Mike Casey
@mcasey21.bsky.social
Defense Analyst | Write about China political-military issues, C4ISR, AI & defense policy on Substack. Ex DIA. Opinions are my own.
ordersandobservations.substack.com
ordersandobservations.substack.com
Pinned
Mike Casey
@mcasey21.bsky.social
· Aug 19
PLA Parade Preview: What to Watch For
Analyzing the new capabilities and strategic signals of the PLA's 2025 parade.
ordersandobservations.substack.com
China's 3 Sept PLA parade preview is up on Orders & Observations. I break down what rehearsals already revealed and what to watch next. Thanks to the OSINT community for the images and tips. Read: ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/pla-parade...
China's 3 Sept PLA parade preview is up on Orders & Observations. I break down what rehearsals already revealed and what to watch next. Thanks to the OSINT community for the images and tips. Read: ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/pla-parade...
PLA Parade Preview: What to Watch For
Analyzing the new capabilities and strategic signals of the PLA's 2025 parade.
ordersandobservations.substack.com
August 19, 2025 at 5:48 PM
China's 3 Sept PLA parade preview is up on Orders & Observations. I break down what rehearsals already revealed and what to watch next. Thanks to the OSINT community for the images and tips. Read: ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/pla-parade...
New paid Substack drop: ISR fundamentals + an ISR Sensor Phenomenology cheat sheet. The deck covers doctrine, intel process, TPED/PCPAD, & targeting, & compares U.S./PLA/Russia. Next up: Computers. Ideas welcome. ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/paid-drop-...
Paid Drop 4: ISR Fundamentals and an ISR Sensor Cheat Sheet
Welcome to the next paid-subscriber release for Orders and Observations. This post includes two products:
ordersandobservations.substack.com
August 15, 2025 at 5:20 PM
New paid Substack drop: ISR fundamentals + an ISR Sensor Phenomenology cheat sheet. The deck covers doctrine, intel process, TPED/PCPAD, & targeting, & compares U.S./PLA/Russia. Next up: Computers. Ideas welcome. ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/paid-drop-...
Reposted by Mike Casey
China is building a launch on warning nuclear early-warning enterprise. My new piece maps Huoyan/TJS GEO coverage and LPARs, explains Base 26 TT&C and Base 37 fusion, and traces warning flows over ISF networks. It also assesses escalation risks. ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/chinas-nuc...
China's Nuclear Early-Warning Architecture
Satellites, radars, and command networks behind early-warning counterstrike.
ordersandobservations.substack.com
August 12, 2025 at 9:33 PM
China is building a launch on warning nuclear early-warning enterprise. My new piece maps Huoyan/TJS GEO coverage and LPARs, explains Base 26 TT&C and Base 37 fusion, and traces warning flows over ISF networks. It also assesses escalation risks. ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/chinas-nuc...
China is building a launch on warning nuclear early-warning enterprise. My new piece maps Huoyan/TJS GEO coverage and LPARs, explains Base 26 TT&C and Base 37 fusion, and traces warning flows over ISF networks. It also assesses escalation risks. ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/chinas-nuc...
China's Nuclear Early-Warning Architecture
Satellites, radars, and command networks behind early-warning counterstrike.
ordersandobservations.substack.com
August 12, 2025 at 9:33 PM
China is building a launch on warning nuclear early-warning enterprise. My new piece maps Huoyan/TJS GEO coverage and LPARs, explains Base 26 TT&C and Base 37 fusion, and traces warning flows over ISF networks. It also assesses escalation risks. ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/chinas-nuc...
Reposted by Mike Casey
China is tightening nuclear command under Xi and moving toward launch-on-warning. My new article explains the changes and their strategic implications. Read it here: ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/chinas-evo...
China's Evolving Nuclear Command and Control for Launch-on-Warning
A Look at the New C2 Architecture and Doctrine Behind China's Move to "Early Warning Counterstrike."
ordersandobservations.substack.com
August 7, 2025 at 6:43 PM
China is tightening nuclear command under Xi and moving toward launch-on-warning. My new article explains the changes and their strategic implications. Read it here: ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/chinas-evo...
