A Chinese missile destroyer fired live rounds in Japan's EEZ for the first time during a drill on Sunday, prompting Tokyo's concern. This preceded a clash between Chinese and Philippine sailors in the South China Sea, escalating regional tensions.
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.
Russian and Chinese naval forces conducted live-fire exercises in the Yellow Sea as part of the Joint Sea 2026 drills. Warships practiced repelling simulated attacks by unmanned aerial drones and surface vessels, utilizing artillery, machine guns, and electronic warfare systems.
Russian and Chinese warships have entered the Yellow Sea to conduct the sea phase of the Joint Sea-2026 exercise. The drills, which began July 6, involve joint search-and-rescue, anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and live-fire artillery drills, with a focus on countering unmanned systems.
Iran's Armed Forces have reportedly launched cruise missile strikes targeting US vessels, including a destroyer, stationed off the coast of Bahrain. State television cited an Iranian military representative, but no information on potential damage to the US warships was immediately available.
Around 20 US warships and auxiliary vessels, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush strike groups and the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), have been deployed to the Arabian Sea, carrying approximately 20,000 personnel, according to Fox News.
Technical failures on advanced US Navy warships, including fires and electrical malfunctions, raise concerns about reliability. A Chinese military magazine cites incidents on carriers and destroyers, attributing issues to complex technology, prolonged deployments, and maintenance shortfalls, suggesting broader structural challenges.
A report in Naval & Merchant Ships detailed fires, electrical failures, and propulsion issues on advanced US warships, citing excessive deployments, tech overreliance, and inadequate shipyard support as critical vulnerabilities.
India and Japan will jointly develop radar-evading antennas for Indian warships, a move signaling increased defense cooperation and potential reduced reliance on the US. The project involves fitting Indian vessels with Japan's Unicorn system.
Two Chinese People's Liberation Army warships, the Nanning and Hengyang, departed Hong Kong on Monday after a five-day visit. The port call concluded with a ceremony attended by Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki, who highlighted the visit's role in showcasing defense achievements and fostering patriotism.
Keir Starmer's £298bn defence investment plan faces criticism for a £4.7bn funding gap, leaving the next prime minister, Andy Burnham, to find the extra funds. The plan prioritizes drones, fighter jets, and nuclear weapons, with spending rising to 2.7% of GDP by 2030.
The Russian luxury yacht Graceful, reportedly belonging to President Vladimir Putin, was sighted near Denmark's northern coast, accompanied by Russian warships and monitored by Danish and German forces, marking its first radar appearance in nearly four years since its AIS transmitter was switched off in August 2022.
The US Southern Command has sent warships, including the USS Fort Lauderdale and USS Billings, along with transport aircraft, to aid Venezuela's post-earthquake relief efforts. The deployment aims to support damage assessment, search and rescue, and critical assistance delivery.
Kim Jong-un declares expanding North Korea's nuclear forces as the "most correct" way to cope with global instability, citing growing US and ally threats, as analysts assess the strategic depth and intentions behind the rapidly growing arsenal.
North Korea commissioned the warship Choe Hyon, one of two 5,000-tonne class vessels launched last year. Leader Kim Jong Un stated the program to equip the navy with nuclear weapons is on track and will ensure readiness for multifaceted operations. He also announced plans to commission the destroyer Kang Kon and launch 10,000-tonne strategic warships.
The Philippine Navy frigate BRP Diego Silang encountered four Chinese warships near Scarborough Shoal after an earlier meeting with one Chinese PLA vessel. Radio challenges were exchanged, and the Philippine ship launched a helicopter during a patrol operation in the disputed area.
China's CCTV reported that Japanese warships and aircraft repeatedly harassed and provoked Chinese naval assets during a 40-day exercise in the western Pacific and South China Sea. Japan has not yet responded to the accusations.
PM Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenous naval vessels in Kolkata: INS Dunagiri, INS Agray, and INS Sanshodhak. He stressed self-reliance in maritime capabilities, stating India aims to be a creator and decider, not just a purchaser, highlighting the link between economic influence and naval power.
India will commission three indigenously built warships – INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray – on June 21 in Kolkata. Presided over by PM Modi, these platforms aim to enhance the Navy's combat, surveillance, and anti-submarine capabilities, boosting blue-water operations and maritime security.
India's Navy faces a growing submarine threat from Pakistan and China. To counter this, the Navy urgently needs to expand its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter fleet, as current numbers are insufficient for its vast maritime responsibilities.
The Pentagon is conducting a six-month review to reduce US military presence in Europe, prompting allies to assume greater NATO responsibilities. Fighter jets, drones, and warships earmarked for European crises will be scaled back, creating gaps for NATO members to fill.
A Russian frigate, the Admiral Grigorovich, reportedly fired warning shots at a UK-registered civilian yacht approximately 450 meters away in the English Channel, near British territorial waters. The incident is being investigated by Britain's Ministry of Defence, with no injuries or damage reported.
Political analyst Sylwia Monika Gorska states ASEAN is unlikely to form a united front on South China Sea disputes due to its principles of consensus, sovereignty, and non-interference. She noted the Asean Maritime Leaders’ Declaration offers Manila an alternative path.
BBC Verify analysis of satellite images suggests Iran is repairing missile sites and tunnels damaged by US and Israeli strikes, despite ongoing conflict. While military bases and infrastructure have been hit, experts say Iran retains capacity for counterstrikes via drones and missiles.
