Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Indonesia's Two 2026 Scorpene Submarines Cannot Patrol the Archipelago Alone
Indonesia is developing two Scorpene submarines, with the first expected to be operational by 2032 and the second by 2033. The Indonesian Navy faces challenges in maintaining a continuous patrol presence due to limited numbers and operational requirements. The submarines will incorporate advanced technologies, but Indonesia's goal of a 12-submarine fleet highlights the need for further development and support to ensure effective maritime security.
Marcus ChenThu Jul 02 2026Loading...
China Commissioned This 12,000-Ton Destroyer in March. By June It Was Off Japan’s Coast and Tokyo Was Scrambling to Shadow It.
The Chinese Type 055 destroyer Dongguan was deployed in the Pacific, transiting the Miyako Strait on June 30th, 2023. In response, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces dispatched a frigate and a P3 Orion aircraft to shadow the warship. This deployment marks a significant operational move by the People's Liberation Army Navy shortly after the destroyer's commissioning.
F-15EX returns to Kadena as U.S. Air Force shifts to newer airpower
The F-15EX Eagle II returned to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa on June 29, 2026, for training, accompanied by two F-15E Strike Eagles. This visit is part of preparations for the eventual replacement of the aging F-15C/D fleet, with the first permanent F-15EXs expected in 2027. The aircraft enhances combat readiness in the Indo-Pacific region, featuring advanced capabilities over its predecessors.
Singapore 2026 MRCV Shows Drone Motherships Are No Longer Experimental
Singapore delivered the first of six Multi Role Combat Vessels (MRCVs) in 2026, designed to operate unmanned systems. The MRCV displaces 8,000 to 8,400 tonnes and has a range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles. This development marks a significant shift in naval capabilities, focusing on modular and unmanned operations.
Marcus ChenThu Jul 02 2026Loading...Singapore builds its biggest ever composite warship piece
Penguin Shipyard International delivered the largest composite structure ever built in Singapore for the Republic of Singapore Navy's Multi Role Combat Vessel (MRCV) on June 27, 2026. This vessel, designed to command fleets of unmanned surface vessels, features advanced carbon fiber materials that enhance its combat capabilities. The MRCV program aims to replace aging corvettes and represents a significant advancement in naval shipbuilding in the region.
A Brand New Boeing F-15EX Eagle II Fighter Just Touched Down in China’s Backyard
An F-15EX Eagle II from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron landed at Kadena Air Base on June 29, 2023, for a short-term training visit. This aircraft is part of a future deployment to replace older F-15C/D models, with the first operational F-15EXs expected to arrive by 2027. The 67th Fighter Squadron will be the first to operate the F-15EX at Kadena, enhancing U.S. airpower in the Pacific.
2026 Southern Theater Command Huangyan Island Combat Readiness Patrol Showcases High-tech-6 PLA South China Sea Anti-submarine Chain Becomes Routine
The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army conducted maritime and aerial patrols around Huangyan Island on July 2, 2026, showcasing a coordinated operation involving H-6K bombers, J-16 fighters, KJ-500 early warning aircraft, and various frigates. This operation emphasizes the integration of anti-submarine capabilities and data link systems, indicating a shift towards regular military readiness in the South China Sea.
Li MinghuiThu Jul 02 2026Loading...
China Just Launched Its First Nuclear Submarine From a Shipyard That Builds Aircraft Carriers: Three Yards Now Outbuild America’s Two
China launched its first nuclear-powered submarine at Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai in June 2023, marking a significant expansion of its submarine production capabilities. Three shipyards, including Jiangnan, Huludao, and Wuchang, are now producing nuclear submarines for the People's Liberation Army Navy. This development is part of China's strategy to enhance its naval power in the Pacific region.
J-35 Production Number Rushes to 350030, PLA Carrier-Based Stealth Aircraft Production Capacity Enters Verification Period in 2026
The J-35 production number reached 350030, indicating that the People's Liberation Army Navy's stealth carrier-based aircraft has entered the verification phase as of July 1, 2023. This development suggests that the J-35 is moving beyond prototype stages towards operational readiness, with implications for the formation of a complete carrier air wing by 2026. Challenges remain in engine reliability and maintenance of stealth features, which are critical for operational effectiveness.
Li MinghuiThu Jul 02 2026Loading...Chinese Foreign Ministry: Japan's Deployment of US Missiles Seriously Undermines Stability in the Asia-Pacific Region
Japan deployed U.S. medium and short-range missile systems on July 1, 2023, which Russia claims threatens regional stability. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated this action poses a direct threat to Russia's Far East border, and Russia has warned Japan against such decisions. Concurrently, the U.S. and Japan have been conducting joint military exercises.
Avoiding external surveillance, strengthening long-range strikes, Japan's establishment of a target range at the easternmost point is suspect.
Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force has completed preparations for a missile test range on Minami-Torishima, deploying 12 Type 12 anti-ship missile launchers. The range is set to become operational in the 2027 fiscal year, aimed at enhancing Japan's long-range strike capabilities and monitoring in the Western Pacific. This marks a significant step in Japan's military capabilities, allowing for the testing of advanced weaponry without reliance on foreign facilities.
China Has Already Built 30 of Its New J-35 Stealth Fighters in Under a Year, and It Wants to Go Faster
The Shenyang Aircraft Corporation produced its 30th J-35 stealth fighter in under a year, marking a significant achievement in military aviation. The J-35, intended to enhance the People's Liberation Army Navy's carrier capabilities, has undergone testing on the Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier. This new aircraft is designed to compete with the US F-35 and is equipped with advanced radar and missile systems.
One F-15EX at Kadena Will Not Fix America’s Okinawa Airpower Gap
An F-15EX Eagle II landed at Kadena Air Base on June 29, accompanied by two F-15E Strike Eagles, for integration and testing purposes. The U.S. Air Force plans to establish a force of 36 F-15EX aircraft at Kadena, but faces challenges from China's military capabilities. The introduction of the F-15EX is seen as a necessary upgrade, though it does not fully address vulnerabilities in U.S. airpower in the region.
Marcus ChenWed Jul 01 2026Loading...
Fujian Ship Accelerates Cross-Sea Training in 2026, PLA Electromagnetic Aircraft Carrier Enters Hard Phase of Ship-Aircraft Adaptation
The Fujian aircraft carrier conducted cross-sea training in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, accompanied by two destroyers. This training involved multiple aircraft types, including J-15T and J-35, performing electromagnetic launches and landings. The exercises aim to test the carrier's systems under diverse maritime conditions as part of routine military operations.
Li MinghuiWed Jul 01 2026Loading...
Dongfeng-17 Live Fire Launch Footage Released for the First Time: PLA Rocket Force Displays 1800 Kilometer Strike Chain Front and Center
The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force publicly showcased the first footage of the Dongfeng-17 hypersonic missile launch during a live-fire exercise on July 1. This event coincided with the 60th anniversary of the strategic missile forces and highlighted the missile's operational capabilities, including its range of 1800 to 2500 kilometers. The exercise demonstrated mobile launch capabilities and training under complex conditions, emphasizing the missile's role in targeting critical military infrastructure.
Li MinghuiWed Jul 01 2026Loading...NMESIS and MADIS Deploy in Okinawa, Addressing Weaknesses in US-Japan Island Defense by 2026
The U.S. Marine Corps deployed NMESIS and MADIS systems to Okinawa in June 2026 to enhance island defense capabilities. MADIS arrived at Kadena Air Base on June 10, followed by NMESIS conducting operational training at Camp Hansen on June 16. This deployment is part of the Resolute Dragon 26 joint exercise, focusing on improving defense against aerial threats and enhancing operational readiness.
Tanaka TakashiWed Jul 01 2026Loading...Video | Dongfeng-17 Hypersonic Missile Live Fire Launch Footage Released for the First Time
The Chinese Strategic Missile Forces conducted live-fire exercises featuring the DF-17 hypersonic missile on July 1, coinciding with their 60th anniversary celebrations. This event highlighted the capabilities of multiple strategic missiles in a public demonstration.
Japan’s Soryu Submarines Started as AIP Hunters and Ended as Battery Pioneers: The Quiet Boats Guarding the First Island Chain
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force commissioned the last two Soryu-class submarines, Oryu and Toryu, equipped with lithium-ion batteries, enhancing their underwater endurance and speed. This transition marks a significant shift in Japan's submarine capabilities, moving from traditional AIP technology to advanced battery systems. The Soryu class plays a vital role in Japan's defense strategy, particularly in monitoring regional waters amid growing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea.
The Air Force Just Confirmed Its Northrop Grumman B-2 Stealth Bomber Can Sink Ships for the First Time: LRASM Fired Off Guam
The U.S. Air Force confirmed that a B-2 Spirit bomber launched an AGM-158C LRASM missile against the decommissioned USS Juneau during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 in Guam. This marks the first public acknowledgment of the B-2's capability to employ the LRASM, expanding its role into long-range maritime strike. The exercise involved U.S. and allied forces, including a Japanese submarine that delivered the finishing torpedo.
Taiwan Just Took Delivery of $1.29 Billion in M1 Abrams Tanks: Why Analysts Call the 70-Ton Machines “Dead Weight” Against Drones
Taiwan received its final batch of 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks from the United States in late April 2023, delivered to the Army Armor Training Command in Hsinchu. Analysts have criticized these tanks as ineffective against modern warfare threats, particularly drones, and highlighted their mobility challenges on Taiwan's terrain. The Republic of China Army plans to integrate these tanks with counter-drone capabilities as part of a broader defense strategy.
