Analysis & Reports

BAE Systems was awarded a contract to supply the AN/ALQ-250 electronic warfare system for South Korea's F-15K jets as part of a $3.1 billion modernization effort running from 2024 to 2037. This upgrade aims to enhance the aircraft's capabilities against modern air defenses, with the first two modernized jets expected to be delivered by late 2028.

BAE Systems received a contract from Boeing to deliver AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability Systems (EPAWSS) for the Republic of Korea Air Force's F-15K Slam Eagles. This advanced electronic warfare system will enhance situational awareness and self-defense capabilities for ROKAF pilots. The upgrade involves modifying a fleet of 59 aircraft to improve their ability to counter current and future threats.

The U.S. Army deployed the Typhon missile system and HIMARS to Kanoya Air Base in June 2026, enhancing military capabilities in Japan. This deployment signifies a strategic shift towards multi-layered deterrence in response to complex security environments. The Typhon system, capable of launching SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles, will operate alongside Japan's 12-type anti-ship missile, emphasizing collaborative defense efforts.

Tanaka TakashiTue Jul 14 2026Loading...

The North Sea Maritime Bureau issued a navigation warning for the Gulf of Tonkin, prohibiting vessels from entering certain areas due to military training scheduled from July 14 to July 16, daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.

The People's Liberation Army Navy is expanding recruitment and training channels for naval aviation personnel as of July 13, 2026, to enhance its operational capabilities. This shift aims to transition from temporary personnel assignments to a more sustainable, industrialized approach. The Fujian aircraft carrier is set to operate advanced aircraft, necessitating a skilled workforce to ensure effective operations at sea.

Li MinghuiTue Jul 14 2026Loading...

U.S. and Japanese forces conducted the Pacific Atlas 26-1 exercise from June 15 to 19, 2026, off Yokosuka, verifying logistics capabilities for dispersed maritime operations. The exercise featured the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett and Japan Coast Guard Patrol Vessel Yumehari, demonstrating vertical replenishment (VERTREP) operations. This event aimed to assess communication and supply procedures for sustained operations in the region.

Tanaka TakashiTue Jul 14 2026Loading...

The Tangshan Maritime Safety Administration announced live ammunition shooting activities in the Bohai Sea from July 14 at 00:00 to July 17 at 24:00. Vessels are prohibited from entering the designated areas during this period.

Taiwan's Marine Corps mobilized dozens of vehicles from southern Taiwan to Taipei as part of a five-day joint defense exercise from July 13 to 17. The exercise focused on rapid reinforcement of key political and economic centers, testing decentralized command and operational readiness. Concurrently, China's Fujian aircraft carrier transited the Taiwan Strait, influencing Taiwan's defense strategy.

Marcus ChenMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

China and Russia conducted joint naval exercises near Qingdao, concluding on July 11, 2026. This marked the first instance of both nations' submarines operating together at sea, enhancing their collaborative military capabilities. The exercises focused on addressing maritime security threats and included real-time data sharing and joint command structures.

U.S. Marines with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion conducted training on the Multi-Mission Reconnaissance Craft Bravo (Whiskey Bravo) at Naha Military Port, Okinawa, on June 5, 2024. The training focused on familiarization with the vessel's operations, including launching and recovery, and involved both classroom instruction and practical drills. This new capability is intended to enhance reconnaissance operations across the Western Pacific.

China showcased the DF-17 hypersonic glide missile and conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test in July 2026, with the missile landing near Nauru and Tuvalu. This demonstration highlights the PLA's focus on advanced missile capabilities and strategic deterrence in the Pacific. Concurrently, the U.S. military is enhancing its mid-range interception systems in response to these developments.

Li MinghuiMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

The joint naval exercise 'Maritime Cooperation-2026' concluded in Qingdao on July 13, 2026, with participation from ten vessels of the Chinese and Russian navies. The exercise focused on joint responses to maritime security threats and included various military activities such as reconnaissance and air defense. This event marks the continuation of military cooperation between the two nations, enhancing their capabilities in addressing maritime crises.

China and Russia conducted the 'Maritime Joint 2026' naval exercise, involving multiple vessels and submarines. Following the exercise, some forces transitioned to joint patrols in the Pacific. The Japanese Self-Defense Forces are actively monitoring these developments, particularly regarding anti-submarine operations and the implications for regional security.

Tanaka TakashiMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

China showcased the DF-17 hypersonic missile's capabilities, emphasizing its range and maneuverability, while the U.S. Marine Corps successfully tested the MRIC mid-range interception system in Guam. This highlights the ongoing military developments and strategic responses in the Western Pacific, with both nations enhancing their military capabilities in the region.

Li MinghuiMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army and Navy conducted nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll on July 1 and July 25, 1946, as part of Operation Crossroads. The first test, 'Able', resulted in the sinking of five ships, while the second test, 'Baker', sank ten ships. Over 42,000 personnel were involved, and the tests caused significant contamination of the area, leading to the relocation of the local population.

China and Russia concluded joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan on November 11, 2026, involving surface ships, submarines, and aircraft. The drills focused on enhancing operational capabilities against drone threats and included real combat scenarios. This exercise marked a significant step in military cooperation between the two nations, showcasing their strategic trust and coordination.

RIMPAC 2026 involves 30 nations conducting naval exercises in Hawaii, featuring over 30 surface ships, five submarines, and 206 aircraft. Live fire events included torpedo launches by HMCS Ottawa and missile launches by JS Kongo. Concurrently, China and Russia began their Joint Sea 2026 exercise, highlighting regional military tensions. The report emphasizes logistical challenges for sustaining operations in a potential conflict.

Marcus ChenSun Jul 12 2026Loading...

In Spring 2026, the U.S. Navy faced multiple fire incidents aboard its warships, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, which resulted in nearly 200 sailors being treated for smoke inhalation. The fires occurred during maintenance periods, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in fire safety protocols. A Government Accountability Office report indicated over $4 billion in fire damage from 2008 to 2022, emphasizing the Navy's failure to institutionalize lessons learned from past incidents.

China conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test from the South China Sea on July 6, 2026, reaching the South Pacific. The missile, likely a JL-2 or JL-3, demonstrated a range of 7,300 kilometers, signaling an advancement in China's sea-based nuclear capabilities. The launch coincided with significant military activities in the region, including a China-Russia naval exercise and U.S.-led RIMPAC operations, raising concerns about regional stability and deterrence.

Marcus ChenSun Jul 12 2026Loading...

USS Tucson (SSN 770) relocated to Naval Base Guam from Pearl Harbor on July 10, 2023, as part of the U.S. Navy's Strategic Laydown Plan. This move positions the submarine closer to contested waters in the South China Sea, enhancing U.S. military readiness in the region. Tucson joins three other fast-attack submarines already stationed in Guam, contributing to the U.S. deterrence strategy against a growing Chinese fleet.