Indo-Pacific(Page 4)

Latest in Indo-Pacific

North Korean NLOS missile vehicle in Ukraine
News & Features

North Korean Anti-Tank Missile-Toting Vehicle Appears To Be Operating In Ukraine

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 30, 2024

A new type of submarine has appeared in China, featuring X-form rudders for the first time on a crewed Chinese design. Whether the recently spotted submarine is a further iteration of an existing class, or if it’s an entirely new design, it reflects the rapid pace of development in China’s submarine program, which features increasingly advanced and innovative nuclear- and conventionally powered types.
Sea

China’s Latest Submarine Features X-Shaped Stern

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 29, 2024

The US Air Force says a program to explore low cost 'air vehicle' concepts that could be turned into cruise missiles or used for other purposes is as much about shaking up industrial base and supply chain status quos.
Air

Shaking Up U.S. Industrial Base Key To ‘Cheap’ Cruise Missile Program

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 29, 2024

The Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Fitzgerald it participating in the biennial RIMPAC exercise with a new addition to its arsenal, stealthy Naval Strike Missiles.
Sea

Navy Destroyer Modified With Naval Strike Missiles Sailing In RIMPAC Wargames

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 19, 2024

Satellite imagery shows curious activity, including a cluster of crane barges, at a prominent shipyard in China over a period of several days in June 2024.
News & Features

Odd Activity At Chinese Submarine Shipyard Draws Interest

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 18, 2024

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighter appears to have encountered some kind of problem at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan, forcing an emergency egress by the pilot.
Air

F-35B Pilot Seen Leaping From Jet In Japan

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 12, 2024

Chinese soldiers are taking part in maneuvers in Belarus, adding another new dynamic to the security situation in Eastern Europe, dominated by Russia’s war in Ukraine and the fallout surrounding it. While Belarus has been a staunch ally of Russia it has, more recently, made overtures toward China, with the aim of building closer relations with it, including in the military sphere.
News & Features

Chinese Troops Begin Drills Along Poland’s Border In Belarus

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Jul 9, 2024

The Pentagon has made a new announcement about the first forward-deployments of Air Force F-35As and F-15EXs to Japan, as well as changes to the Marine Corps' F-35B force in that country.
Air

USAF F-35As To Be Based In Japan Replacing Wild Weasel F-16s

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 3, 2024

In a bizarre turn of events, Chinese-made Wing Loong drones, apparently headed to Libya, have been seized by Italian authorities off the coast of southern Italy. The disassembled drones were in crates that were marked as containing parts for wind turbines, in what seems to have been an effort to evade a United Nations arms embargo imposed on Libya.
Air

Chinese Wing Loong Drones Disguised As Wind Turbines Seized By Italy

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 3, 2024

The air-launched version of the hugely versatile SM-6 missile, also known as the RIM-174, has appeared on U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters at the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, the world’s largest international maritime exercise. We now also know the missiles are designated AIM-74B, indicating an air-to-air missile, although, as we have discussed in the past, the weapon also has the potential to strike high-priority ground targets, such as air defense sites, and warships, acting as a quasi-ballistic missile.
Air

AIM-174 Super Hornet-Launched Variant Of SM-6 Missile Breaks Cover In Hawaii (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jul 3, 2024

Marines train with an ACV in 2022
News & Features

USMC’s New ACV Amphibious Assault Vehicles Have Arrived In Japan

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Jul 2, 2024

North Korea says it has successfully tested a ballistic missile fitted with a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) payload — one that contains several warheads, each capable of hitting a different target. Meanwhile, South Korea claims that the test was a failure. Whether successful or not, the emergence of MIRV technologies is another indicator of North Korea’s rapidly developing strategic arsenal, which is growing in size and capabilities despite sanctions.
News & Features

Conflicting Claims Surround North Korea’s Test Of Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 27, 2024

Pacific Defender 24 will see European AirPower head to the Pacific.
Air

European Air Power Teams Up For Pacific Mega Deployment

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 26, 2024

North Korea may send troops to Ukraine
News & Features

Ukraine Situation Report: North Korea May Send Forces To Occupied Territories

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 26, 2024

On June 16, 2024 3d Multi-Domain Task Force and 1-181 Field Artillery Regiment of the Tennessee National Guard employed the U.S. Army Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (AML) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) as part of the Valiant Shield 24 Combined Joint SINKEX. The AML and PrSm engaged a maritime target alongside other joint assets during the SINKEX. The VS24 SINKEX is the first employment of both the AML and the PrSM outside of the U.S and is a significant milestone in the Army’s continuing development of long-range fires capabilities.
Land

