Iran war may force US to shift missile defenses from South Korea, Seoul says
The U.S. Army operates only a small number of THAAD batteries across the world, meaning a deployment can affect multiple theaters.
Asia Pacific
Japan shrugs off GCAP delays, fast-tracks export rules for future warplane
Reports indicate that costs have tripled, but it’s unclear if the Japanese government under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi would augment this year’s budget.
Australia deploys early-warning aircraft to the Middle East amid Iran attacks
Australian leaders have said the country won’t be a protagonist in Israel and U.S. combat operations.
Two Iranian warships take sanctuary in India and Sri Lanka
The sinking of an Iranian warship by a U.S. Navy submarine last week became a diplomatic embarrassment for New Delhi.
Opinion
Diego Garcia base access: Getting past the misinformation
There have been many twists and turns over the years in this dispute, including Trump’s differences with Starmer over Greenland and Iran.
Australian submariners have a brush with Iran war
“It would be quite straightforward to not be on the consoles or in the control room" during a recent U.S. submarine torpedo kill, said one analyst.
China amps up its 2026 defense budget by 7% amid purge of generals
The top table reserved for the Central Military Commission – the leading body in charge of China’s military apparatus – was manned by just two people.
US submarine sinks Iranian ship in first torpedo kill since WWII, Pentagon confirms
A single Mk-48 torpedo achieved "immediate effect" on an Iranian frigate, which was operating in the Indian Ocean, the Pentagon confirmed.
‘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.
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.
