Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy is currently facing a shortage of Virginia-class submarines, producing only 1.3 boats per year instead of the required two. This has prompted discussions about utilizing air-independent propulsion submarines for specific missions. The Navy must adapt its strategy to address the increasing demands for undersea presence, particularly in the Western Pacific region.

Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy extended the Global Combat Air Programme contract through the end of 2027, resolving funding issues caused by the UK's delayed defense spending plan. The extension allows the demonstrator aircraft to proceed on schedule, with its first flight expected before the end of 2027. The program aims to develop a sixth-generation fighter aircraft to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and Mitsubishi F-2 jets.

China Coast Guard inspected 198 ships east of Taiwan, conducting jurisdiction drills that harassed three merchant vessels. This operation is linked to ongoing maritime negotiations between Japan and the Philippines, raising concerns about regional stability. The U.S. and allied nations issued warnings about the implications of these actions for international shipping and security.

Marcus ChenWed Jul 01 2026Loading...

Taiwan received its final batch of 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks from the United States in late April 2023, delivered to the Army Armor Training Command in Hsinchu. Analysts have criticized these tanks as ineffective against modern warfare threats, particularly drones, and highlighted their mobility challenges on Taiwan's terrain. The Republic of China Army plans to integrate these tanks with counter-drone capabilities as part of a broader defense strategy.

The State Council of China announced new regulations to promote employment and entrepreneurship for veterans, effective August 1, 2026. The regulations include measures for education and training, preferential hiring practices, and support for veteran entrepreneurship. Legal responsibilities for violations of these regulations are also outlined.

The Nanning Ship (DDG-162) and Hengyang Ship (FFG-568) of the People's Liberation Army Navy visited Hong Kong from July 2-6, 2023, for public engagement and cultural exchange. This visit marks the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return and showcases the operational capabilities of the PLA Navy. The ships are representative of the navy's routine operational units, emphasizing their role in regional presence and public diplomacy.

Li MinghuiTue Jun 30 2026Loading...

Japan is reorganizing its Air Self-Defense Force into the Japan Air and Space Self-Defense Force by March 2027, enhancing its space defense capabilities. This includes establishing a space operations group and upgrading the 15th Brigade in Okinawa to a division. The changes aim to improve command and control in the southwestern defense area amid rising maritime tensions, particularly from China.

Tanaka TakashiTue Jun 30 2026Loading...

South Korea and Japan are actively pursuing the development of nuclear-powered submarines, influenced by the AUKUS initiative. The November 2025 summit between President Trump and President Lee Jae-myung accelerated these efforts. However, industrial limitations and historical tensions between the two nations pose challenges. A proposed ROKJUS program aims to enhance deterrence against China's naval expansion by leveraging investments and technology sharing among the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.

Japan's Ministry of Defense is exploring the introduction of a military AI system from U.S. company Palantir for command and control. There are ongoing discussions about potentially combining this with domestic AI solutions. The integration of AI is set to be included in the upcoming revision of Japan's security documents, with funding planned for the fiscal year 2027 budget.

Japan's Self-Defense Forces recruited 11,177 personnel in Fiscal Year 2025, marking a significant recovery from previous years' declines. This increase is attributed to new compensation measures implemented by Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Despite the improvement, the SDF's actual strength remains below authorized levels, highlighting ongoing challenges in meeting strategic military goals. Japan's defense budget also reached a record high, supporting its ambitious military transformation efforts.

On June 27, 2026, South Korean Air Force fighters scrambled as approximately 10 Chinese and Russian military aircraft entered and exited the Korea Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ). This prompted Seoul to lodge a formal diplomatic protest with both Beijing and Moscow. The incident marks the 11th joint strategic aerial patrol by China and Russia, which was characterized by China as a demonstration of their resolve to safeguard regional peace and stability.

A naval fleet consisting of the missile destroyer Nanning and missile frigate Hengyang is visiting Hong Kong from July 2 to July 6. The fleet will organize open visits and cultural exchange activities to enhance understanding of national defense and military development among residents of Hong Kong and Macau.

Japan is researching and planning to deploy unmanned submarines capable of anti-ship attacks, including torpedoes and mines. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance military capabilities and has raised concerns about regional security. The Japanese government aims to coordinate these unmanned systems with existing manned vessels and other military assets, indicating a shift towards a more aggressive defense posture.

New Zealand's Defence Force reported persistent Chinese naval forays and ballistic missile tests in the Pacific, highlighting a surveillance gap. The report indicates that New Zealand's current military capabilities are insufficient to monitor and respond to these activities effectively. It calls for closer integration with allies to enhance regional security and address the growing Chinese military presence.

Marcus ChenSun Jun 28 2026Loading...

Fujian transited the Taiwan Strait on June 23, 2026, with no aircraft on deck, indicating it remains in the training phase. This transit highlights China's current limitations in carrier operations despite having three hulls. The event coincided with U.S. military exercises, emphasizing the strategic context of the region. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense monitored the transit, reflecting ongoing tensions.

Marcus ChenSun Jun 28 2026Loading...

Japan plans to revise its security policy by the end of the year to increase defense spending and develop attack-capable unmanned submarines. This initiative aims to enhance its defense network in the Pacific amid rising Chinese naval power. The introduction of these systems reflects Japan's strategy to maintain military effectiveness and may escalate regional security tensions.

Japan is researching the introduction and deployment of unmanned submarines capable of anti-ship attacks as part of strengthening its defense system in the Pacific. These submarines are designed to carry torpedoes and mines, and will operate alongside manned frigates and submarines, as well as unmanned surface vessels equipped with missile launch systems. This initiative may introduce new instability in regional security.

Six senior officers of the People's Liberation Army were removed from their representative positions on June 27, 2023, as part of an ongoing anti-corruption campaign. This restructuring indicates a significant shift in military command and may impact equipment procurement and project management within the PLA. The announcement was made by the National People's Congress, but no reasons were provided for the removals.

Li MinghuiSun Jun 28 2026Loading...

The U.S. is expanding THAAD and Patriot missile production in 2026 to address increased demand for defense in the Gulf region. This expansion follows significant depletion of U.S. military stockpiles due to recent conflicts, particularly the Iran War. The Gulf states are becoming more reliant on U.S. military support, raising concerns about their strategic independence and the implications of U.S. arms supply prioritization.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Jun 28 2026Loading...

Four Chinese Coast Guard vessels have maintained a continuous presence near the Senkaku Islands for 330 days, exerting pressure on Japan's maritime security. These vessels, equipped with cannons, have entered Japan's contiguous zone and have been warned by Japanese patrol boats. The situation is viewed as a long-term strategy by China to challenge Japan's control over the islands.

Tanaka TakashiSun Jun 28 2026Loading...