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Report finds US airfields in Pacific vulnerable to Chinese threats

January 7, 2025

The balance of power in the Indo-Pacific may depend on something as basic as concrete. As China fortifies its military airfields and expands the capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, a new report highlights vulnerabilities in U.S. defenses that could shape future conflicts.

The Hudson Institute, a nonpartisan think tank founded to prepare the U.S. for future military challenges, released the report, titled “Concrete Sky: Air Base Hardening in the Western Pacific.” It details China’s extensive investments in airfield fortifications, which include doubling the number of hardened aircraft shelters over the past decade. China now has more than 3,000 shelters at 134 air bases near the Taiwan Strait.

China has also added 20 runways and over 40 runway-length taxiways, while increasing its total ramp area by almost 75%. According to the report, the amount of concrete used for these upgrades could pave a four-lane interstate highway from Washington, D.C., to Chicago.

In contrast, U.S. efforts in the region have been limited, with only a few shelters, and minimal new infrastructure added. Analysts at the Hudson Institute warn that this leaves U.S. airfields highly vulnerable to missile strikes. This is particularly concerning given Chinese military doctrine, which emphasizes surprise attacks to neutralize air power on the ground.

The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force has precision-guided missiles capable of targeting U.S. bases across the Indo-Pacific, from Guam to Okinawa. The report highlights that as few as 10 missiles could disable critical assets at Iwakuni, a key Marine Corps air station in Japan.

To mitigate these vulnerabilities, the report recommended strengthening airfield resilience by building hardened aircraft shelters, adding redundant fuel systems, and improving rapid runway repair capabilities. The Hudson Institute also emphasizes the need for long-range aircraft and autonomous systems that rely less on traditional airfield infrastructure.
N. Korea launched first ballistic missile of 2025 during Blinken’s visit: Seoul

January 6, 2025
Seoul said that North Korea test fired its first ballistic missile of the new year on Monday, Jan. 6, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited South Korea. Blinken and his South Korean counterpart condemned the launch during a joint press conference on the same day.

He called the test fire “another violation of multiple U.N. security resolutions” and the South said that it threatens peace in the Indo-Pacific.

South Korea said that the missile traveled 685 miles before falling into the ocean between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Intelligence officials said the missile was fired from Pyongyang, and the U.S. and South Korean military detected preparations before the test fire.

In response to the launch, Seoul said that it is strengthening its surveillance and security in the region for any potential additional launches. There was no reported damage from the test fire on Monday.

The missile launch came as Blinken visited Seoul for talks with South Korea over the threat of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, and its increasingly close relationship with Moscow. Both Blinken and South Korean officials reportedly believe North Korea’s cooperation with Russia is expanding.

Blinken accused Moscow on Monday of planning to “share space and satellite technology” with North Korea. Moscow is already getting help in part of the deal, as Pyongyang has sent thousands of soldiers to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine.

As of the publishing of this report, North Korean media has yet to report on the test fire. They usually report on test fires within 24 hours of a launch.
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China levels sanctions on 7 companies over US military aid to Taiwan

December 27, 2024
Beijing announced on Friday, Dec. 27, that it is leveling sanctions against seven companies and their senior executives over U.S. military assistance to Taiwan. Among the companies sanctioned are Boeing subsidiary Insitu Inc., RTX Inc’s Raytheon Canada and Raytheon Australia.

The sanctions reportedly freeze the companies’ and executives’ assets in China and bar them from trading or collaborating with Beijing.

China said the move is retaliation for U.S. military sales and aid to Taiwan. Washington D.C. recently approved more than $570 million in defense support to the independently governed island and gave the green light to weapons sales worth around $385 million.

China has long claimed Taiwan as its own and has never ruled out force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan said that it is a sovereign nation, and the U.S. is required by law to defend the country.

Earlier this month, Taiwan said that China sent dozens of military vessels to blockade the island, which Taipei said threatens peace and stability as well as trade in the Indo-Pacific region.

China’s sanctions are also reportedly in response to the approval of the U.S’ annual defense spending bill, which the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) said “includes multiple negative sections about China.”

