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Defence

Defence
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Defence. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
German soldiers attend a ceremony at Mountain Troops Day in Mittenwald on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
Germany

Merz hits back at Trump for ridiculing Germany’s defence spending drive

The German chancellor defended Berlin’s increased military spending and highlighted his commitment to Nato targets.

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China's military weapons

Will China’s Fujian be the first carrier with anti-torpedo system to beat subs?

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Singapore

US touts regional ‘balance’ in missile sale to Singapore. What does it mean?

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China's military weapons

Could China’s containerised aircraft launcher reshape rules of modern warfare?

Details of a growing family of standard-sized weapon systems appeared on social media, along with video of an EMALS in action.

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A drone is launched from an electromagnetic catapult system using interconnected trucks that form a continuous platform. Photo: BIT/WeChat
South China Sea

Is build-up of Philippine bases for US use on track? Chinese analysts weigh in

South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative says base infrastructure expansion ‘has fallen short of expectations’.

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Singapore

Singapore to buy more Hellfire missiles after US backs US$22.3 million package

The US State Department said that the proposed sale ‘will not alter the basic military balance in the region’.

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The Philippines

Philippines’ Marcos is in Canada. What does it mean for Ottawa’s foreign policy?

While the Philippines and Canada are US allies, both are looking to expand partnerships with other middle-power countries, analysts say.

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Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty (left) and Philippine Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro take part in a signing ceremony in Ottawa on June 11. Photo: AP
Central Asia

Opinion | In today’s ‘great game’, Central Asian nations are no longer prizes to be won

Instead of being caught between great powers, the five Central Asian nations are using hegemonic rivalries to advance their own interests.

US-China relations

Alibaba sues Pentagon, rare earth truce woes: 7 US-China relations reads

From China grappling with Trump to the world’s fastest computer: highlights from our overseas correspondents in the second half of June 2026.

China-EU relations

‘World without bearings’: Lorenzi sees economic conflict and unplottable fixes

Prominent French economist warns that Europe must reach strategic pact with Beijing and enact structural reforms as global order enters volatile era.

People cool off near the Trocadero fountain in front of France’s Eiffel Tower last week during a heatwave. Jean-Herve Lorenzi, president of Le Cercle des economistes, contends that major European powers must reach a strategic agreement with China. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

Opinion | In the AI era, US-China competition hinges on who can adapt faster

In an age of disruption, power rests with whoever learns, innovates and adapts more effectively.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
India

How a potential UAE deal could reshape India’s arms export ambitions

A UAE order for BrahMos missiles would ‘validate Indian weapons in a highly competitive market’, analysts say.

United States

US State Department approves possible sale of Hellfire missiles to Singapore

The US$22.3 million deal aims to strengthen the defences of the city state, which is a key US strategic partner in Asia.

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Britain

Self-flying jets, drones, no-crew subs: UK lays out new defence plan

While PM Keir Starmer says ‘cutting-edge capabilities’ will help to deter threats, critics say the rising defence budget should be even higher.

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A drone belonging to the Ukraine military, which uses around 200,000 a month. Britain is also focusing on the machines for defence, as well as unstaffed planes and submarines. File photo: Kyodo
Japan

Japan aims to catch up on drone warfare by tapping Ukraine’s experience

Analysts say Japan wants to accelerate production of drones to protect its territory given its shortage of military manpower.

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Japanese Self-Defence Force’s SOTEN drones fly during a drill with US Marines in Yufu, Oita prefecture, Japan, on Sunday. Photo: Reuters
China's military weapons

What signal is China sending with official footage of sixth-generation fighter?

A fleeting clip of the new fighter – nicknamed ‘Little Six’ – featured in a video released by official military media over the weekend.

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Hong Kong politics

2 PLA navy ships to visit Hong Kong for 5-day port call

Residents will get a chance to board destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang during visit.

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Science

China conducts ground test of hypersonic ramjet that can change shape in flight

The graphite seal used in the Chinese breakthrough is the same one the US defence industry desperately needs.

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A Northwestern Polytechnical University hypersonic vehicle lifts off in northwestern China last year. The university’s researchers have reported a new breakthrough in graphite-sealed engine technology with implications for the US-China hypersonic race. Photo: Handout
Malaysia

Malaysia narrows hunt for replacement missiles after Norway axes contract

Turkey, South Korea and two unspecified European nations are in the frame to replace a cancelled Norwegian anti-ship missile.

Pacific nations

Vanuatu bans ‘foreign’ military bases in new security pact with Australia

The treaty is the latest in a string of Pacific deals Australia has signed seeking to curb China’s expanding security influence.

China's military weapons

How is China shaping up in the global competition to sell air defence weapons?

After Paris arms fair, analysts expect Chinese systems to do well in the Global South but question their entry into Europe.

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Eurosam’s SAMP/T NG on display at the Eurosatory defence fair in Paris. Photo: Seong Hyeon Choi
Pakistan

Pakistan rattles India with new Chinese-built stealth submarine

Half a century after a bruising naval defeat, Pakistan is signalling it can again challenge India on its eastern flank.

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PNS Hangor, the first submarine of the Chinese-built Hangor class, arrives in Karachi, Pakistan on June 11. Photo: X/DGPRPakNavy
US, Israel war on Iran

US strikes Iran after Trump says cargo ship attack violated ceasefire

US Central Command says missile, drone and radar sites were hit after Tehran was accused of targeting vessel in Strait of Hormuz.

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US, Israel war on Iran

When geography is destiny, Gulf states must diversify their defence, expert says

World Economic Forum meeting also told Iran’s leadership now views economic survival – not geopolitical ambition – as primary priority.

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United States

US and allies flex military muscle on China’s doorstep with multi-front drills

Analysts say the near-simultaneous exercises reflect a shift in US strategy that enables allies to play a greater role in regional security.

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About 10,000 personnel are taking part in Valiant Shield 2026 across Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and surrounding waters. Photo: X/US Navy
United States

Outside In | US the ultimate loser as Iran war ushers in global power upheaval

Defeated by asymmetric warfare and spurned by allies, the US has ended up boosting China’s economy and standing instead.

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US President Donald Trump arrives to deliver a speech at the Mack Trucks Lehigh Valley Operations facility in Macungie, Pennsylvania, on June 23. Photo: Getty Images via AFP
US-China relations

Asia defence spending

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Asian allies to raise military spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP at the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, saying that countries could no longer “free ride” on American taxpayers.

Malaysia

Malaysia demands US$257 million from Norwegian firm over axed missile deal

The country says it is asking Norway to mediate between the two parties so that the company can settle the claims.

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