Analysis & Reports

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries successfully conducted flight demonstrations of AI-powered mission autonomy for unmanned aerial vehicles in Inashiki District and Ota City, Japan, on November 7 and December 18, 2025. The ARMD UAV, weighing 20 kilograms, was integrated with the Hivemind AI system, allowing for advanced autonomous operations. This development emphasizes the importance of domestic production capabilities for Japan's future UAV operations.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force confirmed the first flight of the EC-2 electronic warfare aircraft, designed for stand-off jamming operations. This new platform aims to enhance Japan's capabilities in the electromagnetic domain while minimizing exposure to enemy air defenses. The EC-2, derived from the Kawasaki C-2 transport aircraft, is set to replace the older EC-1 model and reflects Japan's commitment to advancing its electronic warfare capabilities.

DroneShield announced a partnership with Robin Radar Systems on 18 March 2026 to enhance radar interoperability for counter-drone technology in Sydney. This collaboration aims to improve airspace awareness and detection capabilities across defense and public safety sectors, utilizing Robin's advanced 360°, 3D radar technology. The integration of these systems is expected to provide operators with a more flexible and effective airspace security architecture.

In March 2026, the U.S. transferred part of its THAAD missile systems from South Korea to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. North Korea launched about 10 ballistic missiles into the Japan Sea during U.S.-South Korea military exercises. Japan announced its intention to participate in the Golden Dome missile defense initiative and began deploying domestic long-range missiles, reflecting a shift towards greater defense autonomy in response to regional threats.

Tanaka TakashiWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

Beijing University of Science and Technology is developing four types of flapping drones that mimic birds and insects for flight. The eagle-mimicking drone can accurately identify and track ground targets, achieving a maximum flight time of 256 minutes. Researchers aim to improve the drones' intelligence and autonomous flying capabilities.

AVIC is expanding its aircraft production capacity to 300-400 units annually by 2026, with new facilities in Chengdu and Shenyang. This expansion includes the production of J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters, potentially making the PLA Air Force the largest modern fighter force by 2029. The developments indicate a significant shift in global air power dynamics as China prepares for potential military operations, including scenarios involving Taiwan.

Li MinghuiWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

North Korea launched approximately 10 ballistic missiles from the Sunan area near Pyongyang towards the Sea of Japan on March 14, 2026. The missiles flew about 350 kilometers before landing outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. This launch coincided with U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises, marking North Korea's third missile test of the year.

Tanaka TakashiWed Mar 18 2026Loading...

Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) deployed Type-12 anti-ship missiles in Kumamoto, marking a significant shift towards offensive military capabilities. The upgraded missile system, featuring advanced radar and guidance technology, has a range of 1,000 kilometers, allowing it to target Chinese naval assets in the East China Sea. This deployment reflects Japan's strategic pivot in response to rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

China has developed a comprehensive anti-access/area-denial strategy over the past three decades, focusing on long-range anti-ship weapons and enhanced reconnaissance capabilities. This strategy aims to limit the operational effectiveness of U.S. aircraft carriers by forcing them to operate at greater distances from Taiwan. Key systems include the DF-21D and DF-26 missiles, supported by advanced surveillance and targeting networks.

The US military redirected critical assets from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East due to the ongoing war with Iran, withdrawing THAAD interceptors from South Korea and depleting munitions stockpiles. Approximately 140 US service members were wounded, and 6 were killed in action. This shift has raised concerns among US allies in the Indo-Pacific about America's commitment to regional security, as the Pentagon executes around 1,000 strikes daily.

Marcus ChenTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

DroneShield is expanding its manufacturing capabilities in Belgium to address the rising demand for counter-drone technology, particularly in military and civilian sectors. The company is focusing on integrating advanced AI into its systems to enhance detection and classification of drones. This expansion aligns with increased military spending in Europe and the ongoing support for Ukraine's defense efforts.

Anschütz successfully passed the Critical Design Review for the Warship Integrated Navigation and Bridge Systems (WINBS) for the Royal Australian Navy’s Hunter Class Frigate Programme. This milestone confirms the system's readiness for production and integration, enhancing operational capability through its integration with the Aegis combat system. Anschütz also established a local subsidiary in Australia to support the program and strengthen local industry collaboration.

The U.S. Army deployed the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Inc 2 (IFPC) air defense system at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, on March 16, 2026, during the Freedom Shield 26 exercise. This deployment aims to enhance the protection of forward-deployed forces against various aerial threats and is integrated into the Army’s Integrated Battle Command System for improved coordination.

In March 2026, China proposed a defense budget of 1.91 trillion RMB, marking a 7% increase aimed at enhancing military modernization and integrating artificial intelligence. The People's Liberation Army is focusing on transitioning to intelligent warfare capabilities and developing advanced combat systems. This budget aligns with strategic goals set for 2027 and 2030, emphasizing the importance of AI in military operations.

Li MinghuiTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

In mid-March 2026, the U.S. military deployed the amphibious assault ship Tripoli and over 2000 Marines from Sasebo, Japan, to the Middle East in response to escalating tensions with Iran. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is involved in this deployment, which raises security concerns for U.S. allies in Northeast Asia, particularly regarding missile defense systems being relocated from South Korea. Additionally, North Korea is reportedly increasing military cooperation with Russia.

Tanaka TakashiTue Mar 17 2026Loading...

Seventeen nations, including Egypt, Turkey, and Taiwan, continue to rely on the M60 Patton main battle tank, particularly the M60A3 variant, which remains a strategic asset into 2026. The U.S. Marine Corps utilized the M60A3 effectively during Operation Desert Storm, achieving a significant kill ratio against enemy forces. Despite its retirement from U.S. service in 1997, the M60's legacy endures with various foreign military forces.

The Dongguan Ship, a 055-class destroyer, conducted its first real combat training in the East China Sea earlier this month. The exercises included anti-surface attacks, air defense, and anti-submarine operations. This event marks a significant milestone as the 055-class destroyer family has now expanded to ten ships, enhancing China's naval capabilities.

Chinese scientists at the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre (CARDC) simulated the flight characteristics of the B-21 Raider, identifying potential aerodynamic weaknesses. This study utilized the PADJ-X digital modeling platform and reflects a growing trend in military aerospace design. The B-21 Raider is a critical component of U.S. military strategy, intended to replace older bombers, while China is concurrently developing its own stealth bomber, the Xi’an H-20.

U.S. forces destroyed Iranian naval mines and minelayers in the Strait of Hormuz and Kharg Island last week. The U.S. Navy is preparing to counter potential mine threats with its current assets, including four Avenger-class minesweepers and three Independence-class littoral combat ships. The U.S. Central Command reported the destruction of storage bunkers for naval mines and is increasing its naval presence in the region.

U.S. forces destroyed 16 Iranian minelayers and storage bunkers for naval mines in Kharg Island last week. The U.S. Navy is preparing to counter Iranian naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, deploying Avenger-class minesweepers and Independence-class littoral combat ships equipped with mine countermeasures. The USS Canberra, USS Santa Barbara, and USS Tulsa are currently in the region, with the USS Canberra operating in the Indian Ocean.