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Asia Defense
Singapore’s Military Modernization Program Is Ambitious – but Feasible
By Balachander Palanisamy
The city-state is planning to create a Digital and Intelligence Service to supplement the three traditional arms of its military.
Philippines to Proceed With Deal to Buy Russian Helicopters
By Associated Press
Despite Russia’s isolation following its invasion of Ukraine, the Philippines’ defense secretary says there are no plans to scrap the contract for Mi-17s.
Japan Commissions First New Taigei-Class Diesel-Electric Attack Submarine
By Kosuke Takahashi
Submarine-launched missiles could give Tokyo the much-debated “enemy base attack capability.”
No-Fly Zones, Nuclear Powers, and the Escalation Slide
By Jacob Parakilas
The strategic logic that prevents a no-fly zone over Ukraine would apply to any conflict between nuclear-armed states, including in Asia.
Why the Russia-Ukraine War is Not the Same as the Sino-Vietnamese War of 1979
By Khang Vu
Vietnam's alliance with the Soviet Union put limits on how far China could go. Those limits don't exist in the current situation.
Japan, UK to Collaborate on Future Fighter Sensor Development
By Kosuke Takahashi
The deal is just the latest in a string of defense projects undertaken by the “quasi-alliance.”
Indonesia’s $22 Billion Purchases of US, French Fighter Jets: How Russia’s Su-35 Lost Out
By A. B. Abrams
Indonesia’s about-face from a deal with Russia to new purchase agreements with the U.S. and France highlights the potency of U.S. sanctions.
Indonesia Finalizes Major Jet Fighter Purchases From US, France
By Sebastian Strangio
The two purchases reflect both the ambition of Indonesia's defense modernization plans and its promiscuous approach to procurements.
US Strategists on the Advantages and Limitations of Sea Power
By Francis P. Sempa
Most of U.S. assets and allies in the Asia-Pacific are maritime-based. History suggests that won’t be enough to overcome China’s continental advantage.
F-15 Crash Highlights Japan’s Aging Aircraft
By Kosuke Takahashi
The incident casts a shadow on the pace of Japan’s F-15 upgrade program.
A Primer on North Korea’s Hwasong-12 ‘Guam Killer’ Ballistic Missile
By A.B. Abrams
After a five-year pause, why is North Korea’s Hwasong-12 back in testing?
Can the Philippines’ BrahMos Missiles Really Deter China?
By Ben Ho
Technological limitations on Manila’s end will limit the missile’s range – and its deterrent factor.