Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
China shows snazzy clip of DF-17 missile on state TV in show of force
China showcased the DF-17 ballistic missile on state television in June 2023, emphasizing its capabilities as a strategic military asset. This display coincided with U.S.-led military exercises in the Asia-Pacific, signaling China's intent to deter U.S. actions. The DF-17, equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle, poses a significant threat to large surface targets, enhancing the PLA's operational confidence.
094 Nuclear Submarine Test-Fires 7000 Kilometer Submarine-Launched Missile: PLA's First Public Display of Sea-Based Nuclear Deterrence
On July 6, 2023, the People's Liberation Army Navy conducted a test launch of a long-range missile from a nuclear submarine in the Pacific Ocean. The missile, which carried a simulated warhead, flew approximately 7000 kilometers, landing near Nauru and Tuvalu. This marks China's first known submarine-launched ballistic missile test since 1982, raising concerns among regional nations about nuclear proliferation in the South Pacific.
Li MinghuiWed Jul 08 2026Loading...
2026 PLA Submarine-Launched Missiles Travel Approximately 7,000 Kilometers, Exposing Deterrence Costs in the Controversial Nuclear-Free Zone of the South Pacific
On July 6, 2026, the People's Liberation Army Navy conducted a test launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile from a strategic nuclear submarine, traveling approximately 7000 kilometers towards the Pacific Ocean, landing near Nauru and Tuvalu. This event raised concerns from New Zealand and Australia regarding its implications for the South Pacific nuclear-free zone, despite China's assertion that the missile was a training simulation.
Li MinghuiWed Jul 08 2026Loading...
America’s B-1B Bombers Just Got a Ship-Killing Missile — and China Must Wonder if a Day One Strike on Its Navy Is Now in the Cards
The U.S. Air Force successfully integrated the AGM-15AC Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) with B-1B Lancer bombers during a validation test at Dyess Air Force Base on June 2, 2022. This new capability enhances the bombers' maritime combat effectiveness, potentially allowing for strikes against Chinese naval forces. The Air Force plans to acquire 114 LRASMs to bolster its operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.
Japan's 1,000 Kilometer Type 25 Missile Still Needs Magazines
Japan deployed the Type 25 Surface-to-Ship Missile and Type 25 Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile to Camp Kengun and Camp Fuji in late March 2023. The Type 25 SSM has a range of about 1,000 kilometers, enhancing Japan's sea denial capabilities against Chinese naval forces. However, Japan's effectiveness will depend on its missile inventory and reloading capabilities during a conflict.
Marcus ChenTue Jul 07 2026Loading...
‘You Could Hear Them From Pearl Harbor’: China’s Once-Noisy Submarines Just Silenced Decades of Mockery
China conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the Pacific Ocean on July 6, 2023, believed to involve the JL-3 missile. This test, which was unannounced and carried a dummy warhead, has been condemned by several Western nations as provocative. The event underscores significant advancements in the capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Navy, marking a shift from their historically noisy submarines to a more sophisticated deterrent force.
‘Simply Wrong’: The B-1B Lancer Is Always Called a Nuclear Bomber — the U.S. Air Force Welded That Capability Away Years Ago
The U.S. Air Force completed the conversion of the B-1B Lancer from a nuclear-capable bomber to a conventional aircraft by 2011, following a two-stage process initiated in the 1990s. This involved removing nuclear arming hardware and modifying the aircraft to prevent future nuclear capability. Russian inspectors now annually verify that the B-1B fleet remains disarmed, confirming compliance with arms control treaties.
Chinese ballistic missile test is said to undermine nuclear weapons-free zone in South Pacific
China tested a JL2 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on July 6, 2026, which flew over 7,000 kilometers across the Pacific Ocean, landing near Nauru and Tuvalu. This test has raised concerns among South Pacific nations about its implications for the Nuclear Weapons Free Zone treaty. While China described the test as routine, regional leaders criticized it for undermining the treaty's spirit.
The U.S. Air Force Is Retiring the B-52’s Replacements First. The 1950s Bomber Will Outlive Both of Them
The U.S. Air Force is modernizing its B-52 fleet, upgrading all 76 aircraft with new Rolls-Royce F130 engines and AESA radar, while retiring the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers. This modernization effort, estimated at $48.6 billion, aims to extend the B-52's service life into the 2050s, showcasing the Air Force's strategy of upgrading proven designs instead of developing new aircraft.
China Built the J-10 as Its Own Fighter — Then Flew It on Russian Engines for Twenty Years Before Its Homegrown Engine Was Ready
China has developed and deployed over 600 J-10 fighter aircraft, transitioning from Russian AL-31FN engines to its own WS-10B engines. The J-10 first flew on March 23, 1998, and achieved operational status by December 29, 2006. In January 2025, China officially confirmed combat outcomes for the J-10CE, marking a significant milestone in its military aviation history.
