Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
2026 Japan's 89 trillion yen defense budget bets on hypersonic missiles and underwater drones, facing new variables in the PLA's East China Sea anti-access chain.
Japan's Ministry of Defense proposed a defense budget of 8.9 trillion yen for 2026, focusing on hypersonic missiles and underwater drones. This initiative aims to enhance military capabilities in the East China Sea and Taiwan Strait, presenting new challenges for the Chinese military. The budget emphasizes the development of submarine-launched hypersonic missiles and attack drones, which could complicate the operational environment for China.
Li MinghuiTue Sep 01 2026Loading...Israeli Army Claims to Have Killed a Hamas Logistics Commander
Israeli Defense Forces conducted an operation on August 31 in Gaza City, resulting in the death of Omar Saraj, a commander in Hamas's logistics and supply department. Saraj was responsible for supplying weapons to Hamas fighters in the region. The operation aimed to eliminate threats posed by Hamas, which has been accused of recent attacks against Israeli forces and civilians, violating ceasefire agreements.
The Limits of Deterrence Revealed by North Korea's Unchanged Hostile Policy Statement on Freedom Edge 26
North Korea's foreign ministry declared no change in its hostile policy towards the U.S. and South Korea, perceiving the upcoming Freedom Edge 26 military exercise from September 7 to 11, 2024, as a threat. The exercise will focus on ballistic missile defense and anti-submarine warfare in the waters off Jeju Island. North Korea interprets the continuity of U.S.-South Korea military operations as evidence of ongoing pressure, despite the reduction in exercise scale.
Tanaka TakashiTue Sep 01 2026Loading...First Flight Test Pilot: The J-15 is Like My Own Child
The J-15 fighter jet successfully completed its first flight on August 31, 2009, piloted by Li Guoen. This event marked a significant milestone in China's naval aviation, symbolizing the country's advancements in military technology. The J-15 is now a key asset for the People's Liberation Army Navy, enhancing its operational capabilities.
First Flight in 17 Years, "Flying Shark" Sets Off for the Open Sea Again
The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has advanced the J-15 fighter jet family, including the J-15T and J-15D variants, enhancing its operational capabilities for carrier-based operations. The Fujian aircraft carrier successfully conducted its first catapult launches with these jets, marking a significant milestone in China's naval aviation development. The J-15 family is set to play a crucial role in multi-carrier operations and future upgrades will focus on improving combat capabilities and integration with unmanned systems.
I Am a Retired US Army Special Forces NCO: There Is Nothing Like the Remington 870 Shotgun
The Remington 870 shotgun has been a staple in U.S. military and law enforcement since its introduction in the 1950s, with significant use during the Vietnam War and ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Known for its reliability and versatility, it is employed in roles such as close-quarters combat and breaching operations. Over 11 million units have been sold, reflecting its enduring appeal in both military and civilian markets.
I Was a US Army Special Forces NCO: The I Loved Firing the M79 ‘Thumper’ Grenade Launcher As It Always Delivered and 350,000 Were Built
The M79 grenade launcher, developed in the late 1950s and adopted in 1961, became a crucial asset for U.S. forces in Vietnam and continues to be utilized by allied nations in Latin America for light infantry and counter-narcotics operations. With 350,000 units built, its reliability and versatility in ammunition types have ensured its lasting presence in military arsenals despite the advent of more modern systems.
China's 244-Ship Pressure Campaign Is Rehearsing a Taiwan Blockade
China has deployed 244 ships, including coast guard and research vessels, around Taiwan as part of a pressure campaign rehearsing a blockade. In August 2023, Taiwan detected 152 ships in its waters, alongside military aircraft incursions. The PLA's activities aim to normalize Chinese presence and prepare for potential future operations against Taiwan.
Marcus ChenMon Aug 31 2026Loading...
USS Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Thailand lifts hope and sex-tourism risk
USS Abraham Lincoln docked in Pattaya, Thailand, this week, bringing nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines for rest after over 200 days at sea. Local authorities are increasing patrols in response to concerns about sex tourism, as the area prepares for an economic boost from military personnel spending. Prostitution remains illegal in Thailand, yet is visible in major tourist hubs like Pattaya.
Silent Anvil: The US Navy Wants a New Torpedo That Glides to the Target Before It Ever Touches the Water
The U.S. Navy released a request for information (RFI) on August 25, 2023, seeking development of the Silent Anvil Air-Launched Torpedo (SAA-LT) to enhance anti-submarine warfare capabilities. This new torpedo aims to strike enemy submarines from greater distances, improving safety for pilots and aircraft. The Navy intends to have a prototype ready within 18 months and plans to produce around 180 units thereafter. The initiative addresses increasing submarine threats from China and Russia.
