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Defence

Defence
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Defence. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A service member of the 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces walks on a road near destroyed cars, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in the frontline town of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on February 19. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine war

Russia’s inching advance in Ukraine approaches eastern fortress belt

Kostiantynivka, along with other cities in eastern Ukraine, forms part of a so-called fortress belt well-fortified against Russian attack.

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Germany

Trump-EU rift spurs Germany to boost military, add 75,000 soldiers

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Japan

Common threats help Japan, South Korea overlook historical rows

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India

Why India’s logistics pact with Russia signals its Arctic ‘footprint’ ambition

The pact allows up to ‘five warships, 10 aircraft and 3,000 troops’ to be stationed in each other’s territory for five years.

Melting ice on the North Pole in the Arctic. Photo: Getty Images
Japan

Takaichi to hold talks in Vietnam on economic security, critical minerals

Both sides are expected to discuss cooperation in areas such as energy and artificial intelligence.

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Indonesia

Video | US seeks blanket overflight access to Indonesian airspace

Internal warnings reveal a government split over risks that blanket access for US warplanes could drag Indonesia into foreign conflicts.

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United States

US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, fulfilling Trump threat

The move comes after German Chancellor Merz said the US was being ‘humiliated’ by Iran’s leadership.

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US troops take part in a town hall at Ramstein Airbase in Germany in January 2023. Photo: US Air Force
Taiwan

Why Beijing now wants its spies executed in Taiwan back in the spotlight

Mainland China is seeing a surge in interest over ‘invisible martyrs’ such as Wu Shi, a KMT defector who was executed in Taipei in 1950.

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Japan

Will Japan’s new arms export rules spark a high-end defence boom?

Updated regulations give Tokyo greater scope to sell lethal weapons overseas, prompting rebuke from China, but the industry still faces hurdles.

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Ukraine war

Ukraine sees path to Japanese arms after Tokyo eases export rules

Japan has linked Ukraine’s fate to its own security as it faces China’s growing military power.

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Ukraine’s Ambassador to Japan Yurii Lutovinov poses next to a mockup of a Ukrainian-made Vampire drone during an interview at the Ukraine Embassy in Tokyo, Japan on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
United States

Opinion | Why US may regret pushing allies towards greater defence autonomy

The challenge for US policymakers in the aftermath of Trump’s presidency may be to restore US importance among like-minded countries.

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US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walk inside after Netanyahu arrives at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida on December 29, 2025. Photo: AFP
Japan

What’s behind Japan’s novel move to share Mogami warship design with India?

Tokyo has offered to give Delhi the plans to its US$500-million Mogami-class ship so that it can be built in India using Japanese materials.

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US-China relations

US lawmakers warn China is top space rival as race to the moon intensifies

Beijing is using space for ‘diplomacy and influence’, US lawmakers claim amid growing competition with Washington.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war price tag hits US$25 billion as Hegseth defends record Pentagon budget

Disclosure to Congress comes as the defence chief faces mounting Democratic criticism over spending priorities and strategy.

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Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth at Wednesday’s House Armed Services Committee hearing. Photo: AP
Russia

Russia to hold equipment-free Red Square parade as Ukraine war grinds on

Moscow will exclude military equipment from its May 9 celebrations, citing ‘Ukrainian terrorist activity’.

Russian servicemen at last year’s Victory Day military parade. Photo: EPA
US, Israel war on Iran

Will Israel’s use of Iron Dome to aid Arab neighbour recalibrate Mideast defence?

Reported deployment ‘on UAE soil represents a qualitatively different level of trust and coordination’, analyst says.

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Japan

As I see it | A remilitarised Japan threatens more than just China

As Japan expands its defence posture with the backing of major allies, its leaders seek to portray Beijing’s objections as an overreaction.

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United States

US and Nato in frustrating ‘marriage crisis’, Belgian defence minister says

Theo Francken believed the strained transatlantic relationship should remain ‘united’, although sometimes Nato ‘can be a paper tiger’.

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Nato headquarters in Brussels. Photo: AP
South Korea

Why South Korea’s Lee is urging ‘mutual respect’ diplomacy amid US tensions

The president’s remarks and emphasis on a self-reliant defence posture may signal Seoul’s efforts to diversify its global partners, analysts say.

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US-China relations

Trump’s Golden Dome targets China’s ‘hypersonic weapons, cruise missiles’

US president’s US$185 billion missile defence shield to counter Chinese, Russian missile arsenals, a senior Pentagon official told Congress.

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Diplomacy

Opinion | Without diplomacy, deterrence in Asia is a path to escalation

The danger is that every state insists it is acting defensively while collectively building the habits and infrastructure of confrontation.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Nato

Nato considers end to annual summits to shield alliance from Trump

Nato summits have seen scenes of tension with the US president, and some members want fewer of them, possibly none in 2028.

US President Donald Trump at last year’s Nato summit in the Netherlands. Photo: Reuters
Japan

‘I feel anger’: Japan’s women rise up against constitutional reform push

The women are part of a growing protest wave seeking to protect Japan’s post-war peace commitments.

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Russia

Video | Russia honours North Koreans who fought in Ukraine

The ceremony was held as museum was unveiled for North Korean soldiers who fought with Russian forces in the Ukraine war.

North Korea

North Korea’s Kim renews pledge to support Russia at memorial for fallen troops

More than 6,000 North Korean soldiers are estimated to have died while fighting Ukrainians in Russia’s Kursk region.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ((right) greets Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov with a hug in Pyongyang on Sunday. Photo: Russian Defence Ministry/EPA
Taiwan

Trump factor drives up Asia-Pacific military spending at fastest pace since 2009

Expenditures rose to US$681 billion, as some nations worried that Washington might not be a reliable security partner.

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China was one of the biggest spenders along with the US and Russia. Photo: Xinhua
Diplomacy

Opinion | 122 years on, Mackinder’s ‘heartland’ remains geopolitically decisive

Conflicts in Ukraine and Iran have returned strategic focus to the idea of Eurasia as central to the global power contest, challenging the viability of the Indo-Pacific pivot.

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Malaysia

At Malaysia’s arms bazaar, drone dealers chase Southeast Asian market share

‘Drone warfare is the future,’ say arms dealers in Kuala Lumpur – and the region’s militaries are buying in.

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