Indo-Pacific(Page 6)

Latest in Indo-Pacific

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

The War Zone has learned new details about the Ghost Shark extra-large autonomous undersea vehicle in an interview with Dr. Shane Arnott, Senior Vice President for Engineering at Anduril and the company's maritime lead.
Australia

Everything We Just Learned About The Ghost Shark Uncrewed Submarine

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 23, 2024

Laser Weapon on type 071.
China

Laser Weapon Appears On Chinese Amphibious Assault Ship

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 19, 2024

Next summer, U.S. Air Force units will deploy from bases in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and elsewhere across the United States to forward locations in the Western Pacific as part of a massive new air combat exercise.
China

Air Force Units Will Flood The Western Pacific In Huge New Airpower Exercise Next Summer

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 19, 2024

A major fire, which may still be ongoing, has reportedly broken out on the former Soviet Kiev class aircraft carrier Minsk, which has been rotting away in a man-made lagoon just off a stretch of the Yangtze River in China for years now.
China

Soviet Aircraft Carrier Turned Failed Chinese Tourist Attraction Is On Fire (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Aug 17, 2024

A Cessna Model 208B Grand Caravan converted into a cargo drone was among the participants in a recently concluded U.S. Air Force-led large force air combat exercise focused on preparing for a potential future conflict with China.
China

Cessna Caravan Turned Into Cargo Drone Tested At China-Focused Airpower Exercise

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 16, 2024

Secretive ultra-quiet special operations drones, now designated RQ-29s, that have been operating in the Middle East for years might now be headed for the Pacific.
Indo-Pacific

Super Quiet Special Operations Drones May Migrate To Pacific Theater

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 14, 2024

The legendary Martin Mars flying boat Hawaii Mars has made a spectacular final flight, taking it from its long-time home on Sproat Lake in British Columbia, Canada, to see out its retirement in a museum in the same state. Originally developed for the U.S. Navy and the war in the Pacific, the huge aircraft found a niche as a water bomber with Coulson Aviation but had not flown in this role since 2015.
Indo-Pacific

Giant Hawaii Mars Flying Boat Made Its Final Glorious Flight

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 12, 2024

Chinese drone maker Tengden says it has conducted the first flight of a new cargo drone with a multi-metric-ton cargo capacity.
China

Chinese Cargo Drone Capable Of Carrying Two Tons Has Flown

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 12, 2024

Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 92nd Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, fly alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron over the western United States during Exercise Bamboo Eagle 24-3, Aug. 5, 2024. Through employment of the KC-135 aircraft, the 91st ARS extends U.S. global power and global reach by planning and executing aerial refueling missions for U.S. and allied combat and support aircraft. During Bamboo Eagle, Air Mobility Command assets will support warfighters implementing all-domain combat-power generation from disaggregated basing locations throughout the western part of the U.S., along with distributed command and control, agile logistics, and tactical air-to-air refueling. Bamboo Eagle provides participating units opportunities to reoptimizing for Great Power competition and to focus on mission readiness by to deliver cross-functional and lethal combat capabilities with the speed and agility required to meet pacing challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook)
China

Massive China-Focused Air Combat Exercise Underway Off California Coast

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 9, 2024

A brief video clip of a U.S. Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye linking up with an Air Force HC-130J tanker somewhere over in the Middle East calls attention to how this aircraft has become even more of a force multiplier with the added ability to refuel in flight.
Indo-Pacific

E-2D Refueling From HC-130 Over Middle East Highlights The Hawkeye’s Potential

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 7, 2024

An already massive hangar in northwestern China is now even bigger after receiving a 300-foot-long extension.
China

China’s Gigantic Secretive Blimp Hangar Has Gotten Even Larger

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 6, 2024

Video clips have emerged showing Chinese maritime special operations forces using multiple types of bird-like drones.
China

Chinese Sea Dragon Commandos Show Off Drones That Look Just Like Birds

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 3, 2024

The entire fleet of U.S. V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft has been temporarily grounded after a mishap involving an AFSOC CV-22 last month at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico.
Japan

CV-22 Osprey Crash In Japan Was Caused By Gearbox Failure

By Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Posted on Aug 1, 2024

An US Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider gunship recently used its 30mm and 105mm to help sink a decommissioned amphibious warship during an exercise, which comes amid a larger discussion about the relevance of these aircraft in future higher-end operations.
Indo-Pacific

AC-130J Ghostrider Hammers Amphibious Warship During Rare Appearance At Sinking Exercise

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 1, 2024

North Korean NLOS missile vehicle in Ukraine
North Korea

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.
China

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.
Indo-Pacific

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.
Indo-Pacific

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.
China

Odd Activity At Chinese Submarine Shipyard Draws Interest

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 18, 2024

Retired Marine Col. Charles Del Pizzo offered his version of the 2023 mishap in which his F-35B stealth fighter kept flying for 12 minutes after he ejected.
Japan

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.
China

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.
China

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.
China

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.
Indo-Pacific

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
Japan

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.
North Korea

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.
Indo-Pacific

European Air Power Teams Up For Pacific Mega Deployment

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 26, 2024

North Korea may send troops to Ukraine
North Korea

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.
Indo-Pacific

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.
North Korea

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.
China

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.
Taiwan

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.
China

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.
China

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?
China

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.
China

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.
South Korea

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.
Australia

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.
North Korea

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.
China

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.
North Korea

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.
China

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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 28, 2024