Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Global nuclear warhead count rises for the first time in years
Nuclear-armed states expanded their arsenals in 2025, with the global count of nuclear warheads reaching approximately 12,187. The United States and Russia continue to lead in warhead numbers, while China and India also increased their stockpiles. The expiration of the New START treaty in February 2026 has reduced transparency regarding nuclear deployments. Tensions in South Asia escalated with significant conflict between India and Pakistan.
China’s nuclear stockpile climbs to 620 warheads, SIPRI says
China's nuclear stockpile increased to 620 warheads as of January 2026, with new systems displayed at the September 2025 Victory Day parade in Beijing. The Chinese Armed Forces are mating warheads with missiles during exercises, indicating a shift in their nuclear posture. SIPRI estimates that China may have deployed up to 34 warheads with operational forces, while the majority remains in storage.
2026 Taipei Security Dialogue Focuses on 145-Kilometer Strait: PLA 054A Frigate System Faces New Calculations
The 2026 Taipei Security Dialogue emphasized the challenges of sustaining large ground forces in Taiwan, focusing on the strategic role of the People's Liberation Army Navy's 054A frigates in establishing maritime corridors. The discussion highlighted the need for effective unmanned systems to counter threats and maintain naval operations in the Taiwan Strait, particularly in light of Japan's military developments.
S.WSat Sep 12 2026Loading...
PLA J-50 Reveals Autonomous Flight Technology, 2026 Stealth Fighter Shifts to Manned-Unmanned Collaboration
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) disclosed advancements in the J-50 fighter jet's autonomous flight technology on September 10, 2026, highlighting its potential to operate without pilot input and navigate without GPS. The research emphasizes the integration of quantum navigation and drone coordination, indicating a shift towards advanced combat capabilities. However, the report does not confirm the current operational status of these technologies in the J-50.
Li MinghuiSat Sep 12 2026Loading...
Video | China's Air Force Four Main Combat Equipment Debuts in Egypt: How Strong is This Combat Chain?
The People's Liberation Army Air Force showcased four types of military aircraft, including J-16 and KJ-500, at the Egypt International Airshow on October 10, 2023. This event highlighted their operational capabilities and the ability to conduct long-range missions, successfully flying from China to Egypt. The aircraft demonstrated a complete operational chain, emphasizing advancements in military technology and international military cooperation.
GCAP Could Get a 4th Partner. Airbus Says It Is Exploring German Participation in the British-Italian-Japanese Fighter Program, Which Aims to Field an Aircraft Around 2035, After France and Germany Killed the FCAS Fighter on June 9, 2026.
Germany is exploring participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) following the collapse of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) on June 9, 2026. Airbus Defence and Space has expressed interest in a leadership role within the program, which aims to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft by 2035. This shift comes as Germany seeks alternatives for its future military aviation needs after the failure of the FCAS collaboration with France.
In 1987 Japan Agreed to Build a Licensed Version of the American F-16 Fighting Falcon Instead of Its Own Fighter. More Than 95 Percent of the Engineering Drawings Were Changed, and the Finished Mitsubishi F-2 Cost About $127,000,000 Each Against $30,000,000 for an F-16.
Japan developed the Mitsubishi F-2 fighter jet from 1987 to 2011, modifying over 95% of the F-16 Fighting Falcon's engineering designs. The F-2, which features advanced radar and a larger airframe, cost approximately $127 million per unit, significantly more than the F-16. Production concluded with 94 aircraft delivered, serving as the backbone of Japan's fighter-bomber force.
Taiwan Fixes the Altius-600 Charger Problem Before It Becomes a Combat Failure
Taiwan has resolved the Altius-600 charger issue and is procuring 2,032 Anduril loitering munitions and reconnaissance systems. The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense awarded the contract in late August 2026, which includes 1,554 Altius-700M drones and 478 Altius-600 ISR systems. Local production of batteries and a non-China charging system are being developed to ensure operational readiness. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2026 and extend into 2033.
Marcus ChenFri Sep 11 2026Loading...
A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber Fired a Stealth Anti-Ship Missile at the USS Juneau, an Amphibious Ship Commissioned in 1969 and Left in Mothballs for 18 Years. It Still Took 2 Harpoons, a Japanese Torpedo, a Hellfire, and 2 More Missiles to Put Her Under.
On June 27, 2026, a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber launched an AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile at the decommissioned USS Juneau, over 200 nautical miles off Guam in the Philippine Sea. This marked the first public acknowledgment of a B-2 firing an LRASM during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, involving multiple other missiles and aircraft. The USS Juneau, decommissioned in 2008, was ultimately sunk after sustained attacks from various platforms.
Northrop Spent About $1,200,000,000 of Its Own Money on the F-20 Tigershark and Sold 0 Aircraft. The F-5 It Was Built to Replace Has Been Flying for More Than 60 Years.
Northrop Grumman developed the F-5 and F-20 aircraft, with the F-5E Tiger II serving over 30 air forces since its introduction in 1975. The F-20 Tigershark, developed in the 1980s, was intended for export but failed to sell any units despite significant investment. The F-5 series remains operational in various countries, showcasing its long-term success in military aviation.