China is tightening nuclear command under Xi and moving toward launch-on-warning. My new article explains the changes and their strategic implications. Read it here: ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/chinas-evo...
China's Evolving Nuclear Command and Control for Launch-on-Warning
A Look at the New C2 Architecture and Doctrine Behind China's Move to "Early Warning Counterstrike."
ordersandobservations.substack.com
August 7, 2025 at 6:43 PM
China is tightening nuclear command under Xi and moving toward launch-on-warning. My new article explains the changes and their strategic implications. Read it here: ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/chinas-evo...
Reposted by Mike Casey
New article up! China’s HF/DF network: physics, footprint (Spratlys, Hainan, mainland, Cuba), C2 after SSF, and how HF/DF cues a CSG kill chain. I close with limits and counters for the U.S. and allies. Read: ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-plas-h...
The PLA's High-Frequency Direction Finding Network
A Key Enabler for China's Long-Range Surveillance and Targeting Capabilities
ordersandobservations.substack.com
July 29, 2025 at 8:11 PM
New article up! China’s HF/DF network: physics, footprint (Spratlys, Hainan, mainland, Cuba), C2 after SSF, and how HF/DF cues a CSG kill chain. I close with limits and counters for the U.S. and allies. Read: ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-plas-h...
New article up! China’s HF/DF network: physics, footprint (Spratlys, Hainan, mainland, Cuba), C2 after SSF, and how HF/DF cues a CSG kill chain. I close with limits and counters for the U.S. and allies. Read: ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-plas-h...
The PLA's High-Frequency Direction Finding Network
A Key Enabler for China's Long-Range Surveillance and Targeting Capabilities
ordersandobservations.substack.com
July 29, 2025 at 8:11 PM
New article up! China’s HF/DF network: physics, footprint (Spratlys, Hainan, mainland, Cuba), C2 after SSF, and how HF/DF cues a CSG kill chain. I close with limits and counters for the U.S. and allies. Read: ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-plas-h...
Paid Drop 2 is up on my Substack: Session 2 of my C4ISR primer on command and control + a working China ISR satellites cheat sheet (v1.0). Screenshots in the post, full PDFs for download. Feedback and corrections welcome. #China #C4ISR
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/paid-drop-...
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/paid-drop-...
Paid Drop 2: C2 fundamentals and a China ISR satellites cheat sheet (v1.0)
C4ISR Brown Bag Session 2 on command and control, plus a living PLA ISR satellite catalog for paid subscribers.
ordersandobservations.substack.com
July 25, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Paid Drop 2 is up on my Substack: Session 2 of my C4ISR primer on command and control + a working China ISR satellites cheat sheet (v1.0). Screenshots in the post, full PDFs for download. Feedback and corrections welcome. #China #C4ISR
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/paid-drop-...
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/paid-drop-...
Reposted by Mike Casey
Guowang is taking shape as a PLA C4ISR backbone: Q/V-band links, laser ISLs, split ISF–ASF control, a mapped TT&C/C2 architecture, an ASBM kill-chain vignette, ITU deadline math, and a Starlink/OneWeb/PWSA comparison—full piece here: ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-milita...
The Military Implications of China's Guowang Megaconstellation
Architecture, Ambition, and the PLA's Future in Low-Earth Orbit
ordersandobservations.substack.com
July 22, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Guowang is taking shape as a PLA C4ISR backbone: Q/V-band links, laser ISLs, split ISF–ASF control, a mapped TT&C/C2 architecture, an ASBM kill-chain vignette, ITU deadline math, and a Starlink/OneWeb/PWSA comparison—full piece here: ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-milita...
Guowang is taking shape as a PLA C4ISR backbone: Q/V-band links, laser ISLs, split ISF–ASF control, a mapped TT&C/C2 architecture, an ASBM kill-chain vignette, ITU deadline math, and a Starlink/OneWeb/PWSA comparison—full piece here: ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-milita...
