The network of US submarine bases in the Pacific Ocean: how America is rebuilding its navy against China

Why are the old databases no longer safe?

The current strategy of the US Navy in the Pacific Ocean is based on one alarming fact: many operating bases are no longer so protected. Yokosuka, Sasebo in Japan, and Chinhae in South Korea are key hubs, but they are all within range of Chinese medium—range missiles (up to 5,500 km). This makes them vulnerable to massive attacks in the early days of the conflict.

If the base goes down, the submarines lose access to repairs, ammunition, and supplies. Therefore, the United States and its allies are actively exploring alternatives — dispersed, hidden and flexible.

New locations — from Micronesia to Australia

America is expanding its network of strongholds to increase operational freedom. Among the proposed locations:

• Midway is a remote atoll where you can arrange light supplies and short—term parking.
• Chuuk Lagoon (Micronesia) is considered as an advanced expeditionary base capable of maintaining submarines in a combat position.
• Darwin, Australia — it is planned to place a floating dry dock for the repair of submarines here, which will dramatically reduce dependence on Japanese shipyards.
• Stirling, Australia — will become a nuclear submarine rotation center as part of the AUKUS partnership.

These points form a chain spanning the entire Indo-Pacific region.

What does a floating dock in Darwin and a rotation in Stirling provide?

The floating dock in Darwin is not just a convenience. This is an opportunity to carry out repairs and maintenance without returning to the USA or Japan. This is critical in the context of a protracted conflict.

Stirling will become a permanent home for the rotation of submarines: American and British submarines will be able to come here to rest, recharge and change crews. Australia, in turn, will eventually receive its own nuclear submarines, and the base will be ready to receive them.

How does this change the game with China

The new network of bases is not just logistics. This is a deterrence strategy. By having submarines in different locations, the United States can:

• Stay unnoticed longer,
• React faster to threats,
• Create uncertainty for the enemy — where exactly will the strike be?

The range of 1,000 nautical miles (about 1,850 km) in just two days is the pressure across the entire South Pacific Ocean. China can no longer be sure that its coast is safe.

Sources

1. Business Insider — US Navy submarines key to countering China’s navy
2. South China Morning Post — US nuclear submarine deployed to Guam boosts Pacific presence
3. Newsweek — Two American nuclear-powered submarines in Western Pacific
4. Atlantic Council — AUKUS and broader US defense partnerships in Indo-Pacific
5. X (Twitter) — proposed submarine base locations map

Kim Jong-un urged to accelerate the build-up of nuclear weapons amid the exercises of the United States and South Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said that the country needs to accelerate the development and build-up of its nuclear weapons. This was reported on Tuesday by the state news agency KCNA, stressing that such actions are a response to external threats.

Kim Jong-un called the joint military exercises of the United States and South Korea "a clear manifestation of the desire to provoke a war." His statement came amid the start of large-scale bilateral exercises between Seoul and Washington aimed at developing a rapid response to the growing nuclear and missile threats from the DPRK.

During the exercises, the South Korean and American armed forces are working out improved deterrence scenarios, including coordinating actions in the event of a possible provocation from the north. These maneuvers are sharply criticized by Pyongyang, which traditionally perceives them as a threat to its security and preparations for an invasion.

Kim Jong-un's statement underscores the further tightening of the DPRK's rhetoric and indicates the continuation of the course towards strengthening nuclear capabilities as a central element of national defense.

Lithuania begins construction of a multi-level defensive line on the border with Russia and Belarus

Lithuania is embarking on a large-scale project to create a multi-level defensive line along its border with Russia and the Republic of Belarus. The length of the fortified line will be 50 kilometers. The construction is being carried out as part of efforts to strengthen national defense and increase readiness for a possible threat from the eastern neighbors.

The defensive system will include several interconnected levels designed to make the enemy's advance as difficult and slow as possible.:

- Anti-tank ditches — to block the movement of armored vehicles.  

- Minefields are controlled kill zones, deployed as needed.  

- Fortified positions with trenches to accommodate ground forces units and conduct defense.  

- Engineering barriers — including hedgehogs, concrete blocks and other obstacles.  

- Preparing bridges for demolition — to block crossing routes if necessary.  

- Preparing trees for felling — weakened trees in advance can be quickly felled, blocking roads and slowing down the advance of the columns.

