Indo-Pacific(Page 5)

Latest in Indo-Pacific

The U.S. military risks going into a potential major fight with China with insufficient stocks of Patriot surface-to-air interceptors and other key munitions due to obligations in the Middle East and Ukraine, the top officer in the Pacific has warned.
China

Conflicts ‘Eating Into’ Critical Munitions Stockpiles Needed For China Fight, Top U.S. Officer In Pacific Warns

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 20, 2024

Flight testing of the U.S. Air Force's Stand-In Attack Weapon (SiAW) missile is now set to begin following the delivery of an initial test article.
Indo-Pacific

First Stand-In Attack Missile Delivered To USAF

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 18, 2024

The Biden Administration will allow Ukraine to use ATACMS deep inside Russia.
North Korea

Ukraine Now Allowed To Use Long-Range Missiles Deep Into Russia: Reports

By Howard Altman

Posted on Nov 17, 2024

North Koran drones
North Korea

North Korea’s Kim Orders Mass Production Of Kamikaze Drones

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 15, 2024

Taiwan experts tell us what the next Trump presidency could mean for U.S. relations with the Island nation.
China

Taiwan Experts On Chances Of Chinese Invasion Under New Trump Administration

By Howard Altman

Posted on Nov 14, 2024

A photo has emerged showing examples of the North Korean-made self-propelled artillery system under transport in Russia, the clearest suggestion so far that Pyongyang is also now providing Moscow with these kinds of weapons for its war in Ukraine. That would hardly be a surprise at this point, with North Korea having supplied Russia with huge amounts of weaponry, as well as having committed to the deployment of thousands of troops for the conflict.
North Korea

North Korean Long-Range Self-Propelled Artillery Appears In Russia

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 14, 2024

Giant Uncrewed Submarine Put Forward By Chinese Shipbuilder, Possibly Linked To Existing Design
China

Giant Uncrewed Submarine Put Forward By Chinese Shipbuilder, Possibly Linked To Existing Design

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 14, 2024

The General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) Gray Eagle STOL drone has undertaken its first experimental operations from a warship, taking off from the deck of the South Korean amphibious assault ship Dokdo. Gray Eagle STOL — which we have discussed in depth in the past — incorporates technology first demonstrated on the company’s Mojave, which was specifically developed with the ability to perform short takeoffs and landings, including from rough fields, with minimal support. The latest development adds to the aviation-capable warships that the wider family of Q-1 lineage drones have now operated from.
South Korea

Gray Eagle STOL Drone Flies From South Korean Amphibious Assault Ship

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 13, 2024

The W5000, the world's largest unmanned cargo plane, is shown at The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, China, on November 12, 2024.
China

China’s New W5000 Cargo Drone Is The Biggest Yet

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 12, 2024

Chinese Hypersonic Boost-Glide Vehicle Concept That Launches Its Own Weapons Emerges
China

Chinese Hypersonic Boost-Glide Vehicle Concept That Launches Its Own Weapons Emerges

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 11, 2024

Visitors view a model of the aviation industry J-35A stealth fighter jet at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Expo in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, China, on November 10, 2024.
China

New Version Of Chinese PL-15 Air-To-Air Missile Tailored For Stealth Fighters Revealed

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 11, 2024

Clearer views of a new Chinese trimaran uncrewed surface vessel (USV) have emerged, highlighting a number of interesting low-observable (stealthy) and other features.
China

China’s New Stealthy Trimaran Drone Ship: Our Best Look Yet (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Nov 9, 2024

The curious North Korean Type 73 machine gun is getting new attention as a result of the Hermit Kingdom's expanding support for Russia's war in Ukraine, which now includes the deployment of thousands of troops.
North Korea

North Korea’s Wacky Type 73 Machine Guns May Be Entering The Fight In Ukraine

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 9, 2024

China’s mysterious CH-7 stealthy flying-wing drone seems to have reappeared, although with a notably different look to it and a very impressive size.
China

China’s Stealth CH-7 Long-Endurance Drone Emerges

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 8, 2024

Massive Chinese Anti-Drone High-Power Microwave Weapon Emerges
China

Massive Chinese Anti-Drone High-Power Microwave Weapon Emerges

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 7, 2024

A new large jet-powered Chinese armed drone said to have a 10-ton maximum takeoff weight, or a mockup thereof, has emerged, and the design looks to be at least configurable to be a swarm mothership.
China

New Heavyweight Chinese Jet Drone Looks To Be A Swarm Mothership

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 6, 2024

J-15T fighter jet arrives in Zhuhai ahead of the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China 2024, on November 6, 2024 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province of China. The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition will be held in Zhuhai from November 12 to 17.
China

