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Defence

Defence
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Defence. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
The J-36 is the unofficial name for a jet first seen flying over Chengdu in December 2024 and believed to be a sixth-generation fighter jet under development by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. Photo: X/Rupprecht_A
China's military weapons

Could China’s sixth-generation fighter carry a laser to defend against missiles?

Beijing expo display offers strongest public hint yet that China is developing airborne laser systems for advanced fighter aircraft.

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China's military weapons

Could mystery Shanghai vessel be a mothership for China’s underwater drones?

Indonesia

Pride or practicality? Indonesia welcomes first aircraft carrier

US, Israel war on Iran

US pivot leaves Saudi Arabia with ‘humiliating dilemma’ over Houthis

Riyadh is now working frantically to build a coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea and defend the kingdom against Houthi attacks.

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Firefighters inspect damage to a building caused by falling debris from a reported Houthi drone intercepted over Taif province, western Saudi Arabia, on Thursday. Photo: Saudi Press Agency / AP
Middle East

US approves sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia despite Israeli concerns

US says the sale would improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter ‘current and future threats’.

Donald Trump

Trump says ‘major progress’ made towards US base in Poland

Announcement comes despite a wider US review of troop levels in Europe and tensions over Nato defence spending.

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2026 Xi-Trump summits

Exclusive | China, US may unveil measures to boost military ties when Xi visits Washington

Two sides have been discussing ways to improve communication channels, according to sources familiar with the talks.

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The US and China are discussing ways to strengthen military links – a rare bright spot in the relationship. Photo: Reuters
China-Japan relations

Warning against Japan’s military build-up surfaces at Beijing security conference

Chinese scholars say Tokyo’s security expansion and US ties could trigger regional instability.

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The Philippines

Philippines’ Teodoro draws 2028 election buzz after China clash

His viral moment in Seoul has raised his profile among supporters, but analysts say weak polling and past losses remain hurdles.

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North Korea

Only ‘idiots’ expect North Korea to give up nuclear weapons: Kim Yo-jong

The powerful sister of leader Kim Jong-un says ‘familiar silly talk’ about denuclearisation will not change the country’s status.

Kim Yo Jong attends a reception in the Great Hall of People following a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan in Beijing on September 3, 2025. Photo: TNS
United States

US must prepare to fight around moon, top Trump military adviser says

General Dan Caine urges preparation to fight from the ‘seabed to cislunar space’ after US reveals deployment of space weapons.

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A full moon rises beyond an American flag. Photo: AP
Middle East

Saudis turn to Western, regional allies as missile defences run low

Regional officials say kingdom appeals to France, UK, Pakistan, and Egypt for help against Houthis amid US interceptor shortages.

India

‘Growing stronger’: India and Russia push to expand defence ties

Analysts say offers of Su-57 stealth jet tech and BrahMos upgrades signal an exit from simple buyer-seller deals.

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South Korea

South Korean court orders Pyongyang to pay US$32.5m for destroying border office

The lawsuit over the destruction of the Inter-Korean Liaison Office marks the first time Seoul has sought damages directly from the North.

A joint liaison office with South Korea in border town Kaesong, North Korea, is blown up in June 16, 2020. Photo: KCNA / Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

US military fires on boats attempting to capture sailing drone off Iran

Central Command confirms engagement off Iranian coast as Tehran claims vessels were local fishing craft.

A Saildrone Explorer unmanned surface vessel in the Arabian Gulf off Bahrain’s coast. Photo: US Central Command via AFP
Russia

Denmark says Russian frigate fired flares at helicopter

The helicopter was on a ‘routine photographic operation of a Russian frigate’ in the waters off Denmark’s southernmost town.

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United States

US has weapons deployed in orbit, Space Force says

US acknowledges offensive and defensive capabilities against potential ‘hostile adversary action’.

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Singapore

Singapore’s Chan Chun Sing to visit China, speak at defence forum

The three-day visit comes at the invitation of Chinese defence chief Dong Jun and underscores both countries’ ‘warm and friendly’ ties.

Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing speaks at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore on May 30. Photo: Singapore’s Ministry of Defence
Nato

Finland to join France’s forward nuclear deterrent

France’s initiative would extend its nuclear deterrent to other European countries through joint exercises.

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North Korea

‘Huge destructive power’: North Korea tests weapons capable of striking South

The live-fire drill tested attack drones, tactical cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles and large-calibre multiple rocket launchers.

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China's military weapons

For China, H-6N bomber enhances nuclear deterrence and second-strike capability

Country’s nuclear triad complete as airborne leg supplements intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

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The H6 is the only strategic bomber of the People’s Liberation Army. Photo: Handout
Middle East

Houthis hit Saudi base amid renewed fighting with Yemen government forces

The rebels have cemented their hold on the Bab el-Mandab Strait, which has become a key route for oil exports after Iran’s Hormuz blockade.

Houthis brandish their weapons as they rally in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa in March. Photo: TNS
European Union

Bulgaria probes explosion at weapon storage site

The facility is run by a Bulgarian arms trader whose facilities have been alleged to be the ⁠target of attacks by Russian operatives.

China's military weapons

Why PLA’s laser-equipped Type 19 vehicle could matter in a Taiwan conflict

Images appear to show amphibious platform adapted with energy weapon and extra sensors for counter-drone defence.

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North Korea

North Korea launches missile salvo after US-South Korea-Japan drills

The ballistic missiles, which flew about 250km, were fired despite Donald Trump’s recent push for talks with Kim Jong-un.

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A television screen shows a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea, on Saturday morning. Photo: AFP
Ukraine war

Opinion | What Ukraine has that Japan and Taiwan lack

Ukraine’s former defence minister is launching a new venture that could offer more than drone technology. Asia should take notes.

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A service member of the 414th Separate Unmanned Strike Aviation System Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces checks an FP-1 deep-strike drone before it launches for a combat mission, in an undisclosed location in Ukraine, in 2026. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine war

The machines fighting for men on Ukraine’s battlefront

Ukraine’s military deploys experimental unmanned vehicles to assault positions, resupply forces and rescue wounded.

Ukraine war

Canada unveils US$254 million air defence package for Ukraine

Kyiv is ‌running critically low on US-made Patriot interceptors, as Russia steps up its ballistic missile attacks.

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