Rebels launch FPV drone attack on Myanmar jets
Anti-junta fighters launched FPV drones at Myanmar’s Tada-U Air Base on September 10, 2026, targeting military jets. One drone reportedly struck a Yak-130 jet, while the military claimed all drones were intercepted. The incident led to the closure of Mandalay International Airport for two days, affecting flights. Conflicting reports exist regarding the extent of damage to the jets.
Multiple New Types of Russian Weapons Debut at the Egypt Airshow
Russia showcased advanced weapon systems, including the Su-57E fighter jet and Yak-130M trainer aircraft, at the Egypt International Airshow on September 8, 2023. The event highlighted the Buffalo anti-drone system and various other military equipment, emphasizing Russia's growing military significance amid ongoing operations. The Yak-130M features modern systems for tactical data exchange, while the Su-57E is now being exported to countries like Algeria.
The Four Types of Main Battle Equipment of the People's Liberation Army Make Their Debut at the Egypt Air Show: What Step Is Still Needed for the Air Force's Systematic Deployment at Sea?
The Chinese Air Force displayed four types of military aircraft, including the KJ-500 early warning aircraft and J-16 fighter jet, at the Egypt Airshow on September 8, 2026. This marks the first international showcase of these models, emphasizing China's military capabilities and potential for export. The event also reflects Egypt's considerations for military procurement, focusing on comprehensive support systems rather than just aircraft specifications.
Li MinghuiFri Sep 11 2026Loading...Japan's Ministry of Defense FY2027 Budget Request of 8.9 Trillion Yen Accelerates Automation and Changes the Burden of the Japan-U.S. Alliance
Japan's Ministry of Defense submitted a budget request of approximately 8.9 trillion yen for FY2027, focusing on accelerating unmanned systems development. This shift aims to transform Japan's defense capabilities and change the burden-sharing in the U.S.-Japan alliance. The plan includes expanding the use of unmanned aerial systems and underwater vehicles, while addressing challenges in procurement speed and operational integration.
Tanaka TakashiFri Sep 11 2026Loading...
Japan’s Electromagnetic Railgun Has Fired More Than 100 Shots Without Replacing Its Rails. The US Navy Spent About $500,000,000 on Its Own Railgun and Shut the Program Down in 2021.
Japan's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) has successfully fired over 100 rounds from its electromagnetic railgun without needing to replace the rails, achieving muzzle velocities between 2,230 and 2,300 meters per second. This advancement addresses previous durability issues faced by the US Navy's railgun program, which was discontinued after significant investment. Japan's railgun projectiles are also economically advantageous compared to traditional missile interceptors, enhancing its defense capabilities.
A UK Ministry of Defence Official Says GCAP Fighter Will Carry Twice the Internal Weapons Payload of an F-35 and Control Uncrewed Aircraft Alongside It. Almost Nothing Else About the Aircraft Is Public.
The UK, Japan, and Italy are jointly developing a sixth-generation stealth fighter under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), with a total investment of approximately $21 billion. The aircraft is expected to carry twice the internal weapons payload of an F-35 and control uncrewed aircraft. The operational status is anticipated by 2035, with significant financial commitments from each nation to support the program.
Congress Spent $100,000,000 Bringing Just 2 SR-71 Blackbirds Back from Retirement in 1995 and Another $30,000,000 in 1997. By 1998 the Program Was Dead Again.
The United States Air Force briefly revived the SR-71 Blackbird program in 1995, investing $100 million to restore two aircraft, but discontinued it by 1998 due to high operational costs. The fleet of 12 aircraft had an annual operating cost of approximately $260 million, making it unsustainable in a post-Cold War budget environment. The SR-71 was known for its high-speed reconnaissance capabilities, flying at over 2,000 miles per hour and altitudes above 80,000 feet.
General Atomics Wildfire Drone Changes the Pacific ISR Math in 2026
General Atomics unveiled the Wildfire drone on September 10, 2026, designed for long-endurance reconnaissance and strike missions in the Pacific. The drone features a ferry range exceeding 8,000 nautical miles and can carry two Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles. This development aims to improve operational capabilities against Chinese naval forces, providing a distributed launch option for U.S. military operations.
S.WThu Sep 10 2026Loading...
U.S. Army buys Scorpion Light mortar systems
The U.S. Army awarded a $12.9 million contract to Global Military Products for the integration of Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar systems onto Infantry Squad Vehicle-Utility platforms on September 3, 2026. The system was tested at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and demonstrated its capability during Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the Philippines, where soldiers fired 20 rounds in under two minutes. This initiative supports the Army's Transformation Initiative for more agile combat formations.
Australia declares its new air defense missile system combat ready
Australia's Army declared the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) combat ready on September 9, 2026, enhancing its air defense capabilities. The 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, is the first unit to operate the system, which is designed to counter various airborne threats. The NASAMS program, valued at A$2.5 billion, integrates advanced radar and missile technology.
