TOPIC

Defence

Defence
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Defence. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Visitors stand next to a prototype of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s most advanced stealth fighter jet, at an air show at Yelahanka air base in Bengaluru, India, in February. Photo: Reuters
India

India on path to weapons self-sufficiency but still lags behind China: experts

Even as India focuses on developing indigenous defence capabilities, experts say it needs to build up its arsenal to prepare for ‘two-front war’.

7
China-Philippines relations

Chinese aircraft carriers’ Pacific presence sparks warnings for Philippines

5
India-Pakistan tensions

After the ceasefire, leaders of India and Pakistan seek cover under their flags

videocam
Middle East

Damage to Iran nuclear sites from Israel’s strikes appears limited: experts

The destruction of underground facilities at Natanz and Fordow may not be possible without US military support and bunker buster bombs.

videocam
12
A satellite image shows the tunnel complex near the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran in January. Image: Maxar Technologies via Reuters
Middle East

Iran strikes back at Israel, sending Middle East tensions soaring

Tehran’s missile barrage retaliates for Israeli strikes on its nuclear programme and military command.

94
Middle East

Did Pentagon pizza theory predict Israel’s deadly attack on Iran?

A social media account monitoring food deliveries in the area also noted ‘abnormally low traffic’ at a gay bar near the US military HQ.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Science

China’s landmark orbital refuelling mission: why US spy satellites hover nearby

Shijian-25 is expected to use its robotic arms to latch onto Shijian-21 and replenish its fuel.

videocam
A Long March-3B rocket carrying the Shijian-25, blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in southwest China in January. Photo: Xinhua
The Philippines

‘Any time, any place’: Philippine army to be deployed to South China Sea islands

Manila aims to boost the Philippine military’s capacity to coordinate across its services and counter China’s maritime assertiveness.

Japan

Japan warns of collision risks after Chinese fighter jet manoeuvres

Such actions by the Chinese jet should be viewed as ‘threats’, as any error could escalate tensions in the Pacific, analysts say.

8
India-Pakistan tensions

Crypto, China, critical minerals: inside Pakistan army chief’s US visit

South Asian country’s most powerful figure seeks bilateral reset after armed conflict with India and as US concern rises over its China ties.

videocam
General Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief, prays after laying a wreath during a ceremony in Rawalpindi. Photo: AFP/Pakistan’s Inter Services Public Relations
US-China relations

Pentagon chief assures lawmakers on review of US-Britain-Australia pact

‘Congress will be involved’ in 30-day assessment of Aukus alliance formed to counter Beijing’s regional clout, defence secretary testifies.

videocam
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth fields questions during a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee in Washington on Thursday. Photo: AP
Pakistan

Pakistan eyes more Chinese weapon systems after ‘clear-cut victory over India’

Islamabad is looking to buy more Chinese warplanes and anti-ballistic missile systems to deter future Indian attacks, analysts say.

videocam
19
Aukus alliance

Trump puts submarine pact in rough waters as China touts strength

The Trump administration is reviewing the Aukus submarine accord with the UK and Australia, while Chinese aircraft carriers are charting new courses.

China-Philippines relations

Philippines’ Marcos softens stance amid economic pressures but will China bite?

The Philippine president’s close ties with the US could prove a stumbling block to better relations with Beijing, observers say.

videocam
4
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr addresses a press conference at the Malacanang presidential palace on June 4. Photo: AFP
South China Sea

Chinese vessel grounding: concern in Philippines over new grey-zone tactic

Experts say China could be ‘testing’ the Philippines’ operational response amid mounting pressure over Manila’s recent defence partnerships.

videocam
A video image shows a Chinese vessel passing through shallow waters off Philippine-occupied Thitu Island in the disputed South China Sea on June 7. Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines, Public Affairs Office via AP
Australia

Australia ‘confident’ Trump won’t sink Aukus deal after review

Defence Minister Richard Marles downplayed the move, while ex-leader Scott Morrison said Canberra should ‘make the case again’ for the treaty.

videocam
Japan

Is Japan’s increased surveillance of remote islands a link to China activity?

Deployments may be to islands already with radar capabilities, but experts say the plan is not a response to recent Chinese maritime presence.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Middle East

US pulling some personnel from Middle East as Iran tensions rise

Tensions in the region have been rising as US-Iran nuclear talks appear to have hit an impasse.

The US embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. File photo: Reuters
Donald Trump

Trump admin launches review of Aukus submarine pact with Australia and UK

The move is likely to alarm Australia, which sees the submarines as critical to its defence as tensions grow over China’s military build-up.

videocam
13
US-China relations

Opinion | Why US defence chief’s attack on China won’t find favour in Southeast Asia

The US is playing up the ‘China threat’ and wants allies in Asia to increase defence spending, but it may find this to be a hard sell.

videocam
Ukraine war

Ukraine receives more than 1,200 fallen soldiers’ bodies from Russia

The soldiers died in battles across Kursk and several Ukrainian regions, according to an organisation involved in retrieving military casualties.

A man holds a portrait of his missing or captured son during the arrival of freed injured and severely wounded Ukrainian POWs on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
Los Angeles protests

Protests to parades: Trump in a military mindset as troops hit US streets

US president touts intervention in cities like Los Angeles while preparing for a massive show of force in the capital.

videocam
US President Donald Trump arriving at Fort Bragg on Marine One on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
South Korea

South Korea silences propaganda loudspeakers in bid to ‘restore trust’ with North

The South resumed loudspeaker broadcasts in June 2024 after a pause, responding to North Korea’s trash-laden balloon campaign.

Los Angeles protests

Trump vows to ‘liberate’ LA, warns protests at military parade will be met with force

In a speech at one of the biggest US military bases, the president called demonstrators ‘animals’ and LA protests a ‘foreign invasion’.

videocam
US-China relations

EU in Latin America touts itself as ‘just’ partner amid US-China rivalry

Speaking in Brazil and aiming bloc’s message at Global South, senior envoy also extols shared agenda for green and digital transition.

Senior European Union official Brian Glynn (left) speaks at the Forte de Copacabana International Security Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday, as German lawmaker Roland Theis listens. Photo: SCMP
Los Angeles protests

Hegseth grilled over LA troop deployment, estimated to cost US$134 million

The Pentagon chief defended the decision to send in the National Guard and the Marines amid protests over immigration raids.

videocam
7
Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies before the House Committee on Appropriations subcommittee oversight hearing on the Department of Defense, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
United States

Opinion | Asia is becoming more multipolar but not because of US decline

The Trump administration’s unclear foreign policy aims are prompting US partners to look beyond security alignment with Washington alone.

videocam
South China Sea

Living in China’s shadow has become ‘very dangerous’ for Filipino islanders

Filipino forces and villagers in the South China Sea face isolation and territorial tensions as they resist China’s growing dominance.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement