Analysis & Reports

The People's Armed Police Force of China is hosting the 'Great Wall-2026' International Counter-Terrorism Forum in Beijing from October 13 to 15. Over 320 representatives from 62 countries and international organizations will participate, focusing on practical cooperation in counter-terrorism. Key topics include trends in terrorist activities and measures to prevent maritime terrorism.

Japan is revising its security policy documents and considering the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines in response to perceived regional threats. The Japanese government is accelerating its militarization, which is criticized as a departure from its post-war pacifist obligations. This shift poses challenges to international nuclear non-proliferation and regional stability.

On October 13, the Chinese and Laotian Armed Forces will hold the fifth border defense friendly exchange event in Menglai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. The event aims to strengthen traditional friendship and deepen military cooperation between the two nations.

China's representative at the UN called for a comprehensive approach to resolving the Yemen conflict amid escalating warfare. The UN Security Council expressed concern over the situation, urging diplomatic efforts and safe humanitarian aid access. Recent developments indicate a significant change in Yemen's ground situation, necessitating international cooperation to address the conflict and its regional implications.

UK intelligence agencies are conducting a systematic review of all confidential information shared with Germany's BND following the arrest of former BND chief August Hanning for alleged espionage. This incident has raised significant concerns about the safety of intelligence sources and the potential impact on international intelligence cooperation.

U.S. Special Envoy Wittekov held constructive discussions in Miami on October 9, 2023, with representatives from the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe to ease the Russia-Ukraine situation before winter. The talks focused on security guarantees, winter preparations, and Ukraine's post-war reconstruction efforts. Ukrainian President Zelensky's negotiation team is scheduled to meet with U.S. officials for further discussions.

Japan is revising its security policy to explore the acquisition of nuclear submarines, raising concerns about regional stability in the Asia-Pacific. Various international figures have expressed alarm over this potential shift, viewing it as a threat to peace and a move towards offensive military capabilities. The Japanese government is expected to make a decision on this matter within the year.

In 1981, a Canadian Oberon-class submarine successfully simulated a torpedo attack on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower during NATO's Ocean Venture exercise in the Atlantic Ocean. The submarine evaded detection by the carrier group and was declared to have 'sunk' the carrier by a U.S. Navy umpire. This incident highlighted the effectiveness of diesel-electric submarines and raised concerns about U.S. anti-submarine warfare tactics.

The National Guard was spotted near a ballot drop box in Washington, D.C., prompting the Board of Elections to request their withdrawal from voting locations. The Joint Task Force-District of Columbia confirmed awareness of the incident and is addressing it to uphold public trust. Federal law prohibits military presence at polling places, and the National Guard's deployment in the area involves nearly 3,000 troops.

The Army's FUZE innovation hub in Washington is focusing on complex acquisition challenges for Fiscal Year 2027, aiming to accelerate technology deployment for military use. FUZE has been allocated $750 million in annual RDT&E funds and has held 16 xTech competitions to enhance capabilities in drones, electronic warfare, and energy resiliency. The organization seeks to engage acquisition officials earlier in the process to ensure successful procurement outcomes.

The Pentagon awarded a $281 million no-bid consulting contract to Alvarez & Marsal Federal, linked to senior DOD official George K. Kollitides II. This contract is part of nearly $350 million awarded to the firm since December 2022, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and transparency in military procurement. Experts have criticized the situation as potentially corrupt, highlighting the unusual contracting method used.

The Royal Navy developed the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers to replace the retiring Invincible-class and enhance airpower projection. This strategic decision, made in the late 1990s, involved a costly switch to STOVL F-35B fighters, which has led to construction challenges. The carriers are intended to operate independently, reflecting the UK's commitment to maintaining a credible naval aviation capability.

Thales is promoting its new AI-enabled command and control system, HexaForce, for the Gulf region, highlighting its operational capabilities and features that support national sovereignty. The system, unveiled on September 17, 2023, aims to enhance decision-making for NATO and allied nations and has been tested in military exercises. Thales is open to local production partnerships with Gulf states to meet regional demands.

Germany is rearming and has deployed a 4,800-strong brigade to Lithuania to enhance NATO's eastern flank security following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This marks a significant shift in Germany's military policy, with a €100 billion fund allocated for the Bundeswehr. The deployment is the first permanent stationing of German troops abroad since World War II, reflecting a new era in European security dynamics.

Sean Spoonts, a former US Navy ASW operator, argues that the Russian Kilo-class submarine is not as stealthy as claimed, being detectable when snorkeling. He notes that three Kilo-class submarines have been damaged or destroyed while at the pier, highlighting their limited submerged endurance. Spoonts emphasizes that the Kilo-class is not a serious threat compared to other submarines like the Victor III.

Twenty-five Indo-Pacific armies convened in Auckland in late September 2026 to discuss interoperability and regional partnerships. The seminar emphasized the importance of cooperation but highlighted the inability of regional forces to replace U.S. military credibility. Political signals from the U.S. complicate military readiness, as allies depend on reliable arms delivery and logistical support.

Marcus ChenFri Oct 09 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers did not seek environmental mitigation for over 50 projects from 2020 to 2025 and failed to provide detailed explanations to Congress. A report by the Government Accountability Office highlighted a sharp decline in mitigation plans, with zero plans made in 2025. The GAO recommended that the Corps establish clearer guidance for documenting its decision-making processes regarding environmental protection measures.

Poland scrambled military aircraft on October 9, 2026, in response to Russian attacks on Ukraine. Sweden deployed a Patriot air-defense system to Poland to enhance protection for Ukrainian aid routes. The situation highlights NATO's challenges in maintaining effective air defense against Russian threats, as Poland serves as a critical early-warning system for the alliance.

Alexandra ReevesFri Oct 09 2026Loading...

Canada is reviewing its planned acquisition of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets, with only 16 currently committed to purchase. The review, ordered by Prime Minister Mark Carney on March 14, 2025, is ongoing amid trade disputes with the U.S. and considerations of alternative aircraft, including Saab's Gripen E. The Royal Canadian Air Force has one F-35 in Texas for pilot training.

EDGE signed a contract with Morocco's Administration of National Defence on 9 October 2026 to supply precision weapons, including the DESERT STING 16 and THUNDER P-31, to the Royal Moroccan Air Force. This contract will enhance the capabilities of Morocco's unmanned combat aerial vehicles and reflects EDGE's commitment to supporting African defense initiatives.