Analysis & Reports

On September 2, Taiwan reported the detection of 8 Chinese vessels and 1 military helicopter in the Taiwan Strait, indicating an enhancement of the People's Liberation Army Navy's amphibious landing capabilities. The focus has shifted from large-scale assaults to maintaining a sustained military presence and logistics, with an emphasis on continuous supply capabilities. Taiwan's defense department highlights the need for constant readiness against potential landing operations.

Li MinghuiWed Sep 02 2026Loading...

The U.S. military attacked two Iranian oil tankers near the Iranian coast on September 1 using drones. This marks the first instance of the U.S. retaliating against Iranian oil tankers following previous attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command confirmed the operation, which is part of a broader campaign against Iranian military targets.

The Iranian military conducted strikes against the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain on September 2, targeting radar facilities and U.S. troop gathering points using drones. This operation was confirmed by Iranian military sources and reported by state media.

Russia protested the deployment of the U.S. Typhon missile system in Japan during the upcoming joint exercise 'Orient Shield 26', scheduled from September 8 to 24, 2023. The Russian Foreign Ministry declared the deployment unacceptable, citing concerns over military activities near its borders. This exercise, involving Japan, the U.S., and Australia, signifies a new phase in deterrence efforts in the Hokkaido region.

Tanaka TakashiWed Sep 02 2026Loading...

EU Defense Ministers held an informal meeting on September 1 to discuss military support for Ukraine, focusing on air defense needs. Ukraine's Defense Minister reiterated the urgency of these requirements, but no significant progress was made in discussions. The EU is exploring additional sources for air defense equipment and is urging member states to evaluate their stockpiles for potential contributions to Ukraine.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missile and drone strikes against a U.S. military base located in Erbil, Iraq on September 2.

The Iranian military conducted a large-scale drone attack on US military radar facilities in Bahrain early on September 2, in retaliation for US aggression against Iran. This attack follows multiple explosions reported near Geshm Island and the Strait of Hormuz, and comes after US Central Command confirmed strikes against Iranian targets. Iran has pledged to respond decisively to these actions.

On September 1, U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets, including air defense and radar systems. The strikes were a response to Iran's attempts to deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz and launch missiles at U.S. bases in Jordan. In retaliation, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone, while Jordanian forces intercepted multiple ballistic missiles from Iran. U.S. embassies in the region issued security alerts due to rising tensions.

President Trump announced the nomination of Hung Cao as Secretary of the Navy in Washington on Tuesday. Cao, who has been serving as acting Secretary since April, is a Navy veteran with experience in various military roles. The Senate confirmation process may face delays due to the upcoming midterm elections.

The B-52 Stratofortress, first flown in 1952, continues to serve in the U.S. Air Force, adapting from its original nuclear role to conventional bombing and missile delivery. It is expected to remain operational until at least 2050, with ongoing modernization efforts to enhance its capabilities. Recent operations include missions over the Philippine Sea and air refueling in the southeastern United States.

U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against Iranian rocket launchers in Larak, Strait of Hormuz, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes on U.S. facilities in Jordan and attempted drone strikes in UAE airspace. This escalation follows a period of relative calm and indicates a potential shift towards a more aggressive U.S. military posture in the region. Donald Trump has indicated a strong response to Iranian actions, suggesting ongoing military operations.

Mykhailo Fedorov announced the launch of a new defense company in Kyiv, partnering with Palantir CEO Alex Karp. The venture aims to develop defense technologies to enhance global safety. Fedorov, who was ousted as Ukraine's defense minister in July, emphasized the importance of using his experience in defense technology to strengthen Ukraine and support allies. Karp's investment could significantly impact Ukraine's defense industry.

President Trump nominated Kaohsiung to be the next Secretary of the Navy on September 1. Kaohsiung, a Vietnamese-American retired Navy officer, currently serves as the acting Secretary of the Navy. Trump has urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process.

Iranian F-14 Tomcats engaged in aerial combat against Iraqi forces during the Iran-Iraq War, achieving 78 confirmed aerial victories. The F-14s, equipped with AIM-54 Phoenix missiles, played a crucial role in Iran's air defense strategy. The conflict lasted throughout the 1980s, with significant implications for both nations' military capabilities.

On September 2, explosions occurred at multiple U.S. military bases in Kuwait following an Iranian attack. The Kuwaiti military reported that their air defense systems were intercepting hostile aerial targets during the incident.

The U.S. Navy salvaged six of the eight battleships sunk at Pearl Harbor, modernizing them for future naval engagements. These ships, including the West Virginia and California, were refloated and underwent significant repairs and upgrades. They later participated in key battles, demonstrating their resilience and strategic importance in the Pacific theater.

On September 1, U.S. Central Command successfully conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets, including air defense positions, radar systems, naval assets, mining capabilities, and communication sites. This operation was a response to recent attempts by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

In February 2023, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors engaged in air-to-air combat, achieving three confirmed kills against balloons, including a Chinese surveillance balloon off South Carolina. The F-22, originally designed for Cold War air superiority, had not seen significant combat since its introduction, with its first missile fired in anger occurring decades after its development began. The aircraft's operational history reflects its limited engagement opportunities due to the end of the Cold War.

The U.S. military launched airstrikes against Iranian Revolutionary Guard targets on September 1 at 12:00 PM EDT, with explosions reported near Geshm Island and the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes targeted rocket launchers on Larak Island, which were allegedly being prepared for use against shipping in the Strait. In retaliation, Iranian forces attacked U.S. positions in Jordan and the UAE, and downed a U.S. MQ-9 drone.

Russian forces attacked two Ukrainian cargo ships in the Black Sea on September 1, 2023. One ship was reported to be carrying military equipment, while the other was transporting weapons and ammunition. Additionally, a logistics center in Odesa Oblast was struck during the operation.