Analysis & Reports

The 82nd Group Army's Model Company of Strong Crossing Wu River conducted reconnaissance training and combat drills at the Wu River, commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Red Army's Long March. The unit reflects on its historical significance and the spirit of 'fighting fiercely and advancing courageously' as they prepare for future operations. The training involved 17 soldiers using bamboo rafts, emphasizing the legacy of their predecessors' bravery during the original crossing in January 1935.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Navy, and United States Navy conducted the joint military exercise 'Freedom Edge 26' from September 7-11, 2026, in the waters east and south of Jeju Island. Six surface combatants participated, with a focus on decentralized air defense and real-time data sharing. Notably, no U.S. aircraft carriers were present for the second consecutive year, highlighting a shift in operational strategy. The exercise follows North Korea's announcement of a new guided missile destroyer.

Tanaka TakashiTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

In late June 2026, all five in-service Astute-class submarines of the Royal Navy were tied up alongside in port, with one stripped of parts to maintain the others. This situation highlights significant logistical challenges and operational unavailability, as the fleet faced delays and budget issues over the years. The Royal Navy's attack submarine capability is currently compromised, with no submarines at sea during this period.

Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro indicated that Japan may pursue the development of nuclear-powered submarines amid discussions to revise its security policies. This statement reflects Japan's concerns over China's military capabilities and has sparked warnings from military experts about the potential disruption to regional stability. The call to reconsider Japan's non-nuclear principles is gaining traction domestically, raising alarms about the implications for regional security.

South Korea completed the development of the KF-21 Boramae in July 2026, with six prototypes flying nearly 1,600 sorties without accidents. The aircraft is entering mass production, with plans to deploy 120 units by 2032. The KF-21 features advanced systems, including AESA radar and a unique weapon loadout, positioning South Korea as a global defense leader.

HMS Vanguard returned to HM Naval Base Clyde in March 2024 after a record 204-day patrol, highlighting operational challenges faced by the Royal Navy's aging submarine fleet. The vessel's 89-month refit exceeded initial plans, and two recent missile tests failed, raising concerns about the reliability of Britain's nuclear deterrent. The Royal Navy's four Vanguard-class submarines are under increasing pressure as they age beyond their intended service life.

U.S. and South Korean officials are holding high-level security talks this week to discuss a potential South Korean military deployment to the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions include the deployment of a P-8 Poseidon aircraft and a naval logistics support vessel, involving about 150 personnel. The South Korean government has not made a final decision, as any deployment requires approval from the National Assembly.

Textron and Merlin Labs unveiled a new unmanned Cessna Skycourier aircraft concept aimed at enhancing logistics for Pacific island resupply. The aircraft features a payload capacity of three tons and a range of one thousand miles, designed to operate from short airstrips. This initiative seeks to complement existing Air Force transport capabilities by providing a low-cost solution for distributing supplies to remote island outposts.

Chinese Defense Minister General Dong Jun met with Laotian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister General Khamleang in Beijing on October 14, 2023. They discussed enhancing military cooperation and strategic dialogue, emphasizing the importance of their bilateral relationship. The meeting followed the establishment of a '3+3' strategic dialogue mechanism earlier in June 2023.

China's armed forces will mobilize all available civilian resources for military purposes under the revised National Defense Mobilization Law, effective October 1, 2023. This change raises concerns for Taiwan and the Philippines, as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) prepares for potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. Analysts warn that this legal framework enhances China's military readiness and could lead to increased tensions in the region.

Taiwan has initiated operational testing of its MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones at Hualien Air Base, with the first two aircraft conducting flight tests on September 14, 2026. This move marks a significant step in Taiwan's efforts to enhance its maritime surveillance capabilities. The MQ-9B drones are intended for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, contributing to Taiwan's defense strategy against potential threats.

Marcus ChenMon Sep 14 2026Loading...

USS San Diego (LPD 22) departed Naval Base Guam on September 12, 2026, after completing routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area. The amphibious transport dock is designed to transport approximately 700 Marines and is forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan, enhancing U.S. military readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. The ship's movements are part of standard Navy operations, with Guam serving as a key logistics hub.

Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force is conducting joint military exercises with the United States and Australia in Hokkaido and Kagoshima from September 8 to 24, featuring the U.S. 'Typhoon' medium-range missile system for the first time. The exercises are criticized as a step towards Japan's military expansion and a threat to regional stability.

China, Russia, and Mongolia conducted a joint military exercise named 'Border Cooperation-2026' near Manzhouli, Inner Mongolia, on September 2-3, 2023. The exercise focused on preventing reconnaissance and sabotage activities at the border, involving live drills on joint planning, searching, and capturing operations. This marks the second iteration of such exercises, reflecting a deepening military collaboration among the three countries.

China and Singapore conducted the 'Maritime Cooperation-2026' joint naval exercise in Zhanjiang, Guangdong from September 3 to 9, 2023. The exercise involved the Chinese missile frigate Dali and the Singaporean frigate Steadfast, featuring live-fire drills, maritime resupply, and joint search and rescue operations. This event marks the fifth joint exercise between the two nations' navies, aimed at enhancing cooperation and regional stability.

On September 14, 2023, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, State Council, and Central Military Commission issued the '14th Five-Year Plan' for the service and support of retired military personnel in Beijing. The plan emphasizes the critical role of retired military personnel in advancing national modernization and stability, outlining key tasks for their management and support.

On September 14, 2023, the Ministry of National Defense of China announced the ongoing military training for students in over 20,000 schools, involving around 500,000 military instructors. This initiative aims to enhance students' national defense awareness and military skills, receiving positive feedback from society. The Ministry of Education and the Central Military Commission are working on improving training guidelines to adapt to modern needs.

The 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum is scheduled to open from September 15 to 17, 2023, in Beijing, with nearly 100 official delegations from various countries and organizations arriving. The Ministry of National Defense of China confirmed that over 60 high-level representatives will participate, reflecting the forum's commitment to international dialogue on security governance. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the forum, emphasizing its role in fostering peace and stability.

The National University of Defense Technology will host the 2026 International Student Technology Week in Changsha from September 20-27. Military academy representatives from Pakistan, Laos, Egypt, Oman, Kazakhstan, and Serbia will participate, focusing on military technology development and cooperation. This event aims to enhance friendship and collaboration among military academies.

The Chinese government, in collaboration with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, is conducting a training session on chemical weapons medical assistance and protection at the Air Force Medical University from September 14 to 18. The training involves 28 trainees from nearly 20 countries, focusing on diagnosing chemical weapon poisoning and organizing medical rescue efforts.