Analysis & Reports

Lockheed Martin and L3Harris are significantly increasing the production of Patriot PAC-3 missiles, aiming for 2,000 units annually by 2027. This surge responds to urgent demands from Ukraine and NATO allies facing missile threats. The production expansion highlights the need for a diversified air defense strategy, as current reliance on expensive interceptors is unsustainable against cheaper drone threats. NATO's air defense capabilities remain under strain, necessitating coordinated procurement and increased production efforts across Europe.

Alexandra ReevesWed Sep 16 2026Loading...

The U.S. government is preparing to provide Israel with $2.8 billion in ammunition, including 40,000 high-destruction 2000-pound bombs, as reported on September 15, 2023. This military aid has drawn criticism due to concerns over civilian casualties in ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, where these bombs have been extensively used. The provision of such weaponry raises significant political and military implications.

Foreign military personnel from Laos and Myanmar reunited at the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on October 16, 2023, engaging in discussions to enhance mutual understanding. The forum attracted approximately 2000 attendees from over 100 countries, focusing on building consensus for stability and promoting security governance. Participants emphasized the importance of dialogue in fostering trust and addressing practical issues.

Retired Major General Luo Yuan stated that the Taiwan issue is a core national interest for China and an unbreakable bottom line in Sino-U.S. relations during an interview at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on September 16, 2023. He reiterated the importance of the Taiwan issue in the current geopolitical context.

The 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum occurred from September 15 to 17, 2023, in Beijing, featuring over 2000 representatives from more than 100 countries, including Israel and Iran. This forum provided a unique platform for dialogue among nations, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing global issues. The presence of representatives from Russia and NATO further highlighted the forum's significance in fostering diplomatic discussions.

A Russian drone crossed from Belarus into Lithuanian airspace and was tracked by Polish radar. An Italian Eurofighter shot down a second drone following the same route. Following the incident, a disinformation campaign emerged, altering images of the drone to falsely suggest it was a Polish design. Poland's Ministry of National Defense issued corrections to clarify the situation.

The Russian Ministry of Education announced an increase in military training hours for students in grades 8 to 11, effective September 2023. The training will now constitute 50% of the curriculum, up from 20%, and will cover first aid and evacuation procedures. This initiative is part of a course on 'National Security and Defense Basics' and is aimed at preparing students for potential military involvement.

The U.S. Army released a new biological defense strategy on September 8, 2023, aimed at improving operational capabilities against biological threats. The strategy focuses on five key areas, including knowledge building, situational awareness, and modernization of biological defense equipment. It incorporates lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes the use of AI and machine learning tools for enhanced monitoring and response.

The People's Liberation Army Honor Guard appeared at the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum held at the Beijing International Conference Center from September 15 to 17, 2023. The forum's theme was 'Building Consensus for Stability and Promoting Security Governance.'

International representatives arrived in Beijing for the 13th Xiangshan Forum, held from September 15 to 17, 2023. The forum's theme focused on building consensus for stability and promoting security governance.

The United Nations report reveals a significant increase in the perceived risk of large-scale war, with 36% of surveyed individuals believing it could occur within a year. The report highlights a 16-place rise in the risk ranking since 2024, alongside growing concerns about financial crises and supply chain issues. In contrast, environmental risks have seen a decline in urgency among respondents.

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun entered the venue for the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum held at the Beijing International Conference Center from September 15 to 17, 2023. The forum's theme focused on building consensus for stability and promoting security governance.

The Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference is ongoing, featuring a keynote by Gen. Doug Schiess that emphasizes funding for space operations. An unusual collaboration within the industry was also highlighted during the conference.

The Houthi armed group denied accusations of using drones to attack Mecca, calling the claims false. Earlier, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition stated that Saudi air defense forces intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone heading towards Mecca on September 15.

Japan and South Korea are restructuring their naval forces to address the challenges posed by the expanding Chinese Navy. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is focusing on Mogami-class destroyers, while the Republic of Korea Navy is enhancing its capabilities with KSS-III submarines and large surface combatants. Both nations aim to improve their operational readiness and strategic coordination in the face of shared threats from China.

Tanaka TakashiWed Sep 16 2026Loading...

General Douglas MacArthur delivered his farewell address to Congress in Washington, D.C. on April 19, 1951, where he quoted the phrase 'Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.' This address followed his dismissal by President Truman on April 11, 1951, due to strategic disagreements during the Korean War. MacArthur's military legacy, including his role in World War II and the Korean War, has been the subject of reassessment in recent years.

Canada will receive its first 16 F-35A fighter jets at Luke Air Force Base in 2026, with full delivery to Canada expected by 2028. Saab is proposing to manufacture Gripen E fighters in Canada, while the UK funds Gripen deliveries to Ukraine. The Canadian CF-18 fleet is set for retirement by 2032, prompting discussions on military procurement options.

Thomas Dans was appointed chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission in December 2020, where he has promoted U.S. military interests in the Arctic and advocated for closer ties with Russia. His actions have raised tensions with Denmark regarding Greenland, and he has been involved in discussions about national security and energy security in the region. Dans has also been linked to Damen Shipyards, which builds icebreakers.

Chinese researchers at the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center claim to have identified vulnerabilities in the U.S. Air Force's B-21 Raider through simulations using the PADJ-X modeling platform. They suggest potential improvements in the aircraft's design, although these findings are based on estimates without direct access to the aircraft. The U.S. Air Force is moving forward with preparations for the B-21's operational deployment at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.

The U.S. federal government spent nearly $10 billion placing over 100,000 federal workers on paid administrative leave in 2025, primarily due to the Deferred Resignation Program. This program incentivized employees to resign by September 2025, resulting in a significant increase in paid leave usage. The Government Accountability Office highlighted the need for better tracking of these costs and recommended the creation of a new leave category for workforce reductions.