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Defence
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Defence. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
US President Donald Trump announces tariffs on auto imports in the Oval Office of the White House on March 26. Photo: AFP
United States

Opinion | Trump’s Maga ambition may be more audacious than we think

Outrageous? Yes. But a United States of all Americas and including Greenland would be the first truly planetary North-South superpower.

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Ukraine war

Losing grip on Kursk, Ukraine troops make new incursion into Russia’s Belgorod

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United States

Vance slams Denmark for not keeping Greenland safe from China and Russia

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Donald Trump

Greenland forms new government hours before US VP Vance’s visit

The new majority government will be headed by pro-business Democrats leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen.

Leader of the Democrats (Demokraatit) party and Greenland’s Prime Minister-elect Jens-Frederik Nielsen at a ceremony to sign a coalition agreement, in Nuuk on Friday. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

US bolsters Philippines defence with ‘game-changer’ missiles to deter China threat

During a visit to the Philippines, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stressed alliance, deterring Beijing’s ‘aggression’ in the South China Sea.

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North Korea

Is North Korea’s nuclear submarine a game changer or ‘vanity project’?

North Korea’s first SSBN is likely to lag far behind its US and South Korean submarine rivals, analysts say.

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US-China relations

Opinion | US treatment of Indo-Pacific allies could de-escalate ties with China

Donald Trump is likely to keep projecting power in Asia but his focus on other priorities will reshape regional dynamics.

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US President Donald Trump waves to the press as he leaves a luncheon in Washington, on March 12. Photo: AP
Vladimir Putin

Trump’s plan to take over Greenland is ‘serious’, Putin says

The Russian leader is concerned that Nato countries could use the Arctic as a springboard for future conflicts.

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Ukraine war

Not all European allies agree on troops for Ukraine: Macron

France and Britain, which are driving the initiative, would forge ahead with a ‘reassurance force’ with several countries.

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China’s military drills

Beijing confirms what Taiwan already knew: PLA did drill near island last week

Days after island leader called mainland a ‘foreign hostile force’, Taiwan reported 59 PLA aircraft and 9 naval vessels nearby.

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A spokesman for the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command said of recent drills: “This is a powerful punishment for ‘Taiwan independence’ forces and a serious warning to external interference forces. It is completely legitimate and necessary”. Photo: Eastern Theatre Command
Indonesia

Indonesia military law protests signal fears of democratic erosion under Prabowo

The amended bill brought back bad memories of Suharto-era militarism, when lines between civilian and military spheres were blurred, critics said.

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Anti-riot police put up their shields as students throw stones during a protest against a revision to the armed forces law in Surabaya on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
United States

Trump’s top diplomat says adding journalist to war chat was ‘big mistake’

Meanwhile, billionaire Elon Musk has offered his tech experts to help investigate the incident, the White House says.

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Donald Trump

Vance’s Greenland trip puts spotlight on US space base at the top of the world

The remote Arctic facility protects the US against threats from Russia – the shortest route for Moscow’s missiles is via the North Pole.

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Donald Trump

Trump insists US must have Greenland, as Vance trip stokes anger

Plans for the US vice-president’s visit have already been scaled down amid backlash from local and Danish authorities.

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The US flag flies in front of the US consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, on Monday. Photo: AFP
Britain

UK halves 2025 growth forecast, confirms defence spending boost

The British economy will only grow by 1 per cent this year, half the rate previously anticipated, Treasury chief Rachel Reeves said.

People protest against possible welfare cuts, on the day British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves presents the Spring Statement to Parliament on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters
United States

Atlantic releases entire Signal chat showing US attack plans against Houthis

Text chain reveals details of US operation including start time of planned killing of Yemeni militant.

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The Philippines

Philippines set to host second Typhon unit, signalling Trump’s defence pledge

The second Typhon unit will allow more Philippine troops to train with the system and enhance the country’s sovereignty, analysts say.

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The Philippines

Philippines’ nuclear advocacy faces reality check after statement recall

As Manila’s attempt to act as a middleman in nuclear disarmament falters, analysts question its ability to influence smaller nations.

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Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr speaks to military officials in Manila on Saturday. Photo: AFP
United States

Denmark welcomes US change of plans for J.D. Vance’s Greenland visit

Washington will limit a US delegation’s visit to Greenland to a US military base after Vice-President J.D. Vance’s plans sparked criticism.

United States

‘Scary, reckless’: US allies alarmed by leaked group chat about war plans

The incident is seen as a major security breach that casts doubt on intelligence-sharing and the security of joint operations with the US.

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Ukraine war

Opinion | China has good reason to keep its peacekeepers out of Ukraine

Beijing’s strategic instinct is against military involvement even as its peacekeeping is bound to the UN framework and thus subject to Russia’s veto.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
United States

‘Don’t panic!’ Mystery sky spiral caused by SpaceX rocket fuel, experts say

The Falcon 9 rocket was carrying classified cargo on a mission for the US agency that manages the country’s military’s spy satellites.

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A picture taken in the countryside near Dalby-Viggeby, south of Uppsala, Sweden, on Monday shows a blue and white spiral in the night sky reportedly created by frozen fuel tumbling from a SpaceX rocket. Photo: Bertrand Ilhe via AFP
South China Sea

US military seen as stretched but South China Sea activity rose: paper

SCSPI think tank says US may adopt primary approach of drones or autonomous weapons to address ‘quantity anxiety’ in the contested waters.

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Germany

Opinion | Why Germany can’t afford not to spend billions on defence

For decades, Germans took Russia’s energy, China’s market and the US’ security guarantee for granted. They can’t be so complacent any more.

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Australia

Australian air force monitored Chinese navy’s live-fire drills: defence pilots

Contrary to initial reports and an opposition politician’s claims, Australian air force pilots said they weren’t blindsided by the exercise.

A P-8A Poseidon taxis during the Australian International Airshow in Avalon on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
Australia

US missiles give Australia ‘tenfold’ strike increase amid defence spending boost

Australia’s government described Himars as a ‘game changer’, as it teased a multibillion-dollar defence spending boost in Tuesday’s budget.

A US High Mobility Artillery Rocket System is launched during joint military drills in Indonesia in 2023. Photo: AFP
US-ally trade wars

Opinion | What Indo-Pacific nations must do as America retreats

With the US no longer a reliable trade and security partner, regional nations must reduce tensions with China and look to each other on defence.

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United States

‘Moment of crisis’: Trump cuts leave military veterans fuming as lay-offs hit hard

Trump’s cuts are hitting veterans hard as they face job cuts and benefit reductions, sparking backlash and political tension as Democrats push to protect their rights.

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