Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
U.S. Army and Marines train together on a remote Pacific island
Echo Battery of the U.S. Army completed its final live-fire exercise with the Avenger air defense system in Airai, Palau, during Exercise Tenacious Archer 2026. The multiday exercise involved soldiers and Marines from various branches practicing air defense against aerial threats. This exercise emphasized the importance of interoperability and real combat training as the U.S. military transitions to newer air defense systems.
Han Guang No. 42 Concludes: Hsiung Feng Missile First Forward Deployment to Penghu, Taiwan Military Conducts Unscripted Command Drill to Reshape Taiwan Strait Defense Line
The Taiwanese military conducted exercises in Taipei on August 11, 2023, simulating responses to potential airborne assaults by the PLA. The exercises involved 17 aircraft, including Ching-Kuo fighter jets, and featured a decentralized command structure to enhance operational flexibility. Additionally, Yun Feng missiles were deployed to Penghu, emphasizing their strategic importance in the Taiwan Strait.
Li MinghuiWed Aug 12 2026Loading...
North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile for the Second Time in a Week, Flying Over 700 Kilometers, Outside Japan's EEZ Before UFS26
North Korea launched a ballistic missile on August 12, 2023, from near Wonsan, which flew over 700 kilometers and landed outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. This marks the second missile launch in less than a week, occurring just before the U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises scheduled to begin on August 17. Japan's Defense Minister lodged a strong protest against the launch, emphasizing the threat to national security.
Tanaka TakashiWed Aug 12 2026Loading...
"The Story of Li Can, the 'Most Beautiful Revolutionary Soldier of the New Era' — 'Supporting the Confidence to Win on the Frontline with Silent Contributions Behind the Scenes'"
Li Can, a senior staff officer in the Central Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army, has been actively involved in military planning and operations, including coordinating disaster response during severe flooding in July 2023. He played a key role in the preparation for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Anti-Japanese War, demonstrating his commitment to military excellence and operational readiness. His contributions have earned him multiple awards and recognition within the military.
Defense White Paper 2026 Warns of China's Pacific Military Expansion as the "Greatest Strategic Challenge," Reaches Record 598 Pages
Japan's Defense White Paper 2026 warns that China's military expansion in the Pacific represents a significant strategic challenge. It highlights the growing military cooperation between China and Russia and ongoing threats from North Korea. The report emphasizes Japan's need to enhance its defense capabilities and outlines plans for increased defense spending.
Tanaka TakashiWed Aug 12 2026Loading...
"Passing the 'Graduation Exam', Hubei Ship 'Certified to Operate'"
The Hubei amphibious assault ship of the People's Liberation Army Navy completed its full training assessment and is now combat-ready for missions. The assessment included various exercises in the South China Sea, demonstrating the ship's capabilities in live-fire scenarios and anti-aircraft operations. This marks a significant milestone in the ship's operational readiness since its commissioning on August 1, 2025.
Iran’s Missile Forces Have North Korean ‘DNA’
Iran and North Korea have established a cooperative missile relationship since the 1980s, involving technology exchange and joint development of missile systems. This partnership has evolved from simple transactions to a more symbiotic relationship, with Iran developing its own missile capabilities while benefiting from North Korean technology. The Shahab-3 missile, derived from North Korea's Nodong, exemplifies this cooperation, enhancing Iran's military capabilities significantly.
Island surge: The Army’s Next Generation Command and Control in action
The 25th Infantry Division (ID) is actively testing and refining Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) capabilities in Hawaii and the Philippines. This program integrates various military systems and technologies, utilizing AI to enhance decision-making speed for commanders. Soldier feedback has led to rapid software updates, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in operational environments.
China's New Carriers Have an Undersea Blind Spot US Submarines Can Exploit
US attack submarines threaten China's carrier fleet due to significant gaps in the PLAN's undersea detection capabilities. The Fujian carrier, commissioned in November 2025, features a new anti-torpedo torpedo system as a response to this threat. However, the effectiveness of this system against heavyweight torpedoes is still unproven, raising concerns about the carrier's vulnerability in the Western Pacific.
Marcus ChenTue Aug 11 2026Loading...