Army’s New PRsM Ballistic Missile Hits Moving Ship For The First Time In Pacific Test

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 24, 2024

A South Korean K1E1 tank participates in a joint river-crossing exercise in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi province on March 20, 2024. Russian’s President Putin has warned South Korea that it would be making “a big mistake” if it decided to supply weapons to Ukraine. While Seoul has so far condemned Moscow for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and provided Kyiv with economic and humanitarian, it has stopped short of sending arms.
News & Features

South Korean Arms For Ukraine Would Be A Huge Deal And Putin Knows It

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 20, 2024

The US government has approved potential sales of Switchblade 300 and ALTIUS 600M loitering munitions to Taiwan.
Air

Sale Of Over 1,000 Kamikaze Drones To Taiwan Points To Grand “Hellscape” Counter-China Plans

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 19, 2024

A Chinese nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) has surfaced in the Taiwan Strait, prompting the Taiwanese defense ministry to issue a reassurance that it has a “grasp” of the situation. The appearance of the submarine follows recent activity by People’s Liberation Army aircraft and vessels around Taiwan, which Beijing views as a breakaway province that must eventually be reunited with the mainland. However, while uncommon, all signs point to the submarine’s presence in the strait as being part of a transit back to port.
Sea

Chinese Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarine Surfaces In Taiwan Strait

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 18, 2024

Type 074 sunk by wake homing torpedo by the Chinese Navy.
Amphibious Assault Ships

Chinese Submarine’s Torpedo Destroys Amphibious Landing Ship During Exercise

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jun 17, 2024

A pair of apparent mockups of the Chinese GJ-11 Sharp Sword uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV) have emerged at a site just over a mile from where the country is building the first of its new monster Type 076 amphibious assault ships.
Air

Mockups Of China’s Sharp Sword Stealth Drone Appear Near New Supersized Amphibious Warship

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jun 14, 2024

Does The U.S. Need To Be Building Hardened Aircraft Shelters For Its Combat Aircraft?
News & Features

Does The U.S. Need To Be Building Hardened Aircraft Shelters For Its Combat Aircraft?

By Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 12, 2024

The former US Navy amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa is set to be sunk as part of this year's Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, which is the first time in more than a decade a ship this big will be used as a target.
Sea

Flattop Amphibious Assault Ship Looks Set To Be Pummeled With Weapons In RIMPAC Wargames

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 10, 2024

South Korea, one of only four nations that still operated the classic F-4 Phantom, formally retired the Cold War-era fighter today. The decommissioning ceremony saw the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) provide an “honorable discharge” for its last Phantoms, which had helped defend the nation for 55 years. The event also saw the air force looking to the future, with involvement from the F-4’s successors, including the F-35A stealth fighter. Ultimately, the Phantom will also be superseded by the locally developed KF-21.
Air

F-4 Phantom Vanishes Into Retirement After 55 Years Of South Korean Service

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Jun 7, 2024

Collins class submarines will not get Tomahawk land attack cruise missile capabilities.
Sea

Australia Won’t Arm Collins Class Submarines With Tomahawks

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 5, 2024

South Korea will resume military drills near the border in the wake of Kim Jong-un's poop balloon incursion.
News & Features

South Korea To End Long Pause In Drills Near DMZ After Poop Balloon Incursions

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 4, 2024

Progressively clearer photos of one of Shenyang’s prototype fighters seems to reveal key features different to those found on the carrier-based J-35, as well as on the earlier FC-31 prototypes. This raises questions about China’s own plans for a potential land-based variant, as well as future export plans, with Pakistan known to have made official plans to acquire a version of the jet.
Air

Land-Based Variant Of China’s J-35 Naval Stealth Fighter Makes Sense

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 31, 2024

North Korea sent hundreds of balloons, many filled with manure, into South Korea.
Air

Poop-Filled North Korean Balloons Descend On The South Stoking Fears Of Deadlier Payloads

By Howard Altman

Posted on May 29, 2024

Black Flag 24-1, out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, run by the Air Force’s 53rd Wing.
Air

Massive China-Focused Black Flag Test Exercise Flies Deep Into The Virtual Realm

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 28, 2024

Taiwan under threat during second day of Chinese drills.
News & Features

China Stages Mock Strikes On Taiwan In Day 2 Of “Punishment” Exercise

By Howard Altman

Posted on May 24, 2024

Nearly 50 warplanes, along with ships and assets ashore, took part in the first day of what Chinese authorities have dubbed "punishment" drills encircling Taiwan following the inauguration of the island's latest President.
News & Features

