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Flashpoints
Will China’s military rival the United States’ in the Pacific? Will Japan abandon the constitutional fetters on its own military? How will India respond to the String of Pearls strategy? The Diplomat has put together a team of leading analysts to offer must-read, regular commentary on the big defense and security issues in the Asia-Pacific.
What 3 US Supercarriers in the Asia-Pacific Means for North Korea
By Ankit Panda
Three carriers in the 7th Fleet's area of operations is rare, but not unprecedented.
Russia Test Fires 4 Intercontinental-Range Ballistic Missiles
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The Russian military launched four ballistic missiles from submarines and a transporter erector launcher in a recent battle drill.
Countering the ‘Pirates’ Paradise’: Unmanned Systems and Marine Security in Southeast Asia
By Tobias Burgers and Scott N. Romaniuk
Drones could help close the capabilities gaps that allow pirates to flourish in Asian waters.
3 US Carrier Strike Groups Enter Asia-Pacific Ahead of Trump’s Visit
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The U.S. Navy now operates three nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in the Asia-Pacific region.
Drones: Pakistan’s Unwanted Boon
By Daud Khattak
U.S. drone strikes have done far more than the Pakistani military to take out militant leaders.
North Korea Has Tested a New Solid-Fuel Missile Engine
By Ankit Panda
North Korean scientists tested a new solid fuel engine on October 2017. What system is it destined for?
Trump May Tour Japan’s Largest Warship During Asia Trip Next Month
By Franz-Stefan Gady
Japanese government sources indicate that the U.S. president has been invited to inspect Japan’s helicopter carrier.
What Does the Latest F-35 Data Breach Teach Us About Defense Industrial Espionage?
By Robert Farley
Autarky has its merits. If partners don't have your unclassified data, it can't be taken from them.
ASEAN’s Post-Marawi Islamic State Challenge
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Even as the battle for Marawi winds down, the wider war against the terror group and its affiliates continues.
Parsing the North Korean Cyber Threat
By Frank J. Cilluffo and Sharon L. Cardash
To combat North Korea's cyber activity, we must first understand it.
The Sinpo-C-Class: A New North Korean Ballistic Missile Submarine Is Under Construction
By Ankit Panda
U.S. intelligence has detected a large, new submarine under construction: the Sinpo-C.
India, Russia to Kick Off Major Military Exercise This Week
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The 2017 joint Indo-Russian military drill will include army, navy, and air force elements for the first time.