The defense bill also reportedly directs more resources toward a more confrontational approach toward Beijing, while expanding a ban on U.S. military purchases of Chinese products, such as drone technology.

China claims the U.S. is using the “so called” threat from Beijing to rationalize boosting its military budget.
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Ballistic missile intercepted over Guam during landmark defense test

December 11, 2024

In the event of a conflict between the United States and China, U.S. bases in the Pacific, including Guam, would play a critical role. Known as the “hub of the Pacific,” Guam is essential to U.S. military strategy in eastern Asia and the South China Sea.

A recent test to intercept a ballistic missile aimed at Guam demonstrated advancements in missile defense technology. The Missile Defense Agency reported that the test was successful, marking a key step in developing a layered defense system for the island.

Intercepting ballistic missiles is a significant challenge due to their hypersonic speeds and high-altitude trajectories. However, recent advancements in missile defense, seen in conflict zones like Ukraine and the Middle East, are shaping Guam’s new defense infrastructure. The system integrates advanced radars, interceptors and command systems to address evolving threats.

A land-based version of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System, traditionally used on naval warships, forms the core of this system. The system, paired with advanced radar technology from Lockheed Martin and additional space-based sensors, can detect threats shortly after launch and determine the most effective interception strategy.

Guam’s strategic location in the Pacific makes it vital to U.S. operations. Its bases support bombers, submarines and advanced communication systems, which are critical to projecting power in the region. Strengthening Guam’s defenses is part of the Pentagon’s broader plan to deter Chinese aggression, and ensure conflicts remain far from U.S. shores.

The planned upgrades include THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) and Patriot systems, designed to intercept a range of missile types. Experts acknowledge that these systems may not stop every missile in a large-scale attack but aim to disrupt adversary planning and reduce potential damage.

Residents of the island have raised concerns about the impact of increased military activity on local resources, including housing and infrastructure. Some worry that enhanced defenses could make the island a more prominent target, while others emphasize the importance of ensuring Guam’s safety through military preparedness.

The U.S. plans to begin constructing critical defense sites in 2025 and will conduct further tests to refine the system’s capabilities. Defense officials say these efforts are a necessary step in securing the island and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
US Air Force deploys A-10 ‘Warthogs’ to Philippines

December 10, 2024

The United States deployed A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, commonly known as Warthogs, to the Philippines for joint training exercises with the Philippine Air Force. The deployment serves to strengthen the long-standing defense partnership between the two nations.

The A-10s are assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron, which is based in South Korea. The aircraft arrived at Clark Air Base on Dec. 6, and will remain in the Philippines until Dec. 15.

The training mission is part of the U.S. Air Force’s Dynamic Force Employment (DFE) strategy, which emphasizes strategic predictability and operational unpredictability in contested regions.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft

The A-10, in service with the U.S. Air Force since 1976, is designed for close air support and armed with a 30 mm cannon and up to 16,000 pounds of ordnance. It can target both land-based and maritime threats. It demonstrated its versatility in past operations, including maritime combat patrols in the Gulf of Oman in 2023.

The training mission follows reports of nearly 100 Chinese vessels near the Philippine-held Thitu Island in late November. Territorial disputes in the South China Sea involve overlapping claims by China, the Philippines and other nations. China asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, citing historical rights, while other countries contest this claim.

The U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, signed in 1951, obligates both nations to respond to attacks on public vessels, aircraft or armed forces in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.

US works to maintain free, open Indo-Pacific

The U.S. Air Force stated that the exercises aim to improve interoperability and enhance shared capabilities with the Philippine Air Force. This mission marks the second recent joint training operation between the two nations, following a fighter jet training exercise over the Philippine Sea in November.

The Pentagon identified the Indo-Pacific as a priority theater, citing growing regional Chinese activity. Regular joint training and deployments, such as the arrival of the A-10s, are part of the U.S. effort to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Philippines says Chinese coast guard sideswiped, fired water cannon at ship

December 5, 2024
China is once again being accused of “aggressive actions” in the South China Sea. This time, the Philippine Coast Guard said on Wednesday, Dec. 4, Chinese coast guard ships attacked one of its boats with heavy-duty water cannons and intentionally sideswiped it in the disputed waters.