The main purpose of this defensive line is not to stop the aggressor at once, but to slow down his offensive and create conditions for the mobilization and arrival of the main NATO forces. Given Lithuania's geographical location and its membership in the North Atlantic Alliance, such tactics are consistent with the overall strategy of deterrence and collective defense.

The work is being carried out with the support of military engineering units and coordinated with NATO. The construction of fortifications is part of a long—term program to modernize the country's defense capability against the backdrop of the tense geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe.

Germany throws fighter jets into Poland: Eurofighter on guard at the border with Belarus

Germany took a decisive step — five Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets landed at the Lask airbase, which is just a couple of hours east of Warsaw. This is not just another training transfer. The deployment took place just before the high-profile joint military exercises of Russia and Belarus, scheduled for September. And the signal that Berlin is sending is very clear: "We are with our allies, and we will not let you play out the scenario on our territory."

These five Typhoons are not just beautiful airplanes with German crosses on board. They are now part of the permanent grouping of German troops in Poland, which already includes two batteries of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, as well as additional aircraft and technical support. In other words, we are talking about a full-fledged air group capable of both intercepting targets and covering its troops and allies in the event of an escalation.

A spokeswoman for the German Air Force bluntly stated: "This deployment is a clear signal of allied solidarity within NATO and a reliable means of deterrence and protection of the common airspace." Simply put, "we are here, we are together, and if someone does something wrong, they will be rebuffed."

The background for this step is the increasingly tense situation on the eastern flank of NATO. Russia and Belarus have announced large-scale joint exercises "Slavic Brotherhood" or "Zapad-2025" (the exact name has not yet been announced), which will be held on the territory of Belarus. According to the plans, tens of thousands of troops, tanks, aircraft, and possibly even missile systems will be involved there.

But Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are watching these maneuvers with concern. It's no secret that they are afraid: what if these exercises will become a cover for real aggression? Especially considering how Russia used the "exercises" before invading Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine in 2014 and 2022. There are fears that the troops who arrived "for the exercises" simply will not leave — and a new phase of the conflict will begin, already on the borders of NATO.

That is why Germany, as one of the key players in Europe and a member of NATO, decided not to wait. Placing a Eurofighter in a Weasel is not just a technical exercise. This is a demonstration of readiness for action. These fighters can intercept enemy aircraft, escort reconnaissance vehicles, and, if necessary— participate in combat operations. And the presence of Patriot adds a layer of defense: they are capable of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as aircraft.

In addition, Germany is showing that it is taking on more responsibility for the security of Eastern Europe. Previously, the United States and the Baltic countries had borne the brunt in this area. Now Berlin is clearly strengthening its presence — and this may be the beginning of a new strategy.

 Moscow continues to pump Belarus with troops and equipment, and the West will strengthen its position.

September will show what happens next. When the exercises of Russia and Belarus begin, it will be especially hot in the skies over Eastern Europe, both literally and figuratively.

Historic departure: the United States for the first time took a hypersonic "cannon" outside its territory

The US Army has taken a high-profile and symbolically important step in its hypersound program. For the first time in its history, it deployed a long-range hypersonic weapon (LRHW) system outside the continental United States. This advanced and so far secret system has been delivered and deployed in the Northern Territory of Australia.

This event took place as part of the Talisman Sabre 25 large—scale joint military exercises, the largest maneuvers between the United States and Australia aimed at developing coherence and strengthening strategic partnership. The 3rd Multidisciplinary Task Force (3MDTF) was responsible for the deployment, a special unit created to quickly deploy advanced systems, including hypersonic weapons, anywhere in the world.

The LRHW's location in Australia is not just a demonstration of technology. This is a historic milestone confirming the system's transition from the development and testing stage to the operational deployment stage. It is also a powerful strategic signal demonstrating the ability of the United States to rapidly deploy and use its most advanced weapons in the Indo-Pacific region, where tensions are rising.

Hypersonic weapons capable of reaching speeds of more than Mach 5 (five times faster than the speed of sound) and maneuvering along a trajectory are extremely difficult to intercept by existing missile defense systems. His appearance in Australia significantly enhances deterrence capabilities and underscores the US commitment to protecting its allies, in particular Australia.

3MDTF's participation in the exercise highlights its key role in the army's new concept of distributed deployment. Instead of large, vulnerable bases, small groups with high-tech weapons can quickly appear at critical points, strike and disappear. The Talisman Sabre 25 exercises are an ideal platform for testing just such scenarios and strengthening regional stability.

