Analysis & Reports

The China Maritime Safety Administration issued a navigation warning for military training in the South China Sea, scheduled from 9:00 to 11:00 on September 17. Access to the area is prohibited during this time.

China conducted a series of military activities in June 2026, including joint bomber patrols with Russia over the Sea of Japan and East China Sea, naval exercises near Qingdao, and coast guard operations east of Taiwan. A ballistic missile test demonstrated a range of 7,300 kilometers, indicating China's expanding military reach. These actions suggest a shift towards a more permanent military presence in the Western Pacific, challenging regional security dynamics.

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A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III landed at Camp Davis South, North Carolina, marking its first landing there in over 20 years. This event supports parachute training for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. The airfield, recently upgraded at a cost of about $28 million, enhances training capabilities for ground units and allows for the movement of larger military equipment.

The Eastern Theater Command Air Force conducted joint air-ground exercises involving multiple military branches, focusing on enhancing combined strike capabilities. The exercises featured early warning aircraft and various fighter jets, with Red forces executing a low-altitude surprise attack on Blue ground targets. The operation included successful aerial refueling and tactical maneuvers under challenging conditions.

The PLA is equipping 2026 Type 19 amphibious 8x8 vehicles with laser systems for anti-drone operations in the Taiwan Strait, as reported on September 12, 2026. This modification aims to enhance the vehicles' capabilities in potential landing operations against drone threats. However, the effectiveness and operational stability of the laser systems remain unverified, and the integration presents several logistical challenges.

Li MinghuiSun Sep 13 2026Loading...

On September 7, 2026, Japan, the U.S., and South Korea launched the 'Freedom Edge 2026' joint military exercise near Jeju Island, involving six destroyers and approximately 2,300 personnel. The exercise focuses on air defense, missile defense, maritime interdiction, and cyber operations. Coinciding with the exercise, North Korea unveiled a new destroyer capable of carrying nuclear missiles, raising concerns about regional security dynamics. The absence of U.S. aircraft carriers marks a notable shift in military strategy.

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A new variant of the People's Liberation Army's Type 19 amphibious vehicle, equipped with laser weapons, was reported on August 29 in the Taiwan Strait. This development aims to enhance counter-drone capabilities during amphibious operations. The vehicle's introduction reflects the PLA's focus on integrating anti-drone technology into its landing forces, although the operational status remains unverified.

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The Chinese People's Liberation Army emphasizes the importance of the Long March spirit in fostering unity and discipline within the military. In 2026, as the country faces new challenges, the report calls for the integration of these principles into military practices to strengthen national defense. The 90th anniversary of the Long March serves as a reminder of the historical significance of collective effort and political awareness in achieving military objectives.

Chinese and Lao medical teams conducted a joint humanitarian medical rescue exercise in Vientiane on September 12, 2026, successfully locating and treating 20 injured individuals. The exercise utilized drones, tracked unmanned vehicles, and a mobile ICU, integrating AI technology for medical decision-making. This operation aimed to enhance coordination and efficiency in emergency medical responses during natural disasters.

Naval personnel from the Northern Theater Command assisted a truck driver in Weifang who was in distress due to spilled cargo blocking the road. The soldiers quickly organized to clear the cargo and restore traffic flow. The driver later expressed gratitude in a handwritten letter, highlighting the strong bond between the military and the community.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors are deployed from Kadena Air Base in Japan to maintain air power and readiness in the Pacific region between August and September 2023. This deployment serves as a deterrent amid increasing Chinese military activity around Taiwan. The F-22's supercruise capability enables it to sustain speeds above Mach 1.5 without using afterburners, enhancing operational efficiency.

The SR-71 Blackbird, operational from the mid-1960s to the late 1990s, faced over 4,000 missile launches from various nations, including North Vietnam and Libya, without sustaining any hits. Its defense strategy relied solely on speed, allowing it to evade all missile threats. The only confirmed missile engagement occurred in 1981 over Korea, where the missiles missed the aircraft.

China is testing a new Type 19 amphibious combat vehicle equipped with a laser turret for counter-drone defense during potential operations against Taiwan in 2026. This development aims to enhance the PLA's capabilities in amphibious assaults by providing immediate drone defense for forward units. The vehicle is linked to the PLA's Eastern Theatre Command and the 73rd Group Army, indicating its relevance in a Taiwan contingency.

Marcus ChenSat Sep 12 2026Loading...

Capt. Michael Cloninger of the 90th Fighter Squadron successfully executed a belly landing of an F-22 on September 18, 2024, after losing a landing wheel during a tribute flight in the Central Command area. His actions earned him the Air Force’s top flight safety award, presented by Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach. Cloninger's successful landing ensured the safety of himself and the aircraft, which was later recovered.

Capt. Michael Cloninger of the 90th Fighter Squadron safely executed a belly landing of his F-22 on September 18, 2024, after losing a landing wheel during flight in the Central Command area. His successful maneuver earned him the 2025 Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy, recognizing his extraordinary airmanship and teamwork in managing the emergency situation.

Chinese military researchers tested the effectiveness of large-caliber guns against drone swarms using 30 Russian-made Lancet-3 drones in a simulation. The study concluded that while artillery alone cannot fully defend against drone swarms, it could be part of a layered defense strategy. The research was conducted by the People’s Liberation Army Dalian Naval Academy in Dalian, China, and suggests a reevaluation of battleship capabilities in modern naval warfare.

The Dalian Maritime Safety Administration issued a navigation warning for military operations in the Bohai Strait and northern Yellow Sea from September 13 at 16:00 to September 27 at 16:00, prohibiting entry into these areas.

Japan is developing tactical AI satellites for military applications, with plans to conduct space testing by 2030. The defense budget for fiscal year 2027 emphasizes AI and unmanned systems, totaling approximately 8.89 trillion yen. This initiative marks a significant shift towards an unmanned and intelligent combat framework, involving collaboration with local defense industries.

Japan is upgrading 68 of its F-15J fighter jets with advanced systems, including AESA radar and electronic warfare capabilities, as part of the F-15 Japan Super Interceptor program initiated in February 2022. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has fielded 213 F-15Js and F-15DJs, making it the largest operator outside the U.S. Air Force. The upgrades are expected to enhance the aircraft's performance significantly by 2030.

China has mounted an electromagnetic railgun on the Haiyangshan, a Type 072III landing ship, and has conducted at-sea testing since December 2017. The railgun is capable of firing projectiles at hypersonic speeds, marking a significant advancement in naval weaponry. In contrast, the U.S. Navy spent $500 million on a similar program but canceled it in 2021 after failing to deploy a working model. This development positions China as a leader in electromagnetic launch technology.