Analysis & Reports

A new type of attack nuclear submarine, approximately 120 meters long, was spotted at Jiangnan Shipyard on July 24, 2026. This submarine features a smaller hull design aimed at enhancing stealth capabilities, indicating advancements in the People's Liberation Army Navy's technology. The development suggests a shift towards quieter submarines, potentially serving as a verification platform for future designs. The construction location also reflects a diversification in China's submarine manufacturing capabilities.

Li MinghuiSat Jul 25 2026Loading...

On July 20, 2026, a Chinese 052D-class destroyer conducted live-fire exercises 180 km southwest of Okinotorishima, involving a formation of four ships, including two other Chinese vessels and a Russian frigate. This marks the first confirmed instance of such exercises within Japan's exclusive economic zone, raising concerns about maritime security and regional military dynamics.

Tanaka TakashiSat Jul 25 2026Loading...

The Eastern Theater Command Navy conducted live-fire training exercises at sea, adhering to real combat standards. High-definition images captured the event, showcasing the capabilities of shipborne helicopters. This training reflects the unit's preparedness for potential maritime operations.

Australia conducted a successful test of the SM-2 missile at Woomera during Exercise Taipan Strike 2026, collaborating with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy. This test aimed to assess the viability of using naval air-defense systems for land base protection amid growing regional threats. The timing of the announcement followed a recent Chinese missile launch, highlighting the strategic importance of enhancing Australia's air defense capabilities.

Marcus ChenFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

On July 24, the Chinese Coast Guard drove away 7 Philippine government vessels, 3 coast guard ships, and 1 fishing vessel that intruded into the territorial waters of Huangyan Island. The Chinese forces issued warnings and utilized water cannons during the engagement. This incident follows a violent encounter on July 20, highlighting ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.

Chinese coast guard personnel injured a Filipino sailor at Second Thomas Shoal on July 20, 2026, during a confrontation with the Philippine Navy. The incident involved the use of a baton and damage to a navy rubber boat. Following this, a Chinese vessel fired a water cannon at a Philippine fisheries vessel near Scarborough Shoal. The U.S. condemned China's actions and reaffirmed its defense commitments to the Philippines, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.

Marcus ChenFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

On July 24, the Chinese Coast Guard repelled Philippine vessels that illegally gathered in Chinese territorial waters at Scarborough Shoal, using water cannons after issuing warnings. The Philippines had organized 7 government vessels, 3 coast guard ships, and 1 fishing vessel for this action. China has warned the Philippines to stop its provocative actions, asserting its territorial sovereignty.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) showcased the PHL-191 steel rain airburst munitions on July 23, 2023, indicating a strategic shift in rocket artillery operations in the Taiwan Strait. The PHL-191, capable of launching various munitions, is designed to suppress exposed targets rather than destroy fortified positions. This new weapon system enhances the PLA's operational flexibility and precision in potential conflicts.

Li MinghuiFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun visited Thailand on July 24, 2026, to discuss enhancing military cooperation with the Royal Thai Armed Forces. The talks emphasized joint training exercises and equipment procurement, reflecting a strategic partnership. China expressed support for Thailand in maintaining peace and resolving disputes with Cambodia, while Thailand seeks to balance its military relationships with both the U.S. and China.

Li MinghuiFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

On July 24, the Chinese Coast Guard responded to the Philippines' organization of 7 government vessels and 3 coast guard ships illegally gathering in waters under Chinese jurisdiction at Scarborough Shoal. Despite warnings, Philippine vessels intruded into Chinese territorial waters, prompting the Chinese Coast Guard to take necessary measures, including the use of water cannons, to drive them away. This incident follows a previous attack on Chinese personnel by the Philippines on July 20, escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Kongo destroyer fired Harpoon missiles during RIMPAC 2026 exercises in Hawaii on July 23, 2026. Concurrently, U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conducted integrated live-fire exercises with HIMARS. These actions reflect the strengthening of Japan-U.S. military cooperation in both maritime and land operations, particularly in response to regional threats from China.

Tanaka TakashiFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) reported a decrease in aircraft sorties around the Taiwan Strait to 1334 in the first half of 2023, marking a significant reduction. This shift is accompanied by increased maritime patrols and artillery training, suggesting a strategic change towards low-cost, sustained pressure on Taiwan. The absence of large-scale military exercises indicates a focus on maintaining operational readiness while minimizing visible military activity.

Li MinghuiFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

Airbus Helicopters is advancing Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) systems through various projects, including the VSR700 drone and HTeaming technology. In 2024, interoperability tests demonstrated successful cooperation between crewed helicopters and unmanned systems in France and Italy. The Spanish Navy conducted successful trials with the H135M and Flexrotor drone in 2025, showcasing real-time reconnaissance capabilities. These developments are part of a broader effort to enhance military operations through integrated drone and helicopter systems.

Australia conducted a successful ground launch test of the SM-2 missile from a trailer-based system at Woomera during the Taipan Strike 2026 exercise. The missile intercepted a BQM-74E target drone, demonstrating the adaptability of naval systems for land-based defense. This test follows increased concerns about vulnerabilities to missile threats in the region, particularly after a recent missile launch by a Chinese submarine.

Tanaka TakashiFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

On July 24, the Chinese Coast Guard took control measures against multiple Philippine vessels engaged in illegal activities in the Scarborough Shoal.

China's Coast Guard began operating a naval Z-20F helicopter from the Haijing 5901, enhancing its maritime capabilities. This new variant is intended for anti-submarine warfare, although its full capabilities remain unconfirmed. The Coast Guard's activity around Taiwan has increased significantly, reflecting a closer integration with the People's Liberation Army Navy. The Z-20F represents a substantial upgrade over older helicopter models.

The Naval Aviation Brigade of the Southern Theater Command conducted live-fire training for carrier-based aircraft. This training emphasized real combat scenarios and performance assessments to improve pilot skills and tactical operations. The exercise aimed to enhance the unit's overall operational capabilities.

Iranian forces launched drone attacks on CIA facilities in the Gulf region, with indications of Russian assistance in targeting and operational support. Reports suggest that more than one but fewer than twelve facilities were attacked using modified Shahed drones. U.S. intelligence analysts are investigating the extent of Russian involvement in these operations.

China Coast Guard vessel 3302 fired a water cannon at Philippine vessel BRP Datu Dumangsil near Scarborough Shoal on July 23, 2026. The incident involved multiple Chinese and Philippine vessels, with no injuries reported. The Philippine fisheries mission continued despite the encounter, highlighting the ongoing maritime tensions in the region. The US reaffirmed its defense commitments to the Philippines in response to the incident.

Marcus ChenThu Jul 23 2026Loading...

On July 23, two Philippine government vessels intruded into the territorial waters of Scarborough Shoal and were driven away by the Chinese Coast Guard. Media personnel were observed on the Philippine vessels, indicating an intention to provoke and escalate the situation.