The Military Implications of China's Guowang Megaconstellation
Architecture, Ambition, and the PLA's Future in Low-Earth Orbit
ordersandobservations.substack.com
July 22, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Guowang is taking shape as a PLA C4ISR backbone: Q/V-band links, laser ISLs, split ISF–ASF control, a mapped TT&C/C2 architecture, an ASBM kill-chain vignette, ITU deadline math, and a Starlink/OneWeb/PWSA comparison—full piece here: ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-milita...
Reposted by Mike Casey
My latest article is up! I examine China’s development of passive radar, a key counter-stealth technology designed to neutralize the foundational advantage of U.S. airpower. ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/passive-de...
Passive Detection and China's Counter-Stealth Radar Capabilities
How Beijing is Leveraging Passive Radar to Challenge America's Stealth Advantage
ordersandobservations.substack.com
July 14, 2025 at 2:28 PM
My latest article is up! I examine China’s development of passive radar, a key counter-stealth technology designed to neutralize the foundational advantage of U.S. airpower. ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/passive-de...
My latest article is up! I examine China’s development of passive radar, a key counter-stealth technology designed to neutralize the foundational advantage of U.S. airpower. ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/passive-de...
Passive Detection and China's Counter-Stealth Radar Capabilities
How Beijing is Leveraging Passive Radar to Challenge America's Stealth Advantage
ordersandobservations.substack.com
July 14, 2025 at 2:28 PM
My latest article is up! I examine China’s development of passive radar, a key counter-stealth technology designed to neutralize the foundational advantage of U.S. airpower. ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/passive-de...
Reposted by Mike Casey
My new article is up: China’s military SATCOM—from Shentong and Fenghuo to the 13,000-satellite Guowang—now links Beijing to forces worldwide. I chart the satellites, ground stations, and vulnerabilities. Read on Orders and Observations.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/chinas-mil...
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/chinas-mil...
China's Military Satellite Communications
PLA SATCOM Infrastructure, C2, and Operational Employment
ordersandobservations.substack.com
July 2, 2025 at 7:15 PM
My new article is up: China’s military SATCOM—from Shentong and Fenghuo to the 13,000-satellite Guowang—now links Beijing to forces worldwide. I chart the satellites, ground stations, and vulnerabilities. Read on Orders and Observations.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/chinas-mil...
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/chinas-mil...
My new article is up: China’s military SATCOM—from Shentong and Fenghuo to the 13,000-satellite Guowang—now links Beijing to forces worldwide. I chart the satellites, ground stations, and vulnerabilities. Read on Orders and Observations.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/chinas-mil...
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/chinas-mil...
China's Military Satellite Communications
PLA SATCOM Infrastructure, C2, and Operational Employment
ordersandobservations.substack.com
July 2, 2025 at 7:15 PM
My new article is up: China’s military SATCOM—from Shentong and Fenghuo to the 13,000-satellite Guowang—now links Beijing to forces worldwide. I chart the satellites, ground stations, and vulnerabilities. Read on Orders and Observations.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/chinas-mil...
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/chinas-mil...
Reposted by Mike Casey
How does the PLA plan to employ drone swarms & loyal wingman aircraft in future conflict?
Part 2 of my series on PLA autonomous airpower analyzes its plans to counter the U.S. in a Taiwan contingency.
#PLA #China #drones #military #IndoPacific
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/an-operati...
Part 2 of my series on PLA autonomous airpower analyzes its plans to counter the U.S. in a Taiwan contingency.
#PLA #China #drones #military #IndoPacific
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/an-operati...
An Operational Assessment of PLA Autonomous Airpower
Deconstructing the Doctrine, CONOPS, and Core Challenges of China's Manned-Unmanned Force
ordersandobservations.substack.com
June 27, 2025 at 4:34 PM
How does the PLA plan to employ drone swarms & loyal wingman aircraft in future conflict?
