Myanmar and Russian special forces concluded their first joint military exercise, codenamed Tiger-2026, on July 17 after nearly two weeks of joint training, highlighting expanding defence cooperation between the two countries.
Category: Defence
Japan Coast Guard Training Vessel Arrives in Manila as Philippines, Japan Deepen Maritime ties
The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) training vessel Itsukushima (PL-23) called at Manila from July 16-20, marking the final overseas port of call of its 89-day Global Ocean Training Voyage for fiscal year 2026 before returning to Japan. The four-day visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, reflecting the two countries’ expanding maritime partnership.
Singapore, Indonesia Formalise Military Officer Ties With New Defence Alumni Initiative
On July 14, Singapore and Indonesia launched a joint defence alumni body in Jakarta, turning decades of informal contact between their officer corps into a standing institution. Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing and his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin launched the Indonesia-Singapore (INDOSIN) Defence Alumni Initiative, known as PERSAHAN (Persahabatan Alumni Pertahanan, Indonesian for Defence Alumni Friendship), as co-founders. They signed the body’s initiating directive and unveiled its logo on the sidelines of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day reception in Jakarta. The two armed forces’ chiefs, SAF chief Vice Admiral Aaron Beng and Indonesian military (TNI) commander General Agus Subiyanto, will serve as co-presidents.
Vietnam Launches Military Standards Campaign, Targets Self-Reliability and Defence Export
On July 15, Vietnam’s Department of Standards, Metrology and Quality under the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) launched a five-year campaign to strengthen military standards and quality management, underpinning Hanoi’s push for a self-reliant defence industry by 2030 and its stated ambition to build and eventually export its own platforms.
India’s Modi Winds Up Visit to Indonesia, Securing Key Defence and Trade Deals
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a three-day state visit to Indonesia on July 8, marking his first bilateral visit since the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). The visit produced a series of core agreements spanning defence, maritime, technology, healthcare and economic cooperation.
Australia and Thailand Hold Chapel Gold Drill
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTArF) are holding the latest iteration of Exercise Chapel Gold from June 18 to June 29 at Ban Dilang, Lopburi Province, Thailand.
Japan and Indonesia deepen defense ties with destroyer transfer and training
Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, unveiled a new defence policy framework on June 12, signalling a strategic shift intended at bilateral defence ties and maritime security.
Philippines-Canada enhance defence ties to shield supply chains and bolster minerals trade
The Philippines and Canada have agreed to enhance their defence partnership as the groundwork for deeper cross-border commerce, paved by the ratification of a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement (MLSA) on June 11 in Ottawa.
The Philippines asserts ASEAN autonomy at Shangri‑La Dialogue
Philippine Secretary of National Defence, Gilbert Teodoro Jr., leveraged the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue to firmly position Manila to guard the “autonomy of ASEAN member states”. The Philippine delegation emphasised its role to protect rules-based order and solidify international alliances.
Singapore’s Shangri‑La Dialogue spotlights maritime security amid rule-based order crisis
Singapore is hosting the 2026 Shangri‑La Dialogue 2026 from May 29 to 31, convening high-level representatives from 44 nations around the world to discuss key security issues. Several major themes covered in the dialogue include the international rule-based order, fracturing alliances and contested maritime domains.