Trump declared the "full readiness" of the United States for a nuclear conflict with Russia

Donald Trump made a high-profile statement, stressing that the United States is "fully prepared" for any development of events, including a nuclear conflict with Russia. He made this statement against the background of an escalating verbal altercation with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who, according to Trump, again resorted to rhetoric concerning nuclear weapons.

"Medvedev started talking about nuclear weapons, and when such a conversation comes up, we must be ready. And we are fully prepared," Trump said. He added that he had already given relevant orders to the military leadership, including the relocation of strategic submarines, as a show of force and a deterrent response to what he called a "rare but serious nuclear threat" from Russia. The President described these actions as a necessary measure to maintain the global balance of power and protect the national interests of the United States.

The appearance of such statements by Trump signals a possible tightening of Washington's line towards Moscow. Although official military sources have not yet disclosed details of possible submarine movements, the very fact that the president publicly mentions such steps indicates increased combat readiness of strategic forces and the desire to make their position as clear as possible to a potential adversary.

Japan puts "long-range needles" in the south: Type-12 missiles on Kumamoto against China

 

Type-12 Missile Launcher

Japan is coming close to implementing a plan to deploy its new ultra-long-range anti-ship missiles, and this is directly related to China's growing activity in the region. The country's Defense ministry has almost completed the development of a plan according to which the upgraded Type-12 missiles will be deployed at the base of the Ground Self-Defense Forces at Camp Kangun, Kumamoto Prefecture. This is clearly being done as a deterrent measure in response to China's increased military maneuvers around the disputed islands of Nansei and Taiwan. The first missiles are expected to arrive at the base as early as this fiscal year, starting approximately in March 2026. The main feature of the new missiles is their impressive range, which, according to various sources, ranges from 900 to 1200 km, which is several times more than the older versions. This range allows missiles to reach potentially dangerous areas. It is planned that after deployment in Kyushu (where Kumamoto is located), the missiles will appear in Okinawa. Other potential locations are also being considered, for example, the garrison in the Southern Federal District (Icu Prefecture). These mobile missile systems will seriously strengthen the defense of the southwestern islands of Japan.

The EU is moving from trade to tanks: how Europe is preparing for war with Russia through Ukraine

 

Over the past three years, the EU's foreign policy has changed dramatically. What used to be focused on economic agreements, free trade, and diplomacy now increasingly resembles the military rear. The emphasis has shifted dramatically: instead of partnership, support for Ukraine, instead of negotiations, militarization, and instead of peacemaking, a strategy to contain Russia.

Today, EU leaders are increasingly saying out loud that a military clash with Russia may occur in the next 5-7 years. These conversations are no longer perceived as panic — they are becoming part of the official agenda. Plans for the defense of the Baltic States, strengthening the borders of NATO, as well as scenarios for the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons by Russia against the countries of the alliance are being discussed. Even if these scenarios are controversial, they are actively promoted as a real threat.

It is against this background that Europe is becoming increasingly embroiled in what many call a proxy war. Ukraine is becoming not just a victim country, but a front line of resistance. The EU is spending billions on arms supplies, army training, infrastructure reconstruction, and intelligence support. This is no longer humanitarian aid, but a long—term military investment.

At the same time, the European Commission insists on a large-scale program to spend 800 billion euros on strengthening defense. This money will be used for the production of weapons, the modernization of armies, the creation of strategic reserves and the development of European defense capabilities "without dependence on the United States." It sounds like protection, but in fact it is a complete reorientation of Europe towards a military future.

Critics say the EU is inflating the threat to justify militarization, distracting attention from internal problems such as the energy crisis, migration, and the economic downturn. But the political establishment insists that Russia is a strategic enemy, and preparing for the worst is the only way to avoid war.

Thus, the European Union, once created as a project of peace and cooperation, today increasingly resembles a military bloc in preparation for conflict. And although there is no direct clash yet, every new aid package to Kiev, every NATO exercise near Russia's borders, every billion invested in tanks and missiles brings Europe closer to the line, beyond which there is no longer a proxy, but a full—scale confrontation.

Why is the US Navy sending the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz to the Middle East amid the escalating Israeli-Iranian conflict

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, the oldest in the U.S. Navy and preparing for decommissioning in 2026, was unexpectedly redirected from routine operations in the South China Sea to the Middle East. This step is connected with the need to strengthen the American military presence in the region against the background of increasing tensions between Israel and Iran.