The Philippine Coast Guard says it was on patrol, providing security to Filipino fisherman at Scarborough Shoal, when several Chinese guard and navy ships approached. According to the Philippine Coast Guard, while one Chinese ship unleashed water cannon attacks and hit a Philippine vessel, other Chinese ships were blocking the way.

China claims the Philippine ships intentionally drifted into its territory, accusing the Philippines of using its assertion of protecting anglers as an excuse to provoke its military and “mislead international perception.”

The Chinese are also threatening the Philippines with more action if the claimed provocation continues. The United States condemned Beijing’s aggression, calling the incident illegal and saying it “put lives at risk.”

China’s actions come more than a month after storms prevented Philippine fishing and commercial vessels from traveling in rough water. Despite the incident. the Philippines says the “reckless” behavior will not stop it from continuing to protect fishing operations in what it calls the “West Philippine Sea.”

China claims virtually the entire waterway, even though it’s sweeping designation conflicts with the territorial waters of at least five other Indo-Pacific nations. Additionally, Beijing has also had confrontations with Indonesia in the open sea.
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How the US Space Force will work to protect Japan’s national security

December 4, 2024
U.S. Space Force Guardians are deploying to Japan on Dec. 4 in a move meant to bolster the Japanese self-defense forces against threats from Russia, China and North Korea. The United States activated its first Space Force Unit in Japan at Yokota Air Base, just west of Tokyo, on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

The unit will reportedly give Japan its first-ever space surveillance and missile warning systems.

The Pentagon said the ultimate goal is to strengthen both country’s national security and provide stepped-up regional security at a time when relations with Moscow, Pyongyang and Beijing are tense.

The White House confirmed in February that Russia is working on an anti-satellite weapon, and the U.S. Space Force said in October that China is rapidly making gains on space-based military systems as well.

Additionally, North Korea claimed to have successfully launched its first spy satellite last year, and Pyongyang is promising more will go into orbit by the end of this year in a bid to make the country a so-called “space power.”

Despite U.S. adversaries vying for space superiority, the U.S. Department of Defense maintains it is confident the new unit will deter attacks from enemies in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. and Japan are also coordinating space defense with Australia, including reportedly developing low-orbit satellites to help counter hypersonic missiles, which Russia, China and North Korea all claim to have obtained.
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US, Japan, South Korea flex defense capabilities near Korean Peninsula

November 14, 2024
The United States, Japan, and South Korea are conducting joint military exercises in the Indo-Pacific region amid rising tensions. The Freedom Edge drills, led by the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington, feature advanced fighter jets such as the F-35 and cutting-edge military assets from all three nations.

The trilateral exercises showcase capabilities in missile defense, air defense, anti-submarine warfare and cyber operations.

Freedom Edge is part of a growing security partnership formalized last year, aimed at enhancing stability in east Asia. This marks the second iteration of the drills following their launch in June.

🇯🇵 – 🇰🇷 – 🇺🇸 Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States conduct the second iteration of exercise #FreedomEdge, showcasing commitment to trilateral multi-domain interoperability and defense in the #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific. pic.twitter.com/9ztoFvPYwf
— U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) November 14, 2024

The timing of these exercises is significant, as North Korea continues to advance its missile program and deepen ties with Russia. Pyongyang recently tested the Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile, which it claims can reach the U.S. mainland.

Additionally, North Korea has reportedly sent thousands of troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine, further solidifying its alliance with Moscow.

North Korea has denounced the Freedom Edge drills, labeling them provocative and accusing the U.S. of escalating tensions. However, officials from Japan, South Korea and the United States argue the exercises are critical for maintaining stability in the region.

South Korean officials describe the drills as a direct response to North Korea’s actions. Japanese leaders emphasize the importance of seamless military coordination, while U.S. representatives highlight the exercises as a clear demonstration of deterrence.