China’s “Punishment” Drills Around Taiwan: Day One

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 24, 2024

Personnel from China's PLA engage in counter FPV-drone training
News & Features

Chinese Soldiers Train To Fend Off FPV Drones

By Oliver Parken, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on May 20, 2024

Sailors aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) guide training ordnance into the ship’s forward vertical launch system (VLS) cells during a proof-of-concept evolution in San Diego, Oct. 4. MV Ocean Valor conducted its first at-sea vertical launch system reload with Spruance, demonstrating the ability of the U.S. Navy to re-arm surface vessels who employ VLS.
Sea

Eying China Threat, Congress Pushes Navy On At-Sea Rearming

By Howard Altman

Posted on May 16, 2024

A picture emerging on social media of a Patriot mock-up sparked conspiracy theories about Ukraine selling a system to China.
Land

Mock-Up Patriot System Sparks China-Ukraine Conspiracy Theories

By Howard Altman

Posted on May 15, 2024

A Chinese stealth vessel at sea
Sea

China’s Mysterious Stealthy Warship Has Headed Out To Sea (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick, Oliver Parken

Posted on May 15, 2024

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), which won the contract to build the U.S. Air Force’s highly specialized Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) aircraft last month, has acquired five Boeing 747-8s from Korean Air. The likelihood is that these will be converted as the successors to the Air Force’s aging 747-200-based E-4B Nightwatch ‘doomsday planes,’ although at this stage we still don’t know how many of the new SAOC aircraft will be fielded.
Air

Former Korean Air 747s Slated To Become USAF Doomsday Planes (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 9, 2024

STRAIT OF SAN JUAN DE FUCA, Wash. (May 6, 2024) The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) transits the Strait of San Juan de Fuca escorted by U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft and U.S. Coast Guard screening escort vessels. Joint operations, such as this one which involved the Air Force, Coast Guard, and Navy, ensure the U.S. military is ready to meet its security commitments at home and abroad including commitments to our allies and partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gwendelyn Ohrazda/Released)
News & Features

A-10 Warthogs Escorting A Ballistic Missile Submarine Is Certainly Different

By Oliver Parken

Posted on May 9, 2024

Ukraine Situation Report: Half Of North Korean Missiles Used By Russia Failed, Kyiv Says
News & Features

Ukraine Situation Report: Half Of North Korean Missiles Used By Russia Failed, Kyiv Says

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 7, 2024

Footage has been published, apparently for the first time, showing a Chinese H-6 bomber dropping one of the shadowy air-launched ballistic missiles known by the designation 2PZD-21. The missile is part of a growing armory of Chinese aero-ballistic missiles and is widely understood to be a ‘carrier-killer’ weapon designed to be used as part of the country’s anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy. However, many questions remain about the role of the weapon and its capabilities.
Air

China’s H-6K Bomber Seen Firing Air-Launched Ballistic Missile For First Time

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 1, 2024

China’s latest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, appears poised to leave port to begin its first at-sea trials. The development comes soon after five aircraft mockups appeared on the deck of the flattop, as you can read about here. Once the Fujian goes to sea, it will mark a hugely important step in the development of China’s naval aviation, with the carrier being the first of its kind to be fully locally designed and also its first to launch aircraft via catapults rather than by a ‘ski jump’ takeoff ramp.
Sea

China’s New Aircraft Carrier Pulls Away From Its Pier Ahead Of Sea Trials

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 29, 2024

The CTM-290 missile, which is launched from the Homar-K multiple launch rocket system (MLRS), based on a Polish-built truck chassis, is indicative of a widening military relationship between Poland and South Korea. In recent years, this has also seen the East European country buy light combat aircraft, tanks, and self-propelled artillery from Seoul.
Land

Poland’s New South Korean-Built ATACMS-Like Ballistic Missile Seen Firing For The First Time

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 25, 2024

South Korean F-4E launches an AGM-142 'Pop-eye' missile
News & Features

F-4 Phantoms Conduct Final Popeye Missile Firing Before South Korea Bids Them Farewell

By Oliver Parken

Updated on Apr 23, 2024

H-20_CONCEPT_ART_PLAAF
Air

China’s H-20 Stealth Bomber “Not Really” A Concern: U.S. Official

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 23, 2024

A picture has emerged purportedly showing a Chinese H-6 bomber carrying a large mystery payload underneath its fuselage.
Air

Black Mystery Craft Spotted Slung Under Chinese H-6 Bomber

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Apr 23, 2024

A Chinese high-flying, long-range WZ-7 drone has been spotted near the Philippines for what appears to be the first time.
Air

China’s High-Altitude WZ-7 Drone Has Appeared Near The Philippines

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Apr 18, 2024

Ghost Shark is being jointly developed and funded by a partnership between Defence and Anduril Australia, and will become Mission Zero (0) for the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA).
Sea

