On July 28, the Timor-Leste Government approved a new defence cooperation framework and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Portugal, formalising bilateral efforts to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities and deepen strategic cooperation over the next four years.
Category: Defence
Indonesian Navy Participates in RIMPAC 2026 MASCAL Training to Boost Medical Response Readiness
On July 26, Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) Marines and the US Marine Corps (USMC) conducted a joint Mass Casualty Training (MASCAL) exercise in Hawaii as part of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise, enhancing their ability to respond to large-scale military and humanitarian emergencies.
Philippine Navy Joins RIMPAC 2026 PHOTOEX to Boost Maritime Security
On July 22, the Philippine Navy (PN) participated in the Photograph Exercise (PHOTOEX) during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026, joining naval forces from 13 countries in a joint fleet formation aimed at demonstrating interoperability and maritime cooperation.
Indonesia Commissions Over 1,000 Military and Police Officers to Master Cyber and AI Defence
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has commissioned 1,177 new officers from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), using the occasion to call for a new generation of security personnel equipped to respond to artificial intelligence (AI), cyber threats and other emerging security challenges.
Singapore, Malaysia Conclude Annual Bilateral Search and Rescue Exercise
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) concluded their Annual Bilateral Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) MALSING on July 23, emphasising continued defence and operational cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Myanmar, Russian Forces Conclude First Joint Military Exercise Amid Closer Defence Ties
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.
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.