Analysis & Reports

The Chinese Navy's Tangshan ship arrived in Victoria, Seychelles on June 26, 2023, for a five-day friendly visit. The ship was welcomed by over 100 representatives, including military officials and embassy staff. During the visit, the crew will engage in professional exchanges and participate in the 50th independence celebrations of Seychelles.

Two J-15 fighter jets conducted a training exercise at a base affiliated with the People's Liberation Army Navy Aviation University in China in early June 2023. The report emphasizes the ongoing challenges in training sufficient carrier pilots to operate the increasing number of aircraft, including the new Fujian aircraft carrier. The J-15 is expected to continue playing a crucial role in the PLA Navy's operations for the coming years.

Li MinghuiSat Jun 27 2026Loading...

The Liaoning aircraft carrier group successfully completed over 40 days of training in the South China Sea and Western Pacific, showcasing the upgraded J-15T fighter jets. The exercises included air combat, joint operations with amphibious assault ships, and various tactical drills. The J-15T, an enhanced version of the J-15, features significant improvements in avionics and weaponry, bolstering the carrier group's operational capabilities.

South Korea plans to deploy over 20,000 low-cost drones and implement a comprehensive training program for approximately 500,000 personnel by 2029. The South Korean Armed Forces will restructure drone operations across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, focusing on reconnaissance, surveillance, and attack missions. This initiative is influenced by operational lessons from the Ukraine conflict and aims to enhance military capabilities in maritime and aerial defense.

Tanaka TakashiSat Jun 27 2026Loading...

The Fujian aircraft carrier transited the Taiwan Strait on June 23, 2026, as part of its training operations. This movement highlights the ongoing development of the People's Liberation Army Navy's capabilities, although the carrier currently lacks a complete set of operational aircraft. The transition is viewed as a routine training exercise, but it underscores the strategic implications for regional security and the need for further development of carrier-based aviation.

Li MinghuiSat Jun 27 2026Loading...

The Southern Theater Command Air Force conducted aerial refueling training and air superiority exercises with multiple J-10 fighter jets. This training took place recently and involved complex maneuvers to enhance operational readiness.

Japan's National Diet passed a new law on June 26, 2023, reforming the Japan Air Self-Defense Force into the Japan Aerospace Self-Defense Force and establishing a dedicated space operations unit. This marks a significant shift in Japan's military policy, aiming to enhance its defense capabilities in response to complex security environments. The law also increases the number of deputy defense ministers and improves support for retired personnel, indicating a broader military expansion strategy.

South Korea's Minister of National Defense, Lee Jong-sup, announced on October 26, 2023, the acceleration of the K-LUCAS drone system deployment and the restructuring of its drone command in Seoul. The plan includes equipping over 20,000 drones, including reconnaissance and suicide drones, and developing advanced technologies like AI and directed energy weapons to adapt to future battlefield environments.

USARPAC is assessing the use of unmanned surface vessels for logistics in the Pacific, acknowledging that current capabilities are insufficient. During the Salaknib 2026 exercise in the Philippines, unmanned vessels were utilized to support logistics operations. The Army is facing challenges in sustaining operations against potential threats from China, highlighting the need for improved logistics and supply chain solutions.

Marcus ChenFri Jun 26 2026Loading...

Japan's government confirmed the renaming of its air force to the Japan Aerospace Self-Defense Force, effective April 1, 2027. This change reflects an increased focus on space capabilities, with the Space Operations Group reorganized into the Space Operations Wing and personnel increased to 670. The new focus includes monitoring orbital debris and enhancing satellite capabilities to improve battlespace awareness and disrupt opponents' C4I systems.

The Chinese Navy Hospital Ship 'Silk Road Ark' successfully completed its medical support mission, docking at Zhanjiang on June 26, 2024. Over 20 days, the ship treated 3329 patients, conducted 793 health check-ups, and performed 54 surgeries. The mission included health education and psychological counseling, marking the ship's third deployment for this humanitarian effort in 2024.

The U.S. Navy struggles to repair Arleigh Burke-class destroyers quickly enough for potential conflicts with China, as highlighted in a RAND report from August 2025. The Navy's repair capabilities are inadequate for the level of damage expected in a major war, with logistical challenges exacerbated by geographical disadvantages and reliance on allied shipyards. RAND emphasizes the need for improved wartime repair architecture to ensure combat readiness.

Marcus ChenFri Jun 26 2026Loading...

The U.S. military is shifting its reconnaissance focus in the South China Sea towards MQ-9 drones and increased operations from Philippine bases. This change reflects a strategic move to enhance surveillance capabilities while reducing reliance on naval vessels. The number of U.S. freedom of navigation operations has decreased, indicating a shift in approach to monitoring Chinese military activities in the region.

Li MinghuiFri Jun 26 2026Loading...

Veteran soldier Gao Yuhua leads a line patrol in a mountainous area, focusing on equipment maintenance and safety checks. The Information Support Unit conducts these patrols weekly to ensure operational readiness. Gao's expertise and attention to detail have been crucial in identifying potential hazards during these missions.

Chinese soldiers are standing guard at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, enduring extreme heat following thunderstorms. Their dedication has garnered public admiration, especially highlighted during events like the Winter Olympics. The report emphasizes their loyalty and commitment to serving the nation, showcasing their discipline in challenging weather conditions.

The Wenzhou Maritime Safety Administration issued a navigation warning prohibiting entry into certain waters of the East China Sea due to military activities scheduled from June 26, 18:00 to June 28, 18:00.

Japan's National Diet approved the establishment of the Aerospace Self-Defense Force on June 26, 2023, transitioning from the Air Self-Defense Force. This new force, set to be operational by 2026, will include a Space Operations Group focused on satellite launches and space monitoring. The decision has raised public concerns about military expansion into space and its implications for regional security.

The Fujian aircraft carrier transited the Taiwan Strait on June 23, 2026, with an empty flight deck, indicating ongoing training and operational testing. This movement followed a five-day readiness exercise by Taiwan, suggesting a strategic signal regarding military readiness and response. The carrier's operational capabilities are still under development, and its presence in the region is intended to exert pressure beyond the immediate area.

Li MinghuiFri Jun 26 2026Loading...

The 12th Marine Littoral Regiment received NMESIS and MADIS systems on June 24, 2026, in Okinawa, Japan, enhancing U.S. Marine Corps capabilities for maritime denial and low-altitude air defense. This deployment marks a transition from experimental operations to permanent stationing in the Pacific region, coinciding with the Valiant Shield 26 exercise. The new systems are designed to protect against reconnaissance drones and low-altitude threats, indicating a strategic shift in military operations in the area.

Tanaka TakashiFri Jun 26 2026Loading...

Submarine crew members of the Eastern Theater Command Navy are engaged in rigorous training to maintain combat readiness. They face both environmental and academic challenges, dedicating significant time to practice. Last year, the crew successfully executed multiple attacks during a major exercise, showcasing their operational capabilities. Limited family time is a common aspect of their demanding training schedule.