China’s J-15T Enhanced Carrier-Based Flanker Officially Unveiled

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 6, 2024

China’s J-35A Stealth Fighter Officially Breaks Cover
China

China’s J-35A Stealth Fighter Officially Breaks Cover

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Nov 5, 2024

The arrival of two Su-57 Felon prototypes for the upcoming Airshow China has provided a good look at details of the next-generation fighter, although the most interesting has been a first up-close view of its small wing-root weapons bays. At TWZ we have previous examined this feature as well as the air-to-air missiles that are understood to be accommodated in the bays. While long known about, the weapons bays had long remained something of a mystery.
Indo-Pacific

We Finally Get A Clear Look At The Su-57 Felon’s Side Weapons Bays

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 5, 2024

North Korea has tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that it claims is its longest-ranged so far. The announcement of the test of the Hwasong-19 comes amid large-scale U.S.-South Korean military maneuvers during which their aircraft have bombed mock-ups of North Korean ballistic missile launchers.
North Korea

North Korea’s New ICBM May Have Biggest Transporter-Erector-Launcher We’ve Ever Seen

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 1, 2024

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy, or PLAN has for the first time conducted dual-carrier operations in the South China Sea. The drills, involving the country’s first two in-service carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, as well as at least 11 other vessels, also showcased the PLAN’s fast-growing air wing, with a flyby conducted by a dozen J-15 carrier-based multirole fighters. While clearly engineered for public consumption, the photo opportunity also points to the very rapid progress made by the PLAN in developing its aircraft carrier and wider blue-water capabilities.
China

Two New Versions Of China’s J-15 Carrier Fighter Now Appear To Be Operational

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 31, 2024

Taiwan is lining up to become the next customer for the combat-proven National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System or NASAMS air defense system, after the United States approved its sale to the country.
China

Battle-Proven NASAMS Air Defense Systems Approved For Taiwan

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 30, 2024

NK Troops Ukraine
North Korea

North Korea Gaining Modern Combat Experience Fighting Ukraine Is A Big Problem

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Oct 29, 2024

New imagery of Taiwan’s homegrown Huilong uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) reveals new details, including a pair of apparent tornedo tubes, indicating a possible combat capability. At this stage, it seems the submarine is intended as a testbed, rather than for a combat role, but the development does point to the growing ambitions of the Taiwanese Navy in terms of underwater warfare.
China

Our Best Look At Taiwan’s New Uncrewed ‘Smart Dragon’ Submarine

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Oct 29, 2024

We have now gotten our first look at the Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous undersea vehicle (XL-AUV) underwater thanks to the Autonomous Warrior 2024 maritime autonomous capabilities demonstration in Australia.
Australia

Our First Look At The Ghost Shark Uncrewed Submarine Underwater

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Oct 25, 2024

Mirage 2000 for ukraine
Indo-Pacific

French Mirage 2000s Destined For Ukraine Will Fly With Storm Shadow, MICA Missiles

By Howard Altman

Posted on Oct 23, 2024

NK special operations Russia
North Korea

North Korean Troops In Russia Finally Confirmed By NATO, U.S.

By Howard Altman

Posted on Oct 23, 2024

South Korea may send advisors and weapons to Ukraine in response to North Korea's troop deployment to Russia.
North Korea

South Korea Could Send Advisors, Weapons To Ukraine Over North Korean Troop Movements

By Howard Altman

Updated on Oct 22, 2024

BF-19, Lt Cdr Nicholas Baker RN, Flight 633, Test 808, Arrival JS KAGA for beginning of DT Sea Trails, 20 October 2024
Japan

Japan Expands Carrier Capabilities With F-35B, Drones Could Be Next

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 22, 2024

Satellite view of the island of Guam plus Mk 41 VLS from Aegis Ashore air defense system.
Indo-Pacific

Our First Look At Land-Based Aegis Missile Defense System In Guam

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Oct 21, 2024

A B-2 Spirit from the 509th Bomb Wing, 13th Bomb Squadron Whiteman Air Force Base, Miss., prepares to be refueled by a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 434th Air Refueling Wing at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind. during a nighttime aerial refueling mission.
Australia

Questions Linger Over Australia’s Role In B-2 Spirit Strikes On Yemen

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 18, 2024

South Korean intelligence has offered a new assessment about North Korea's military presence in Ruussia.
North Korea

South Korea Intelligence Offers Assessment Of North Korean Troops Fighting For Russia (Updated)

By Howard Altman

Posted on Oct 18, 2024

Nearly 11,000 North Korean Troops In Russia Preparing To Enter The Fight Says Ukraine’s Spy Boss
North Korea

Nearly 11,000 North Korean Troops In Russia Preparing To Enter The Fight Says Ukraine’s Spy Boss

By Howard Altman

Posted on Oct 18, 2024

An Australian Army M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank fires its 120mm cannon during Exercise Gauntlet Strike, at the Puckapunyal Military Area, Victoria.
Australia

