Protests are escalating in Ukraine following the ouster of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, with calls for his reinstatement and the dismissal of armed forces commander Oleksandr Syrskyi. President Zelensky faces pressure to resolve the crisis as an army veteran threatens nationwide demonstrations.
Defence Minister Ahn faces allegations of desertion due to a discrepancy in his military service record, showing 22 months instead of the usual 14. Ahn and the Ministry of National Defence deny the claims, attributing it to administrative errors.
Ukraine launched over 400 drones at Moscow, hitting industrial sites and an oil depot, while Russia continued ballistic missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, causing multiple casualties. Cross-border strikes also led to deaths in Belgorod and on a cargo vessel near Odesa, as Ukraine's military commander Syrskyi faces potential dismissal.
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.
India's Kaveri jet engine, initially dropped from the Tejas programme, is being revived with a push for self-reliance in military aviation, aiming to develop sixth-generation fighter engines within 5-7 years, leveraging decades of accumulated expertise for future combat aircraft like AMCA
Malaysia enhances surveillance in its eastern waters with a new long-range radar on Swallow Reef and operational drones in Labuan. This move aims to counter threats amid revived Philippine claims over Sabah and persistent Chinese patrols near offshore energy fields, as announced by Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko resigned Sunday, with reports suggesting she will become Kyiv's ambassador to the US. President Zelenskyy announced broader changes in law enforcement and a "political strategy" shift. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone attack hit Russia's Syzran oil refinery, killing one, and Russia suspended shipping in the Sea of Azov due to drone activity.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the Indian Navy's crucial role in safeguarding national interests, citing its recent operations in West Asia and its strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region. He also highlighted India's growing defense manufacturing capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned INS Mahendragiri, the last of four Project 17A warships. He stated future wars will integrate AI with trained soldiers and robust military power, emphasizing that new technologies complement conventional platforms. Singh also highlighted Andhra Pradesh's rise as a defense manufacturing hub.
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz stated on Thursday that the country is prepared to resume military operations against Iran, vowing to do so with increased force to eliminate threats and regain air superiority.
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.
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte contacted Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi after a Chinese nuclear submarine fired a test missile into the Pacific, stating Nato cannot be 'naive' about China's military development given intertwined global theatres.
A UK defence minister stated that the incoming government, likely led by Andy Burnham, will need to find an additional £4.7bn to fund a defence investment plan announced by outgoing PM Sir Keir Starmer. The Treasury has identified £10.3bn in savings, leaving a funding gap.
Faizal Mumtaz Rathore, 'PM' of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, criticized Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for stating residents of Rawalkot and Mirpur in PoK are 'not proper Kashmiris.' The region faces protests over inflation, upcoming elections, and reservation of seats for refugees, leading to clashes that killed at least 11 and injured over 70.
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.
Malaysia is seeking €226 million from Norway for direct losses and additional costs after Norway abruptly withdrew export licenses for Naval Strike Missiles, citing a new policy on defense exports. The 2018 deal with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace was cancelled, provoking a furious response from Malaysian leaders.
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.
Former Japanese minister Taro Kono stated that Japan and South Korea must forge a robust security alliance to ensure regional stability, especially as US commitment to East Asia wavers. He emphasized the need for independent efforts for regional security, noting the difficulty for Indo-Pacific nations to find a 'plan B' without US support.
India has rejected Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, calling them an attempt to divert attention from Islamabad's internal issues and human rights abuses. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Pakistan's claims are fabricated and deserve contempt.
Japan's Defense Minister Koizumi questioned the transparency and accuracy of China's official military spending figures in a recent interview, suggesting a lack of parliamentary scrutiny and public explanation.
Japan's Defense Minister Koizumi questioned the transparency and accuracy of China's official military spending figures in a recent interview, suggesting a lack of parliamentary scrutiny compared to Japan's budget process.
Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi used the Shangri-La Dialogue to counter China's military rise and bolster regional security partnerships, highlighting Japan's growing role amid perceived US waning commitment and China's regional ambitions.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has threatened war with India if its water security is threatened, citing India's potential to halt Indus water flow by 2028. This escalates tensions amid Pakistan's severe water crisis, with Islamabad accusing New Delhi of "weaponising water."
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned of war with India if its water security is threatened, citing India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and claims of stopping water flow. The threat comes amid Pakistan's severe internal water crisis.