Part 2 of my series on PLA autonomous airpower analyzes its plans to counter the U.S. in a Taiwan contingency.
#PLA #China #drones #military #IndoPacific
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/an-operati...
Part 2 of my series on PLA autonomous airpower analyzes its plans to counter the U.S. in a Taiwan contingency.
#PLA #China #drones #military #IndoPacific
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/an-operati...
How does the PLA plan to employ drone swarms & loyal wingman aircraft in future conflict?
Part 2 of my series on PLA autonomous airpower analyzes its plans to counter the U.S. in a Taiwan contingency.
#PLA #China #drones #military #IndoPacific
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/an-operati...
Part 2 of my series on PLA autonomous airpower analyzes its plans to counter the U.S. in a Taiwan contingency.
#PLA #China #drones #military #IndoPacific
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/an-operati...
An Operational Assessment of PLA Autonomous Airpower
Deconstructing the Doctrine, CONOPS, and Core Challenges of China's Manned-Unmanned Force
ordersandobservations.substack.com
June 27, 2025 at 4:34 PM
How does the PLA plan to employ drone swarms & loyal wingman aircraft in future conflict?
Part 2 of my series on PLA autonomous airpower analyzes its plans to counter the U.S. in a Taiwan contingency.
#PLA #China #drones #military #IndoPacific
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/an-operati...
Part 2 of my series on PLA autonomous airpower analyzes its plans to counter the U.S. in a Taiwan contingency.
#PLA #China #drones #military #IndoPacific
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/an-operati...
Reposted by Mike Casey
NEW on Orders and Observations: How do Chinese drone swarms actually work?
My new article is a technical deep dive into the C4ISR architecture behind PLA autonomous airpower.
Part 1 of 2.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-c4isr-...
#C4ISR #drones #China #PLA #militarytech
My new article is a technical deep dive into the C4ISR architecture behind PLA autonomous airpower.
Part 1 of 2.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-c4isr-...
#C4ISR #drones #China #PLA #militarytech
The C4ISR Architecture Behind China's Autonomous Airpower
The Datalinks, Hardware, and Algorithms Enabling the PLA's Autonomous Kill Web and How They Compare to U.S. Efforts.
ordersandobservations.substack.com
June 20, 2025 at 9:59 PM
NEW on Orders and Observations: How do Chinese drone swarms actually work?
My new article is a technical deep dive into the C4ISR architecture behind PLA autonomous airpower.
Part 1 of 2.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-c4isr-...
#C4ISR #drones #China #PLA #militarytech
My new article is a technical deep dive into the C4ISR architecture behind PLA autonomous airpower.
Part 1 of 2.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-c4isr-...
#C4ISR #drones #China #PLA #militarytech
NEW on Orders and Observations: How do Chinese drone swarms actually work?
My new article is a technical deep dive into the C4ISR architecture behind PLA autonomous airpower.
Part 1 of 2.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-c4isr-...
#C4ISR #drones #China #PLA #militarytech
My new article is a technical deep dive into the C4ISR architecture behind PLA autonomous airpower.
Part 1 of 2.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-c4isr-...
#C4ISR #drones #China #PLA #militarytech
The C4ISR Architecture Behind China's Autonomous Airpower
The Datalinks, Hardware, and Algorithms Enabling the PLA's Autonomous Kill Web and How They Compare to U.S. Efforts.
ordersandobservations.substack.com
June 20, 2025 at 9:59 PM
NEW on Orders and Observations: How do Chinese drone swarms actually work?
My new article is a technical deep dive into the C4ISR architecture behind PLA autonomous airpower.
Part 1 of 2.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-c4isr-...
#C4ISR #drones #China #PLA #militarytech
My new article is a technical deep dive into the C4ISR architecture behind PLA autonomous airpower.
Part 1 of 2.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-c4isr-...
#C4ISR #drones #China #PLA #militarytech
How do you build the digital ‘brain’ to defeat a hypersonic missile?
