Asia Pacific

South Korea is trying to double the range of its K239 rocket launcher

The Agency for Defense Development announced its effort, a key part of which is the application of ducted rocket propulsion technology.

Commentary

Face it, NATO: The North Atlantic and Indo-Pacific are linked

The new Strategic Concept should be able to address challenges posed by China robustly and implement some structural changes without undermining European concerns.

Industry deal moves Poland closer to acquiring South Korean artillery system

Poland is accelerating efforts to acquire South Korean defense equipment, looking to take advantage of the Asian nation’s mass production capacity and lenient policy toward technology transfers.

Marine Pacific commander vows to bolster Japanese defenses against China, Russia

The U.S. Marine presence is focused on the so-called first island chain in the western Pacific.

China launches third aircraft carrier

China has launched its third and largest aircraft carrier to date at a shipyard in Shanghai, the first of its type there to feature a catapult aircraft launch system.

Commentary

What it looks like when competing with China comes last

It is past time for the Biden administration to answer fundamental questions about how it intends to support Taiwan and secure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

US Defense Secretary Austin meets Thai leader to boost ties

Thailand and the United States are longtime military allies.

Commentary

US Navy secretary previews priorities for Pacific tour

At the top of his mind is a threat impacting the service's mission, people, platforms and installations.

Ukrainian president calls for preemptive diplomacy at Shangri-La security forum

Speaking during an unprecedented address delivered via video link at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the world must push for diplomatic solutions to support countries that are in need of help.

Seoul: North Korea fires suspected artillery pieces into sea

The suspected artillery launches were the latest in a spate of weapons tests by North Korea this year.

Cambodia hits back at Chinese base claims

Cambodia's defense minister also discussed the military's modernization efforts during the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit.

US is building ‘exclusive’ club to confront, contain China

China’s defense minister has slammed America’s approach to the Indo-Pacific region, calling it “a strategy to create conflict and confrontation, to contain and encircle others.”

Australia calls for greater transparency amid China’s military buildup

Australia's defense minister also reiterated the country's focus on and commitment toward the South Pacific islands, saying the government will embark on a new era of engagement in the region.

Austin talks Taiwan independence, Russia’s invasion and AUKUS deal at security summit

"Do rules matter? Does sovereignty matter? Does the system that we have built together matter?" the Pentagon chief asked the audience at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Pakistan boosts defense budget by nearly 6%

Though mainly covering salary increases, some of the extra money is earmarked for infrastructure such as the continued development of Jinnah Naval Base in Ormara, the Navy’s main operational base, and a naval air base in Turbat.

Japan to continue increasing defense spending over next five years

The prime minister has also warned against shrugging off Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “someone else’s problem,” describing the attack as having shaken the very foundation of the international order.

Pentagon chief meets Chinese counterpart for first time in Singapore

The officials discussed North Korea, Taiwan and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Russian microchip maker eyes Taiwan exit in response to sanctions

The Russian-based company MCST, which produces Elbrus microchips, said in early June that it could move its production line from Taiwan, the world-leading producer of semiconductors, to the Micron plant based in Zelenograd, a city near Moscow.

Australia and Canada accuse China of ‘dangerous’ air intercepts; Beijing pushes back

Apparently Chinese jets get so close to Canadian aircraft that crew members can “make eye contact with the Chinese pilots, and sometimes see them raising their middle fingers.”

See satellite images of China’s new aircraft carrier

China’s most advanced aircraft carrier to date appears to be nearing completion, satellite photos show, with experts suggesting the vessel could be launched soon.

South Korea to buy more Patriot missiles, upgrade launchers

South Korea’s decision to boost its missile intercepting capability came about a week after its northern neighbor fired three ballistic missiles, including a possible intercontinental ballistic missile, toward waters off the Korean Peninsula’s east coast.

US, SKorea fire missiles to sea, matching North’s launches

The U.S. and South Korean militaries launched eight ballistic missiles into the sea Monday in a show of force matching a North Korean missile display a day earlier.

Japan’s converted aircraft carrier to undertake Indo-Pacific deployment

The JS Izumo will accompany the destroyers JS Takanami and JS Kirisame as well as an unnamed submarine for the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2022 voyage, which is set to take place June 13-Oct. 28.

India orders Astra weapon in move to break dependence on foreign missiles

The missile is expected to reduce India’s dependency on Russian R-77, French MICA and Israeli Derby beyond-visual-range missiles.

US senator visits Taiwan as China ups military threat

China claims Taiwan as its own territory to be annexed by force, and on Monday sent 30 military aircraft into airspace close to the island.