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Asia Defense
Legal Barriers to the North Korea-Russia Arms Trade – and the Loophole That Could Allow it to Expand
By A. B. Abrams
The significant benefits that both Russia and North Korea have to gain by expanding their arms trade provides strong incentives to explore means of circumventing the U.N. sanctions regime.
India’s Russia Defense Gambit
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
The uncertainty and possible further disruptions in the defense supply chain out of Russia could accelerate India’s diversification and indigenization efforts.
Indonesia Delays Purchase of Secondhand Fighter Jets
By Sebastian Strangio
A Defense Ministry spokesperson said that the acquisition of the Dassault Mirage 2000-5 jets had been postponed due to fiscal constraints.
China Sets Record for Activity Near Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in 2023
By Takahashi Kosuke
China has quietly increased its presence in the East China Sea, challenging Japan's control of the disputed islands.
US Coast Guard’s Role in the Blue Pacific on the Rise
By Ben Felton
The United States has reinforced its presence in Oceania through the permanent deployment of a new U.S. Coast Guard cutter to the region.
Is the US Military Learning the Wrong Lessons About Drones?
By Matthew C. Mai
The Pentagon is betting big on unmanned systems in a conflict with China – but the Russia-Ukraine war is showing the limited utility of such systems.
Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas Wars Reveal the Importance of Weapons Production
By Vasabjit Banerjee and Benjamin Tkach
Current conflicts offer a reminder to China and the U.S.: Arms do not deliver victory only through technological advantage but also through availability.
Japan-Italy-UK Joint Fighter Program Takes a Step Forward With New Treaty
By Takahashi Kosuke
Japan, Britain, and Italy agreed to establish a joint organization to develop a new sixth-generation fighter jet.
The Perils of Overstretching Minilateral Cooperation Within ASEAN
By Anthony Toh Han Yang
Calls for ASEAN member states to extend minilateral cooperation into the security realm could entail hefty costs.
The Indian Ocean Is Witnessing a Surge in Russian Military Exercises
By Pooja Bhatt
Russia is looking to shore up military partnerships in a critical region, from India to Myanmar.
Is the Osprey Safe?
By Takahashi Kosuke
The latest fatal crash off Japan has resurrected worries regarding the aircraft’s track record.
Is China Replacing the US as Thailand’s Main Security Partner?
By Jack Sato and Abdul Rahman Yaacob
In both arms sales and joint military exercises, China has been rapidly catching up to – or even surpassing – the U.S., Thailand’s official ally.