Australia’s Ghost Shark Uncrewed Submarine Breaks Cover

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 18, 2024

Mockups seen on the deck of the Chinese carrier Fujian
Sea

Deck Of China’s Nearly Complete Carrier Now Hosting Multiple Aircraft Mockups

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Apr 17, 2024

Elements of a US Army Typhon missile system have arrived in the Philippines for an exercise, which sends signals throughout the region, especially toward China, and is a major milestone for the service.
Land

Army Deploys Typhon Missile System To China’s Backyard For The First Time

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Apr 15, 2024

Contested logistics in the pacific
Sea

To Meet Critical Pacific Logistics Needs, U.S. Navy To Lean On International Help

By Hope Hodge Seck

Posted on Apr 12, 2024

Naha Air Base temporarily moves its F-15s in light of a tsunami warning
Air

Japan’s Tsunami-Fleeing F-15s Took To The Road

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Apr 5, 2024

A US-made F-16 fighter lands on the run way at the eastern Hualien air force base on January 23, 2013. The Taiwan air force demonstrated their combat skills at the Hualien air base during an annual training before the coming lunar new year.
Air

Multiple Taiwanese F-16s Damaged In Powerful Earthquake

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 3, 2024

North Korea has tested what it claims is a new intermediate-range hypersonic missile tipped with a unpowered boost-glide vehicle.
Land

North Korea’s Latest Hypersonic Missile System Is One Sinister-Looking Weapon

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Apr 3, 2024

The new radar for Japan's future cruiser-sized Aegis System Equipped Vessels has successfully tracked targets in space for the first time.
Sea

Radar For Japan’s New Missile Defense Ships Passes Critical Space Object Tracking Test

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Apr 2, 2024

VMX-1 getting MQ-9s
Air

How Marine MQ-9s Will Adapt For A Pacific Fight, Pave Way For Future Drones

By James Deboer

Posted on Mar 28, 2024

India’s homegrown Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) has had a tortuous development path, but investment in the program is starting to show dividends, with the first flight of the Tejas Mk 1A, a much-improved version of the jet. The Tejas Mk 1A is set to be built in considerably greater numbers than the initial Mk 1 version and, more importantly, brings a host of advanced new features.
Air

Much Is Riding On India’s Upgraded Tejas Light Fighter After Its First Flight

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Mar 28, 2024

Boeing has announced plans to establish a new production facility for the MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone in Australia.
Air

Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat Getting Facility To Ramp-Up Production In Australia

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Mar 28, 2024

A sortie today by a Chinese WZ-7 could be more significant beyond just being the apparent first time one of these drones has flown over the Sea of Japan.
Air

China’s WZ-7 High-Altitude Drone Makes First Known Flight Over Sea Of Japan

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Mar 27, 2024

Japan Wants T-7 Red Hawk As Its Next Trainer: Report
Air

Japan Wants T-7 Red Hawk As Its Next Trainer: Report

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Mar 26, 2024

China's new Z-21 heavy attack helicopter
Air

China’s New Heavy Attack Helicopter Spotted For The First Time (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Mar 21, 2024

The Air Force has conducted an unprecedented test launch of a live AGM-183A ARRW hypersonic missile in the Western Pacific, sending signals to China and elsewhere in the region amid uncertainty about this particular program's future.
Air

Unprecedented U.S. Hypersonic Weapons Test From Guam Has Occurred

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Mar 19, 2024

KF-21 Refueling for the first time from a tanker
Air

South Korea’s KF-21 Next Generation Fighter Begins Tanker Trials

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Mar 19, 2024

Kim Jong Un takes his new Russian limo out for a spin
News & Features

Limo Gifted From Putin Is Now Carting Kim Around North Korea

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Mar 18, 2024

The Indian Navy’s two MiG-29K/KUB squadrons, INAS 300 “White Tigers” and INAS 303 “Black Panthers” embarked the carriers during Exercise Milan 2024.
Sea

India Conducted Dual Aircraft Carrier Drills For The First Time

By Angad Singh

Posted on Mar 18, 2024

13. A DARIN I Jaguar gets airborne with three 1000-lb parachute retarded bombs and drop tanks still retaining the old two-tone green and grey paint scheme.
Air

Behold The Explosive Spectacle Of India’s Unrivaled Airpower Demonstration

By Angad Singh

Posted on Mar 15, 2024

A prototype J-35 stealth flghter in flight
Air

New Images Of China’s J-35 Naval Stealth Fighter, Could Depict Third Example

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Mar 14, 2024