Taiwan has reacted with fury after China announced a joint naval exercise with Indonesia east of Taiwan in mid-August. While Indonesia described it as a routine passing drill, Taipei condemned the unilateral move as malicious and destabilising.
The Chinese defense ministry announced joint naval training with Indonesia in waters east of Taiwan, marking the PLA's first drill with a foreign navy in the area.
Ukraine denied targeting Bulgaria after a drone exploded near the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline. Bulgaria summoned the Ukrainian ambassador and noted the drone type is widely used by Ukraine's military.
Chinese and Russian naval vessels completed a full circuit around Japan during a joint patrol, which analysts say demonstrates increasingly ambitious military cooperation.
Russian ballistic missiles and drones killed at least 21 people across Ukraine, including 17 in Kyiv and its region. President Zelensky blamed delays in receiving anti-ballistic systems from allies for the casualties.
Cross-border attacks between Russia and Ukraine leave at least 12 dead. Ukrainian drone strikes hit Russian warehouses and a Black Sea resort, while Russian glide bombs strike Zaporizhzhia.
Russia's defence ministry reports downing 320 Ukrainian drones overnight across 19 regions, resulting in six deaths near Moscow and Belgorod. Meanwhile, Russian strikes in Sumy kill three, and a cargo ship is struck in the Black Sea.
Ukrainian drone strikes killed at least nine people across several Russian regions, including a Wildberries warehouse and a residential building, while Russian attacks killed at least five in Ukraine. An EU naval mission also intercepted a Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker near Sicily.
Russia's Defence Ministry reported downing 635 Ukrainian drones overnight. Ukrainian forces attacked a Wildberries warehouse in Russia's Samara region, 800km from Ukrainian positions, as part of a strategy to strike deeper at economic and energy targets.
Taiwan detects PLA helicopter and UAV crossing the median line in the Taiwan Strait, lingering in restricted 'R9' area for 9.5 hours, sparking concerns of a rehearsed operation for potential conflict.
Japan plans to establish a new unit under its defense ministry to enhance international coordination with allies, aiming to strengthen its capacity amidst a challenging security environment, particularly concerning "military threats" from North Korea, Russia, and China.
Greece has approved a multibillion-dollar purchase of Israeli anti-missile, anti-aircraft, and anti-drone systems to establish an "Achilles Shield" protective dome. The €3 billion deal is part of a larger €4.2 billion defense spending, confirmed by Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, and includes other acquisitions like Brazilian transport aircraft and British watercraft.
The number of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) fighter jets detected near Taiwan in the first half of this year more than halved compared to last year, marking a three-year low in operational tempo. No large-scale drills were staged, a first since 2022.
Japan's defence ministry reported a Chinese People's Liberation Army vessel conducted a live-fire drill within Japan's claimed Exclusive Economic Zone near Okinotori Island, alongside a Russian navy ship. China's foreign ministry firmly refuted these claims as "groundless."
Japan's defence ministry detected two Chinese missile destroyers and a supply ship with a Russian frigate near Okinotori Island. One Chinese destroyer later conducted an exercise within Japan’s claimed EEZ, notifying surrounding ships, raising concerns over maritime claims.
Ukrainian drones targeted Russia's Omsk oil refinery, its largest, located 2,700km from Ukraine. The attack, confirmed by local authorities, occurred before a Nato summit. Russia claimed most drones were destroyed, with no casualties. President Zelenskyy hailed it as a significant achievement, extending Ukraine's strike capability to Siberia.
Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack across Ukraine on Thursday, targeting military-industrial facilities, energy complexes, and airfields. Kyiv reported 10 deaths and 34 injuries.
Sir Keir Starmer's defence investment plan (Dip) is criticized for its "nightmare logic," suggesting deeper incorporation into American power rather than genuine national security. Despite a £298bn budget, concerns are raised about austerity measures and a focus on US alliance capabilities over homeland defence.
Japan and South Korea scrambled fighter jets in response to a joint Russian-Chinese bomber patrol over the Sea of Japan, East China Sea, and western Pacific, marking the 11th such patrol since 2019.
India's Defence Ministry denies hiding casualties in Operation Sindoor, clarifies Defence Minister's statement was to debunk false narratives about pilot losses.
Crimea declared an "emergency situation" due to fuel shortages and power cuts from Ukrainian aerial attacks. Russia reported shooting down 660 Ukrainian drones. Ukraine plans domestic AI computing capacity with Kyivstar, and both nations swapped 160 captured soldiers.
Russia's Defence Ministry reported intercepting 660 Ukrainian drones across 12 Russian regions, Crimea, the Black Sea, and the Azov Sea in a major nighttime attack. Following these increasing aerial assaults, Moscow-installed governor Sergey Aksyonov declared a regional-level emergency situation in Crimea and Sevastopol.
South Korea plans to train all 500,000 military personnel as "drone warriors" to counter evolving warfare tactics, citing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The initiative includes procuring thousands of drones and developing advanced counter-drone systems.
India's defence output hit a record $18.7 billion in FY 2025-26, with the private sector contributing 24% ($4.4 billion). This marks a shift from state dominance, with private firms increasing involvement in drones, surveillance, and components. However, experts note private firms still complement, not replace, state manufacturers in critical technology areas.