Main reasons and objectives

- Aircraft carrier rotation: The USS Nimitz will replace the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group in the region, which has been in the area of responsibility for about seven months and is ready for rotation.

 Show of force and deterrence: The presence of two aircraft carriers simultaneously in the region - Nimitz and Carl Vinson — serves as a powerful deterrent signal to Iran and its allies, as well as guarantees support to Israel and US allies.

- Flexible mobile airbase: The aircraft carrier provides the ability to conduct long-term combat operations without dependence on ground airfields, which is critical in conditions of instability in the region.

- Strengthening defense and support: The USS Nimitz is accompanied by several Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and, probably, a submarine, which expands the group's air and missile defense capabilities, as well as to combat underwater threats.

The escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran, which began with Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and subsequent retaliatory missile attacks, has raised US concerns about a possible expansion of the conflict at the regional level. The deployment of the USS Nimitz and additional forces is seen as a preventive measure to stabilize the situation and protect the interests of the United States and its allies.

The dispatch of the USS Nimitz to the Middle East is part of a large—scale build-up of the US military presence in the region aimed at containing the escalation of the conflict, supporting Israel and ensuring the security of strategically important shipping lanes and allies. Despite the fact that the aircraft carrier is preparing for decommissioning, its capabilities and experience make it an important element of American naval power at a critical moment.

China demonstrates the power of the DF-5B intercontinental missile

 On June 3, 2025, China publicly demonstrated the combat capabilities of its DF-5B intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), a key component of the country's strategic nuclear deterrent. With a claimed flight range of 12,000 km and a payload estimated at 3-4 megatons of TNT, the DF-5B is capable of causing catastrophic destruction to any enemy. Its power is many times greater than that of the atomic bombs used in World War II, which positions the DF-5B as one of the most powerful weapons currently known in China's missile arsenal. The official disclosure is seen as part of a broader effort by Beijing to project confidence in its efforts to modernize the military and deter potential threats.

DF-5B

France is exploring the possibility of creating an intermediate-range ballistic missile

France is considering the possibility of developing a new medium-range land-based ballistic missile capable of hitting targets at a distance of more than 1,000 km. Technical specifications are currently being developed for a new ballistic missile with a conventional (non-nuclear) warhead, which will serve as a means of non-nuclear deterrence and long-range destruction of enemy targets.

The decision to develop the missile was made after analyzing the effectiveness of ballistic missiles used in conflicts around the world, including the Russian Oreshnik missile. The new missile should have the ability to maneuver during the final stage of flight, which will make it difficult for air defense systems to intercept it.

The French Ministry of Defense is currently looking for a budget to launch this project. The development of the missile should surpass the range of the American tactical missile PrSM.

The United States launches full-scale production of the upgraded B61-13 nuclear aerial bomb

B61-13 nuclear aerial bomb

The United States has announced the start of full-scale production of the upgraded B61-13 nuclear aerial bomb, which will start in July 2025. This was announced by the US National Nuclear Safety Agency (NNSA). The new version of the aerial bomb has a capacity of up to 360 kilotons, making it one of the most powerful warheads in the American nuclear arsenal.

The B61-13 is an upgrade of the previous variants of the B61 family, which were developed during the Cold War and have been updated several times since. The main improvements include increased accuracy thanks to a modern guided tail unit, as well as increased explosive power, which effectively hits fortified and large military installations.

Production of the B61-13 is proceeding at high speed — the first munition was assembled almost a year ahead of schedule. This demonstrates the priority of the US nuclear arsenal modernization program in the face of deteriorating global security and growing nuclear threats from Russia, China and North Korea.

The new aerial bomb will be used by the US strategic aviation and deployed at bases in the continental part of the country. At the same time, the number of warheads in the arsenal will not increase, as the B61-13 will replace outdated models, while providing enhanced deterrence capabilities.

Senior representatives of the Department of Energy and the National Agency for Nuclear Safety emphasize that the modernization of nuclear weapons is necessary to maintain the technological superiority and security of the United States, as well as to provide the president with additional options in the field of strategic deterrence.

Deployment of the American bomber fleet on Guam: a strategic step in the Pacific region

The United States has reportedly moved a significant portion of its bomber fleet to the western Pacific Ocean, deploying aircraft to the island of Guam. This step is an important strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the US military presence in the region and increasing the ability to project force in the face of growing geopolitical tensions.

