Analysis & Reports

The Chinese Strategic Missile Forces conducted live-fire exercises featuring the DF-17 hypersonic missile on July 1, coinciding with their 60th anniversary celebrations. This event highlighted the capabilities of multiple strategic missiles in a public demonstration.

USS Midway (CV-41) was commissioned on September 10, 1945, and served in various military operations until its decommissioning in 1992. It played significant roles in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, adapting to the changing demands of naval aviation. The carrier was notable for its long service life and contributions to U.S. naval power during the Cold War and beyond.

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force commissioned the last two Soryu-class submarines, Oryu and Toryu, equipped with lithium-ion batteries, enhancing their underwater endurance and speed. This transition marks a significant shift in Japan's submarine capabilities, moving from traditional AIP technology to advanced battery systems. The Soryu class plays a vital role in Japan's defense strategy, particularly in monitoring regional waters amid growing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that a B-2 Spirit bomber launched an AGM-158C LRASM missile against the decommissioned USS Juneau during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 in Guam. This marks the first public acknowledgment of the B-2's capability to employ the LRASM, expanding its role into long-range maritime strike. The exercise involved U.S. and allied forces, including a Japanese submarine that delivered the finishing torpedo.

The U.S. Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bomber successfully fired an AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) during a live-fire sinking exercise in the Western Pacific as part of Exercise Valiant Shield 2026. This event demonstrated the B-2's enhanced anti-ship capabilities and showcased U.S. military strength to China. The exercise involved collaboration with the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

The USS Juneau was sunk by a torpedo from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force during a live-fire exercise on June 27, 2026, approximately 200 nautical miles off Guam. This event was part of the Valiant Shield exercise, which involved multiple U.S. military branches and allied forces. The exercise demonstrated the capabilities of various missile systems, including the AGM-84D Harpoon and LRASM.

Terry McIntosh received a Special Forces tab at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in March 2023, retroactively acknowledging his service as a teenage Green Beret in Vietnam. He served with the 5th Special Forces Group and participated in combat missions, earning a Combat Infantryman Badge. The award was presented by retired Special Forces officer Al Kittredge during a celebration.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps conducted the first landing of a V-22 Osprey at Miyako Airport on June 29, part of a joint military exercise. Local citizens protested the landing, expressing concerns over safety and potential military use of the airport. The exercise aimed at casualty transport was ultimately canceled due to adverse weather conditions.

The U.S. Army is addressing the Pacific lift gap by developing a fleet of 100 autonomous drone boats for logistics support, aiming for testing by summer 2025. The mission-capable rate of existing Pacific-based watercraft has significantly declined, prompting the activation of additional transportation units. The Army's new Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) has demonstrated capabilities for shallow-water operations, essential for island-chain conflicts.

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The 74th Group Army conducted full-process assessments in logistics support roles in the Gobi Desert, focusing on driving, medical, and cooking capabilities. Multiple vehicles were deployed for rapid movement, and medical personnel established field stations for casualty treatment. Cooking teams efficiently prepared and delivered meals under time constraints. The unit plans to address identified shortcomings to enhance operational readiness.

The Eastern Theater Command Navy conducted realistic naval training exercises in the East China Sea, involving multiple destroyers including Xi'an, Xiamen, and Changchun. The exercises tested the tactical effectiveness of weapon systems in complex environments, with main guns targeting simulated shore objectives and secondary guns intercepting incoming missiles.

The Fujian aircraft carrier conducted its first training exercises in the South China Sea after entering service in June 2026, testing the capabilities of J-35 fighter jets and KJ-600 early warning aircraft. This operation is part of the People's Liberation Army Navy's strategy to enhance its military presence in the region, particularly concerning Taiwan. The exercises indicate a shift from mere sea trials to operational readiness and political signaling.

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Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps conducted joint training exercises focused on island supply operations at Ishigaki Airport and Ishigaki Port from June 20 to June 30, 2023. The training included logistics operations for transporting personnel and equipment, highlighting the importance of maintaining civilian infrastructure during military operations. Coordination with local authorities was also emphasized to minimize disruption during the exercises.

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The Nanning Ship (DDG-162) and Hengyang Ship (FFG-568) of the People's Liberation Army Navy visited Hong Kong from July 2-6, 2023, for public engagement and cultural exchange. This visit marks the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return and showcases the operational capabilities of the PLA Navy. The ships are representative of the navy's routine operational units, emphasizing their role in regional presence and public diplomacy.

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The China Coast Guard conducted law enforcement patrols in the waters around Huangyan Island on June 30. These patrols are part of a broader effort to strengthen control over the area and assert China's territorial sovereignty. The Coast Guard is actively addressing illegal intrusions by foreign vessels.

The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army conducted combat readiness patrols around Scarborough Shoal on June 30. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to assert China's territorial claims and respond to provocations, ensuring national sovereignty and regional stability in the South China Sea.

China has deployed the new HQ-16F surface-to-air missile system in the Taiwan Strait, significantly enhancing its air-defense capabilities with a range of 160 km. This deployment reflects China's strategy to strengthen its layered air and missile defenses in the region, complicating potential attacks from Taiwan. The HQ-16F integrates advanced technologies for improved target tracking and engagement.

On June 28, 2023, the Chinese Air Force showcased the Y-20A, Y-20B, and Y-20A tanker aircraft in a promotional video, emphasizing their strategic transformation and enhanced capabilities. The Y-20 series has significantly expanded since its introduction, now featuring advanced refueling capabilities that support extended operational ranges. This development marks a key milestone in China's military aviation capabilities, reflecting a shift towards a more autonomous and technologically advanced air force.

China's military officially revealed its J-36 sixth-generation stealth fighter in a promotional video, marking the first public acknowledgment of the aircraft. The J-36, which first flew on December 26, 2024, features a tailless design and a three-engine layout. Analysts note that while the aircraft's development is progressing, many of its specifications and operational roles remain uncertain.

Japan's 10th Mogami-class frigate, JS Nagara, was commissioned into the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on June 29, featuring a crew of 90 and 16 vertical launch cells. This frigate is part of Japan's strategy to enhance naval capabilities while addressing personnel shortages. The ship's limited missile capacity raises concerns about its effectiveness in potential conflicts, particularly in the context of China's naval expansion.

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