Analysis & Reports

Japan's Self-Defense Forces deployed the improved Type 12 anti-ship missile on March 31, 2026, and the EC-2 electronic warfare aircraft completed its first flight on March 17, 2026. The Type 12 missile has an extended range of approximately 1000 kilometers, enhancing Japan's maritime defense capabilities. The EC-2 is equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems, marking a significant shift in Japan's defense strategy towards a more proactive deterrent posture.

Tanaka TakashiFri Mar 20 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) conducted air combat training involving J-20, J-16, and J-10C aircraft at an unknown airbase. The training focused on tactics such as situational sharing and electromagnetic countermeasures, with pilots reviewing performance data to enhance coordination. This exercise aimed to improve multi-type aircraft collaboration in realistic combat scenarios.

The People's Liberation Army Navy introduced two new Type 055 destroyers, Dongguan and Anqing, enhancing their naval capabilities. These destroyers utilize advanced integrated radar and electronic systems for long-range strikes and improved battlefield awareness. They can effectively engage naval and land targets using a variety of missile systems, supported by early warning aircraft for situational awareness.

The Yantai Maritime Safety Administration issued a navigation warning for rocket launches in the Yellow Sea from March 20 at 12:00 to March 23 at 01:00, prohibiting vessels from entering the area.

The Type 055 destroyer in China is equipped with advanced radar and missile systems, enhancing its ability to counter saturation attacks. It utilizes the YJ-20 anti-ship missile for long-range precision strikes and features the 1130 close-in weapon system for effective defense. These capabilities position the Type 055 as a formidable asset in modern naval warfare.

The U.S. Army is evaluating the KNDS RCH 155 howitzer for procurement to enhance its artillery capabilities. The RCH 155, operational in Ukraine, offers advantages such as accurate firing while in motion and improved efficiency over existing systems like the M109A7 Paladin. It can complete fire missions faster and with fewer personnel, making it a viable option for modern warfare.

The Nanchang Ship, part of the Liaoning Carrier Strike Group, engaged in a naval exercise in the Western Pacific at 6 AM. Two foreign ships attempted to cross the formation of the Chinese Navy but were warned and did not respond. The Nanchang Ship executed tactical maneuvers to prevent the crossing, leading the foreign vessels to retreat.

France has deployed the FS Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean Sea in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East due to the Iran War. The carrier, weighing 42,500 tons, is equipped with advanced fighter jets and missiles, showcasing France's military capabilities. This strategic move aims to reinforce France's naval presence and operational readiness in the region.

The Russian Air Force (VKS) has suffered significant losses, including 41 Su-34 Fullback aircraft, primarily due to effective Ukrainian air defenses and intelligence breaches. The capture of an intact SAP-518SM Regata electronic warfare pod near Izyum has allowed Western agencies to decode Russian jamming signatures, contributing to these losses. Overall, Russia has lost over 360 aircraft since the conflict began, indicating a severe decline in its air power capabilities.

The U.S. Army used Apache helicopters to shoot down drones in air-to-air combat for the first time in Europe during an exercise at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, this week. This operation is part of NATO's Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative, aimed at enhancing defense capabilities in Eastern Europe. The exercise involved the 2-159th Attack Battalion, which is developing new tactics for engaging drones.

The U.S. Army conducted air-to-air combat training using Apache helicopters to shoot down drones for the first time in Europe during an exercise at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, this week. This operation is part of NATO's Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative, aimed at enhancing defense capabilities in Eastern Europe. The training is significant as it develops new tactics for engaging drones and prepares for Poland's future role as a major operator of Apache helicopters.

The U.S. Navy faces significant logistical challenges as the USS John C. Stennis is delayed in its refueling and complex overhaul, now expected to complete in October 2026. Concurrently, the USS Harry S. Truman is set to begin its own overhaul in June 2026, leading to a critical shortage of operational aircraft carriers. This situation threatens the Navy's ability to meet its operational requirements during a period of heightened military activity.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed that Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian gas fields on March 19, 2023, and stated that Israel would comply with U.S. President Trump's request to pause further strikes on Iranian energy facilities. Trump had earlier advised Netanyahu against attacking these facilities. Iranian media reported that U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeted oil and petrochemical facilities in Bushehr Province, prompting Iran to announce retaliation against Gulf states associated with the U.S.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps hit a U.S. F-35 stealth fighter jet around 2:50 AM on March 19, 2023, causing significant damage. The aircraft was reportedly forced to make an emergency landing at a U.S. military base in the Middle East. This incident highlights Iran's claims of maintaining effective air defense capabilities against advanced military equipment.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that military operations against Iran will persist until deemed necessary. Following airstrikes conducted by Israel and the U.S. on March 20, he claimed that Iran has lost its ability to enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles. The statement was made during a press conference in Jerusalem.

Israel is conducting a ground incursion into Lebanon against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle its military capabilities and enhance security for northern Israel. The operation, which began on Monday, is supported by the U.S. and is expected to last several weeks. The conflict has resulted in nearly 1,000 deaths and forced over 1 million people to flee their homes.

Israel is conducting a ground incursion into Lebanon against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle its military capabilities and enhance security for northern Israel. The operation, which began on Monday, is expected to last several weeks and has already resulted in nearly 1,000 deaths and over 1 million displaced. The U.S. has expressed support for Israel's actions, highlighting their importance for regional stability.

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted airstrikes against Iranian boats in the Straits of Hormuz as part of ongoing military operations. This action is seen as a demonstration of the aircraft's capabilities and a call for its continued service amid discussions of retirement. The U.S. military emphasizes the effectiveness of the A-10 in current combat scenarios.

The U.S. Air Force conducted Red Flag 21 at Nellis Air Force Base in 2021, featuring simulated combat between F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightning IIs. This exercise aimed to replicate threats from advanced adversaries, enhancing pilot training in a multi-threat environment. The F-35's capabilities forced F-22 pilots to adapt their tactics, marking a significant evolution in aerial combat training.

The U.S. Navy is retiring its Ticonderoga-class cruisers, which will result in a loss of 1,220 missile launch cells critical for Tomahawk strikes. This reduction in capacity poses a strategic concern as the Navy transitions to smaller Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which carry fewer missiles. The ongoing conflict with Iran has highlighted the increasing demand for Tomahawk missiles, further complicating the Navy's operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.