Analysis & Reports

CNS Liaoning conducted naval operations in the western Pacific from October 14 to 23, 2026, alongside two large destroyers and a guided-missile destroyer. The carrier group operated near Japan's Ishigaki Island and moved towards the South China Sea, coinciding with the U.S.-Japan Keen Sword 27 exercise. This deployment highlights China's ongoing naval training and operational capabilities despite the carrier's limitations.

Marcus ChenMon Oct 26 2026Loading...

JNIM claimed control of a militia post in Kando on October 22, 2026, amid intense fighting with ISIS in the Sahel. The conflict has escalated, with both groups competing for resources and territory in Burkina Faso. Operational weaknesses in the Burkinabè military are exacerbating the situation, leading to a fragmented control of the region. The ongoing clashes signify a shift in the dynamics of jihadist warfare in the area.

Marie DuboisMon Oct 26 2026Loading...

The Liaoning aircraft carrier group conducted routine training exercises in the West Pacific from October 14 to 23, 2026, involving at least two large destroyers and one missile destroyer. The operations, which included activities near Japan and the Philippines, signify a transition from single-ship demonstrations to integrated naval operations. This deployment coincided with U.S.-Japan military exercises, suggesting increased operational complexity and regional implications for Taiwan and Japan.

Li MinghuiMon Oct 26 2026Loading...

Space Force is increasing the number of guardians to support combatant commands in frontline roles and enhance integration into the wider military force. The service is focusing on refining the embedding of combat-effective guardians and developing on-orbit weapons systems for orbital warfare. Recent operations include support for U.S. campaigns in Venezuela and Iran, demonstrating the branch's combat credibility and commitment to achieving space superiority.

Approximately 600 British and French paratroopers conducted a large-scale airborne operation from four RAF A400M transport aircraft during the 'Rhino Titan' exercise in Sennelager, Germany. This exercise, involving over 2500 troops, simulates a NATO territory attack and aims to enhance readiness against modern threats. UK Defense Secretary stated that the military is preparing for contemporary challenges, amid rising concerns about Russian aggression in Europe.

The Liaoning carrier group conducted training exercises in the western Pacific on October 14, 2026, including multiple aircraft takeoffs and landings south of Ishigaki Island. This deployment is part of a routine training plan for the People's Liberation Army Navy, marking at least the sixth distant deployment of the Liaoning since its service began. The operation coincided with the U.S.-Japan Keen Sword 27 exercise, highlighting the strategic significance of the carrier's presence in the region.

Marcus ChenSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

The Pentagon is working to establish the U.S. Autonomous Warfare Command (AUTOWARCOM) in Washington, D.C., amid funding uncertainties. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has outlined a vision for the command, which aims to integrate autonomous technology into military operations. The Army has also announced its own autonomy command, indicating a push for rapid development in this area. However, challenges remain regarding the command's organizational structure and funding sources.

The Liaoning aircraft carrier conducted training exercises in the Western Pacific from October 14 to 23, 2026, accompanied by two large destroyers and one missile destroyer. The exercises included aircraft takeoffs and landings near southern islands of Japan and may extend towards the South China Sea. This deployment is part of a routine training schedule aimed at enhancing combat readiness and coincided with U.S.-Japan joint military exercises.

Li MinghuiSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

The Liaoning aircraft carrier conducted routine training exercises in the western Pacific from October 14 to October 23, 2026, reaching areas near southern Japan and moving towards the South China Sea. This operation marks a shift from trial voyages to systematic training, enhancing the operational capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Navy. The carrier's evolving role emphasizes the integration of training and operational readiness within the Chinese naval forces.

Li MinghuiSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted training exercises with the Liaoning aircraft carrier group in the Western Pacific. The J-15T carrier-based fighter participated, showcasing its unique capabilities as the only aircraft of its kind globally. This exercise marks the 10th anniversary of the Liaoning's service, emphasizing China's naval operational flexibility.

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) deployed the Liaoning aircraft carrier group to the western Pacific from October 14 to 23, 2026, conducting training exercises near Japan and the Philippines. This deployment included two large destroyers and a guided-missile destroyer, contributing to the operational capabilities of China's carrier fleet. The activities are part of a broader strategy to normalize naval presence in contested waters, enhancing China's maritime operational experience and pressure on regional adversaries.

Marcus ChenSat Oct 24 2026Loading...

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced a review of the military AI policy on October 19, 2024, citing the rapid advancement of AI technology. The current policy, established on July 2, 2024, outlines priority areas for AI use within the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces. The review will also address the role of human oversight in AI decision-making.

The Liaoning carrier group conducted its second far-seas training deployment to the Western Pacific in October 2023, observed by Japanese forces. The group, which includes the Liaoning and several destroyers, performed flight operations south of Ishigaki-jima. This deployment is part of routine training exercises by the People's Liberation Army Navy, emphasizing their enhanced naval capabilities over the past decade.

The Chinese Navy's 48th Naval Escort Task Force returned to Qingdao on October 23, 2026, after a record 378-day deployment. During this mission, the task force escorted 423 vessels and participated in joint exercises in South Africa and Pakistan. This deployment marks the longest in the history of China's anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters.

Four KJ-3000 aircraft were observed near a production facility in Xi'an, indicating a potential transition to serial production by the People's Liberation Army. These aircraft could enhance command and control capabilities for Chinese military operations in the Taiwan Strait, allowing for improved coordination among various military assets. However, the actual operational capability and production sustainability remain uncertain.

Marcus ChenSat Oct 24 2026Loading...

Japan and the U.S. are conducting the 'Sword 27' joint military exercises from October 19 to 29, 2023, involving 45,000 Japanese Self-Defense Forces and 12,000 U.S. personnel. The exercises include the deployment of advanced military systems like NMESIS and MADIS on Yonaguni Island, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the region and potential impacts on local civilian life in Okinawa.

India plans to launch its first dedicated communication satellite for the army, GSAT-7B, by mid-2028. This satellite will enhance the Indian Army's communication capabilities in remote and challenging terrains. The satellite, weighing 5 tons, is crucial for ensuring secure, all-weather communication links during military operations. The launch has been postponed by six months due to technical issues.

On October 24, the Ukrainian Defense Minister announced that the Starlink and Starshield satellite communication systems have restored stable performance, allowing communication at speeds exceeding 400 km/h. This development is significant for frontline operations, supporting troop mobility, drone missions, military logistics, and battlefield communication. Continuous monitoring and further testing are planned to evaluate the systems' capabilities.

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) conducted training exercises with the Liaoning aircraft carrier in the Western Pacific, marking its second such operation in 2023. This year also marks the tenth anniversary of the Liaoning's service. The exercises are routine and part of a broader enhancement of naval capabilities, despite interpretations by Japanese media suggesting a confrontational stance.

The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted training exercises in the Western Pacific, involving coordination between H-6K bombers and carrier-based aircraft. H-6K pilots utilized coded communication with J-15 and J-35 fighter pilots to enhance operational effectiveness. This exercise demonstrates significant improvements in joint operations between the Air Force and Navy.