Australia To Send M1 Abrams Tanks To Ukraine (Updated)

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 16, 2024

Thousands of North Korean troops are training to help Russia fight Ukraine.
North Korea

Thousands Of North Korean Troops To Help Russia Fight Ukraine: Reports

By Howard Altman

Posted on Oct 15, 2024

China has revealed a new tiltrotor drone concept, the Zhang Ying UR6000, that has clear military potential, despite initially being pitched for civilian missions.
China

China’s Large Tiltrotor Drone Breaks Cover

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 15, 2024

Trash-carrying balloons launched across the border by North Korea are seen floating in the sky above Seoul on October 4, 2024. Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in years, with Pyongyang ramping up weapons tests and bombarding the South with balloons carrying rubbish, and Seoul suspending a military deal and resuming propaganda broadcasts in response.
North Korea

North Korea Sending GPS-Equipped Balloons Across The Border

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 14, 2024

USS Chosen VLS resupply at sea test off San Diego.
Indo-Pacific

Navy Just Reloaded A Vertical Launch System For The First Time While Underway At Sea

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Oct 12, 2024

North Korea accused South Korea on Friday of sending drones to scatter a "huge number" of anti-North leaflets over its capital Pyongyang, in what it called a political and military provocation that could lead to armed conflict.
North Korea

Drones Penetrate North Korean Air Defenses To Drop Propaganda Leaflets On Pyongyang

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 11, 2024

North Korea is wading deeper into the Ukraine war on behalf of Russia
North Korea

North Korea Wading Deeper Into Russia’s War Against Ukraine

By Howard Altman

Posted on Oct 10, 2024

A TV screen shows an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a ceremony on September 6 to celebrate the launch of a newly built "tactical nuclear attack submarine" during a news program at the Yongsanl Railway Station. North Korea has launched a newly built "tactical nuclear attack submarine" capable of carrying out an underwater nuclear attack, with leader Kim Jong Un vowing to "further strengthen the state nuclear deterrence," the North's state media said on September 8. (
North Korea

Signs Point To North Korea Building A Nuclear-Powered Submarine: South Korean Intel

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 9, 2024

Iran looks to have fielded a Chinese laser directed energy weapon capable of 'dazzling' drones or even destroying them in certain circumstances.
China

Chinese Laser Anti-Drone System Spotted In Iran

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Oct 8, 2024

Recent photos of the first of the Type 076 landing helicopter dock (LHD) ships — known in the West as the Yulan class — under construction at the yard on Changxing Island in Shanghai reveal first one island superstructure added to the deck, followed by another, installed as of late last month.
China

China’s Monster Amphibious Assault Ship Has Twin Island Superstructures Optimized For Aviation Ops

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 7, 2024

Popping China's Anti-access bubble with the AIM-174
China

18:41

How The Navy’s New Very Long-Range AIM-174 Missile Could Pierce China’s Anti-Access Bubble

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Oct 3, 2024

The Washington Times first disclosed on July 16, 2004, that China had developed a new Yuan-class conventionally powered submarine in secret.
China

Chinese Submarine That Sunk Had Exotic Hybrid Nuclear Powerplant: Report

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 2, 2024

The mysterious incident at China’s Wuchang Shipyard in the spring of this year resulted in the sinking of the country’s latest nuclear-powered attack submarine, according to U.S. officials.
China

China’s New Nuclear Submarine Sank During Mysterious Incident In Wuhan: Report

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 26, 2024

For the first time in more than four decades, China has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) out in the Western Pacific, ostensibly for training purposes.
China

First Chinese ICBM Test Into The Pacific In Decades Is A Big Deal (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 25, 2024

China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, arrives in Hong Kong waters on July 7, 2017.
China

All Three Chinese Aircraft Carriers Were At Sea For The First Time

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 23, 2024

Collins Aerospace has put forward a vision for what a high-end air combat engagement between the U.S. and Chinese armed forces, with the American side employing crewed fighters and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone wingmen, could look like in the future.
China

What American Fighters And Their Drone Wingmen Fighting Chinese Jets Might Look Like

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 20, 2024

The U.S. Air Force has no plans to acquire stealthy uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV) capable of operating with very high degrees of autonomy independently of crewed aircraft, at least in the near term publicly, despite surging Chinese developments in this domain.
China

No Flying Wing UCAVs Being Developed By U.S. Air Force While China Surges Ahead

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 17, 2024

MQ-9 showcases capabilities to Joint Force during first-time Valiant Shield participation.
South China Sea

