On October 23, Four Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots died after two SF-260 trainer aircraft crashed during a training flight at Fernando Air Base in Batangas, prompting the temporary grounding of the entire fleet while investigators determined the cause.
Category: Defence
Singapore and Brunei Mark 50 Years of Defence Ties With New Areas of Cooperation
On October 10, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam marked its 50th anniversary of bilateral defence relations with a joint military parade, bringing together personnel and operational assets from the armed forces of both countries.
What Does Indonesia Really Get from Japan’s Natuna Port Upgrade Plan?
Japan-Indonesia defence cooperation has strengthened significantly over the past year. Numerous ministerial visits culminated in the signing of a defence cooperation agreement in Jakarta in May 2026.
Vietnam, North Korea Deepen Defence Cooperation Through New Commitments
On September 28, Vietnam and North Korea agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, with their defence ministries discussing the implementation of commitments reached under a 2025 cooperation agreement.
ADMM-Plus Marks Largest Exercise in a Decade With Multinational Disaster Response Drills
Defence forces from ASEAN and its partner countries are taking part in two major ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) exercises, with training focused on maritime cooperation, disaster response and regional resilience in Banten, Indonesia from September 20 to 26.
South Korean Coast Guard Ship BADARO 3011 Arrives in Manila Amid Growing ASEAN Engagement
South Korea is expanding practical maritime security cooperation with ASEAN as the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) training ship BADARO 3011 arrives in the Philippines for a four-day port visit with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) from September 14 to 17.
Beyond Pacifism: Japan’s Networked Deterrence Takes Shape in Southeast Asia
On September 6, Japanese government sources disclosed a plan to use Official Development Assistance (ODA) to upgrade Indonesian fishing ports so that Indonesian coastguard patrol vessels could use them as maritime-monitoring hubs.
Singapore, China Hold Joint Maritime Exercise as Regional Naval Cooperation Expands
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) have commenced their 5th bilateral Exercise Maritime Cooperation (XMC) in Zhanjiang, China, as the two countries continue naval training and professional exchanges from September 5 to 9.
Southeast Asia’s Defence Partnerships Are Expanding Beyond Bilateral Alliances
On August 30, the Philippines and US marked the 75th anniversary of their Mutual Defence Treaty (MDT), reaffirming an alliance that has evolved from a Cold War security pact into an expanded defence partnership. The relationship now covers military exercises, operational coordination, capability development, maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster response, while increasingly coupling the Philippines with wider regional security networks.
US Aircraft Carrier Arrives in Thailand After Record 286-Day Deployment
On September 2, the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group arrived in Laem Chabang, Thailand for a scheduled port visit as the US and Thailand continue their longstanding defence and maritime cooperation.