Analysis & Reports

Japan's 2026 defense white paper highlights a shift in defense strategy, emphasizing increased military spending and the acquisition of unmanned vehicles in response to threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. By FY 2027, Japan aims to enhance its defense capabilities and take primary responsibility for national defense. The country is requesting a record defense budget of JPY8.9 trillion ($56.1 billion USD) to support these initiatives.

The US Navy has not commissioned a frigate since retiring the USS Simpson in September 2015, while China has built a fleet of approximately 50 frigates. The Constellation-class program was reduced from 20 planned ships to only 2, with construction on the lead ship at just 12% completion as of November 2025. This situation highlights a significant gap in US naval capabilities with no clear resolution in sight.

Australia announced the purchase of AIM-260A Joint Advanced Tactical Missiles from the U.S. during the Pitch Black 2026 exercise in Darwin on August 6, 2023. The deal, valued at A$736 million, aims to enhance the Royal Australian Air Force's capabilities against threats, particularly from China's advanced missile systems. The AIM-260A will be integrated onto various fighter platforms, starting with the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

The Royal Navy is currently dismantling decommissioned nuclear submarines, with 23 retired boats in total and only HMS Swiftsure expected to be fully dismantled by the end of 2026. The disposal process has faced significant delays and cost increases, with 12 submarines still holding irradiated reactor fuel. The National Audit Office has highlighted ongoing logistical challenges and supplier issues, pushing the project's closure date to October 31, 2028.

China enforced new regulations and conducted joint naval-air drills at Scarborough Shoal on August 1, 2023, involving multiple military assets including a Type 071 amphibious transport dock. The China Coast Guard engaged Philippine vessels, while the U.S. issued a statement rejecting China's actions. The Philippines also asserted its territorial claims by depositing an official nautical chart with the UN.

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The Hubei Ship of the Southern Theater Command Navy conducted full training assessments in the South China Sea, successfully engaging and shooting down target drones with naval artillery. The exercises included air defense and underwater self-defense drills, demonstrating effective coordination among the crew.

U.S. Forces Japan conducted parachute training at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa on October 10, 2023. This marks the seventh instance of such training occurring outside the designated area since December 2025. Local authorities have repeatedly protested the noise generated by these military exercises, emphasizing the disruption to residents.

Li Can, a joint operations staff officer at the Central Theater Command, actively engaged in military training to enhance coordination among different military branches. He has received multiple awards for his service and emphasizes the importance of operational readiness. Li Can's work environment is characterized by constant preparedness for deployment, reflecting the demands of his role in joint operations.

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has begun mass production of the YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile, which is now being deployed on Type 052D destroyers as of August 8, 2023. This development expands the missile's use beyond the previously limited Type 055 destroyers, indicating a significant enhancement in naval capabilities. The YJ-20 has an estimated range of 1000 to 1500 kilometers, allowing the PLAN to potentially deter U.S. carrier groups from approaching its operational areas.

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China's experimental corvette has been spotted with a new system on its deck, potentially a sonic weapon or a high-power microwave weapon, at the Liaonan Shipyard in Liaoning Province. This modification indicates a strategic shift in naval capabilities, particularly in countering drone swarms. The vessel, which has been under development since 2023, serves as a testing platform for advanced military technologies.

Cambridge Aerospace secured $300 million in funding, raising its valuation to $3.4 billion. The company is scaling up production of its Skyhammer interceptor missile, designed to counter low-cost drones, with initial deliveries to the UK Ministry of Defence scheduled for May 2026. The company has expanded operations into several countries, including Germany and Ukraine, and aims to meet the growing demand for affordable air defense solutions.

DroneShield launched RfRecon, a portable RF intelligence solution, in Sydney on 10 August 2026. This device enhances the understanding of RF activity for defense and security organizations by combining advanced capabilities such as ultra-wideband spectrum awareness and precision direction finding. RfRecon is designed for various operational environments and is available immediately for qualified customers worldwide.

U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) initiated a transition to a Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ) at Yokota Air Base in August 2023, adding 215 personnel to enhance 24-hour operational readiness. This restructuring aims to improve command and control capabilities, allowing for joint operations with Japan in response to increasing threats from China. The changes signify a shift from base management to active operational planning and coordination.

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DroneShield launched RfRecon, a portable RF intelligence solution, in Sydney on 10 August 2026. This device enhances the understanding of the electromagnetic environment for defense and security organizations by combining advanced capabilities such as spectrum awareness and precision direction finding. RfRecon significantly improves operational efficiency and decision-making at the tactical edge, integrating seamlessly into existing defense systems.

Chinese and Belarusian airborne forces are conducting the 'God Eagle-2026' joint training exercise in Hubei from August 11 to 24, 2026. This marks the fourth iteration of such exercises, focusing on urban counter-terrorism operations. The shift of the training venue from Brest to Hubei indicates a developing mechanism for mutual hosting of military exercises between the two nations.

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On August 9, citizens in Tokyo held protests against the government's attempts to expand military capabilities and amend the constitution, marking the 81st anniversary of the Nagasaki atomic bombing. Participants voiced concerns over Japan's military direction, emphasizing the need to uphold Article 9, which renounces war. They called for a reflection on historical aggression and a commitment to pacifism.

Iran released satellite images showing the before and after of missile strikes on U.S. military facilities in West Asia on September 9. These strikes were part of ongoing military actions between Iran and the U.S., with the Iranian military utilizing missiles to target multiple U.S. bases in the region.

Marines conducted live-fire tests with Neros Archer FPV drones in South Korea on July 30 and August 5. These drones enable infantry squads to strike enemy positions from up to 20 kilometers away. The tests were performed by the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, showcasing the Marine Corps' efforts to enhance their offensive capabilities in the Pacific theater.

On August 3, 2023, three People's Liberation Army Navy vessels completed a circumnavigation of Japan, transiting through the Korea Strait and other strategic waterways. This operation, which included a Type 055 guided-missile cruiser, a Type 052D destroyer, and a Type 903 replenishment ship, has raised significant concerns for Japan's national security. The patrol is seen as a demonstration of military capability and a normalization of Chinese naval presence in the region.

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USS New Jersey fired 5,688 16-inch shells in support of ground operations near the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone from September 30, 1968, to April 1, 1969. Reactivated at a cost of $21.5 million, the battleship provided heavy artillery support to U.S. and allied forces, destroying numerous enemy structures and positions. After a short combat deployment, she was decommissioned on December 17, 1969.