Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
China’s J-20 Mighty Dragon Stealth Fighter Was Never Built To Be the F-22 or F-35
China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is actively deploying J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighters in the Taiwan Strait, increasing military pressure on Taiwan. The PLAAF currently operates around 500 J-20s, with plans to potentially double this number by 2030. This deployment is part of a broader strategy to assert dominance in the Indo-Pacific region, complicating U.S. military responses.
The US Navy Put 23 New Technologies on One Nuclear Aircraft Carrier at the Same Time. That Decision Cost Years.
The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) introduced 23 new technologies, including advanced launch and recovery systems, during its operational testing from February 2024 to May 2026. The carrier's deployment covered 57,713 nautical miles, achieving 12,200 launches. Despite its advancements, the integration of these technologies led to significant delays and cost overruns during construction, impacting its operational readiness.
The F-35B Lands Vertically, and Japan’s Converted Aircraft Carrier Decks Get So Hot Crews Have to Wait Between Landings.
Japan is converting the JS Izumo and JS Kaga helicopter destroyers into light aircraft carriers to support F-35B operations, with modifications expected to complete by March 2029. The ships will enhance Japan's air capabilities in the East China Sea, allowing for flexible operations without relying solely on land bases. The U.S. Marine Corps has already conducted operations from these vessels, demonstrating their strategic importance in regional security.
Scientists In China Think They Have Found A B-21 Raider US Air Force Bomber Flaw and Fixed It
Chinese researchers at the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center claimed to have identified aerodynamic and stability weaknesses in the B-21 Raider using their PADJ-X design tool. The report, published on January 7, highlighted a 15% improvement in lift-to-drag ratio but noted that the B-21's exact specifications remain classified. The U.S. Air Force has not yet responded to these claims, and the B-21 is expected to be operational by 2027.
The Soviet Union Built Four Aircraft Carriers Like Nothing Else Afloat. Two of Them Are Now Chinese Tourist Attractions.
The Soviet Union commissioned four Kiev-class aircraft carriers from 1975 to 1987, designed for anti-submarine warfare and missile defense. Two of these carriers, Kiev and Minsk, have been converted into tourist attractions in China, with Kiev serving as a theme park and hotel in Tianjin, and Minsk in Shenzhen. The last operational carrier, Baku, was rebuilt for India and is now known as INS Vikramaditya.
Search Attack in One Go! What "Upgrades" Do the Z-20J and Z-20F Bring to the Navy?
The Chinese Navy has recently introduced the Z-20J and Z-20F helicopters, enhancing its assault and anti-submarine capabilities. The Z-20J serves as a carrier-based assault helicopter, while the Z-20F is designed for anti-submarine warfare. These advancements significantly improve the operational effectiveness of the Chinese Navy in both land and maritime operations.
The Decision on Japan-U.S. Missile Defense in 2026 Approaches with the SM-3 Block IIA Production Increase
Japan and the U.S. are set to quadruple the production of SM-3 Block IIA missiles by 2026, enhancing their missile defense capabilities. The first unit of the upgraded 12-type anti-ship guided missile will be deployed by March 2026 in Kumamoto Prefecture. The report highlights the importance of integrated command and control for effective missile defense operations against diverse threats in the region.
Tanaka TakashiWed Jul 29 2026Loading...
90,000 Tons: Japan Never Laid the Keel for Its Super Yamato Battleship. It Had Already Started Building the 20.1-Inch Guns.
Japan planned the Super Yamato battleship, intended to carry six 20.1-inch guns, but never laid the keel due to resource constraints and a shift in military focus towards aircraft and carriers. By late 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy prioritized immediate war preparations over battleship construction, especially after the losses at the Battle of Midway. The project was ultimately abandoned, and the partially completed artillery was likely destroyed by 1945.
2,120 Days: That’s How Long US Navy Nuclear Aircraft Carrier USS George Washington Was ‘Trapped’ in the Yard
USS George Washington underwent a lengthy overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding, taking 2,120 days instead of the planned 48 months, due to various logistical challenges and hidden damages. The carrier returned to Navy control on May 25, 2023, after extensive modernization, including upgrades to its systems and equipment. It is set to resume operations in Yokosuka, Japan, as the only forward-deployed American aircraft carrier in the region.
‘What a Mess’: The US Navy Spent Four and a Half Years and $80 Million Repairing a Seawolf-Class Nuclear Submarine. It Is Scheduled to Retire in 2031
USS Connecticut, a Seawolf-class submarine, sustained extensive damage after colliding with an underwater mountain in the South China Sea in October 2021. The U.S. Navy has invested $80 million and 4.5 years in repairs, but the submarine is still scheduled for retirement in 2031. The incident raised concerns about navigation and operational safety near China.