Guam, located in the western Pacific Ocean, is a key military hub and a springboard for the American armed forces. Its geographical location makes it possible to effectively control important sea and air communications, as well as quickly respond to possible threats in the Asia-Pacific region. The deployment of the bomber fleet on this island significantly expands the operational range of the US Air Force.

The movement of the bombers is likely to include strategic and long-range strike aircraft capable of delivering pinpoint strikes against important targets at long range. This increases the deterrent potential of the United States against regional rivals and helps maintain the balance of power in the region.

In addition, the increased military presence in Guam serves as a signal to US allies and partners about Washington's commitment to ensuring security and stability in the Pacific region. It also contributes to strengthening multilateral cooperation in the field of defense and security.

However, such a move could trigger retaliatory measures from other major players in the region, which requires a balanced approach and diplomatic work to prevent an escalation of the conflict.

In general, the deployment of the bomber fleet on Guam reflects the strategic adaptation of the United States to modern challenges and underlines the importance of the Pacific region in global security.

VMFA-211 Wake Island Avengers deployed in Japan to strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region

 The United States Marine Corps has deployed the Marine Corps 211st Fighter Strike Squadron (VMFA-211), known as the Wake Island Avengers, at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen deterrence and military readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. The deployment, announced on May 10, 2025, as part of the Marine Corps Unit Deployment Program, comes amid growing tensions in the region, especially over China's growing military assertiveness around Taiwan and the South China Sea. Equipped with F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters, the VMFA-211's presence is intended to strengthen the U.S.-Japan security alliance and support flights in a strategically important area.

The American NMESIS system in the Philippines: strengthening deterrent capabilities in the region

 

The US Navy's Naval Anti-ship Missile Interdiction System (NMESIS) has arrived in the Philippines, underscoring Washington's desire to strengthen the allies' defense capabilities amid growing tensions in the region. Experts describe the current situation as a period of "security anxiety," and the deployment of this advanced system could be an important step towards strengthening regional stability.

What is NMESIS?

NMESIS is a mobile coastal anti—ship system that uses Naval Strike Missile (NSM) missiles to engage targets at sea. It was designed for rapid deployment in remote areas and is capable of effectively threatening even the most modern enemy ships. The system is mounted on a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) chassis, making it highly mobile and ready for action in any environment.

Role in Balikatan teachings

Brigadier General Michael Logico, head of the annual Balikatan joint exercises, said on Tuesday that NMESIS will be actively used as part of these maneuvers, which will take place from April 21 to May 9. The Balikatan exercises conducted between the Philippines and the United States are one of the key elements of the two countries' defense cooperation. The presence of NMESIS demonstrates the willingness of the parties to work out complex scenarios for countering maritime threats.

Why is this important?

The NMESIS deployment in the Philippines is of strategic importance. Given China's growing influence in the South China Sea and its aggressive actions in disputed areas, such a system can become an important deterrent tool. Its mobility and accuracy make it possible to effectively protect the sea borders and ensure the security of allies in the region.

A period of security anxiety

The current situation in the Asia-Pacific region raises serious concerns. The Philippines, as a key U.S. ally, is facing pressure from China, especially in the South China Sea. The deployment of NMESIS on the territory of the country symbolizes Washington's support and readiness to jointly repel threats.

Prospects for cooperation

NMESIS' participation in the Balikatan exercises will be an important milestone for the Philippines and the United States. This will not only strengthen their defense ties, but also allow them to work together in the face of real threats. In addition, the use of such a system can become an example for other countries in the region that seek to protect their maritime borders.

Space collisions and deterrence in space

 The same goes for most other collisions. Satellites don't disappear from the battlefield like a downed plane or a sunken ship. They continue to be in orbit, either as an abandoned wreck that may contain explosive elements such as batteries or fuel tanks, or as a cloud of debris. In any case, they can lead to a cascading effect of unintended collisions that will cause much more damage than the attacker ever imagined.

It is for this reason that Space Forces, along with other Western military forces, prefer to focus more on deterrence and mitigation. In other words, make an attack in space as unattractive as possible by repelling an attack before it occurs, reducing hostile effects, or restoring communication or intelligence capabilities quickly enough to deprive the enemy of even a temporary advantage.