights the ongoing surveillance activities conducted by the Chinese authorities in the region.

Taiwan's AN/FPS-115 Pave Paws radar detected a Chinese submarine-launched ballistic missile earlier this month, providing six minutes of warning. The radar, located in Taiwan, is the only one of its kind on the island, making it a critical vulnerability. The missile was tracked as it flew over the northern Philippines towards the South Pacific, with U.S. satellites continuing to monitor it beyond the radar's range.

Canada signed agreements with Australia to acquire the Arctic Over-The-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) to enhance NORAD's airspace surveillance capabilities. The deal, valued at US$1.75 billion, aims to fill significant gaps in radar coverage, allowing detection of airborne and surface targets. The A-OTHR is expected to achieve initial operational capability by December 2029, improving monitoring of potential threats, including from Russia.

The U.S. Navy's Sea Hunter unmanned surface vessel departed Pearl Harbor on July 7, 2026, to participate in RIMPAC 2026, which involves 30 nations and extensive naval operations. The exercise aims to test the integration of unmanned vessels in maritime operations while Chinese and Russian naval forces conduct their own exercises nearby. The Sea Hunter is designed to enhance surveillance and tracking capabilities without adding more manned ships to the fleet.

Marcus ChenSat Jul 11 2026Loading...

The Australian Army utilized the Vector AI drone for reconnaissance and target identification during Exercise Southern Jackaroo in Townsville, Queensland. This drone, developed by Quantum Systems, has been tested in combat conditions and enhances military capabilities by allowing for deep reconnaissance without exposing soldiers to direct fire. Its AI-enhanced features enable real-time terrain mapping and object tracking, significantly improving operational efficiency.

Taiwan's radar successfully tracked a Chinese submarine-launched missile shortly after its launch from the South China Sea on July 10. This event marks the first known test of a submarine-launched missile by China since 1982, highlighting advancements in China's nuclear deterrence capabilities. The Taiwanese AN/FPS-115 Pave Paws radar, which can detect missiles up to 5000 km, played a crucial role in this tracking. China also informed several nations about the test, indicating a political dimension to the demonstration of its military capabilities.

Li MinghuiFri Jul 10 2026Loading...

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force UH-2 utility helicopter was observed flying with new dome-shaped antennas on July 4-5, 2026. This modification, first noted in January, suggests an enhancement for data relay or reconnaissance capabilities. The UH-2 is intended for utility transport and disaster relief, replacing older UH-1J helicopters.

U.S. Army soldiers tested the Apollo R, a solar-powered fixed-wing aircraft, attached to a high-altitude balloon at Orote Airfield, Naval Station Guam, on June 24, 2026. This demonstration is part of Valiant Shield 2026, aimed at enhancing persistent surveillance and communications capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The testing involved the Extended Range Sensing and Effects Company, which is evaluating this technology as an alternative to traditional ISR methods.

The U.S. transferred four Triton drones to the Philippine Navy to enhance surveillance capabilities in the West Philippine Sea. This move follows recent Chinese activities at Scarborough Shoal, where a floating platform was reported. The Triton drones are designed for long-duration operations and can assist in detecting illegal maritime activities, although they do not provide sea control on their own.

Marcus ChenSat Jun 27 2026Loading...

On June 27, the Chinese and Russian air forces conducted their 11th joint air patrol covering the Sea of Japan, East China Sea, and western Pacific. This operation aims to challenge Japan's air defense capabilities by forcing them to monitor multiple airspace sectors simultaneously. The patrol likely involved H-6-series bombers and Tu-95MS aircraft, highlighting the increasing military cooperation between China and Russia.

Marcus ChenSat Jun 27 2026Loading...

The U.S. military is shifting its reconnaissance focus in the South China Sea towards MQ-9 drones and increased operations from Philippine bases. This change reflects a strategic move to enhance surveillance capabilities while reducing reliance on naval vessels. The number of U.S. freedom of navigation operations has decreased, indicating a shift in approach to monitoring Chinese military activities in the region.

Li MinghuiFri Jun 26 2026Loading...

The Philippine Navy deployed four Triton autonomous drones in the West Philippine Sea to monitor incursions by Chinese vessels and protect subsea cables. This deployment follows the recent removal of a Chinese floating platform suspected of gathering maritime data. The U.S. Embassy confirmed the transfer of these drones, valued at 754 million pesos, to enhance the Philippines' maritime surveillance capabilities.

The Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian conducted routine training in the Taiwan Strait on June 25, while Taiwan's military closely monitored the situation during their five-day readiness exercise. Taiwan's defense minister confirmed they have a full grasp of the developments and will release important updates as necessary.

The Liaoning carrier group completed over 40 days of training and returned to Qingdao, while being closely monitored and provoked by Japanese naval vessels and aircraft. The group maintained high readiness, conducting combat air patrols and employing various defensive formations in response to Japanese provocations. Japanese assets included the Asahi-class destroyer and P-3C patrol aircraft, which engaged in close reconnaissance and harassment.

The U.S. Army tested autonomous boats during the Salaknib 2026 exercise in the Philippines, where unmanned surface vessels (USVs) escorted a Logistics Support Vessel to Port Casiguran. The USVs provided reconnaissance and threat identification, enhancing situational awareness for commanders. This operation demonstrates the U.S. military's commitment to integrating unmanned systems into maritime operations.

The Liaoning aircraft carrier group responded to multiple provocations from Japanese vessels and aircraft during training exercises. Military experts noted that Japan's detection of the Chinese group was delayed, indicating improved stealth and operational security on China's part. The Chinese forces treated the situation as a combat scenario, reflecting enhanced training in counter-surveillance and anti-harassment tactics.

PLA anti-tank missile units conducted a training exercise in the Gobi Desert in late June 2026, focusing on target acquisition and engagement under challenging conditions. The exercise emphasized the integration of drones and command vehicles for real-time updates, showcasing the unit's adaptation to modern warfare requirements. This training reflects the PLA's ongoing efforts to enhance operational capabilities in complex environments.

Li MinghuiMon Jun 22 2026Loading...

USS Portland launched the MQ-35A V-BAT drone for ISR operations in the South China Sea on June 17. This event involved the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which comprises about 2,200 Marines. The V-BAT drone can operate without a runway and provides persistent off-board sensing capabilities, enhancing the operational effectiveness of amphibious ships in the region.

Marcus ChenSun Jun 21 2026Loading...

On June 17, 2026, the U.S. Navy launched a V-BAT unmanned aerial system from the USS Portland in the South China Sea. This operation, conducted by the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, demonstrated the drone's capability to provide extended surveillance without requiring traditional launch infrastructure. The V-BAT enhances situational awareness for naval commanders in a strategically contested region.

The U.S. Air Force announced the permanent deployment of three RQ-4B Global Hawk UAVs to Yokota Air Base from Andersen Air Force Base on June 15. This move involves the relocation of approximately 150 personnel and indicates a strengthening of the U.S.-Japan ISR alliance. The deployment enhances reconnaissance capabilities in the region, particularly in response to increasing activities by the Chinese military.

Tanaka TakashiSun Jun 21 2026Loading...