Zhang Jianhua, former deputy head of China’s State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence, was sentenced on Wednesday by the Dazhou Intermediate People’s Court for accepting over 43.38 million yuan in bribes.
Russian attacks in Ukraine killed at least 15 people, including 10 in a ballistic missile strike on a drone technology exhibition near Kyiv and five in Sloviansk. Ukrainian President Zelensky reported 100 injuries near Kyiv and warned of another massive Russian missile strike.
A Russian ballistic missile strike in Ukraine's Kyiv region killed 10 and injured nearly 100 at a defence industry event. Ukrainian officials, including President Zelenskyy, confirmed the attack on a private training ground. A criminal investigation is underway into the event's organization, while the Kremlin stated its intent for "total victory" but expressed openness to US peace proposals.
An independent public inquiry into the Australia-UK-US Aukus pact highlights substantial concerns regarding its $368bn cost, the suitability of nuclear submarines, and the lack of parliamentary debate, urging greater transparency and scrutiny of the nation's largest defense expenditure.
A study in 'Defence Industry Conversion in China' highlights Yunnan province's role as an "irreplaceable gateway" to Indochinese resources. It proposes Yunnan as a land-based lifeline for critical mineral supply, mitigating China's reliance on the Strait of Malacca and enhancing supply-chain resilience.
Andy Burnham, poised to become UK Prime Minister, vows to strengthen armed forces and defence industry, emphasizing 'hard power' and domestic production. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis supports increased military spending towards NATO's 3.5% GDP target.
King's College London and other UK universities have launched numerous disciplinary investigations against students for pro-Palestine activism. Cases involve social media posts, protests, and campus encampments, with some students facing warnings, suspensions, and visa issues. Critics argue these actions stifle free speech and disproportionately target Muslim students.
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte met with top officials from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea (Indo-Pacific Four) in Ankara. They discussed global issues including Ukraine, China, North Korea, and Iran, agreeing to boost cooperation in defense, cyberspace, and technology.
Nato member states launched new defence initiatives at the Ankara summit to enhance weapons development and supply chains, addressing security challenges from Russia and China. A multinational project involving 12 nations will focus on acquiring, storing, and managing defence-critical raw materials.
Former NATO chief George Robertson has criticized the UK's Defence Investment Plan (DIP) as insufficient and delayed, potentially damaging industry confidence and allied relations ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara. The plan faces criticism for its funding gaps and lack of clear spending targets.
Sweden will deliver 16 Gripen E fighter jets to Ukraine for $2.54bn. Denmark also announced a $671.8m military aid package. Meanwhile, Ukraine's military prepares for a potential Russian offensive from the north, and a parcel bomb injured three in Monaco, reportedly targeting a Ukrainian-origin businessman.
Senior Chinese defence industry official Bian Zhigang is under investigation for corruption by the CCDI, China's top anti-corruption watchdog. This marks the latest target in Beijing's sweeping crackdown on its military sector.
India's Ministry of Defence plans seven specialized manufacturing clusters to boost its defence industrial base, distinct from existing corridors. This 'whole of nation' approach integrates states, industry, and academia, focusing on aspects from testing to exports and skill development.
European nations aim to gradually decrease dependence on China for critical minerals like rare earths, essential for advanced defense systems, rather than a complete decoupling, according to analysts.
India is in discussions with the UAE to sell its BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and Akashteer air defence network. The deal, if finalized, would make the UAE the fourth foreign customer for BrahMos. Talks are progressing rapidly as the UAE seeks to bolster its military capabilities.
The increasing autonomy of AI-powered drones in warfare raises urgent ethical and legal questions about programming morality into weapons systems. Experts debate whether AI can make moral decisions, distinguish combatants from civilians, and the implications of a "kill box" scenario.
Australia is set to receive three secondhand US Virginia-class nuclear submarines, with the first arriving in 2032. Defense Minister Pat Conroy dismissed criticism, stating the deal is cheaper and more efficient, while acknowledging potential US congressional review.
US defence industry leaders advocate for increased commercial cooperation with Taiwan to enhance its military capabilities amid growing Chinese pressure, while addressing concerns over US arms sales being used as a negotiating chip with Beijing.
Japan’s Mogami-class destroyer appears to be pulling ahead in the race to become the next generation of warships for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), in what would be another major deal for Japan’s defence industry just weeks after Tokyo announced it was lifting its long-held ban on weapons exports. Under its 2025 Defence Capability Plan, the government in Wellington has committed to replacing its two ANZAC-class frigates – launched in the early 1990s – with more capable, modern warships. The...
Keir Starmer is attending a European Political Community summit in Yerevan, Armenia, where he announced UK plans to join the EU's €90bn (£78bn) loan for Ukraine. The loan, previously blocked by Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán, will provide military support for Ukraine and give British defence firms access to major contracts. The move is part of Starmer's efforts to improve post-Brexit UK-EU relations ahead of a summer summit.
China would see India's defense industry cooperation with South Korea on artillery and anti-aircraft guns as inevitably sensitive given Beijing's border dispute with New Delhi in the Himalayas, analysts say. South Korea's Lee said Seoul backs India's Atmanirbhar Bharat self-reliant policy and hopes to actively support production and operation of Indian defense equipment. India operates about 100 K9 Vajra-T 155mm self-propelled howitzers, made in India based on South Korea's K9 Thunder design, and plans to acquire 100 more.
