Analysis & Reports

China's Liaoning and a U.S. aircraft carrier may operate simultaneously in the Philippine Sea, testing their operational capabilities. This situation arises amid the Keen Sword 27 exercise conducted by Japanese and U.S. forces near Taiwan. The Liaoning, a Type 001 carrier, faces limitations compared to U.S. carriers, highlighting the strategic implications of naval presence in the region.

Marcus ChenSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

Algeria's National Council approved the deployment of troops to Niger on October 25, 2026, to secure oil facilities and counter threats from JNIM and Russia. This marks Algeria's first military operation outside its borders since 1973. The deployment includes Su-30 aircraft, indicating a significant shift in Algeria's defense policy and military readiness in the region.

Marie DuboisSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

The Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) killed 54 civilians in a massacre in Menaka, northeastern Mali, in October 2026. This incident underscores the group's ability to operate in areas with limited military presence, using violence to exert control and intimidate local communities. The Malian army's response has been criticized, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining security and protecting civilians in the region.

Marie DuboisSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

The Liaoning aircraft carrier conducted training exercises in the Western Pacific from October 14 to 23, 2026, accompanied by two large destroyers and one missile destroyer. The exercises included aircraft takeoffs and landings near southern islands of Japan and may extend towards the South China Sea. This deployment is part of a routine training schedule aimed at enhancing combat readiness and coincided with U.S.-Japan joint military exercises.

Li MinghuiSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

Russia launched the multipurpose corvette Grozny at the Amur Shipbuilding Plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur on October 23, 2023. This is the fifth Project 20380 warship for the Pacific Fleet, with the crew beginning training on October 5. The corvette is expected to join the fleet in the coming years, enhancing Russia's naval capabilities in the region.

The Liaoning aircraft carrier conducted routine training exercises in the western Pacific from October 14 to October 23, 2026, reaching areas near southern Japan and moving towards the South China Sea. This operation marks a shift from trial voyages to systematic training, enhancing the operational capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Navy. The carrier's evolving role emphasizes the integration of training and operational readiness within the Chinese naval forces.

Li MinghuiSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted training exercises with the Liaoning aircraft carrier group in the Western Pacific. The J-15T carrier-based fighter participated, showcasing its unique capabilities as the only aircraft of its kind globally. This exercise marks the 10th anniversary of the Liaoning's service, emphasizing China's naval operational flexibility.

The Chinese Navy conducted training exercises with the Liaoning aircraft carrier group in the Western Pacific, while Japanese forces tracked and photographed their activities. The Wuzhen-7 high-altitude reconnaissance drone, operating at altitudes of 19,000 to 20,000 meters, enhances China's surveillance capabilities, indicating a growing air and maritime advantage in the region.

JNIM claimed control of a militia post in Kando, Burkina Faso, on October 22, 2026. This incident, reported by Sahel Liveuamap, has not been independently verified by the government. The attack indicates a shift in JNIM's operational strategy, potentially increasing insecurity along trade routes in the region. The geographical significance of Kando suggests that JNIM may be testing the state's military response.

Marie DuboisSat Oct 24 2026Loading...

The Liaoning carrier group conducted its second far-seas training deployment to the Western Pacific in October 2023, observed by Japanese forces. The group, which includes the Liaoning and several destroyers, performed flight operations south of Ishigaki-jima. This deployment is part of routine training exercises by the People's Liberation Army Navy, emphasizing their enhanced naval capabilities over the past decade.

Turkish Naval Forces conducted the TURNAs-2026 exercise in the Gulf of Antalya and eastern Mediterranean from October 19 to 27, 2026, utilizing the Barkan unmanned ground vehicle for amphibious raids and urban warfare training. The exercise involved 18 ships, 11 aircraft, and various unmanned systems, showcasing the integration of unmanned and crewed forces in military operations.

Turkish Aerospace’s Aksungur drone successfully completed anti-submarine warfare tests using the aselBUOY 100P system during the TURNAs-2026 exercise in the Gulf of Antalya and eastern Mediterranean on October 24, 2023. The exercise involved 18 ships, 11 aircraft, and various unmanned systems, showcasing Turkey's advancements in naval operations and drone capabilities.

On October 23, 2026, Burkina Faso's parliament reinstated the death penalty for serious crimes, including terrorism and treason, amid ongoing pressure from the JNIM in the North and East. This decision reflects the government's strategy to assert control over the insurgency while potentially discouraging civilian cooperation. The political landscape is marked by the suppression of dissent and the consolidation of military power, paralleling trends in the Sahel region.

Marie DuboisSat Oct 24 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) conducted training exercises with the Liaoning aircraft carrier in the Western Pacific, marking its second such operation in 2023. This year also marks the tenth anniversary of the Liaoning's service. The exercises are routine and part of a broader enhancement of naval capabilities, despite interpretations by Japanese media suggesting a confrontational stance.

The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted training exercises in the Western Pacific, involving coordination between H-6K bombers and carrier-based aircraft. H-6K pilots utilized coded communication with J-15 and J-35 fighter pilots to enhance operational effectiveness. This exercise demonstrates significant improvements in joint operations between the Air Force and Navy.

Japan's 25th type anti-ship guided missile participated for the first time in the Keen Sword joint exercise, which began on October 19, 2026, in the Southwest Region. Approximately 45,000 Japanese personnel, 11,000 U.S. personnel, and 300 Australian personnel engaged in the exercise, testing interoperability and defense strategies against potential threats from the Chinese Navy. The exercise involved the deployment of various military assets, including ships and aircraft, to enhance regional defense capabilities.

Tanaka TakashiSat Oct 24 2026Loading...

The Chinese Navy hospital ship 'Peace Ark' arrived in Tema, Ghana, on October 23, 2023, for a 7-day friendly visit. The ship will provide medical services and engage in various activities, including health education and a football match with local military personnel. This marks the first visit of a Chinese hospital ship to Ghana.

Taiwan's defense department reported the detection of 14 Chinese maritime militia ships and 14 aircraft in the Western Pacific on October 20, classifying their activities as battlefield preparation. These militia vessels, while not military ships, can be organized for specific tasks and contribute to maritime surveillance. Their presence complicates Taiwan's maritime control efforts and strains its defense resources.

Li MinghuiFri Oct 23 2026Loading...

On October 21, 2026, Niger's Defense Minister signed a military cooperation agreement with Algeria, which included the deployment of four Algerian fighter jets to Niamey. This move aims to bolster the regime of Abdourahamane Tiani amid ongoing security threats from jihadist groups. The agreement signifies Algeria's strategic interest in the Sahel region and its commitment to supporting Niger's military capabilities.

Marie DuboisFri Oct 23 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy and Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted the Keen Sword 2027 exercise with 56,000 personnel, featuring the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group in the Philippine Sea. Taiwan reported that China is utilizing maritime militia to enhance its presence in the Western Pacific, complicating military responses. The exercise showcases alliance capabilities but may not effectively counter China's gray-zone tactics.

Marcus ChenFri Oct 23 2026Loading...