US commander says China has failed to coerce rivals in South China Sea
Adm. Stephen Koehler gave assurances of U.S. commitment to help defend freedom of passage and the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region.
Asia Pacific
Japan starts deploying Osprey fleet at a new base with an eye on China
The military buildup is meant as a deterrence to China’s increasingly assertive maritime actions in the area.
South Korea backtracks over follow-on Apache helicopter buy
Officials cite cost and perceived tactical vulnerabilities as reasons behind the change of heart.
New Zealand will ‘look to the stars’ with first military space unit
The squadron’s initial focus will be on monitoring, analyzing and understanding space activity to safeguard national and international interests.
Setting the scene: Army to test new hub for stockpiling in Australia
The Army is establishing major sites to shelter equipment that could be used during war, humanitarian crises or natural disasters in the Pacific theater.
Filipino military pushes naval base upgrades, fearing Chinese spying
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro wants to speed up work at Balabac Island, a joint Air Force and Navy base in the southern end of Palawan province.
India buys drones, air defense weapons following aerial Pakistan fight
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Operation Sindoor is now the nation’s established policy in the fight against terrorism."
US Army tailoring Pacific commands for Multi-Domain force
To build capability that will contribute to deterring China, the Army is up-gunning its Multi-Domain Command structure.
Japan conducts first domestic missile test
The test comes as the country accelerates its military buildup to deter increasingly assertive China.
South Korea’s new leaders seek continuity on key defense issues
Washington is reportedly reassessing defense cost-sharing agreements with South Korea, and Trump may want significant increases to Seoul’s contributions.
Images show new North Korea uranium enrichment plant, analysts say
The facility has been referenced by the UN system’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency.
First KAAN export prospect: Turkey to deliver 48 jets to Indonesia
The signing of the agreement was announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on June 11 in a post on X.
Tech transfer pledge steers Thailand to pick Sweden’s Gripen warplane
Bangkok now gains intellectual property rights for Link-T’s unrestricted use and expansion.
Philippines orders 12 more FA-50 combat jets from South Korea
Manila has actively purchased frigates, corvettes, aircraft and weapons from South Korean defense firms to modernize its armed forces.
Vendors line up to fill Japan’s F-35 pilot training gap
Tokyo is currently mulling its options for new advanced jet trainers.
Philippines defense boss throws cold water on large F-16 buy from US
“As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing on the table for me to consider,” Gilberto Teodoro said in an interview.
‘Imminent’ threat? Hegseth escalates tone on China in key Asia speech
The assessment is a major departure for the U.S. government, and it came with a nudge that nations must choose between Washington and Beijing.
