South Korea goes full steam ahead on nuclear-powered submarines
Seoul plans to launch its first boat in the mid-2030s and commission it in “the late 2030s,” the government proclaimed.

Asia Pacific
US arms sales pause would push Taiwan toward asymmetric-defense tech: Analysts
The idea of Trump using arms sales as a negotiating chip with China has sparked concerns that Washington might decline procurement deals with Taiwan.
China is building launch pads near its nuclear missile silos
China’s nuclear missiles can reach any U.S. city. Now, satellite images show Beijing is building a sprawling web of military sites near its nuclear silos.

New Zealand budget spares defense, intelligence agencies from cuts
“The rules-based global system is under strain. Countries are boosting their spending on defense," said Finance Minister Nicola Willis.

Quad nations step up Indo-Pacific push with new initiatives
The announcement to build port infrastructure in Fiji comes amid China’s deepening ties with the South Pacific island, which straddles vital sea lanes.

How US Army combat medics are preparing for an Indo-Pacific fight
Distance, contested air, communication disruptions, weather and limited evacuation platforms could greatly impact timely access to medical care.

US Army integrates veterinarians into human combat care
The Army wants to better utilize veterinarians in combat medicine to prepare for the possibility of large-scale operations in the Indo-Pacific.

Australia starts ‘high-risk’ life extension of its submarine fleet
The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) has issued a damning verdict on Department of Defence planning for the life-extension program.

India boosts drone warfare capability with compact missile
Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh called the successful development trials a “strategic milestone” toward self-reliance in defense.

Taiwan says it has not been told by US of arms sales delays
U.S. President Donald Trump said following a summit with China’s Xi Jinping in Beijing last week that he was undecided on whether to approve it.

Former University of Michigan researcher accused of hiding Chinese military drone ties
Investigators say Chuan Wang claimed modest roles on visa applications when in fact he was publicly known in China for his military drones.

US Army’s 7th Infantry Division, 1st MDTF to merge as Multi-Domain Command-Pacific
The two-star Multi-Domain Command-Pacific will merge the 7th ID’s Stryker infantry brigades and a combat aviation brigade with a multidomain task force.

US Marines practice seizing remote islands in Philippine exercise
Based on Oahu, MADIS crews face limitations when live-firing at home, so Konien was enthusiastic about the opportunity to fire rounds and missiles abroad.

China fires verbal warning shot at US over Taiwan
Any misstep over Taiwan could push the U.S. and China toward direct confrontation, Chinese leader Xi Jinping told President Donald Trump.
Japan fires first-ever missiles from Philippine soil
The first Type 88 missile hit its target – a former minesweeper dating from WWII – 47 miles away after a six-minute flight.

No Indo-Pacific peace without industry surge and burden sharing, US general says
Pushing industry to far-reaching frontlines — and having allies share the load — is vital to Indo-Pacific security, U.S. Army Gen. Xavier Brunson stressed.

Role of Indo-Pacific air defenders has evolved dramatically, US Army commander says
Brig. Gen. William Parker, 94th AAMDC chief, recalled an old air defense building bearing a "Will work for food" sign, a stark contrast to the role today.