MQ-9 Reapers Gathered In Florida, Simulated Fighting Over South China Sea

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 13, 2024

BAE Systems has launched its new uncrewed ground vehicle, or UGV, the Autonomous Tactical Light Armor System (ATLAS) Collaborative Combat Variant (CCV), a roughly 11-ton 8x8 vehicle that’s being pitched as a “combat wingman” with the potential for a high degree of autonomy. The powerfully armed vehicle is the latest addition to a growing number of UGVs that are designed to provide more flexibility to ground forces’ commanders, primarily by reducing the risks that personnel are exposed to on the battlefield.
Australia

ATLAS Uncrewed “Combat Wingman” Fighting Vehicle Unveiled

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Sep 12, 2024

China has offered a new and closer look at the catapults on its newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian. We also now have what appears to be the first look inside the retractable enclosed control station built into the flight deck that catapult officers on the ship will use to launch planes.
China

New Chinese Aircraft Carrier’s Catapult Control ‘Bubble’ Looks Very Familiar

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 11, 2024

It’s the turn of the Royal Australian Navy to provide us with a spectacular view of airborne infrared countermeasures in action, with a recent video showing a demonstration by one of its MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission maritime helicopters. In the past, TWZ has taken examined some remarkable air-launched countermeasures action, including extreme close-ups, mass drops, airshow routines, and flare ‘dumps’ from heavyweight transports. This may be the first time we’ve seen a helicopter perform this kind of pyrotechnical feat so close to a warship.
Australia

Australian MH-60R Helicopter Executes Stunning Flare Dump Off Stern Of Destroyer

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 10, 2024

We have just gotten our clearest view so far of a Chinese J-20 stealth fighter powered by the definitive WS-15 domestically produced engines. While the appearance of the photo at this point raises a number of questions, it’s meanwhile clear that the significant shortcoming of the J-20 — its powerplant — appears to have now been addressed.
China

Our Best Look Yet At China’s J-20A Fighter With WS-15 Engines 

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 9, 2024

Satellite imagery and videos offer new evidence of a surge in the development of the stealthy flying-wing uncrewed combat air vehicles in China, especially with regard to the GJ-11 Sharp Sword.
China

Chinese Flying Wing UCAV Testing Accelerating Based On Satellite Imagery, Videos

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 5, 2024

AC-130
Indo-Pacific

The Future Of The AC-130 Gunship: Evolve Or Die

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Aug 31, 2024

Alternatively known as the Y-9LG, the Y-8GX-12 is another ECM version based on the Y-8 Category III Platform. It was first identified in satellite imagery in late 2017. Surprisingly, considering its assumed role, the Y-8GX-12 has a ‘balance beam’ radar antenna above its fuselage, as found on the KJ-200 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. It is believed, however, that the radar aboard the Y-8GX-12 is instead used for long-range jamming, using its powerful electronically scanned radar beams to suppress enemy radar signals.
South China Sea

Our Best Look Yet At China’s New Standoff Electronic Warfare Plane

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 30, 2024

India has reportedly introduced to service its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, or SSBN, INS Arighat, marking a significant development in the country’s burgeoning strategic nuclear capability. The new submarine, armed with indigenously developed ballistic missiles, is understood to incorporate improvements over its predecessor, although India’s SSBN fleet, and its nuclear forces in general, continue to be hugely outstripped by those of China, its main strategic rival.
India

India’s Improved Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarine Enters Service

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 29, 2024

The U.S. Coast Guard's heavy icebreaker USCGC Polar Star has returned to its home port of Seattle, Washington, after a major service life-extending overhaul – and not a moment too soon.
China

U.S. Coast Guard Has A Working Heavy Icebreaker Again

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 29, 2024

A new photo has emerged of China’s mysterious stealthy Chinese corvette or light frigate, an intriguing design, with apparent low-observable features, which you can read more about here. In fact, the latest photo raises more questions than it answers, in particular the presumed HQ-10 surface-to-air missile launcher at the rear of the vessel apparently being something else entirely.
China

Our Best Look At China’s Stealthy Experimental Corvette

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 28, 2024

Thailand looks to have provided the Saab Gripen E/F program with a major vote of confidence, with reports that its air force has selected the Swedish-made jet as its next fighter. While the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) already operates earlier Gripen C/D aircraft, the Gripen E/F brings with it significant advances in capability, the extent of which make it almost an entirely new aircraft compared to its predecessor.
Indo-Pacific

Thailand Chooses Gripen E/F As Its New Fighter

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 27, 2024

Japan reports that a Chinese Y-9Z surveillance aircraft violated its airspace in what it says is the first time such an incident has taken place.
China

Chinese Electronic Intelligence Plane Makes Unprecedented Incursion Into Japanese Airspace

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 26, 2024

North Korea has revealed two new kamikaze drones that look to be virtual copies, at least externally, of the Israeli-made Harop and Hero-400.
North Korea

North Korea Unveils Clones of Israeli Kamikaze Drones

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 26, 2024