The August 1st Promotional Video Will Be Released, Featuring High-Energy Footage of Various Equipment for the First Time!
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is releasing a promotional video titled 'Victory' on August 1, 2023, to celebrate its 99th anniversary. The video will showcase advanced military equipment, including the Sichuan amphibious assault ship and the 191 long-range rocket launcher, highlighting the PLA's enhanced operational capabilities. Experts emphasize that these developments signify the PLA's modernization efforts and readiness for complex military operations.
Australia Painted One of Its Newest M1 Abrams Tanks to Look Like a Chinese Type 99. The Americans Only Do This With Old Hulls.
The Australian Army modified an M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tank to resemble a Chinese Type 99 tank at Puckapunyal, Victoria, for training purposes. This modification was carried out by B Squadron, 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment, as part of a training exercise for junior officers in armored warfare. The exercise will conclude with a combined arms training event, Exercise Tungsten Forge/Gauntlet Strike.
China’s Plan to Beat the US Air Force’s F-22 and F-35: Build As Many J-20 Mighty Dragon Stealth Fighters As the Factory Can Pump Out
China is ramping up production of J-20 stealth fighters, with an output of 100 to 120 aircraft annually, aiming for a fleet of around 1,000 by 2030. The J-20s are replacing older aircraft and are strategically positioned for operations across the Pacific, including Taiwan and the South China Sea. The shift to domestic engines enhances production capabilities and reduces reliance on foreign suppliers.
The Navy Built 62 Los Angeles-Class Submarines. It Cannot Replace Them Fast Enough and Faces a Nuclear Sub Shortage
The U.S. Navy is experiencing a nuclear submarine shortage as 42 of the 62 Los Angeles-class submarines have retired by fiscal 2026, while Virginia-class replacements are not being delivered at the necessary rate. The Navy's goal is to maintain 66 attack submarines, but projections indicate a decline to 47 by 2030. Maintenance issues further exacerbate the shortage, with a significant portion of the fleet currently unavailable for operations.
Time to decide: A critical moment in Japan-US missile defense cooperation
Japan is developing its FY2027 budget and three new defense documents while considering options for missile defense modernization, including the acquisition of IBCS and LTAMDS. Japan's defense expenditures have increased to $58 billion this year, reflecting urgency in countering air and missile threats. The U.S. Army's Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) is crucial for Japan's missile defense strategy, but challenges remain in integrating new systems with existing capabilities.
China Has A Fleet of 24 Su-35 Fighters from Russia. The Gamble: Experts Feared Beijing Would Steal Their Secrets
China integrated 24 Su-35 fighters into its air force, utilizing them for combat patrols over the South China Sea and escorting bombers near Taiwan. The sale, completed in 2019, was valued between $2-2.5 billion and was influenced by Russia's economic needs amid sanctions. The Su-35s provided China with advanced capabilities while its own J-20 stealth fighter was still under development.
Marines Prove 2,000-Mile Pacific Radios But Not Sea Denial
On July 23, Marines established two-way high-frequency voice communications between Manila and Darwin, demonstrating command and control capabilities over 2,000 miles. This advancement is crucial for distributed forces in the Pacific, especially as China increases its military presence and capabilities in the region. The report highlights the challenges of sustaining operations against potential threats from the People's Liberation Army Navy.
Marcus ChenTue Jul 28 2026Loading...
U.S. Army signs new contract for Bradley targeting system upgrades
The U.S. Army awarded a $55.7 million contract to DRS Network and Imaging Systems for engineering services to upgrade the Improved Bradley Acquisition Subsystem (IBAS) on July 6, 2026, in Melbourne, Florida. This subsystem is essential for the targeting capabilities of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The contract was issued on a sole-source basis, as DRS is the only company capable of performing the required work.
U.S. Congress Approves $500 Million Military Aid to Taiwan, Increasing Clarity of PLA Eastern Theater Command's Anti-Intervention Pressure
The U.S. Congress approved $500 million in military aid to Taiwan on July 27, 2023, amid ongoing discussions about military support. This aid is part of a broader context where Taiwan faces delays in receiving previously approved military equipment. The Chinese military is recalibrating its assessments based on Taiwan's incremental military improvements, which include various U.S. weapon systems.
Li MinghuiTue Jul 28 2026Loading...Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to Produce Next-Generation Fighter Jets for Japan, the UK, and Italy
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will serve as the production base for the next-generation fighter jet in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, collaborating with UK and Italian engineers. The project aims for deployment of the first aircraft by 2035, replacing Japan's F-2 fighter jet. Canada will also participate as an observer, sharing some confidential information with the involved nations.
