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.
A group linked to al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for an attack on Niger's capital, Niamey, airport that killed at least 11 soldiers and two civilians. Security forces repelled the raid, killing 22 attackers. The attack occurred six months after a similar assault on the site.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported detecting six Chinese naval vessels operating around the island on Wednesday morning. The ROC Armed Forces monitored the situation and responded accordingly, noting no Chinese military aircraft were detected during this period. This follows similar reports from Tuesday and highlights ongoing Chinese military operations near Taiwan.
A high-ranking Haitian official, Boyard, was kidnapped in Port-au-Prince, a city largely controlled by gangs. He was seized in a relatively safe area, highlighting the pervasive gang influence.
Ukraine plans to increase military wages by one-third to 30,000 hryvnias and offer fixed-term contracts to boost recruitment. President Zelenskyy also aims to recruit more foreign volunteers. Meanwhile, Russia's Putin claims Ukrainian drone strikes aim to sow confusion and damage the economy, though he admits some economic damage.
Ukraine launched a large-scale drone and missile attack across Russian-occupied Crimea overnight, targeting military sites and fuel supplies. A major oil refinery in southern Russia also caught fire following alleged Ukrainian drone strikes, disrupting fuel logistics.
A car bomb in Moscow reportedly killed Russian General Damir Davydov, head of the defense ministry's missile and artillery wing. The Kremlin confirmed an explosion but withheld details pending investigation. Ukraine has not commented, but has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on Russian generals.
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh is in France for a four-day visit to advance the Rafale deal. India has issued a Letter of Request (LoR) for 114 multirole 4.5-generation fighter jets worth Rs 3.25 lakh crore. The deal includes significant domestic manufacturing.
South Korea plans to launch its first submarines powered by low-enriched uranium by the mid-2030s, with delivery to the Republic of Korea Navy by the late 2030s, ensuring a 30-year operational lifespan without nuclear weapons capability.
Russia's President Putin blamed Ukraine for a deadly drone attack in Luhansk, vowing retaliation. Ukraine denied the claims, stating it targeted Russian military assets. Meanwhile, Czech President Pavel urged NATO to respond assertively to Russian provocations.
Ukrainian drones struck the Syzran oil refinery in Russia, over 800km inside the country, causing a fire and killing two people. President Zelenskyy stated this is part of a broader plan targeting Russian oil revenues amid escalating attacks.
