A Thai cabinet meeting approved the draft of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on participation in Exercise Cobra Gold, formalising Singapore’s participation in the drills for the 2025 – 2030 period.
Category: Defence
From Hedging to Hard Balancing: Balikatan 2026 and the Philippine Defence Strategy
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Hanoi ramps up island building in disputed waters
Vietnam has shown a major upgrade programme involving the development of artificial islands in the Spratly archipelago. Hanoi has been reclaiming vast expanses of land and developing its outpost in the disputed waters at a speedy pace, a satellite imagery report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) has found on May 8.
Strategic Signaling through Simultaneous Military Exercises Around Southeast Asia
On April 20, 2026, the annual Balikatan exercise between the US and the Philippines commenced and will last until May 8.
Balikatan 2026 drills test missiles, cyber defense in the Philippines
The Philippines, along with the US, Australia, Japan, Canada, France and New Zealand, formally commenced Exercise Balikatan 2026, marking the 41st iteration of the biggest annual joint military drill across Southeast Asia on April 20.
China pushes back against expanding Balikatan military drills
Commenced on April 20, the 41st iteration of Exercise Balikatan, an annual joint military exercise between the US and the Philippines, has drawn sharp criticism from the Chinese authorities.
19 NPA fighters killed in as Philippine Army intensify operations in Negros Occidental
Heavy crossfire between the 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) under the Philippines Armed Forces and the communist New People’s Army (NPA) erupted on April 19 in Sitio Plaringding within the municipality of Toboso, Negros Occidental.
US and Indonesia launch major defense pact
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth received the Indonesian Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the Pentagon, Virginia, on April 13 to announce the establishment of the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP).
Malaysia PM urges critics to recognise diplomatic efforts on Iran and Gaza
The government’s diplomatic efforts, saying Malaysia’s firm stance on conflicts involving Iran and Gaza has strengthened the country’s international standing and facilitated access for Malaysian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
South Korea and Indonesia expand cooperation on minerals and technology
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held talks in Seoul on April 1 with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, with the two leaders agreeing to expand cooperation in critical minerals, technology and clean energy, according to the Office of the President of South Korea.