Analysis & Reports

AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources

Sharpening the Sword in Deep Blue! Directly Hitting the Fleet's Combat Training

Sharpening the Sword in Deep Blue! Directly Hitting the Fleet's Combat Training

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentOperational

Xining Ship and Nanchang Ship conducted high-intensity combat training exercises in the Yellow Sea, involving air defense, shore bombardment, and anti-submarine operations. The fleet utilized radar and countermeasures to engage multiple aerial threats and successfully completed live-fire drills. Helicopters were deployed for anti-submarine operations, demonstrating effective coordination and readiness under challenging conditions.

Source: Global TimesThu Jul 09 2026
The complete appearance of the Sichuan ship's deck is fully revealed; experts say it is not far from official delivery.

The complete appearance of the Sichuan ship's deck is fully revealed; experts say it is not far from official delivery.

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

The Sichuan amphibious assault ship has completed its construction and is nearing delivery, featuring advanced electromagnetic catapults and arrestor wires. This ship, with a displacement of over 40,000 tons, is designed to support various aircraft, enhancing China's operational capabilities in maritime power projection. Military experts indicate that the Sichuan will significantly improve China's ability to conduct amphibious and air operations.

Source: Global TimesThu Jul 09 2026

China-Russia "Maritime Joint-2026" Joint Exercise Enters Maritime Drills Phase

Military OperationsTactical

China and Russia officially entered the maritime exercise phase of 'Joint Sea-2026' on July 9, 2026, with naval vessels departing from Qingdao for live-fire drills. The exercise includes joint reconnaissance, air defense, and anti-submarine rescue operations, following a successful planning phase that involved tactical coordination and professional exchanges between the two navies.

Source: Global TimesThu Jul 09 2026
Joint Sea-2026: Gathering of 055 and 052D, PLA North Sea Fleet Tests Sino-Russian Anti-Submarine and Air Defense Network

Joint Sea-2026: Gathering of 055 and 052D, PLA North Sea Fleet Tests Sino-Russian Anti-Submarine and Air Defense Network

Military OperationsForce MovementOperational

The People's Liberation Army Navy and the Russian Pacific Fleet conducted the 'Maritime Joint-2026' exercise from July 6 to July 13, 2026, near Qingdao in the Yellow Sea. This joint operation focused on testing anti-submarine and air defense capabilities, involving multiple naval vessels from both nations. The exercise took place in a complex maritime environment, emphasizing the need for effective coordination between the two fleets.

Li MinghuiLi MinghuiThu Jul 09 2026
Iowa-class Battleship Broadside

The Iowa-Class Were the Most Powerful Battleships America Ever Built. They Never Fought the War They Were Designed For.

Military OperationsWeapons & EquipmentOperational

The Iowa-class battleships, including USS Iowa, USS New Jersey, USS Missouri, and USS Wisconsin, served as fast carrier escorts and coastal bombardment platforms from 1943 to 1991. Designed for naval battles, they never engaged in the combat they were built for, instead firing their powerful 16-inch guns at land targets during various conflicts. Their last combat action occurred during Operation Desert Storm, where Missouri was nearly hit by an anti-ship missile. All four ships are now retired and serve as museum ships.

Source: 19FortyFiveThu Jul 09 2026
Video: Air Defense, Anti-Missile, and Maritime Strikes - China and Russia Conduct Joint Naval Exercises

Video: Air Defense, Anti-Missile, and Maritime Strikes - China and Russia Conduct Joint Naval Exercises

Military OperationsForce MovementOperational

China and Russia successfully concluded the port phase of the 'Maritime Joint-2026' naval exercises and commenced operations on September 9, 2026, from a military port in Qingdao. The exercises involve joint reconnaissance, air defense, and anti-ship strike operations, with both nations' naval forces collaborating on tactical planning and equipment discussions.