My new Substack post looks at the command and control (C2) and data fusion architecture behind the “Golden Dome”initiative, examining both the key systems and challenges.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/golden-dom...
My new Substack post looks at the command and control (C2) and data fusion architecture behind the “Golden Dome”initiative, examining both the key systems and challenges.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/golden-dom...
Golden Dome’s Digital Brain
Inside the command and data fusion systems connecting sensors to shooters for hypersonic defense.
ordersandobservations.substack.com
June 12, 2025 at 3:11 PM
How do you build the digital ‘brain’ to defeat a hypersonic missile?
My new Substack post looks at the command and control (C2) and data fusion architecture behind the “Golden Dome”initiative, examining both the key systems and challenges.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/golden-dom...
My new Substack post looks at the command and control (C2) and data fusion architecture behind the “Golden Dome”initiative, examining both the key systems and challenges.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/golden-dom...
Reposted by Mike Casey
Reposted by Mike Casey
My latest analysis is out!
I take a deep dive into the “Golden Dome” initiative and the complex sensor architecture designed to track the next generation of hypersonic threats.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-isr-se...
#C4ISR #MissileDefense #Hypersonics #MilitaryTech
I take a deep dive into the “Golden Dome” initiative and the complex sensor architecture designed to track the next generation of hypersonic threats.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-isr-se...
#C4ISR #MissileDefense #Hypersonics #MilitaryTech
The ISR Sensors Behind Golden Dome
The U.S. is fielding an ambitious sensor network to counter hypersonic weapons. I look at the technology behind it, as well as the challenges of physics, data, and strategy that stand in the way.
ordersandobservations.substack.com
June 7, 2025 at 6:10 PM
My latest analysis is out!
I take a deep dive into the “Golden Dome” initiative and the complex sensor architecture designed to track the next generation of hypersonic threats.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-isr-se...
#C4ISR #MissileDefense #Hypersonics #MilitaryTech
I take a deep dive into the “Golden Dome” initiative and the complex sensor architecture designed to track the next generation of hypersonic threats.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-isr-se...
#C4ISR #MissileDefense #Hypersonics #MilitaryTech
My latest analysis is out!
I take a deep dive into the “Golden Dome” initiative and the complex sensor architecture designed to track the next generation of hypersonic threats.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-isr-se...
#C4ISR #MissileDefense #Hypersonics #MilitaryTech
I take a deep dive into the “Golden Dome” initiative and the complex sensor architecture designed to track the next generation of hypersonic threats.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-isr-se...
#C4ISR #MissileDefense #Hypersonics #MilitaryTech
The ISR Sensors Behind Golden Dome
The U.S. is fielding an ambitious sensor network to counter hypersonic weapons. I look at the technology behind it, as well as the challenges of physics, data, and strategy that stand in the way.
ordersandobservations.substack.com
June 7, 2025 at 6:10 PM
My latest analysis is out!
I take a deep dive into the “Golden Dome” initiative and the complex sensor architecture designed to track the next generation of hypersonic threats.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-isr-se...
#C4ISR #MissileDefense #Hypersonics #MilitaryTech
I take a deep dive into the “Golden Dome” initiative and the complex sensor architecture designed to track the next generation of hypersonic threats.
ordersandobservations.substack.com/p/the-isr-se...
#C4ISR #MissileDefense #Hypersonics #MilitaryTech
(1/2) Some thoughts on C2 with D-Day 81 years ago today. Eisenhower's SHAEF demonstrated sophisticated command architecture: Montgomery dual-hatted as 21st Army Group & Allied land forces cmdr, controlling Bradley's 1st Army during Neptune phase. Clean delineation of strategic vs tactical authority.
June 7, 2025 at 3:30 AM
(1/2) Some thoughts on C2 with D-Day 81 years ago today. Eisenhower's SHAEF demonstrated sophisticated command architecture: Montgomery dual-hatted as 21st Army Group & Allied land forces cmdr, controlling Bradley's 1st Army during Neptune phase. Clean delineation of strategic vs tactical authority.