China's 2026 Pacific SLBM Test Exposes the Submarine Gap Washington Cannot Ignore
The People's Liberation Army Navy launched a JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the South Pacific on July 6, 2026, during routine training. This event highlights China's growing sea-based nuclear capabilities and raises concerns among regional governments about military transparency and security. The missile reportedly landed in a designated area, and the launch was conducted with minimal prior notification to neighboring countries.
Marcus ChenTue Jul 07 2026Loading..."Type 05 Amphibious Armored Vehicle Live Fire Exercise Exposed, PLA's Taiwan Strait Landing Firepower Chain Gains More Attention"
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted live-fire exercises with Type 05 amphibious armored vehicles in the Taiwan Strait on June 25, 2023. The exercises focused on live-fire capabilities while in motion on water, highlighting the PLA's emphasis on integrating firepower and logistics for amphibious assaults. Western nations have expressed concerns regarding Chinese naval activities in the region, indicating heightened military scrutiny.
Li MinghuiTue Jul 07 2026Loading...Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Type 25 Missile Deployment Moves the 1000-Kilometer Denial Network
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force deployed Type 25 anti-ship guided missiles and HVGPs at Kengun and Fuji bases on March 31. This deployment enhances Japan's military capabilities with a missile range extended to approximately 1000 kilometers, reflecting a shift in defense strategy. The Type 25 system is designed for modern naval warfare, indicating a significant evolution in Japan's deterrence posture.
Tanaka TakashiTue Jul 07 2026Loading...
Canada picks Germany’s TKMS for historic submarine buy, in nod to Europe
Canada selected TKMS to build 12 new submarines, with the announcement made by Prime Minister Mark Carney on July 6, 2023, in Victoria, British Columbia. The project, estimated to cost up to $70 billion, aims to replace the aging Victoria-class submarines of the Royal Canadian Navy, with the first delivery expected in 2033. Negotiations with TKMS will commence soon, and a contract is anticipated by the end of the year.
Grounded Dreams: Everyone Asks Why China’s H-20 Stealth Bomber Is So Late. The Better Question Is Whether Beijing Even Needs It
China is developing the H-20 stealth bomber, which has faced delays since its announcement in 2016, with production timelines pushed to the 2030s. The Chinese military relies on land-based missiles for its strategic needs, making the urgency for the H-20 less critical. The bomber could enhance China's nuclear capabilities and provide flexibility in military operations, but its development is not prioritized over existing missile systems.
China's 2026 SLBM Test Moves Nuclear Deterrence Into the Pacific
On July 6, 2026, the People's Liberation Army Navy launched a submarine-launched ballistic missile from a Type 094 Jin-class submarine into the Pacific Ocean during routine training. The missile, which carried a simulated warhead, landed in a designated impact area. This test has raised concerns among Australia, Japan, and New Zealand regarding regional stability and China's expanding nuclear capabilities.
Marcus ChenMon Jul 06 2026Loading...
China fires submarine nuclear missile into Pacific
A Chinese Navy submarine launched a nuclear-capable ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean on July 6, 2024, as part of a routine military training exercise. The missile, identified as either a JL-2 or JL-3, was fired from the Bohai Sea and impacted near the Solomon Islands. Japan received limited warning before the launch and expressed concerns, but no evidence indicated the missile crossed into its airspace.
China Now Has More J-20 Stealth Fighters Than America Has F-22 Raptors — and the F-22 Is No Longer in Production
China has surpassed the U.S. in fifth-generation stealth fighter numbers, with over 500 J-20 fighters now operational. The F-22 Raptor is no longer in production, limiting U.S. air combat capabilities. The J-20's advancements, including upgraded radars and missiles, enhance its role in China's integrated combat network, posing a significant strategic challenge to U.S. forces.
The Decisive Theater: North Korea and the Problem of Simultaneous War
North Korea is enhancing its military capabilities, maintaining 1.2 to 1.3 million active-duty personnel and deploying artillery and missile systems near the Demilitarized Zone. The country aims to inflict maximum casualties on US forces quickly and is integrating tactical nuclear weapons into its strategy. The Korean Peninsula is a critical area for US military strategy, potentially becoming a decisive theater in a multi-theater conflict involving simultaneous crises.
China's 2026 SLBM Test Proves Deterrence Still Needs Patrols
China conducted a submarine-launched strategic missile test on July 6, 2026, demonstrating its capabilities in sea-based nuclear deterrence. The missile reportedly has intercontinental range, marking an upgrade to China's nuclear triad. However, the effectiveness of the People's Liberation Army Navy's ballistic-missile submarines in maintaining stealth during patrols remains uncertain. The test has implications for regional security, particularly concerning U.S. and allied monitoring efforts in the South China Sea and surrounding areas.
Marcus ChenMon Jul 06 2026Loading...