U.S. Army speeds up drone buying by asking soldiers what works
Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division and 1st Cavalry Division evaluated various drones at Clarke Range in Alabama, selecting systems for their units. This event aimed to expedite drone acquisition by involving operational units in the decision-making process. The Army's UAS Marketplace facilitated the evaluation, allowing troops to compare options based on performance and cost. Feedback collected will inform future evaluations as the Army seeks to enhance its drone capabilities.
Iran Has Created a Military Playbook for China to Copy and Beat the US Air Force and Navy In a War
Iran has developed a military playbook that China is likely to emulate to counter the US Air Force and Navy. The ongoing US-Iran conflict of 2026 has highlighted the limitations of US military power, particularly in air operations. This situation raises concerns about US capabilities in a potential conflict with China, which could leverage similar strategies to those used by Iran.
For the first time! China and Indonesia conduct exercises in waters east of Taiwan Island
Chinese and Indonesian navies conducted joint navigation exercises east of Taiwan in August 2023, marking the first such operation in this area. The drills focused on communication operations and maritime resupply, aimed at enhancing joint operational capabilities. This exercise underscores China's assertion of sovereignty over its exclusive economic zone east of Taiwan and reflects ongoing military cooperation between the two nations.
Navy "Silk Road Ark" Hospital Ship Conducts Realistic Medical Training Exercises in a Certain Area of the South China Sea
The Navy Hospital Ship 'Silk Road Ark' conducted practical medical training exercises in the South China Sea, focusing on emergency response and mass casualty treatment. Personnel efficiently executed various medical operations, enhancing maritime medical support capabilities. The exercises aimed to establish a seamless process for medical treatment and evacuation, with plans for ongoing complex maritime training in the future.
New Release! The Latest Training Footage of Dongying Ship and Xinjij Ship is Here!
The Navy Northern Theater Command conducted cross-day and night combat training in the Yellow Sea with the Dongying Ship and Xinjiji Ship. The exercises focused on main gun anti-aircraft fire and joint anti-submarine operations to improve combat readiness and coordination among personnel.
Chinese and Indonesian naval vessels will conduct navigation exercises in the waters east of Taiwan Island.
In mid-August, the Chinese Navy's Honghe ship conducted navigation exercises with Indonesia's 'Lai' frigate east of Watay Island. The exercises focused on communication drills and maritime resupply, aimed at enhancing joint operational capabilities and deepening cooperation between the two navies.
H-6J Appears at Huangyan Island! Netizens: What Missile is That?
The People's Liberation Army conducted joint air and naval exercises near Huangyan Island on August 1, featuring the H-6J bomber equipped with four YJ-12 anti-ship missiles. The exercises focused on reconnaissance, deterrence, and joint assault capabilities, showcasing China's military readiness to defend its territorial sovereignty.
Hardcore! Hubei Ship Full Training Assessment High-Energy Scene
The Hubei Ship conducted a full training assessment in a designated maritime area organized by the Southern Theater Command Navy. This event highlights the operational readiness and capabilities of the naval forces involved.
US-South Korea UFS26 Starts on August 17, Involving 18,000 Personnel, Focused on Drone and Electronic Warfare Training Reflecting Lessons from the Ukraine Conflict
The U.S. and South Korean Armed Forces will conduct the UFS26 joint military exercise in Seoul from August 17 to 27, 2023, involving 18,000 troops. The exercise will focus on drone and electronic warfare training, reflecting lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict. Additionally, it will assess conditions for the transition of wartime operational control to South Korea, amidst recent missile activity from North Korea.
Tanaka TakashiTue Aug 11 2026Loading...
J-20 Virtual Fighter Joins Real Combat Engagement, PLA Air Force Restructures Pilot Capacity with Combined Virtual and Real Training
The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) integrated J-20, J-16, and J-10C aircraft into a virtual simulation platform for real-time aerial combat training on August 10. This system allows ground pilots to control virtual aircraft, enhancing tactical development while reducing operational costs. The initiative aims to improve pilot training efficiency and support the evolution of AI pilots through comprehensive data collection.
Li MinghuiTue Aug 11 2026Loading...
Hubei Ship's Full Training Assessment Forms Overall Combat Capability, Directly Hitting the Training Ground
The Hubei ship of the People's Liberation Army Navy successfully completed a full training assessment in the South China Sea, demonstrating its combat capabilities. The exercises included anti-aircraft fire, anti-sabotage operations, and electronic countermeasures. The ship, which is the fourth of its class, has a maximum displacement of over 40,000 tons and is designed for versatile operations.
