The United States and Japan have launched the Resolute Dragon exercises — with missiles that China can reach

The exercises started almost immediately after the Pentagon's "frank" conversation with China

On Thursday, the United States and Japan began a large-scale two-week exercise called Resolute Dragon. Their special feature is not just maneuvers or communication training, but the deployment of real missile systems capable of hitting targets at long distances. According to sources, we are talking about complexes, the range of which allows reaching the territories of mainland China.

At the same time, the start of the exercises took place less than 48 hours after a video call between US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun. The Pentagon called the talks "frank and constructive," but actions speak louder than words.

Rockets in action — what exactly scares Beijing

Previously, the Japanese self-defense forces were limited by defensive doctrine, but now the situation is changing. The exercises use modern rocket launchers, including modified versions of American systems. They can hit ground targets at a distance of more than 1,000 km, which is enough to reach key targets in China's coastal regions.

For Beijing, this is not just a training exercise for its allies. This is a demonstration of the possibility of a strike on its territory — a direct change in the balance of power.

Why is Japan shooting further now

Japan used to avoid possessing offensive weapons. But China's growing activity in the Pacific Ocean, pressure on Taiwan, and the increasingly frequent incursions of aircraft and ships into the country's airspace and maritime space have forced Tokyo to rethink its strategy.

Now Japan is actively modernizing the army, buying long-range missiles and learning how to use them in close coordination with the United States. Resolute Dragon is not a show—off, but a practical elaboration of a new tactic.

Exercises as a signal — to whom and why

The message is addressed to three audiences at once:

• To China, we can respond if you cross the line.
• To the allies in Asia, we are close, you can rely on us.
• To its own population, the country is ready to defend itself.

Yes, Beijing condemned the exercises, calling them a threat to stability. But for Washington and Tokyo, this "instability" is the price of deterrence.

Sources

1. Newsweek — Resolute Dragon 11-25 Sep 2025: first-ever Typhon with Tomahawk & SM-6 deployed in Japan; Beijing warns Tokyo to stay purely defensive
2. Reuters — U.S. Typhon temporarily stationed in Japan for deterrence exercise; strong PRC & RF criticism
3. Japan Times — Historic first use of advanced missiles in U.S.-Japan drills aimed at re-capturing disputed East China Sea islands
4. Stars & Stripes — Largest Resolute Dragon: 5 200 U.S. & 14 000 Japanese troops, NMESIS & MADIS missiles; response to increased PRC activity around Taiwan
5. Al Jazeera — Russia & China condemn U.S. missile deployment, accuse Tokyo of militarisation
6. Yahoo News UK — Drills begin <48 h after candid U.S.-PRC defence ministers video-call

Canada is building a new missile defense radar: launch in 2026, combat duty by 2029

When will it start and when will it work

Work on a new missile defense radar in Canada is scheduled to begin in early 2026. This was announced by a representative of the Ministry of National Defense of the country. According to the plan, the system will be fully operational by 2029. This is not just an upgrade of old equipment, but the creation of a new, more sensitive and long—range tracking system.

The radar will be part of efforts to modernize the northern air defense system, especially amid increased activity in the Arctic.

What will the new radar do?

Canada now relies on an aging network of radars, some of which were built during the Cold War. The new radar should close key blind spots, especially over the Arctic, where missile overflights are possible.

It will be able to detect ballistic targets in the early stages — even before reaching the target trajectory. This will give the Allies more time to make decisions, whether to intercept or evacuate.

Does Canada fit into the US and NATO system

The radar will become part of the updated structure of NORAD, the bilateral air and space defense command of the United States and Canada. It will be integrated with American systems such as SBIRS and GBI and transmit data in real time.

This is not just a national project, it is a contribution to the collective security of North America. Without control over the northern space, the entire missile defense system loses its meaning.

Why is this important right now

Geopolitics is changing. Russia has stepped up patrols in the Arctic, China is increasing its presence, and hypersonic missiles are reducing reaction time. Canada, with its vast territory and border with the Arctic, cannot afford to be blind.

The new radar is not a whim, but a necessity. It will protect not only military installations, but also large cities that may become targets.

Sources

1. Ottawa Citizen — David Pugliese: new multi-billion-dollar missile-defence radar project starting in Ontario early 2026, operational by 2029
2. Twitter — David Pugliese announcement on radar work timeline
3. Yahoo News Canada — work expected to start in early 2026 on Canada's missile-defence radar
4. Wikipedia — planned Canadian Forces projects including the radar system

South Korea is reinforced: the old air defense system has become a "Blue Sword" — now it catches both planes and missiles

South Korea has seriously upgraded its air defenses. The old Cheongung-I system (which translates to "Blue Sky") has been completely upgraded, and now it has become Cheongung-II — much more powerful and intelligent. Now it's not just an anti-aircraft gun, but a real multi-purpose system capable of intercepting both enemy aircraft and ballistic missiles, including those that can come from North Korea.

This was officially announced on Monday by the Office of Defense Procurement Programs (DAPA), the main supplier of weapons to the South Korean army. According to them, the updated system has already begun to enter the army and is undergoing initial deployment. It will be fully operational at 100% by 2027.

What's cool about Cheongung-II? First, she sees further and more accurately: improved radars and guidance systems allow her to detect targets earlier and react faster. Secondly, the new interceptor missiles can operate at different altitudes, from low-flying drones to medium-range ballistic missiles. This is critically important considering how many times North Korea has tested missiles in recent years.

In addition, the system is better integrated with other components of South Korea's air defense, including the American THAAD and Patriot complexes, which creates a multi-layered defense. If one system misses the target, the other will intercept it.

This modernization is a direct response to the growing threat from the north. Cheongung II is not just an upgrade, but a step towards full independence in defense matters. Seoul is becoming less dependent on other people's technologies and is building its own reliable protection system.