Analysis & Reports

Japan's Ministry of Defense is advancing the development of submarine-launched hypersonic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles to enhance its counterattack capabilities. The budget request for the 2027 fiscal year is approximately 8.9 trillion yen, with a focus on new military technologies to address threats from Russia and China. Analysts indicate that these developments are influenced by U.S. strategic interests in the region.

The Philippine military organized a joint patrol with external countries in the South China Sea on August 22, while the Chinese People's Liberation Army monitored the operation closely.

The Ningde Ship of the Eastern Theater Command Navy conducted realistic combat training exercises in the East China Sea. The exercises involved multiple vessels and focused on enhancing combat readiness, including radar target detection and coordinated fire from main and secondary guns. Logistics operations were also practiced, including supply deployment and helicopter landings.

The Fujian aircraft carrier has successfully integrated the J-35 and KJ-600 aircraft during recent trials in Fujian. This marks a significant step in the operational capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Navy, with expectations of achieving near full operational capability by the end of 2026. The trials included testing the electromagnetic catapult system and involved three types of aircraft working together.

Li MinghuiSat Aug 22 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force lost two B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, one in Guam in 2008 and another in Missouri in 2022, reducing the fleet to 19 aircraft. The Spirit of Kansas was destroyed due to sensor failure, while the Spirit of Hawaii was deemed uneconomical to repair after a landing gear failure. The production line for B-2s has been closed since the 1990s, preventing any further construction of these aircraft until the B-21 Raider becomes operational.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers are actively engaged in air operations against targets in Iran, utilizing stand-off munitions. The bombers have been modified to enhance their payload capacity and integrate hypersonic weapons. Recent deployments include operations from Dyess Air Force Base and Misawa Air Base, with significant contributions to U.S. military efforts in the region.

The USS Abraham Lincoln has experienced food shortages due to disrupted supply lines caused by Iranian attacks on logistics hubs in Bahrain and the UAE. Resupply efforts have been complicated by the need to source supplies from distant locations like Diego Garcia and Singapore. The carrier has been at sea for over 240 consecutive days, impacting the availability of fresh food and crew morale. Families of sailors have raised concerns about the situation aboard the ship, despite official denials of significant issues.

Chinese maritime militia organized approximately 2,000 boats in a blockade formation northeast of Taiwan on Christmas Day last year. Researchers proposed a contractor-operated ISR fleet to enhance Taiwan's surveillance capabilities, as current systems struggle with response times. The report highlights the increasing number of Chinese-flagged vessels exhibiting state-directed behavior patterns, indicating a structured probing campaign against Taiwan's maritime defenses.

Marcus ChenFri Aug 21 2026Loading...

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) has been deployed at sea for 272 days, conducting combat operations against Iran, with over 10,000 sorties and 1.5 million pounds of ordnance expended. The carrier has not made a significant port call since December, affecting crew morale and ship maintenance. Logistical challenges have arisen due to Iranian targeting of U.S. Navy logistics hubs, complicating resupply efforts.

The Southern Theater Command Air Force conducted a bomb disposal and repair exercise at an airport, simulating an enemy airstrike. Teams assessed runway damage, cleared unexploded ordnance, and quickly restored operational capabilities. The exercise aimed to enhance the airport's rapid recovery processes under combat conditions.

USS Abraham Lincoln is returning to San Diego after a 272-day deployment, facing significant operational challenges. The USS Washington's carrier strike group is struggling with supply issues and low morale among sailors, exacerbated by ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The situation highlights the U.S. Navy's logistical difficulties and operational readiness concerns in the region.

On August 21, the People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command tracked and warned three unauthorized Philippine aircraft that entered Chinese airspace over Scarborough Shoal. The Chinese military condemned the incursion as a serious violation of sovereignty and has called for the Philippines to cease provocative actions. The command remains on high alert to defend national sovereignty and regional stability.

The Eastern Theater Command Air Force conducted a joint air rescue exercise in Eastern China, responding to a simulated highway accident. Helicopters were deployed to perform rescue operations, collaborating with firefighters, traffic police, militia, and medical personnel. The exercise aimed to enhance military-civilian coordination in emergency responses and will lead to further exploration of rescue models.

The naval unit of the Southern Theater Command conducted joint training exercises with the air force, focusing on rapid construction and repair of military infrastructure, including temporary landing docks and airport runways. The exercises aimed to enhance the unit's operational capabilities and response times in military scenarios. Various types of construction equipment were mobilized during the training.

An F-15J fighter aircraft from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force sustained damage to its left main landing gear during landing at Naha Airport on August 18, 2023. The incident resulted in a 4-hour closure of the runway, affecting approximately 40 civilian flights. The pilot was unharmed, and the aircraft was returning from a scramble mission addressing airspace violations.

Tanaka TakashiFri Aug 21 2026Loading...

The joint military training exercise 'Eagle Strike-2026' concluded at Udon Thani Air Base, Thailand, on October 20. The Chinese Air Force and Royal Thai Air Force participated, utilizing multiple aircraft types and conducting joint air defense and humanitarian drills. This exercise marks the ninth iteration of the series, aimed at enhancing military cooperation and regional stability.

The Chinese Air Force and the United Arab Emirates Air Force will conduct joint training exercises in Hotan, Xinjiang, from late August to mid-September 2026. This marks the fourth iteration of their joint exercises, aimed at improving the tactical capabilities of the participating forces and strengthening military cooperation between the two nations.

Naval Aviation University conducted low-altitude flight training exercises in the Bohai Sea, involving multiple fighter aircraft. The exercises included tactical maneuvers, reconnaissance, and simulated engagements with enemy forces. Personnel performed detailed maintenance on the aircraft and analyzed performance to enhance future training effectiveness.

The U.S. Navy is currently facing significant operational tempo challenges, particularly during the ongoing conflict in Iran, leading to extended deployments and logistical failures. Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have reported mental health issues after prolonged periods without port visits. The Navy has moved the USS George Washington to replace the Lincoln in the Middle East, highlighting ongoing logistical and maintenance struggles. These issues have been compounded by inadequate planning and support from U.S. leadership, affecting the overall readiness of the fleet.

North Korea launched approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles towards the East Sea around 5 PM on August 20, 2023, from the Pyongyang metropolitan area. This action was a direct response to the recent reduction of the UFS26 military exercises by the US and South Korea. The missiles reportedly flew about 300 kilometers, and the South Korean government condemned the launch as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

Tanaka TakashiThu Aug 20 2026Loading...