‘America First’ weapons-sales policy favors arming Taiwan quickly — in theory
But experts say the new U.S. strategy is unlikely to raise or lower the odds of Washington actually coming to help Taiwan if China attacks.
Asia Pacific
China’s new nuclear submarine breaks cover amid shipbuilding spree
The U.S. Navy's submarine capabilities are still considered superior, but Beijing is working hard to catch up.
Experts worry about nuclear quid pro quo in Russia-North Korea alliance against Ukraine
Analysts differ on the question of whether Moscow would trade away highly sensitive nuclear submarine technology in exchange for battlefield support.
US to send more missile launchers to the Philippines despite China’s alarm
The addition of missile launchers comes as treaty allies condemned what they called China’s “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities.”
Australia prepares for next batch of ‘Ghost Bat’ warplane buddy drones
The Royal Australian Air Force is on track to have 10 operational Ghost Bat collaborative combat aircraft by 2028.
Philippines still eying F-16s, but costs are causing political headaches
A deal for new fighter jets is in limbo while officials in Manila seek ways to break the fiscal deadlock that has hounded the program.
India clears the way for landmark deal to acquire French Rafale jets
“India sees a kindred spirit in France because France also has always talked about retaining strategic autonomy," one analyst said.
China’s new maritime combat drone poised for global success: analysts
Beijing is positioning itself as a drone provider for certain countries, while the country's next-gen fighter jet faces more uncertain export prospects.
The US Army’s quiet rotation in the Philippines
The U.S. Army’s rotation in the Philippines is easy to overlook. Experts say that might be the point.
Shield AI, ST Engineering join forces on fine-tuning drone swarms
The companies will use artificial intelligence to optimize the interactions of drones with drones, and drones with humans.
Singapore is in line to get its first F-35 fighters later this year
Over 300 F-35s will be present in the Asia-Pacific region by 2030, according to manufacturer Lockheed Martin.
First US warship visit to Chinese-built port in Cambodia cements new drift for Phnom Penh
The recent port call by the USS Cincinnati came amid a warming of relations with Washington after a decade of sour ties that took an unwanted toll.
Indonesia selects Italian M-346 trainer jet
The Asian country is thought to be eyeing an order of 24 M-346 jets to replace aging Hawk aircraft.
F-15 progresses in Asia, but without Indonesia
“In terms of our partnership with Indonesia, it’s no longer an active campaign for us,” a Boeing executive said Tuesday.
Singapore inks deal for ST Engineering’s Titan 8x8 vehicle
The 27-foot-long Terrex s5 can carry a 13-ton payload and accommodate 12 troops.
Russian arms makers vanish from Asia’s largest airshow
Experts say the absence reflects the country’s shrinking and increasingly concentrated arms-export industry.
India and US maintain momentum in defense ties
But India’s caution has redoubled amid the global turbulence witnessed in the past year, according to analysts.
