Blog
Asia Defense
How North Korea’s Fighter Fleet Re-emerged From Obscurity
By A.B. Abrams
Pyongyang’s threats to respond to alleged airspace violations evoke the history of air battles with the United States.
Japan Takes Another Step Toward Expanding Defense Exports
By Mina Pollmann
The LDP-Komeito coalition is working to overcome internal differences on loosening the existing restrictions.
Will Japan and South Korea Issue a New Joint Declaration?
By Takahashi Kosuke
In comments to The Diplomat, Prime Minister Kishida refrained from predictions about a second joint declaration to update one issued a quarter of a century ago.
US Flies Nuclear-Capable Bombers to Korean Peninsula
By Hyung-jin Kim
The flyover is the latest in a series of temporary U.S. deployments of strategic assets in South Korea in response to North Korea’s push to expand its nuclear arsenal.
China’s Aerospace Industry at the Paris Air Show
By Lukas Fiala
Both state-owned and private Chinese aerospace firms sought to display their products at the event, despite geopolitical tensions.
India’s Strategic Imperative: Internal Military Balancing Against China
By Rahul Jaybhay
Even as India’s defense ties with the U.S. attracts increasing attention, New Delhi’s first goal remains internal self-strengthening.
The Philippines Is Leveraging Its Strategic Value to Become an Indo-Pacific Power
By Gavril Torrijos
Manila is embracing its alliance with the United States and building closer ties to Japan and Australia to become a strong, equal partner that can uphold a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
A NATO Office in Japan: Much Ado About Not Much
By Jean-Loup Samaan
Speculations surrounding the impact of the proposed NATO office in Tokyo are wildly overhyped.
An Era of ‘Submarine Diplomacy’?
By Michito Tsuruoka
The long-standing dilemma between deterrence and reassurance is set to play out again.
Japan Photographs China’s New Y-9DZ Electric Warfare Aircraft for First Time
By Takahashi Kosuke
The western Pacific, including Okinawa and Taiwan, is increasingly becoming a new frontier for electronic warfare.
Indonesia Confirms Purchase of Secondhand Jet Fighters From Qatar
By Sebastian Strangio
The fleet of 12 Mirage 2000-5 jets is intended to bridge the air force over until the delivery of a new fleet of French fighters beginning in early 2026.
From Follower to Leader: Japan’s Emergence as a Fully-Fledged Regional Security Actor
By Aurelia George Mulgan
Not only has Japan become an indispensable ally for the U.S. in contingency planning, but Tokyo is also no longer relying solely on the United States to deter China.