South China Sea

Latest in South China Sea

The planned live-fire sinking of a decommissioned warship at the Balikatan exercise in the Philippines was struck a blow after the ship in question sunk before navies had a chance to pummel it with weapons. The World War II-era corvette BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19) was being positioned at the start of the exercise, which continued regardless, including other live-fire events.

Ship Sinks Just Before Being Pummeled With Weapons In Pacific Exercise Ship Sinks Just Before Being Pummeled With Weapons In Pacific Exercise

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on May 5, 2025

A U.S. Air Force B1-Lancer assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron sits on a runway during post-flight maintenance in support of Pacific Air Forces’ Bomber Task Force mission at Misawa Air Base, Feb. 20, 2025. Through combined training, the U.S. and intercontinental defense forces work together to promote interoperability, thus furthering our investments and strengthening our relationships.

B-1B Bones Make Unprecedented Bomber Task Force Deployment To Japan B-1B Bones Make Unprecedented Bomber Task Force Deployment To Japan

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 17, 2025

The U.S. State Department has approved the potential of 20 F-16C/D Block 70/72 fighters to the Philippines, the latest turn in a long-running saga as Manila seeks to revamp its air force. The announcement comes as the United States reinforces military ties with the Southeast Asian country, with a recent visit there by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the deployment of U.S. anti-ship and land-attack missile systems for a military drill.

Sale Of Advanced F-16s To The Philippines Moves Forward Amid Deepening U.S. Ties Sale Of Advanced F-16s To The Philippines Moves Forward Amid Deepening U.S. Ties

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 2, 2025

China’s Massive WZ-9 Divine Eagle Drone Now Operating From South China Sea Base

China’s Massive WZ-9 Divine Eagle Drone Now Operating From South China Sea Base China’s Massive WZ-9 Divine Eagle Drone Now Operating From South China Sea Base

By Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Feb 25, 2025

A rare Chinese naval drill with a previously unannounced live-fire component has disrupted air traffic over and around the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand.

News & Features

China’s Sudden Live Fire Naval Drills Off Australia Rattle Canberra China’s Sudden Live Fire Naval Drills Off Australia Rattle Canberra

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Feb 21, 2025

An image has appeared showing a Chinese commercial roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ferry linked to a temporary pier via a barge with jack-up supports. This follows the emergence of satellite imagery showing multiple similar, but different jack-up barges in various stages of construction at a shipyard in southeastern China.

Chinese Barge Usable For Potential Taiwan Beach Landings Seen In Action In New Image Chinese Barge Usable For Potential Taiwan Beach Landings Seen In Action In New Image

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 15, 2025

Chinese Underwater Sea Glider Drone Caught By Fisherman In The Philippines

Chinese Underwater Sea Glider Drone Caught By Fisherman In The Philippines Chinese Underwater Sea Glider Drone Caught By Fisherman In The Philippines

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 2, 2025

Additional photos provide a much more detailed look at the mysterious Chinese flattop that TWZ was first to report on, and which recently went to sea, apparently for its first trials. While the function of this vessel remains unknown, the recently published photos do confirm that it’s intended to operate rotary-wing aircraft (perhaps in addition to fixed-wing drones), but there are no obvious signs of catapults or arrester cables of the kind that would be used for operating heavier fixed-wing types. There is also no indication that the vessel has a floodable well-deck like those found on many amphibious warfare ships.

Detailed Deck View Emerges Of China’s Mysterious Aircraft Carrier-Like Ship Detailed Deck View Emerges Of China’s Mysterious Aircraft Carrier-Like Ship

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 2, 2024

A U.S. Army High Mobility Rocket System (HIMARS).

News & Features

Marine HIMARS Deployment To Southern Japanese Islands During Taiwan Crisis Detailed In Report Marine HIMARS Deployment To Southern Japanese Islands During Taiwan Crisis Detailed In Report

By Geoff Ziezulewicz

Posted on Nov 26, 2024

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

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 14, 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.

New Heavyweight Chinese Jet Drone Looks To Be A Swarm Mothership New Heavyweight Chinese Jet Drone Looks To Be A Swarm Mothership

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 6, 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.

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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 31, 2024

NK special operations Russia

News & Features

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

By Howard Altman

Posted on Oct 23, 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.

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 25, 2024

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

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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 13, 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.

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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 30, 2024