Analysis & Reports

China's Ministry of National Defense criticized the Philippines for obstructing its participation in the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting on October 29. The Philippines was accused of allowing individual politicians to misuse public resources, which undermined ASEAN's principles. Despite this, China sent representatives to demonstrate support for ASEAN's central role in regional security cooperation.

On October 29, 2023, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) reaffirmed its commitment to the leadership of the Communist Party and the spirit of the Long March during a press conference. The PLA aims to strengthen its capabilities to become a world-class military by 2027, following directives from Xi Jinping regarding military development and political alignment.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking contractors for the repair and sustainment of the ASARS-2 radar system used by the U-2 Dragon Lady spy plane, despite plans to retire the aircraft by the end of fiscal 2027. The request for information was posted on October 22, 2023, and amended shortly after, indicating ongoing efforts to maintain this critical military equipment.

The Ministry of National Defense of China will host a delegation of approximately 50 young and middle-aged military officers from over 20 African countries from November 5 to November 11. The visit, themed 'China-Africa Defense Technology Innovation Development,' aims to strengthen military cooperation and traditional friendship between China and Africa. This marks the fifth such event organized by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense.

The 13th Army International Cadet Week will be held at the Army Engineering University from November 2 to 6, featuring participants from military academies in 11 countries, including South Korea, Singapore, Pakistan, and Egypt. The event aims to foster military innovation and international cooperation, with a focus on addressing regional security risks. Chinese military academies will conduct joint training with foreign cadets.

The Chinese Ministry of National Defense invited nearly 90 military attaches from over 50 countries to visit Guizhou and Sichuan provinces from November 2 to 7. During the visit, the attaches will tour military units and historical sites related to the Long March, aiming to enhance their understanding of local military and economic development.

Lockheed Martin will upgrade the operating systems for F-35 reprogramming laboratories under a $43.7 million contract announced by the U.S. Navy on Oct. 28, 2023. Eighty percent of the work will take place in Eglin, Florida, and the remaining 20% in Fort Worth, Texas, with completion expected by April 2030. The contract supports mission data production for U.S. military jets and involves contributions from international partners.

The fifth China-ASEAN Young Officers Friendly Exchange Activity will be held from November 2 to 8 in Nanjing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Kunshan. The event aims to enhance mutual understanding and friendship among young military officers from China and ASEAN countries, commemorating the 5th anniversary of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $23.1 million contract to Integer Technologies for research on zero trust cybersecurity to protect warship power systems. The work will occur in Columbia, South Carolina, through October 2030, focusing on enhancing the resilience of shipboard power systems against cyber threats.

On October 29, 2026, the Houthi Movement launched a ballistic missile targeting Ras Tanura in Eastern Saudi Arabia, which was intercepted by Saudi defenses. The Houthis claimed to have struck the oil facility, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Saudi air defenses. Additionally, Egypt's parliament approved military support for Saudi Arabia, reflecting a broader regional security concern.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Oct 29 2026Loading...

Chinese military aircraft and ships operated around Taiwan, with six aircraft and seven navy ships detected in the 24 hours leading to 6 a.m. on October 29. Five aircraft entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone, while Taiwan's forces responded with combat air patrols and naval assets. This activity reflects ongoing military operations by the People's Liberation Army in the region.

North Korea launched approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area toward the Sea of Japan at 12:30 p.m. local time on October 29. The missiles fell near the east coast of the Korean Peninsula without reaching Japan's territory. Japan, the United States, and South Korea are analyzing the launch, which is seen as a threat to regional peace and security.

MBDA's Stratus weapon family is approaching demonstration and manufacturing phases, with contracts for the Stratus RS expected before or during the Euronaval exhibition in Paris from November 6-9, 2024. The Stratus LO full development contract is anticipated in 2027. The Stratus RS is designed for multiple missions, including anti-ship and SEAD/DEAD operations, while Italy has opted to participate in the Stratus LO project but not in the Stratus RS.

Kongsberg Group reported a record order backlog of NOK 174.2 billion in the third quarter of 2026, driven by increased demand for military equipment including Joint Strike Missiles and NASAMS systems. The company secured NOK 23.3 billion in new orders, more than double from the previous year, and aims to expand production capacity in response to growing defense needs. Kongsberg's revenue rose 50% to NOK 11.3 billion, reflecting strong performance in the defense sector.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force integrated the Type-25 anti-ship guided missile system into joint military exercises with the U.S. in October 2026. This marked the first participation of the Type-25, emphasizing Japan's commitment to enhancing its defensive capabilities. The exercises aimed to validate the integration of long-range firepower into operational scenarios, while discussions also focused on strengthening Japan-U.S. military cooperation and addressing cyber threats.

Tanaka TakashiThu Oct 29 2026Loading...

Tennessee has launched a bid to host the planned United States Space Academy at the Coffee County Joint Industrial Park near Tullahoma. Governor Bill Lee announced the bid on October 28, 2023, highlighting the state's existing infrastructure and proximity to Arnold Air Force Base. The academy, intended to educate future military personnel, is backed by NASA, which is overseeing the establishment of the institution amid competition from other states.

Naval Aviation recently conducted anti-submarine warfare training in certain sea airspace, utilizing a combination of manned anti-submarine patrol aircraft and drones. The drones performed low-altitude magnetic anomaly detection to locate submarines, enhancing operational efficiency and safety. This exercise reflects a trend towards integrating manned and unmanned systems in future anti-submarine operations.

A Chinese military delegation visited France and Germany from October 21 to 28, 2026, for strategic consultations. The discussions aimed to maintain military communication channels within the European security framework, focusing on crisis communication and regional security assessments. No specific military agreements or equipment sales were reported during the visit, indicating a focus on diplomatic engagement rather than direct military cooperation.

Li MinghuiThu Oct 29 2026Loading...

Japan and the U.S. agreed to jointly produce medium-range air-to-air missiles during a defense ministerial meeting in the Philippines on October 28, 2026. This initiative includes establishing final assembly and inspection facilities in Japan, enhancing logistical capabilities for rapid replenishment of air power. However, Japan will still depend on U.S. components for certain missile parts.

Tanaka TakashiThu Oct 29 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy reported a record number of Class A aviation and afloat mishaps in fiscal 2026, including 16 aviation incidents and 11 afloat mishaps. Notable events included an emergency landing of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter in the Arabian Sea, resulting in one presumed dead, and a fire aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford that injured three sailors. Additionally, a landing mishap involving an E/A-18G Growler injured eight personnel off the coast of Virginia.