Asia Pacific – Page 44 – The Defense Post

Dec- 2025 -

16 December

Ethan M. Encarnacion

Korean Air Explores ‘Open Drone’ Concept Where Parts Can Be Swapped Like LEGO

Korean Air is pursuing an “open drone” concept where tactical components can be swapped out as easily as LEGO bricks.

16 December

The Apollo high-energy laser weapon system

Rojoef Manuel

EOS Expands Export Footprint With $80M S. Korea Laser Weapon Deal

Australian firm Electro Optic Systems has signed a binding conditional agreement worth $80 million to manufacture and supply its flagship 100-kilowatt high-energy laser weapon for a customer in South Korea.

15 December

US troops marching in NATO welcome ceremony in Orzysz, Poland on April 13, 2017.

Giulia Bernacchi

NATO Chooses 150 Firms for 2026 Fast-Track Defense Tech Challenge

NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic selected 150 firms from 24 countries to take part in its 2026 Challenge Program.

15 December

Ethan M. Encarnacion

China Flies Huge ‘Mothership’ Drone for First Time

China has taken a major step in drone swarm operations with the first official flight of its “Jiu Tian” large aerial drone carrier.

15 December

A Royal Cambodian Armed Forces soldier reacts to a simulated improvised explosive device hidden inside bushes along the roadway during Counter-IED training at the Peacekeeping Operations School in Kampong Speu province, March 15. Idaho Army National Guard soldiers partnered with RCAF during Angkor Sentinel 2012, an annual bilateral military exercise sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific and hosted by Cambodian forces.

Staff Writer With AFP

Cambodia Says Thai Air Strikes Hit Home Province of Heritage Temples

Cambodia accused Thailand on Monday of striking deep inside its territory, bombing areas less than a two-hour drive from the country's main tourist draw, the centuries-old Angkor temples, in a reignited border conflict.

14 December

File photo of a Thai soldier standing outside the Government Public Relations Department in Bangkok

Staff Writer With AFP

Thailand Confirms First Civilian Killed in Week of Cambodia Fighting

Thailand announced its first civilian death in a week of fighting with Cambodia, as international efforts fail to stop violence.

14 December

Australian Army personnel participate in Exercise Cyber Sentinel, held in Canberra, ACT. Imagery has been digital altered for security purposes. *** Local Caption *** Exercise Cyber Sentinels is an annual cyber exercise which was held 2 13 October 2023 in Canberra, ACT. This was the first time this exercise was planned and held at the secret/Five Eyes level in Australia by the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with previous exercises held by our global partners at a lower classification level. The ADF worked closely with United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) in the planning of this exercise which is part of the global effort sharing of partner cyber readiness. Over 60 US Cyber Command personnel participated alongside over 90 ADF members. The participants were joined by a number of observers from Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The exercise comprised five blue force teams consisting of three Australian teams from the Australian Armys 138 Signals Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force 462 Squadron and Royal Australian Navy Fleet Cyber Unit, and two teams from the United States. Exercise Cyber Sentinels supports the training and development continuum of cyber units by honing individual and collective cyber-based skills. Additionally, the networking and learning opportunities from other nations are benefitting the ADF to further develop in the Cyber Domain and supporting reciprocal training opportunities in the future.

Staff Writer With AFP

Gunmen Kill 11 at Jewish Festival on Australia’s Bondi Beach

Two gunmen killed 11 people and wounded many others at Sydney's Bondi Beach in a "terrorist" attack on a Jewish gathering for the Hanukkah.

13 December

Staff Writer With AFP

Thailand Continues Cambodia Strikes Despite Trump Truce Calls

Thailand said it was continuing military strikes against Cambodia despite US President Trump saying the countries agreed to stop fighting.

13 December

Staff Writer With AFP

North Korea Acknowledges Its Troops Cleared Mines for Russia

North Korea sent troops to clear mines in Russia's Kursk region earlier this year, leader Jong Un said in a speech.

12 December

Squadron Leader Andy Brown, a Mission Systems Operator on the Royal Air Force Voyager Multi-Role Tanker Transport conducts air refuelling operations with a United States Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II during Exercise Pitch Black 2022. *** Local Caption *** Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Forces largest and most complex Large Force Employment exercise. Pitch Black 2022 is being conducted at RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal and Amberley from 19 August to 08 September 22. This years exercise will host up to 2500 personnel and around 100 aircraft from 17 participating nations from around the globe. Activities such as Exercise Pitch Black recognise Australias strong relationships and the high value we place on regional security and fostering closer ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Exercise Pitch Black features a range of realistic, simulated threats which can be found in a modern battle-space environment and is an opportunity to test and improve our force integration, utilising one of the largest training airspace areas in the world. Exercise Pitch Black aims to further develop offensive counter air, air interdiction and strike, intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, as well as foster international co-operation with partner forces.

Rojoef Manuel

Australia to Transform Mission Aircrew Training in $199M Deal

Canberra has invested over $199.8 million in a new Future Air Mission Training System to expand and modernize how the Royal Australian Air Force prepares mission aircrews.

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