Analysis & Reports

MAURIC partnered with Couach to construct 24 coastal surveillance patrol vessels for the Maritime Gendarmerie, with the first unit expected by 2029. The contract was awarded on 29 June 2026, and five vessels will be deployed overseas in French Guiana, Mayotte, and New Caledonia. The vessels will support maritime policing, counter-trafficking, and search and rescue missions.

The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted a test launch of a submarine-launched missile in the Pacific Ocean on July 6, 2023, at 12:01 PM. The missile reportedly traveled approximately 7000 kilometers, landing near Nauru and Tuvalu. This marks the first known test of such a missile by China since 1982, demonstrating advancements in its nuclear capabilities. The launch was monitored by Taiwan's radar systems and is part of routine military training, although it raises concerns regarding regional security and international diplomatic implications.

Li MinghuiFri Jul 10 2026Loading...

An F-15EX Eagle II landed at Kadena Air Base on June 29, 2026, as part of preparations for its deployment. The U.S. Air Force's 67th Fighter Squadron will operate the aircraft, which is set to replace older F-15C/D models. This deployment follows the Valiant Shield 26 exercise and aims to enhance air defense and strike capabilities in the region.

Tanaka TakashiFri Jul 10 2026Loading...

Taiwan's radar successfully tracked a Chinese submarine-launched missile shortly after its launch from the South China Sea on July 10. This event marks the first known test of a submarine-launched missile by China since 1982, highlighting advancements in China's nuclear deterrence capabilities. The Taiwanese AN/FPS-115 Pave Paws radar, which can detect missiles up to 5000 km, played a crucial role in this tracking. China also informed several nations about the test, indicating a political dimension to the demonstration of its military capabilities.

Li MinghuiFri Jul 10 2026Loading...

A Chinese Navy submarine launched a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on July 6, 2023, which traveled approximately 7,300 kilometers into the Pacific Ocean. The missile reportedly landed near a nuclear-free zone in the South Pacific, raising concerns among Japan and other nations. This test demonstrates China's advancing nuclear deterrence capabilities and highlights the challenges of detecting and tracking such launches before they occur.

Tanaka TakashiFri Jul 10 2026Loading...

On July 1, 2026, the U.S. Air Force conducted a military exercise over the Philippine Sea, featuring an F-15EX fighter flying alongside an Australian-built MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone. This marked the first time the Air Force published an image of a collaborative combat aircraft with a crewed fighter. The MQ-28 has demonstrated combat capabilities, including an autonomous missile launch that resulted in an air-to-air kill.

China's People's Liberation Army Navy conducted live-fire drills and operations around Australia, showcasing its capabilities with over 90 modern destroyers and frigates. The Type 055 cruiser led a task group that operated 5,000 miles from home, demonstrating a sophisticated naval architecture. The fleet's rapid growth and modernization have positioned it as a significant force in the Pacific, with capabilities that challenge Western naval standards.

The demand for HIMARS has surged due to its successful deployment in Ukraine, prompting Lockheed Martin to double production to 96 launchers in 2024. Countries like Poland, Estonia, and Canada have placed significant orders, while HIMARS has also been utilized in operations against Iran. Despite its effectiveness, challenges remain with ammunition supply, impacting operational capabilities.

The K9 Thunder howitzer, produced by South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace, has become the most exported tracked self-propelled howitzer globally, outselling competitors like the American M109 Paladin and German PzH 2000. Its success is attributed to rapid delivery, technology transfer, competitive pricing, and a self-sufficient production model. Eleven nations, including Poland and India, have adopted the K9, which is designed for quick firing and mobility, making it a preferred choice in the defense market.

The U.S. Air Force has equipped the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber to carry 16 Long-Range Antiship Missiles (LRASMs) for operations in the Taiwan Strait. This development enhances the bomber's capability for maritime access-denial missions, crucial for countering Chinese naval strategies. The LRASM is designed to strike hostile shipping, potentially altering the balance of power in the region.

The Dassault Rafale has secured over 640 orders by the end of 2024, becoming a preferred choice for countries like Egypt, Qatar, and India. It is marketed as a sovereign purchase, free from American control, appealing to nations seeking operational independence. The aircraft's continuous upgrades further enhance its attractiveness, contrasting with the F-35's market dominance.

The Pentagon and Silicon Valley are actively pursuing the development of space-based solar power technology to enhance military logistics. The U.S. Air Force has contracted Overview Energy to study its applications in conflict zones like Guam and remote areas such as Alaska and Greenland. The technology aims to provide electricity without relying on vulnerable fuel supply chains, with a demonstration planned for 2028 and commercial operations expected by 2030.

Xining Ship and Nanchang Ship conducted high-intensity combat training exercises in the Yellow Sea, involving air defense, shore bombardment, and anti-submarine operations. The fleet utilized radar and countermeasures to engage multiple aerial threats and successfully completed live-fire drills. Helicopters were deployed for anti-submarine operations, demonstrating effective coordination and readiness under challenging conditions.

The Sichuan amphibious assault ship has completed its construction and is nearing delivery, featuring advanced electromagnetic catapults and arrestor wires. This ship, with a displacement of over 40,000 tons, is designed to support various aircraft, enhancing China's operational capabilities in maritime power projection. Military experts indicate that the Sichuan will significantly improve China's ability to conduct amphibious and air operations.

The Iowa-class battleships, including USS Iowa, USS New Jersey, USS Missouri, and USS Wisconsin, served as fast carrier escorts and coastal bombardment platforms from 1943 to 1991. Designed for naval battles, they never engaged in the combat they were built for, instead firing their powerful 16-inch guns at land targets during various conflicts. Their last combat action occurred during Operation Desert Storm, where Missouri was nearly hit by an anti-ship missile. All four ships are now retired and serve as museum ships.

Japan's Imperial Navy designed the A-150 battleship between 1938 and 1941, intending it to be the largest and most powerful battleship with six 20-inch guns. However, the design was abandoned due to the realization that naval aviation would dominate future warfare, alongside Japan's industrial limitations. The A-150 was never built, reflecting a shift in naval strategy during World War II.

Japan constructed the Yamato and Musashi, the largest battleships ever built, at Kure and Nagasaki from 1937 to 1945, employing advanced engineering and extensive secrecy. The battleships were armed with nine 46-centimeter guns, and their true capabilities were not recognized by U.S. intelligence until after the war. The construction involved significant logistical efforts, including the creation of specialized transport vessels for the massive turrets.

China conducted the maiden flight of the Jiutian drone mothership in Pucheng, Shaanxi Province. This new system can carry and launch up to 100 smaller drones, featuring a top speed of 378 knots and a range of 4,349 miles. The Jiutian is equipped with eight hardpoints for munitions, marking a significant advancement in China's military drone capabilities.

North Korea is preparing to operationalize the Kang Kon destroyer by Fall 2023 after conducting repairs and live-fire trials. Kim Jong-un has initiated a significant naval buildup, planning to produce two 5,000-ton destroyers annually for five years and a new 10,000-ton warship. This modernization effort includes advanced weapon systems and reflects a strategic shift in North Korea's military capabilities, raising concerns for regional security.

China showcased the DF-17 medium-range missile in a video, emphasizing its operational capabilities during U.S.-led military exercises in the Philippine Sea and Taiwan. The DF-17, capable of precise strikes and maneuvering, poses a significant challenge to U.S. naval forces. This demonstration serves as a reminder of the evolving military dynamics in the region, particularly concerning Taiwan and Japan.

Marcus ChenWed Jul 08 2026Loading...