Analysis & Reports

Australia's MQ-28 Ghost Bat participated in Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 in the Northern Mariana Islands, operating alongside U.S. and allied forces. The drone, developed by Boeing Defence Australia, is designed to enhance airpower capabilities with a range of over 2,000 nautical miles. The U.S. Air Force is progressing towards producing combat-capable CCAs, with expectations of 150 units by 2029, highlighting the importance of allied systems like the MQ-28 in addressing potential operational gaps before then.

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On July 23, the Chinese Coast Guard used water cannons to drive away two Philippine government vessels, 3012 and 3018, that intruded into Chinese territorial waters near Scarborough Shoal. This incident occurred just three days after a similar conflict involving the Philippines at the Second Thomas Shoal. The Chinese authorities stated that their actions were necessary and lawful in response to the Philippine vessels' provocations.

Australia successfully tested a hybrid medium-range air defense system at the Woomera test range last month, launching an SM-2 interceptor missile. This system integrates existing capabilities with new technology, aiming to enhance air defense without the high costs of traditional systems. The test involved collaboration with Lockheed Martin and utilized a virtualized Aegis combat system.

On July 23, the China Coast Guard conducted a rights protection patrol in the territorial waters of Diaoyu Island. This operation is part of China's legal rights enforcement activities in the area.

On July 23, the Chinese Coast Guard drove away two Philippine government vessels (3012, 3018) that entered the waters around Huangyan Island, which China claims as its territory. The Chinese authorities stated that the vessels ignored repeated warnings and that the Coast Guard's actions were legal and necessary to uphold China's maritime rights.

The Eastern Theater Command Navy is integrating multi-service staff into a naval command structure aboard the 052D destroyer as of July 23, 2023, to enhance joint operational capabilities in the Taiwan Strait. This initiative aims to improve decision-making processes during military operations, particularly in response to activities such as the Japanese destroyer's transit through the Taiwan Strait. However, challenges regarding the long-term effectiveness of this command structure under high-intensity conditions remain.

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Patiman Barati led the Xinjiang Special Police Women's Team in a national competition on July 22, 2026, showcasing their skills in a rescue operation. The team completed the task in 1 minute and 21 seconds, demonstrating their operational readiness. Patiman, who transitioned from a liberal arts background, has been a dedicated member of the special police for over ten years and has led the team to significant achievements, including winning the national challenge in 2025.

The U.S. Coast Guard deployed six Sentinel-class patrol vessels to Subic Bay, Philippines, as part of a new expeditionary squadron based in Singapore. This deployment aims to enhance maritime security in the South China Sea and is expected to continue until at least September. The vessels, smaller and less armed than traditional naval ships, are intended to maintain a military presence while minimizing tensions with regional powers.

On July 23, the Chinese Coast Guard took action against two Philippine government vessels, 3012 and 3018, which intruded into the territorial waters of Scarborough Shoal. The Chinese Coast Guard issued warnings and implemented necessary measures to drive the vessels away, asserting the area as Chinese territory and pledging to continue law enforcement activities there.

The Zhangzhou Maritime Safety Administration announced live-fire exercises in the Taiwan Strait, scheduled for July 23 and 24 from 6 AM to 6 PM. Entry into the designated areas is prohibited during these times due to the use of live ammunition.

The People's Liberation Army Navy deployed the hospital ship 'Jixiang Fangzhou' on July 22, 2023, for a 200-day mission to provide humanitarian medical services in Djibouti and other regions in Africa and South Asia. This marks the ship's first overseas operation since its commissioning in 2025, as part of the ongoing 'Harmonious Mission' initiative.

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On July 22, unidentified attackers opened fire and threw bombs at a checkpoint in Narathiwat, Thailand, resulting in the deaths of 5 soldiers and injuries to 6 civilians. The attack occurred around 18:45 local time, and the assailants fled the scene in a pickup truck. Thai security forces are actively pursuing the attackers and have heightened security measures in the region.

The Eastern Theater Command Navy conducted a joint military training exercise in the East China Sea, involving multiple naval vessels and air force units. The exercise focused on integrated command and defense operations, enhancing coordination and response times among different military branches. This training aimed to address challenges faced in previous exercises and improve overall operational effectiveness.

The 73rd Group Army conducted air-ground confrontation training exercises in China during the summer of 2023, implementing a new review process to enhance operational effectiveness. This approach, which includes pre-training reviews and post-training evaluations, was introduced after two previous training failures. The unit utilized video analysis and data collection to improve decision-making and adaptability, resulting in better performance during the exercises.

The Hubei Ship of the Chinese Navy recently conducted multi-subject realistic training exercises in the South China Sea, involving multiple helicopter launches and damage control drills. The training focused on enhancing combat readiness and operational capabilities, integrating real combat scenarios throughout the exercises.

The Chinese Navy's hospital ship 'Peace Ark' departed from Qingdao on October 22, 2023, for its first overseas mission under the 'Harmonious Mission-2026' initiative. The ship, carrying over 100 medical personnel, will provide humanitarian medical services in Africa and South Asia for over 200 days. Equipped with advanced medical facilities, it aims to treat common diseases and engage in professional exchanges with local countries.

The Chinese Navy's 052D destroyer Kaifeng conducted a live-fire exercise 180 km southwest of Okinotorishima in 2026, within Japan's EEZ in the Philippine Sea. The exercise involved the use of a 30mm close-in weapon system, rather than missiles, to assert operational control in the area. This event occurred alongside a Russian naval vessel, highlighting joint operations between China and Russia. Japan has raised safety concerns regarding the exercise.

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Multinational crews are conducting anti-submarine warfare operations aboard U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft during RIMPAC 2026 in the Pacific Ocean. The exercise involves 31 nations, 40 surface ships, 5 submarines, and 140 aircraft, focusing on improving coordination and operational procedures among allied forces. Meanwhile, China is testing submarine-launched ballistic missiles and increasing its naval presence near Taiwan, complicating the operational environment for U.S. and allied forces.

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The 74th Group Army conducted live-fire tactical exercises in China, testing the unit's mobility and firepower capabilities. After completing initial firing rounds, the unit quickly relocated to a backup position upon detection by enemy reconnaissance. Artillery teams successfully engaged enemy fire points, demonstrating effective rapid fire support skills under complex conditions.

China conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test on July 6, 2026, in the South Pacific, demonstrating a range of 7,300km. The missile likely overflew parts of the Philippines and indicates a shift in China's military strategy towards enhanced deterrence capabilities. This test coincided with joint military activities with Russia, highlighting a growing military presence in the region.

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