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Defence

Defence
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Defence. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
The site of a Russian missile strike in the Kyiv region of Ukraine on Friday. Photo: Ukrainian Emergency Services via AP
Ukraine war

Russian attack kills 10, injures almost 100, at Ukraine defence event

A missile strike is said to have hit a training ground where a defence industry exhibition was taking place.

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Japan

Japan’s overworked defence ministry plans first new bureau since 2007

South China Sea

Beijing and Manila trade blame on second day of Scarborough Shoal clashes

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Australia

Australia ramps up Aukus funding with US$3.2 billion for nuclear submarine yard

Aukus, designed to check China’s military advance in the Indo-Pacific, is expected to cost Canberra up to US$250 billion over 30 years.

US Navy officers stand aboard the Virginia-class submarine USS Minnesota docked at HMAS Stirling in Rockingham, Western Australia, on February 26, 2025. Australia aims to acquire at least three US Virginia-class submarines. Photo: AFP
Japan

Why Japan’s fighter jet future looks ‘more optimistic’ with Canada’s entry

Analysts say the move will be ‘a starting point’ for greater cooperation among like-minded partners amid concerns about US commitment.

Taiwan

Why PLA jet sorties near Taiwan dropped to a 3-year low in first half of 2026

Beijing is shifting cross-strait military strategy, halving aerial missions and increasing coastguard patrols in the waters near the island.

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Donald Trump

US prosecutors dropping New York Times subpoenas over Trump plane reporting

The newspaper had reported that Trump left Turkey ‌on the old Air Force One because a new plane donated by Qatar lacked defensive ⁠features.

US President Donald Trump arrives at Dobbins Air Reserve Base on Air Force One on Wednesday. Photo: AP
US-China relations

Pentagon expands blacklist to include China’s top civilian universities

Fudan and Shanghai Jiao Tong join Defence Department research blacklist, extending US restrictions beyond military-linked institutions.

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Greece

Greece to build ‘Achilles Shield’ defence dome with Israeli arms

The move is part of a US$4.8 billion spending spree that includes the purchase of Heron drones, Apache missiles and Victa stealth watercraft.

Britain

Man linked to UK synagogue attacker jailed over terror plan

Mohammad Bashir, 31, had driven him on a trip to spy on the UK’s Defence Academy.

Police officers and emergency services work on the scene at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester on October 2. Photo: Xinhua
Aviation accidents

1 dead, 4 injured in Czech army helicopter crash

The Czech army bought eight helicopters and four combat helicopters from the US in 2019.

Rescuers respond at the scene of a Venom helicopter crash with five soldiers on board, at the 22nd Helicopter Air Force Base in Namest nad Oslavou, Czech Republic, on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Photo: CTK via AP
South Korea

Seoul drops ‘denuclearisation-first’ stance on Pyongyang

The long-term goal of denuclearisation remains unchanged but stymieing new developments will be South Korea’s focus.

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The Philippines

What does New Zealand bring to the Philippines’ security network?

The upgrade to a comprehensive partnership gives both countries a wider framework to deepen cooperation, analysts say.

Taiwan

Beijing conducts live-fire drills in Taiwan Strait after criticising Lai speech

Beginning of exercise coincides with completion of Beijing’s fisheries resources survey conducted in waters east of Taiwan.

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The People’s Liberation Army will conduct live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait from 6am to 6pm on Thursday and Friday, according to a mainland navigation warning. Photo: File picture/CCTV
US-China relations

US not getting enough critical minerals from China, Greer warns Senate

Remarks on minerals vital for electronics come as Marco Rubio and Wang Yi discuss upcoming meeting of leaders.

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The US is struggling to get all of the critical minerals it needs from China, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer (pictured in the Senate on Wednesday) has said. Such minerals are essential for the manufacturing of technology. Photo: Getty Images via AFP
US-China relations

Why China’s polar expedition to the Arctic Ocean has drawn US ire

Transiting the Bering Sea, research ships were closely tracked amid Washington’s concern about Beijing’s long-term strategy in the region.

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Ukraine war

Opinion | Russia’s grinding war in Ukraine shows the impotence of nuclear weapons

Having the world’s biggest nuclear arsenal has not helped Russia on the battlefield.

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Japan

Canada becomes first observer to British-Italian-Japanese GCAP fighter project

Ottawa gains front-row insight into the next-gen combat jet as it seeks to diversify ties amid Washington tensions.

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Defence ministers (fromleft) David McGuinty (Canada), Wes Streeting (Britain), Guido Crosetto (Italy) and Shinjiro Koizumi (Japan) discuss the Global Combat Air Programme at Wellington Barracks in London on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
Pacific nations

China’s missile test exposes lack of unity among Pacific island nations

While some Pacific Islands Forum members have criticised the test near Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea appears to have backtracked, analysts say.

US, Israel war on Iran

US war in Iran has cost US$37.5 billion so far, Pentagon chief Hegseth says

The defence secretary was publicly facing questions from lawmakers for the first time since the US military restarted operations in Iran.

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Ukraine war

Zelensky sacks Ukraine army chief Syrsky after days of protests

Ukraine gets a new top commander as protests over defence minister’s ouster spark the war’s biggest military shake-up.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr and Oleksandr Syrsky, who has been sacked as army chief. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

Top Chinese South Pacific security partner to let US patrol its waters

Agreement will allow US vessels to patrol with local police as Honiara expands maritime ties with Washington despite close Beijing links.

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Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has announced plans for a maritime agreement allowing the US Coast Guard to patrol the country’s waters alongside local police. Photo: EPA
US-China relations

The US mounts pressure across 3 maritime flashpoints. How should China respond?

Washington’s strategy for Taiwan Strait and East and South China seas aims to force Beijing to overextend, analysts warn.

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The Philippines

Philippines taps combat veteran to lead armed forces amid regional tensions

Lieutenant General Antonio G. Nafarrete’s career has been closely tied to the restive Mindanao region, which is preparing for polls.

South Korea

Questions resurface over South Korea defence minister’s army service

Ahn Gyu-back’s accuser claims a gap in his military record reflected an absence without leave. Ahn has called it an ‘administrative error’.

South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back speaks during a ceremony at the navy’s 2nd Fleet Command in Pyeongtaek on June 29. Photo: Yonhap/EPA
China's military weapons

Is China building a bigger support ship for its future Type 004 carrier group?

New satellite imagery offers insight into how Beijing plans to keep future strike groups supplied at sea.

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Analysts are examining satellite imagery of China’s Comec Longxue shipyard near Guangzhou for insight into how China’s navy plans to operate. Photo: Google Earth
Malaysia

Malaysia adds South China Sea eyes in the sky amid Sabah row with Philippines

Long-range radar at Swallow Reef and new drones in Labuan aim to give Malaysia better oversight of its eastern waters.

Ukraine war

Lockheed Martin launches cheaper Patriot missile as air defence demand surges

The new missiles will cost less than half that of the current ones, which are about US$4 million each, the US defence contractor says.

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