ARTICLES

The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle arrives in Subic Bay, Philippines, on 23 February 2025, as part of Mission CLEMENCEAU 25. (Photo from FrenchEmbassyPH / X)

19 May 2026

France-Philippines New Defence Agreement: A Pivotal Step?

Matteo Piasentini

The signing of a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement between France and the Philippines is a milestone in Manila’s efforts to diversify its security. It comes at a time when the Marcos Jr administration is flirting with the idea of resetting its ties with Beijing.

Defence Philippine

In this US Navy released handout, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) fires a Tomahawk land attack missile in support of Operation Epic Fury, on 1 March 2026 at Sea. (Photo by US NAVY / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / Getty Images via AFP)

9 Apr 2026

US War Against Iran Gives Beijing Intelligence Dividend

Sophie Wushuang Yi

The US-led war against Iran has given Chinese military planners an insight into the challenges that the US would face in a similar conflict in the Indo-Pacific.

A US marine assists with an Avenger Air Defense System during an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) demonstration at the training camp in San Antonio, Zambales province, northern Philippines on 27 April 2025. (Photo by Jef Maitem / ANADOLU / Anadolu via AFP)

26 Mar 2026

Dangers of Delay: US-Philippine Defence Cooperation in 2026

Justin Baquisal

There is robust public support for EDCA and deepening US-Philippines military cooperation, but Washington and Manila must plug gaps in integrated air and missile defence and weapons access policy.

Defence Military Philippine-U.S. Relations

The Philippines Navy commissions the country's first offshore patrol vessel Rajah Sulayman (PS20) into active service, which is equipped with powerful armaments produced by Turkish major defense manufacturer ASELSAN, at a naval base in Subic Bay, Zambales, Philippines, on 24 February 2026. (Photo by Daniel Ceng / ANADOLU / Anadolu via AFP)

25 Mar 2026

Modernisation Is Not Enough: The Case for Transforming the Philippine Armed Forces

Francis C. Domingo

The Armed Forces of the Philippines needs a comprehensive transformation in line with the shift in its strategic posture, from internal security to territorial defence.

Defence Military Philippines

16 Mar 2026

Indonesia’s Aircraft Carrier: White Horse or White Elephant?

Ian Storey

Indonesia’s plans to acquire a second-hand aircraft carrier from Italy have been derided. The warship is more a symbol of Indonesia’s global aspirations than an operational asset for the country’s navy.

Defence Indonesia

27 Feb 2026

Russia’s Critical Military Role in Myanmar’s Civil War

Ian Storey

While China wields much influence over Myanmar, Russia plays an outsized role in equipping the country’s military.

Defence Myanmar Russia

24 Feb 2026

Japan’s Growing Hard-power Profile: Implications for Southeast Asia

Hoang Thi Ha|Eugene R.L. Tan

Japan is emerging as a consequential hard-power player, expanding its deterrence and defence-industrial capabilities, as well as its regional and global defence networks. As Japan strengthens its military posture, Southeast Asian states are under mounting pressure to navigate the intensifying Tokyo-Beijing rivalry while carefully managing domestic sensitivities.

Defence Diplomacy Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations Security

8 Dec 2025

The Philippines and Germany Enter a New Era of Defence Cooperation

Frances Mangosing

Defence and security ties between Manila and Berlin are strengthening amid rising threats in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific driven partly by the growing alignment between Beijing and Moscow.

Defence Military Philippines

31 Oct 2025

Why Did Indonesia Decide to Buy China’s J-10 Fighter Jet?

Ian Storey

Indonesia’s recent announcement that it was considering buying the China-made J-10 fighter raises more questions than answers.

China-Indonesia Relations Defence Indonesia

24 Oct 2025

Türkiye’s Defence Diplomacy in Southeast Asia: The New Kid on the Block

Ian Storey

Over the past ten years, Türkiye has increased its share of the global arms market and has become an attractive defence partner for countries in the Global South. In Southeast Asia, Turkish arms manufacturers have taken advantage of rising defence budgets to win contracts for military vehicles, drones, missiles and naval ships.

Defence Military Security