New Zealand ground forces drill to dock onto larger armies
The New Zealand Army conducted a live-fire exercise named Hill 60 in Waiouru on August 27, 2026, involving approximately 1,000 soldiers from a Motorised Infantry Battle Group. This exercise is part of their preparation for the upcoming Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia, emphasizing the growing alignment with the Australian Army under Plan ANZAC. The troops utilized NZLAV 8x8 armored vehicles and Bushmaster protected vehicles during the drill.
Super Garuda Shield 2026 Shows Indonesia Won’t Choose Washington Over Beijing
Super Garuda Shield 2026 involves approximately 4,700 to 5,000 troops from Indonesia and 15 to 21 participating nations across multiple locations in Indonesia from August 31 to September 11, 2026. The exercise includes amphibious operations, airborne activities, and cyber training, emphasizing Indonesia's intent to enhance military interoperability while maintaining strategic ambiguity between the U.S. and China. This military exercise serves as a platform for diplomatic engagement and operational readiness.
Marcus ChenMon Aug 31 2026Loading...
Approval of Mass Production for Terra B1 Interception Drones in 2026 Takes Japan's Low-Cost Air Defense to the Next Level
Japan's Ministry of Defense approved the mass production of the Terra B1 intercept drone in 2026, marking a significant advancement in its low-cost air defense strategy. This drone, the only model to pass ATLA's evaluation, incorporates 3D printing technology to streamline production and maintenance. The move aims to bolster Japan's defense against low-cost unmanned aerial threats, particularly in the southwestern islands.
Tanaka TakashiMon Aug 31 2026Loading...
The end of the strike, immediately shift positions! Directly hitting the exercise site of a coastal missile brigade of the Eastern Theater Navy.
The Eastern Theater Command Navy conducted a naval strike exercise, rapidly occupying launch positions and executing simulated strikes. Following the initial strikes, troops effectively repositioned in response to unexpected scenarios, demonstrating their command and control capabilities. The exercise was designed to test new tactics and ensure readiness under complex battlefield conditions.
Destroyer "Chokai" Acquires Tomahawk Launch Capability and Returns to Sasebo: A Starting Point for 400 Missiles Procurement and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Five-Ship System
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyer 'Chokai' returned to Sasebo on August 30 after acquiring Tomahawk missile capability, marking a significant enhancement in Japan's military capabilities. The ship successfully conducted its first live-fire test of the Tomahawk on July 29. Japan plans to procure up to 400 Tomahawk missiles and upgrade five Aegis destroyers to enhance its long-range strike capabilities.
Tanaka TakashiMon Aug 31 2026Loading...
Three-Level Joint Training! Breaking Through the "Lifeline" of Battlefield Rescue
The 79th Group Army conducted a multi-level medical training exercise in Liaoning Province in late August, focusing on battlefield emergency medical support. The exercise involved both manned and unmanned systems, with medical teams practicing rapid casualty evacuation and treatment under simulated combat conditions. This training aimed to enhance the unit's emergency medical response capabilities in a battlefield environment.
40,000 Tons of Power: US Navy Midway-Class Aircraft Carrier USS Coral Sea Had a Special Armored Flight Deck
The USS Coral Sea (CV-43) served in the US Navy from 1948 to 1990, transitioning from WWII-era propeller-driven aircraft to modern jet fighters. It participated in key operations during the Vietnam War and against Libya, accumulating 10,000 combat sorties. The carrier underwent significant modernization, including the addition of an angled flight deck and steam catapults, to enhance its operational capabilities.
Japan's Missile Tests in Australia Give Tokyo Strategic Depth
Japan is set to conduct missile tests in Australia as part of a decade-long defense arrangement, allowing the Japan Self-Defense Forces to validate standoff missile capabilities. This collaboration aims to enhance Japan's military readiness and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, addressing the challenges posed by its geographical constraints. The agreement signifies a deeper defense partnership between Australia and Japan, moving beyond procurement to serious force development.
Marcus ChenSun Aug 30 2026Loading...
80,000-Ton Navy Aircraft Carrier USS Kitty Hawk Collided with Russian Nuclear Attack Submarine Moving at 15 Knots: Pieces of the Submarine Stuck to the Carrier’s Hull
On March 21, 1984, the USS Kitty Hawk collided with the Soviet submarine K-314 in the Sea of Japan during joint military exercises. The collision resulted in damage to both vessels, with K-314's propeller heavily damaged and unable to move. A piece of the submarine was later found on the carrier, providing valuable intelligence on Soviet submarine technology. The incident highlighted the risks of close naval operations during the Cold War.
‘The Bow Was Ripped Off’: A US Navy Nuclear Attack Submarine Smacked Into an Underwater Mountain ‘At a High Rate of Speed’
On January 8, 2005, the USS San Francisco (SSN-711) collided with an undersea mountain southeast of Guam, resulting in 98 injuries and 1 fatality. The submarine was operating at high speed and suffered severe damage to its sonar dome and ballast tanks. An investigation revealed that outdated navigation charts contributed to the incident, leading to the reassignment of the ship's captain and commendations for some crew members for their heroic actions during the event.
