Analysis & Reports

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force announced the first submarine training in the United States for FY2026, focusing on anti-submarine warfare collaboration with the U.S. Navy. The training will involve Soryu-class submarines and aims to enhance data exchange between detecting and hiding parties. Differences in acoustic data formats and communication protocols could impact operational efficiency.

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Houthi forces claimed to have shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib Province, Yemen, on September 16. This incident highlights ongoing military engagements in the region.

The 71st Group Army of the PLA received a batch of 155mm PLZ-05 self-propelled howitzers and conducted their first live-fire exercise in September 2026. This transition from 122mm to 155mm artillery systems enhances their firepower capabilities in the Taiwan Strait and East China Sea. The PLZ-05's advanced features allow for greater range and effectiveness in various military operations.

Li MinghuiWed Sep 16 2026Loading...

Iranian missile and drone strikes inflicted severe damage on U.S. military bases in the Middle East, including Prince Sultan Air Base and facilities in Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The Pentagon reported significant losses, with hundreds of buildings and over 50 aircraft affected between February 28 and June 30, 2023. U.S. military personnel highlighted the serious impact of these attacks, noting a lack of public awareness about the situation.

Iranian missile and drone strikes inflicted severe damage on U.S. military bases in the Middle East, including Prince Sultan Air Base and facilities in Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The strikes resulted in damage to hundreds of buildings and over 50 aircraft from February 28 to June 30, 2023. Active-duty U.S. military personnel provided anonymous photos revealing the destruction, highlighting the significant impact of the attacks.

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.

Saudi Arabian Air Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone heading towards Mecca on September 15. The operation was conducted by the Saudi-led coalition, ensuring the safety of the area.

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...

Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities, injuring 13 civilians and damaging infrastructure. They captured the Hanish Islands and Mocha port, pushing their control line towards the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Concurrently, a Saudi oil pipeline was attacked, halting operations and raising concerns over energy security. The conflict has displaced over 100,000 people in Yemen, emphasizing the escalating military tensions in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

The Chengdu J-20 is designed for long-range BVR combat, primarily targeting AWACS and aerial refuelers while also capable of limited air-to-ground missions against U.S. bases in the Pacific. It is not a direct competitor to the F-22 Raptor but serves a different strategic role. The J-20 has a longer combat range than the F-22, although its stealth capabilities are considered inferior.

The U.S. military has utilized a significant portion of its missile defense interceptors in ongoing operations against Iran, which may hinder its ability to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. The Congressional Budget Office warns that the depletion of these interceptors could take years to recover, with costs to replace them estimated at $21.7 billion. The report highlights the strategic implications of this depletion for U.S. defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

USS Georgia retired at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay on July 27, 2024, marking the beginning of the retirement process for the U.S. Navy's Ohio-class submarines. These submarines, capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk missiles each, represent a significant loss of missile launch positions, totaling 616 across four vessels. The Navy plans to redesignate 19 Virginia-class submarines to partially compensate for this loss, but no direct replacements for the Ohio-class SSGNs are planned.

The U.S. military incurred approximately $38 billion in costs from combat operations against Iran through August 1, 2025, depleting a significant portion of its missile-defense interceptors. The conflict has consumed between one-half and two-thirds of the inventory of systems like Patriot and THAAD, with rebuilding efforts expected to take at least five years. The campaign involved extensive use of munitions, particularly during the initial phases of Operation Epic Fury, which included around 250 tactical aircraft.

Russian forces continue to launch counterattacks in Ukraine, suffering over 30,000 casualties monthly. Ukraine has regained initiative and territory in the Donetsk region, disrupting Russian objectives. Putin remains fixated on capturing the entire Donetsk oblast before considering peace talks, despite the improbability of achieving this goal. The situation reflects a significant shift in battlefield dynamics, with Ukraine successfully countering Russian advances.

Iranian strikes damaged hundreds of U.S. military and diplomatic buildings across Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan. As of August 27, 2023, the strikes resulted in the destruction of dozens of U.S. aircraft and 18 military personnel fatalities. The total cost of Operation Epic Fury has reached approximately $33.4 billion, with significant impacts on U.S. military infrastructure and logistics.

U.S. Air Force officials praised the F-35 Lightning II for its combat readiness during recent operations in the Middle East. The aircraft demonstrated high mission-capable rates and effective maintenance, even in contested environments. Officials noted the F-35's versatility and the need for rapid certification of new weapons to meet emerging mission requirements. The demand for the F-35 is expected to increase as operational needs evolve.

Iranian forces shot down three U.S. MQ-1 drones over the Strait of Hormuz on September 15. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that these interceptions were part of coordinated operations under Iran's national air defense network. The U.S. has yet to respond to these incidents.

Saudi Arabia conducted 52 airstrikes in Yemen over the past 24 hours, targeting civilian infrastructure in Taiz, Al-Jawf, Baidha, Saada, and Amran. The airstrikes were executed by F-15 and Typhoon fighter jets from bases in Khamis Mushait and Taif. A Houthi spokesperson condemned the attacks and indicated that they would respond.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is integrating its SPICE 1000 air-to-surface munition onto Israeli F-35 fighter aircraft in Jerusalem. This integration, a joint project with Lockheed Martin, is expected to enhance the strike capabilities of the Israeli Air Force and will allow other F-35 operators to utilize the munition in the future. The SPICE 1000 has been operational with the Israel Air Force since 2017 and provides a stand-off strike capability exceeding 75 miles.

U.S. Marine Corps reorganizes for small-unit expeditionary warfare, raising concerns among Chinese naval officers about the effectiveness of Marine Stand-In Forces (SIF) on Pacific islands. Chinese military experts warn that SIFs could disrupt their naval operations and recommend proactive measures to counter these forces, including the development of undersea weapons and enhanced surveillance capabilities.