Analysis & Reports

In September 2026, Japan, the U.S., and South Korea conducted the Freedom Edge 2026 exercise in the Southeast Sea of the Korean Peninsula and Japan, involving six destroyers and various aircraft. The exercise focused on air defense, maritime interdiction, and real-time information sharing, testing the interoperability of the three nations' naval forces. This event coincided with North Korea's deployment of a new destroyer, highlighting the evolving security dynamics in the region.

Tanaka TakashiWed Sep 30 2026Loading...

China revised its National Defense Mobilization Law on September 29, 2023, linking military readiness to local government and industrial supply chains. This change aims to enhance the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) ability to sustain military operations, particularly in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan is responding by planning to invest approximately $850 million in ammunition to prepare for potential blockades. The revision emphasizes the importance of logistics in military preparedness.

Li MinghuiWed Sep 30 2026Loading...

The USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford have undergone extended deployments, with the Lincoln spending 302 days at sea and the Ford completing a record 326-day deployment in May 2026. These long deployments are attributed to the U.S. Navy's logistical capabilities and reduced number of carrier strike groups, leading to significant impacts on sailors' mental health and family life.

USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. returned home after a 10-month deployment, providing air and missile defense for U.S. assets in the Middle East and supporting naval operations against Iran. The ship covered over 85,000 nautical miles and made port calls in Guam, Oman, Diego Garcia, and Thailand. Concerns about sailors' mental health were raised during the deployment, which included 300 days at sea without significant port calls.

Chinese militia members conduct daily flag-raising ceremonies and patrols on Kaishan Island, Jiangsu Province. The island, strategically located 12 nautical miles from Yantai Port, has seen improvements in logistics and living conditions. Militia rotations occur every 15 days, with ongoing efforts to enhance the island's defense capabilities.

Taiwan broke ground on a drone industrial park in Chiayi County on September 28, 2026, led by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology. The initiative aims to establish a non-Chinese supply chain for drones and aerospace technology, with plans to accommodate approximately 100 companies. This development follows Taiwan's increased focus on drone production after the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for independent supply chains.

USS New Jersey (BB-62) provided naval gunfire support in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, firing 20,579 rounds, including 5,688 16-inch shells. The battleship destroyed or damaged over 300 bunkers and structures during its deployment, demonstrating significant firepower and logistical support for U.S. forces. It was the only battleship recommissioned for the Vietnam War, highlighting its strategic importance in the conflict.

On September 25, 2026, Chinese coast guard cutters and naval warships blocked a Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China over the disputed feature, where a small Philippine Marine Corps detachment is stationed. The blockade raises questions about the effectiveness of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty in deterring Chinese coercion.

Marcus ChenSun Sep 27 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon and USS Canberra participated in a multinational naval exercise in Subic Bay on September 20, 2026, involving forces from Japan, India, Australia, Singapore, Brunei, and New Zealand. The exercise focused on enhancing maritime security and interoperability among the partners, leveraging the P-8A's advanced surveillance capabilities. Subic Bay's strategic location facilitated coordination and support for the participating naval forces.

Marcus ChenSun Sep 27 2026Loading...

Japan's Ministry of Defense is set to construct at least 65 new ammunition depots starting in fiscal 2027 to enhance military readiness. This initiative follows insights gained from the Ukraine conflict regarding stockpiles and supply lines. The Self-Defense Forces currently manage around 1,400 depots and aim to add approximately 130 more by fiscal 2032, with sites already selected in various regions including Hokkaido and Okinawa.

The Southern Theater Command of China conducted joint maritime and air exercises near Scarborough Shoal on September 27, 2023, involving multiple vessels and aircraft. The exercises included law enforcement drills by the Chinese Coast Guard, emphasizing rapid response capabilities. The Qinghai Lake ship, a major supply vessel, provided logistical support during the drills, which were characterized as highly realistic and prepared for potential combat scenarios. This military activity is seen as a direct response to foreign incursions in the South China Sea.

The People's Liberation Army conducted joint military exercises with the China Coast Guard near Scarborough Shoal on the 27th. The exercises focused on reconnaissance, rapid maneuvering, and joint search and rescue operations, aimed at enhancing response capabilities and asserting China's territorial claims in the South China Sea. The drills included law enforcement actions against foreign vessels attempting to breach Chinese jurisdiction.

China's new aircraft carrier, under construction at Dalian Shipyard, may reach a length of 339 meters, enhancing the People's Liberation Army Navy's long-range operational capabilities. The carrier is expected to incorporate advanced technologies, including electromagnetic catapults, and signifies a shift towards sustained naval operations beyond the first island chain. This development raises logistical considerations for overseas supply chains and operational readiness.

Li MinghuiSun Sep 27 2026Loading...

More than 2,800 U.S. and Philippine personnel participated in Cope Thunder 26-1, conducting over 30 F-22 sorties from Basa Air Base between April 6 and 17, 2026. The exercise demonstrated the ability to integrate F-22s with Philippine forces but raised concerns about sustaining operations in a contested environment. Logistical challenges were identified, emphasizing the need for improved support systems to maintain air operations against potential threats from China.

Marcus ChenSat Sep 26 2026Loading...

Chinese coast guard cutters and warships blocked a Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal on September 25, 2026. This incident highlights China's strategy of gray-zone sea denial, complicating the Philippines' ability to supply its outpost, the BRP Sierra Madre. The U.S. has reiterated its commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty in response to such incidents.

Marcus ChenSat Sep 26 2026Loading...

The U.S. Marine Corps awarded a $404.4 million contract to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for the production of Naval Strike Missile launchers and fire control systems. The contract will be executed primarily in Kongsberg, Norway, and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, through September 2024. The Marine Corps plans to acquire 32 NMESIS launchers and 103 Naval Strike Missiles as part of its fiscal 2027 budget request, enhancing its long-range anti-ship capabilities.

Camp Humphreys, the largest U.S. military base in South Korea, experienced a water shortage due to a mechanical failure, affecting all taps. The issue is expected to persist through the Chuseok holiday weekend, impacting approximately 45,000 personnel. While dining facilities remain operational, recreational services are suspended, and personnel are advised to use portable water tanks for drinking water.

Japan launched the Akane-class transport vessel on September 17, 2023, at the Yokohama facility of the Japan Marine United Corporation. This vessel is designed for operations in small ports and on beaches, enhancing the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's logistics capabilities. The JGSDF plans to add three more vessels by FY2027, totaling four, based in Amami Oshima, Kagoshima Prefecture.

China is constructing its next aircraft carrier in Dalian, expected to be 336 to 339 meters long, enhancing its naval capabilities. This development indicates a shift towards more extensive operations beyond the Taiwan Strait, with discussions on logistics and support for sustained deployments. Speculation exists regarding the potential for nuclear power, but no definitive evidence has been provided.

Li MinghuiFri Sep 25 2026Loading...

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio announced a delay in arms sales to Taiwan due to production capacity issues, impacting military readiness. Concurrently, the Chinese military has increased its activities in the Taiwan Strait, with 11 ships and 2 aircraft reported. This situation raises concerns about Taiwan's defense capabilities and the reliability of U.S. support.

Li MinghuiFri Sep 25 2026Loading...