How do Cambodia and Thailand’s militaries compare?
Cambodia had a defence budget of US$1.3 billion in 2024 and 124,300 active military personnel. Thailand, which the US classifies as a major non-Nato ally, has a large, well-funded…
DEFENCE & SECURITY
Warships from India to join Philippines in patrolling West Philippine Sea in August
An advisory of the Indian embassy on Wednesday said the South Asian nation’s guided missile destroyer INS (Indian Naval Ship) Delhi, anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kiltan,…
‘Priority is to keep Trump close to us’: Manila accepts lacklustre tariff deal
Analysts say the outcome of negotiations was underwhelming despite maintaining a strong alliance.
Indonesia, Singapore agree to enhance defence ties, including cyber
The agreement is expected to boost the two countries’ defense capabilities and support regional security.
US reaffirms defence aid for the Philippines
President Marcos on Monday met with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who hosted an enhanced honour cordon before their bilateral meeting. Sec Hegseth reiterated Washington’s…
North Korea slams Japan’s fighter jet project with UK, Italy as revival of ‘wartime alliance’
In December 2023, Japan, the UK, and Italy signed the Global Combat Air Program treaty to jointly develop a sixth-generation fighter jet. The initiative was widely seen as…
Pakistan Interior Minister discusses counterterrorism in Kabul meeting with Afghan counterpart
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Kabul on July 20 to meet Afghan counterpart Sirajuddin Haqqani. The two agreed to strengthen cooperation on…
The problem with India’s new missile gambit
India’s reported pursuit of a missile able to carry a "bunker-buster" risks a hazardous entanglement between conventional and nuclear strategies.
China rejects Japan’s defence white paper claims
A Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that Japan is "exaggerating" the "China threat" and only wants to interfere in China's internal affairs.
Nepali women aspire—and train—to join British Army. Kathmandu still says no
Without Nepal’s decision, the British can’t take in female Gurkhas to serve them. Many doubt family’s permission for these young women to serve in a foreign army will come…