Analysis & Reports

Taiwan is adapting its defense posture by making targeted investments in digital infrastructure. This strategy aims to enhance its military capabilities in response to evolving security challenges. The current focus is on modernizing defense systems to ensure readiness against potential threats.

The U.S. Air Force completed the conversion of the B-1B Lancer from a nuclear-capable bomber to a conventional aircraft by 2011, following a two-stage process initiated in the 1990s. This involved removing nuclear arming hardware and modifying the aircraft to prevent future nuclear capability. Russian inspectors now annually verify that the B-1B fleet remains disarmed, confirming compliance with arms control treaties.

China tested a JL2 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on July 6, 2026, which flew over 7,000 kilometers across the Pacific Ocean, landing near Nauru and Tuvalu. This test has raised concerns among South Pacific nations about its implications for the Nuclear Weapons Free Zone treaty. While China described the test as routine, regional leaders criticized it for undermining the treaty's spirit.

Taiwan's defense against a potential Chinese invasion is increasingly complex and costly due to modern warfare technologies. The U.S. Navy, alongside Taiwanese and Japanese forces, may be able to repel an invasion, but significant losses are expected. Geography complicates U.S. military operations, and China may employ strategies like blockades to exert pressure on Taiwan. The report emphasizes the need for a serious strategy to ensure Taiwan's survival and maintain regional stability.

Canada selected TKMS to build 12 new submarines, with the announcement made by Prime Minister Mark Carney on July 6, 2023, in Victoria, British Columbia. The project, estimated to cost up to $70 billion, aims to replace the aging Victoria-class submarines of the Royal Canadian Navy, with the first delivery expected in 2033. Negotiations with TKMS will commence soon, and a contract is anticipated by the end of the year.

China is developing the H-20 stealth bomber, which has faced delays since its announcement in 2016, with production timelines pushed to the 2030s. The Chinese military relies on land-based missiles for its strategic needs, making the urgency for the H-20 less critical. The bomber could enhance China's nuclear capabilities and provide flexibility in military operations, but its development is not prioritized over existing missile systems.

China is expanding its navy and aims to have nine aircraft carriers by the mid-2030s. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) faces challenges in developing operational capacity, including training pilots and establishing logistics. While China has significant shipbuilding capabilities, achieving effective carrier operations comparable to the U.S. Navy will require extensive institutional knowledge and experience.

The Chinese Navy's 83rd fleet arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on May 5, 2023, for a four-day friendly visit, marking the first visit in nine years. The fleet includes the training ship Qi Jiguang and the dock landing ship Kunlunshan, and activities include ship tours and cultural exchanges with the Vietnamese Navy. This visit aims to strengthen ties and promote understanding between the two nations' navies.

China has surpassed the U.S. in fifth-generation stealth fighter numbers, with over 500 J-20 fighters now operational. The F-22 Raptor is no longer in production, limiting U.S. air combat capabilities. The J-20's advancements, including upgraded radars and missiles, enhance its role in China's integrated combat network, posing a significant strategic challenge to U.S. forces.

China conducted a submarine-launched strategic missile test on July 6, 2026, demonstrating its capabilities in sea-based nuclear deterrence. The missile reportedly has intercontinental range, marking an upgrade to China's nuclear triad. However, the effectiveness of the People's Liberation Army Navy's ballistic-missile submarines in maintaining stealth during patrols remains uncertain. The test has implications for regional security, particularly concerning U.S. and allied monitoring efforts in the South China Sea and surrounding areas.

Marcus ChenMon Jul 06 2026Loading...

Four Russian ships participated in joint naval exercises with the Chinese Navy in Qingdao on July 5-6, 2023. The exercise, named 'Maritime Interaction-2026', involved a variety of naval operations, including reconnaissance and air defense. This collaboration aims to strengthen political ties and operational capabilities in the Pacific region, showcasing both nations' naval presence.

Dmitri VolkovMon Jul 06 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force revealed that the F-47 has a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles, yet it still cannot reach the Taiwan Strait from Guam without aerial refueling. In contrast, China's J-36 is capable of flying the 1,500 nautical miles to Taiwan. This disparity highlights the challenges faced by U.S. forces in the Pacific, particularly regarding the vulnerability of aerial tankers and the strategic implications of missile threats from China.

Japan signed a GBP4.6 billion contract for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with Britain and Italy, aimed at developing a sixth-generation fighter by 2035. The UK committed GBP8.6 billion over four years to support the program, which is crucial for Japan's defense against increasing Chinese military capabilities. The contract addresses immediate funding needs but does not guarantee production or flight tests, highlighting the urgency for Japan to enhance its air defense capabilities.

Marcus ChenSun Jul 05 2026Loading...

The Chinese Navy 83rd Fleet arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on October 5 for a four-day friendly visit. The fleet was welcomed by over 180 representatives, including local officials and members of the Vietnamese Navy. During the visit, the crew will engage in exchanges with Vietnamese naval forces and participate in friendly sports events.

Chinese naval vessels Qi Jiguang and Kunlunshan arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on the morning of the 5th at the invitation of the Vietnamese Navy. This visit reflects the deepening cooperation between the Chinese and Vietnamese navies in areas such as naval visits and joint patrols, aimed at enhancing mutual trust and maintaining regional stability.

The U.S. Senate passed a defense bill encouraging Taiwan's participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise while authorizing $1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative. This initiative aims to enhance Taiwan's military capabilities and interoperability with allied forces. The invitation to RIMPAC is seen as crucial for Taiwan's defense strategy, as it would allow for real operational integration with U.S. and allied forces. China is likely to perceive this invitation as a provocation.

Marcus ChenSat Jul 04 2026Loading...

Northrop Grumman redesigned the B-2 Bomber in the 1980s for a low-altitude mission that was ultimately canceled, leading to unnecessary costs and complexity. The new B-21 Raider, currently in flight testing, omits the B-2's sawtooth design, indicating a return to a simpler, high-altitude focus. This design choice reflects lessons learned from the B-2 program, aiming to avoid costly mid-development changes and maintain operational efficiency.

China is building dozens of diesel-electric submarines capable of defeating U.S. aircraft carriers, with projections of 65 submarines by 2025 and 80 by 2035. The U.S. Navy has recognized this vulnerability since 2005, following successful war games against its carriers. The Yuan class submarines, equipped with advanced AIP technology, pose a significant threat to U.S. naval operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

On September 6, 1976, Soviet lieutenant Viktor Belenko defected to Japan with a MiG-25 aircraft, revealing its true capabilities and embarrassing U.S. intelligence. This event forced a redesign of Soviet aircraft and reshaped American air-superiority strategies, highlighting the significant intelligence failures of the Cold War. The MiG-25's defection had lasting implications for both U.S. and Soviet military assessments.

The UK, Japan, and Italy signed a £4.6 billion contract to fund the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) for the next 18 months. This contract aims to advance the design and testing of a sixth-generation fighter, addressing future air combat needs amid rising threats from Russia and China. The agreement is politically significant, demonstrating commitment to defense collaboration and job support across the three nations.

Alexandra ReevesSat Jul 04 2026Loading...