The drills also coincide with the final months of the Biden administration, which has prioritized strengthening the trilateral alliance. However, the future of U.S. policy in east Asia remains uncertain under incoming leadership.
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- North Korea threatens to nuke South Korea if sovereignty challenged
- Russia issues mass grave manual, highlighting heavy toll in Ukraine war
LED lights on surfboards may prevent great white shark attacks: Study

November 12, 2024
A new study published on Monday, Nov. 11, shows LED lights may prevent great white shark attacks on surfers and kayakers. Australian researchers found seal-shaped decoys with underside lighting blocked the view of silhouettes against the sunlight above, deterring the attacks by obstructing the predator’s vision.

“So, what we’re trying to do now is move from seal decoys into a surfboard prototype by implementing LEDs into the bottom of the surfboard,” Dr. Laura Ryan, one of the lead researchers, said.

The study involved a boat towing a seal decoy for dozens of hours. Researchers found horizontal lighting on objects was much more effective than other positioning. They also say finding the correct level of brightness will be crucial for the technology to be employed in surfboards.

“So, if you don’t get this right, you might not have an effect,” said Professor Nathan Hart with Macquarie University, which is leading the research. “It’s always a possibility that any stimulus you put in the water might attract a shark. So, with that careful testing, we worked to find the optimal brightness, which mostly works like a counter illumination, breaks up the silhouette and seems to deter the shark from attack.”

The study also relies on previous research, which shows great white shark attacks on humans may be a case of mistaken identity. The sharks have a harder time seeing shapes and details than humans.

“Some of the previous research within my group also found out that sharks are potentially colorblind,” Hart said. “So, they don’t see color like we do. They also don’t see as much details as we do. They also don’t see as many details. So, their acuity is a lot lower than ours.”

Scientists believe more studies will be necessary to simulate surfers paddling, and there’s more work to be done to find the best way to implement the technology.

While shark attacks are rare, worldwide most bites are linked to people surfing or participating in board sports.

Furthermore, most fatal bites are from great white sharks. However, the study notes, it may be important to test the lights on sharks with different predatory behavior.
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US brings out B-1B bomber after North Korea’s ICBM launch

November 4, 2024

The United States deployed a B-1B Lancer, a supersonic heavy bomber, to Northeast Asia for a joint exercise with South Korea and Japan. The move is in response to North Korea’s recent test of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) called the Hwasong-19.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally observed the missile test, which reportedly has a range exceeding 9,300 miles, theoretically putting the U.S. mainland within reach. The missile set a new altitude record for North Korean launches, reaching approximately 4,350 miles—more than 17 times the height of the International Space Station.

In the joint exercise, the B-1B Lancer was joined by four Japanese F-2 fighters, four South Korean F-15Ks, and three U.S. F-16s stationed in South Korea. Originally capable of carrying nuclear payloads, the Lancer was converted to all-conventional strike missions in 2011. With a maximum payload capacity of up to 75,000 pounds, it remains the heaviest conventional bomber in the U.S. fleet.

🇺🇸 – 🇯🇵 – 🇰🇷 fighter aircraft escort a B-1 Lancer during a trilateral escort flight Nov. 3, 2024. This exercise continues strong trilateral cooperation, enabling immediate response to regional security challenges.

Read More: https://t.co/bsjY65UcTE pic.twitter.com/m50DEosawP
— U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) November 3, 2024

The exercise demonstrated the collective strength and readiness of the U.S., South Korea and Japan, showcasing their commitment to regional security. South Korean officials described the B-1B’s presence as a display of “overwhelming” power and reiterated Seoul’s stance on close cooperation with the U.S. and Japan in addressing North Korean threats.

According to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the exercise supported a shared vision for a secure, rules-based Indo-Pacific region, showing the allies’ capability for rapid response to any security challenge. This deployment marks the fourth U.S. bomber mission in the region this year.

In June, a B-1B conducted a similar exercise, dropping live 500-pound bombs over the Korean Peninsula—the first live munition drop in the area by the Lancer in over seven years. In August, two B-1Bs flew a non-stop, 12,456-mile round trip from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota to Japan and back, completing the journey in approximately 31 hours.

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