South China Sea

Latest in South China Sea

Singapore today launched the first of its drone motherships, or Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCV). The largest and most complex ship in the Republic of Singapore Navy, the Victory is the first of a planned six of these vessels. These will replace the existing Victory class missile corvettes (MCV), which entered service in 1989, and will form the cornerstone of its fleet modernization effort.
South China Sea

Singapore Launches Its Biggest And Most Capable Warship Ever

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 21, 2025

A RAAF P-8A Poseidon supports sea trials for the NUSHIP Hobart in the Gulf St Vincent off the coast of Adelaide.
South China Sea

P-8 Poseidon Officially Selected By Singapore As Its Next Maritime Patrol Aircraft

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 10, 2025

There are several ways Russia could complicate U.S. efforts to defend Taiwan should China invade
South China Sea

How Russia Could Complicate U.S. Efforts To Defend Taiwan

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jul 7, 2025

Chinese WIG aircraft.
South China Sea

China’s Mysterious Ekranoplan Seen In Full For First Time

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jul 5, 2025

Taiwan is looking to boost its drone boat capabilities amid a growing threat from China.
South China Sea

Taiwan To Hold Major Drone Boat Test Exercise As It Falls Behind In Fielding This Critical Capability

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Updated on May 29, 2025

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.
South China Sea

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.
South China Sea

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.
South China Sea

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
South China Sea

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.
South China Sea

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.
South China Sea

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
South China Sea

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.
South China Sea

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).
South China Sea

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
South China Sea

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.
South China Sea

New Heavyweight Chinese Jet Drone Looks To Be A Swarm Mothership

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 6, 2024