Source: Global TimesWed Jul 08 2026
"Chinese Divine Shield" Meets "Aircraft Carrier Killer": Chinese and Russian Officials Visit Each Other's Ships in Qingdao

"Chinese Divine Shield" Meets "Aircraft Carrier Killer": Chinese and Russian Officials Visit Each Other's Ships in Qingdao

Military OperationsForce MovementOperational

Chinese and Russian naval vessels conducted mutual inspections in Qingdao on August 8, 2026, as part of the 'Maritime Joint-2026' exercises. The Chinese Navy's Kaifeng, a 052D destroyer, and the Russian Navy's Varyag, a missile cruiser, were involved in the event. This marked the first participation of the Kaifeng in these joint exercises, highlighting ongoing military cooperation between the two nations.

Source: Global TimesWed Jul 08 2026
China Sends 21 Aircraft and Ships Around Taiwan as US Carrier Patrols Philippine Sea

China Sends 21 Aircraft and Ships Around Taiwan as US Carrier Patrols Philippine Sea

Military OperationsForce MovementOperational

China deployed 21 military and government platforms around Taiwan from July 7 to July 8, 2026, including 9 aircraft and 12 ships. Four aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line into Taiwan's air defense identification zone. The USS George Washington was operating in the Philippine Sea, providing a U.S. naval presence in the region. This ongoing military activity reflects China's strategy to maintain pressure on Taiwan.

Marcus ChenMarcus ChenWed Jul 08 2026
CH-7 Drone from China.

China Just Flew a Jet-Powered Drone ‘Aircraft Carrier’ Mothership That Can Launch 100 Smaller Drones at Once

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

China conducted the maiden flight of the Jiutian drone mothership in Pucheng, Shaanxi Province. This new system can carry and launch up to 100 smaller drones, featuring a top speed of 378 knots and a range of 4,349 miles. The Jiutian is equipped with eight hardpoints for munitions, marking a significant advancement in China's military drone capabilities.

Source: 19FortyFiveWed Jul 08 2026
North Korea New Destroyer KCNA Photo_State Media

North Korea’s New Destroyer Capsized at Its Own Launch. A Year Later It’s Heading Into Service Anyway

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

North Korea is preparing to operationalize the Kang Kon destroyer by Fall 2023 after conducting repairs and live-fire trials. Kim Jong-un has initiated a significant naval buildup, planning to produce two 5,000-ton destroyers annually for five years and a new 10,000-ton warship. This modernization effort includes advanced weapon systems and reflects a strategic shift in North Korea's military capabilities, raising concerns for regional security.

Source: 19FortyFiveWed Jul 08 2026
China shows snazzy clip of DF-17 missile on state TV in show of force

China shows snazzy clip of DF-17 missile on state TV in show of force

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

China showcased the DF-17 ballistic missile on state television in June 2023, emphasizing its capabilities as a strategic military asset. This display coincided with U.S.-led military exercises in the Asia-Pacific, signaling China's intent to deter U.S. actions. The DF-17, equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle, poses a significant threat to large surface targets, enhancing the PLA's operational confidence.

Source: Defense NewsWed Jul 08 2026

094 Nuclear Submarine Test-Fires 7000 Kilometer Submarine-Launched Missile: PLA's First Public Display of Sea-Based Nuclear Deterrence

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

On July 6, 2023, the People's Liberation Army Navy conducted a test launch of a long-range missile from a nuclear submarine in the Pacific Ocean. The missile, which carried a simulated warhead, flew approximately 7000 kilometers, landing near Nauru and Tuvalu. This marks China's first known submarine-launched ballistic missile test since 1982, raising concerns among regional nations about nuclear proliferation in the South Pacific.

Li MinghuiLi MinghuiWed Jul 08 2026
The Burden of 2026 Posed by the Passage of 10 Chinese Navy Ships Through the Southwest on the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Surveillance Network

The Burden of 2026 Posed by the Passage of 10 Chinese Navy Ships Through the Southwest on the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Surveillance Network

Military OperationsForce MovementOperational

Ten Chinese naval vessels passed through multiple straits near Japan from June 26 to July 1, 2023, with eight heading towards the Pacific Ocean. The vessels included 055-class destroyers and a supply ship, indicating a potential for sustained naval operations. The Japanese Self-Defense Forces are actively monitoring these movements, which have raised concerns about China's military activities in the region.

