India set to join Australia’s biggest military exercise for first time. India is set to join Australia, Japan and the United States for the first time in the multilateral ‘Talisman Sabre 2025’ military drill. Over 30,000 military personnel from 19 nations set to participate in activities across Australia, and for the first time, in Papua New Guinea.

New Zealand Air Force to Set up Space Squadron as It Grows in Importance. The New Zealand Air Force will establish a small space squadron to signal its growing commitment to space-based defence and international security, a senior military official said on Wednesday.

PH, New Zealand ink military pact to boost defense ties. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines and New Zealand, a legal framework enabling the countries’ militaries to conduct joint activities and exercises. 

Russia reportedly delivered its advanced S-400 missile systems to China. However, these systems came with unexpected limitations. Chinese analysts noted the systems’ infrequent public appearances. They suspected Russia provided a simplified version, blocking advanced functions.

India’s military spending in 2024 reached $86.1 billion, nearly nine times Pakistan’s $10.2 billion, according to SIPRI. Global military spending increased by 1.6%, with the U.S., China, Russia, Germany, and India making up 60% of total expenditure. 

U.S. Air Force deploys F-35A Lightning II fighters to Kadena Air Base, Japan. F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (EFS), Hill Air Force Base, Utah, arrived at Kadena Air Base, Japan.

Indonesia’s TNI eyes cyber defence cooperation with Japan. The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is keen to forge cooperation in cyber defence with the Japan Self-Defence Forces (JSDF), according to the Head of the Information Centre of the TNI Headquarters. 

North Korea’s Kim attends ceremony for launching new 5,000-ton warship. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended a ceremony for the launch of a “new multipurpose destroyer,” The 5,000-ton warship is reportedly built “within 400-odd days”. 

US-made parts found in North Korean missile that Russia fired on Kyiv: Ukrainian President said that a missile fired by Russia on Kyiv was supplied by North Korea and had dozens of components from US firms. North Korea could soon enrich 230 kg of weapons-grade uranium per year, representing an over 50% increase from a previous estimate of DPRK capabilities.

East Asia military spending rises most in 15 years, SIPRI report shows. Military spending in East Asia jumped 7.8% on the year to $433 billion in 2024, as countries continued to enhance war-fighting capabilities amid heightening tensions in the region.

Malaysia to sign defence innovation MoUs at LIMA 2025. The LIMA 2025 exhibition will serve as a key strategic platform for Malaysia to advance defence ties and innovation.

Malaysia–Maldives defence cooperation to expand. Malaysia and Maldives agreed to strengthen collaboration in solar energy, defence, and digital technologies.

Australia, UK conclude warfighting drills with Malaysia. Malaysia participated in complex warfighting exercises with Australia, UK, and Singapore.

Malaysia seeks UN role to ease Indo-Pak tensions. Malaysia’s Defence Minister called on the UN to help reduce tensions between India and Pakistan.

N Korea confirms it sent troops to fight for Russia in Ukraine war. North Korea has for the first time confirmed that it sent troops to fight for Russia against Ukraine according to an order given by leader Kim Jong Un.

Hanwha Aerospace eyes US Air Force repair hub role. Hanwha Aerospace is seeking to join a US Department of Defence initiative to establish a network of military repair hubs in the Indi-Pacific.

Russia may have helped North Korea with new warship, Seoul says. North Korea’s newly unveiled warship could have involved Russian help, South Korea’s military said while cautioning it was still conducting “a more detailed analysis.”

North Korean operatives have infiltrated hundreds of Fortune 500 companies. North Korean nationals have infiltrated the employee ranks at top global companies more so than previously thought.

Jaishankar thanks S Korean counterpart, stresses need to fight terrorism. During the talks, Jaishankar underlined the need to combat terrorism in all forms and manifestations in light of the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

Japan will conduct the first domestic live-fire tests of surface-to-ship missiles. The Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) has announced that it will conduct its first domestic firing exercise involving launching surface-to-ship missiles, which can attack ships at sea from land.

Omani, Japanese defence ministries hold second meeting of military dialogue. The second meeting of bilateral military dialogue between the defence ministries of the Sultanate of Oman and Japan was held in Tokyo.

Japan eyes India joining fighter jet development with Britain, Italy. Japan has approached India about participating in the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet currently being pursued with Britain and Italy.