Analysis & Reports

India is seeking to join the French sixth-generation fighter jet development project as of August 2023. The Indian Ministry of Defence has submitted a report to Parliament outlining preparations for this collaboration. Meanwhile, France is prepared to continue the project independently if Germany and Spain pursue their own development paths. India is also advancing its own fifth-generation fighter jet program, aiming for a first flight by 2029.

The South Korean Navy is legalizing the nuclear submarine 'Jangbogo-N' through special legislation, aiming for operational deployment by the mid-2030s. The legislation includes provisions for a nuclear submarine strategy committee and safety regulations, while ensuring compliance with non-proliferation standards. The U.S. has approved South Korea's construction of nuclear attack submarines, marking a significant development in regional military capabilities.

Tanaka TakashiThu Aug 13 2026Loading...

Former members of Unit 731 confirmed that Japanese forces buried large quantities of chemical shells in China before their defeat in World War II. These testimonies, collected during a 2016 investigation, provide direct evidence of the actions taken by the Japanese military regarding chemical weapons. The revelations highlight the historical implications of chemical warfare in the region.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) began flight testing the EC-2 electronic warfare aircraft on July 15 at Gifu, marking a return to stand-off jamming capabilities after 40 years. The EC-2, developed from the C-2 transport aircraft, aims to counter China's A2/AD network and is expected to enhance Japan's electronic warfare capabilities significantly. The JASDF plans to operate up to four EC-2 aircraft by 2027.

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Gen. Stephen Whiting, head of US Space Command, stated the necessity for credible kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities to establish space superiority during the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama. He highlighted that these capabilities are essential for restoring credible deterrence.

Iran's F-14 Tomcats remain a point of contention, with reports indicating that at least five were destroyed in Israeli airstrikes in 2025. As of March 2026, the Israeli Air Force claimed to have obliterated the remaining fleet, but Iranian state media released footage of an F-14 returning from a mission, raising questions about its operational status. The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) continues to assert the presence of these aircraft despite conflicting evidence.

Britain retired four Upholder-class submarines by 1994 after a brief service and sold them to Canada for £1 following a lease agreement. The submarines, intended for anti-submarine warfare, were deemed unnecessary after the Cold War ended. Canada later acquired them as part of a larger deal valued at C$897 million, which included modifications and support costs.

The 77th Group Army Air Defense Unit conducted live-fire shooting exercises in the Northwest Gobi Desert, integrating reconnaissance, strike, and maneuver operations to test their overall combat capability. This exercise involved full personnel and equipment.

Iran has received 460 M60 tanks and 894 Chieftain tanks, maintaining a significant armored force. The Iranian Army and IRGC continue to modernize these tanks, including the recent Soleiman-402 variant. Despite sanctions, Iran has managed to sustain its fleet and develop domestic tank models.

The U.S. Space Force announced that 12 contenders for future space-based interceptor contracts successfully passed the first milestone in their development effort during a conference in Huntsville. Gen. Michael Guetlein stated that all providers are progressing well and will advance to the next phase of testing. The Defense Department has allocated $3.2 billion for this initiative, which includes various types of interceptors designed to neutralize enemy missiles.

U.S. Space Command outlined five key priorities for maintaining space superiority over China during a symposium in Huntsville. These include the development of integrated space fires, counter-pLEO technology, enhanced command and control, improved space domain awareness, and refuelable satellites. General Stephen Whiting emphasized the need for these capabilities to deter adversaries and ensure effective military operations in space.

The Space and Missile Defense Symposium featured remarks from U.S. Space Command chief Gen. Stephen Whiting and Army Space and Missile Defense Command's Lt. Gen. John Rafferty in Huntsville, Alabama, on August 12, 2026. Various military equipment, including Boeing's Small Diameter Bomb and hypersonic glide bodies, was displayed, highlighting advancements in defense technology.

The U.S. Army is opening military test ranges to private industry for testing drones and counter-drone systems under electronic warfare conditions, starting in September 2023. This initiative includes four U.S. locations and one in Morocco, aiming to expedite the development of critical weapons. Camp Grayling will host an electromagnetic unreliability test event on a quarterly basis.

The Army has selected a battalion-size formation to begin training for the Golden Dome air defense mission, aiming for operational readiness by mid-2028. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance homeland air defense capabilities, including the use of existing systems like Patriot and THAAD. The focus on air defense is particularly relevant given the current threats in the Middle East.

L3Harris opened a new maritime production facility in Providence, Rhode Island, to support the production of undersea training systems for the US Navy and allies. This $6 million investment aims to leverage local partnerships and provide additional jobs. The facility, spanning 50,000 square feet, enhances L3Harris's capabilities in undersea warfare technology and strengthens Rhode Island's contributions to the defense industrial base.

The U.S. Navy's USS Roosevelt has become the first aircraft carrier equipped with an unmanned aerial operations center, enabling operations of the MQ-25A drone. However, the initial operational capability of the MQ-25A has been delayed until FY 2030, while other nations are rapidly advancing their drone carrier capabilities. The U.S. plans to procure 72 MQ-25A drones at a total cost of approximately $13 billion.

India confirmed its intention to join the French-led sixth-generation fighter jet project (FCAS) following Germany's exit. This move aims to enhance defense cooperation with France and secure access to advanced military technology. The FCAS project seeks to develop a next-generation fighter jet to replace current aircraft, aligning with India's defense needs and strategic interests.

Iran launched approximately 4,400 one-way attack drones during the U.S.-Israeli war by April 7, 2026. The Shahed-136, a key drone model, costs between $20,000 and $50,000. Despite significant damage to production sites from U.S. and Israeli strikes, Iran maintains a substantial drone production capacity, estimated at 10,000 drones per month. The attacks imposed a severe cost-exchange problem for regional air defenses.

L3Harris is delivering affordable precision munitions and unmanned aerial vehicles to meet the evolving threats faced by the U.S. and its allies. The company has successfully delivered over 1,200 vehicles and aims to produce 1,000 systems annually. The focus of defense acquisition has shifted towards speed and affordability, emphasizing the need for capable systems that can sustain combat operations.

U.S. Navy aircraft carriers conducted operations in the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific, responding to threats from Iranian missiles and drones during Operation Epic Fury. The carriers faced challenges that forced them to operate from greater distances, impacting their operational effectiveness and increasing reliance on logistical support. Despite these challenges, the carriers demonstrated their relevance in modern conflict.