Tanaka TakashiTanaka TakashiWed Jul 08 2026
Review: National Security Family Celebrates Return, Hong Kong Ship Shadows Ignite Enthusiasm - Nanning Ship and Hengyang Ship Arrive in Port, Inspiring Patriotism

Review: National Security Family Celebrates Return, Hong Kong Ship Shadows Ignite Enthusiasm - Nanning Ship and Hengyang Ship Arrive in Port, Inspiring Patriotism

Military OperationsTactical

The People's Liberation Army Navy's Nanning and Hengyang vessels arrived in Hong Kong on July 2, 2023, for a five-day public visit and cultural exchange. Thousands of citizens participated in the event, which highlighted China's military modernization and fostered national pride. The visit coincided with the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China, emphasizing the government's commitment to the region's security and development.

Source: Global TimesWed Jul 08 2026
2026 PLA Submarine-Launched Missiles Travel Approximately 7,000 Kilometers, Exposing Deterrence Costs in the Controversial Nuclear-Free Zone of the South Pacific

2026 PLA Submarine-Launched Missiles Travel Approximately 7,000 Kilometers, Exposing Deterrence Costs in the Controversial Nuclear-Free Zone of the South Pacific

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

On July 6, 2026, the People's Liberation Army Navy conducted a test launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile from a strategic nuclear submarine, traveling approximately 7000 kilometers towards the Pacific Ocean, landing near Nauru and Tuvalu. This event raised concerns from New Zealand and Australia regarding its implications for the South Pacific nuclear-free zone, despite China's assertion that the missile was a training simulation.

Li MinghuiLi MinghuiWed Jul 08 2026

Demonstration of VERTREP Supply in Japan's Coastal Waters by Three Institutions from Japan and the U.S. in Pacific Atlas 26-1

LogisticsMilitary OperationsOperational

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Japan Coast Guard, and U.S. Coast Guard conducted VERTREP supply training during the Pacific Atlas 26-1 exercise off Yokosuka from June 15-19. This exercise involved a SH-60J helicopter, Yumihari patrol vessel, and Midgett cutter, focusing on logistics capabilities to support maritime operations. The inclusion of the Japan Coast Guard highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in maintaining maritime order.

Tanaka TakashiTanaka TakashiWed Jul 08 2026

Israeli military strikes in Gaza leave 7 dead

Military OperationsCasualties & LossesOperational

Israeli airstrikes and drone attacks on July 7 resulted in 7 deaths in Gaza, including a public relations officer for the Egyptian Relief Committee. The strikes hit multiple locations, including a civilian vehicle in Gaza City and areas in Khan Younis. Local health authorities reported significant casualties since the ceasefire began on October 10, 2025.

Source: Global TimesTue Jul 07 2026

Video | Bomb Truck! J-16 Firmly Protects the Safety of the Motherland's Airspace

Military OperationsTactical

The J-16 fighter jet is actively engaged in air defense operations in China, utilizing precision-guided munitions to secure national airspace. It supports rapid response missions and maintains constant vigilance against external threats, ensuring comprehensive air security.

Source: Global TimesTue Jul 07 2026
B-1B Lancer Bomber

America’s B-1B Bombers Just Got a Ship-Killing Missile — and China Must Wonder if a Day One Strike on Its Navy Is Now in the Cards

Weapons & EquipmentMilitary OperationsOperational

The U.S. Air Force successfully integrated the AGM-15AC Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) with B-1B Lancer bombers during a validation test at Dyess Air Force Base on June 2, 2022. This new capability enhances the bombers' maritime combat effectiveness, potentially allowing for strikes against Chinese naval forces. The Air Force plans to acquire 114 LRASMs to bolster its operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: 19FortyFiveTue Jul 07 2026

Japanese right-wing provocations, China strengthens law enforcement, Chinese Coast Guard legally drives away invading Japanese vessels.

Military OperationsInformation OperationsOperational

On July 7, the Chinese Coast Guard warned and drove away the Japanese fishing vessel 'Ruibao Maru' that illegally entered Chinese territorial waters near Chiwei Island. This incident coincided with the anniversary of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, raising concerns about Japan's provocative actions. Chinese experts indicate that this reflects a resurgence of Japanese militarism, and China intends to enhance its law enforcement presence in the area.

Source: Global TimesTue Jul 07 2026