AI-controlled F-16s seen as likely to give the US an edge with their better manoeuvrability, though observers say it might be years before they appear in combat.
From Belgrade embassy bombing being China’s ‘wake-up’ call to modernise military to Japan’s friendship marriage, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.
The ‘routine’ operation on Wednesday passed without incident but comes as independence-leaning Lai heads to May 20 presidential inauguration.
The 25th anniversary of the ‘humiliating’ air strike is marked with a promise from Xi Jinping that it will never be forgotten.
The country’s most advanced aircraft carrier achieves ‘expected results’ in eight-day test of its power and electrical systems, Xinhua reports.
Foreign ministry says PLA aircraft warned off an Australian helicopter that was ‘disrupting’ a Chinese exercise.
South Korea’s durable K9 howitzers have attracted interest from Hanoi as it seeks to diversify from Russian arms.
Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines says joint exercises show ‘China definitely wants Russia to be working with them and we see no reason why [Russia] wouldn’t’.
House Armed Services Committee hears Washington’s concerns that Moscow plans to arm a satellite with an ‘indiscriminate’ device.
No aircraft were visible on the carrier’s deck in official images and videos, with testing of its electromagnetic launch catapults expected in later trials.
The warship is China’s first to use an advanced electromagnetic catapult that allows fighters to be launched more frequently.
Contract for Hangor-class vessels was signed in 2015 during a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Senior Colonel Zhou Bo shares his insights on global and regional challenges, based on long experience in military diplomacy.
Manila must know there is a ‘price to pay’ if it seeks second arbitration over Beijing’s claims, founding president of National Institute for South China Sea Studies tells symposium on 2016 ruling.
A shortage of domestic industrial capacity and concerns about China’s dominance are behind courting of Asian allies’ shipyards, analysts say.
Island’s military chief says America has ‘taken many steps’ to hasten the delivery of outstanding weapons orders.
‘Our interaction is important for strategic stability on the planet,’ Dong Jun says after meeting with Sergey Shoigu; both chiefs back continued military cooperation.
Central Asian region faces ‘complex’ security situation, Chinese defence minister says in meeting with Kazakh president in Astana.
While visiting Chongqing’s Army Medical University, Xi says China needs ‘new generation of red military doctors’ and stresses importance of improved training, logistical support and specialised battlefield medicine as Beijing steps up war readiness.
Head of US space command warns that China’s space development is make its terrestrial forces ‘more precise, more lethal and more far ranging’.
While Philippines was absent from forum, members passed updated Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea, a non-binding multilateral agreement.