Defence Security Asia - Asian Defence and Security Affairs

Russia’s Su-75 Checkmate has entered reported flight-prototype assembly, advancing its bid to compete in the global stealth fighter market, although its proposed US$25–30 million price and sharply lower operating costs remain untested.

Singapore’s 42 SAR completed the first Hunter AFV battalion ATEC evaluation at Exercise Wallaby 2026 in Australia, marking a digital armour milestone whose strategic value depends on coordinated manoeuvre, resilient command and sustained logistical support.

Malaysia has launched its first 3,300-tonne MPMS mothership in Türkiye, advancing plans for longer South China Sea patrols supported by interceptor craft, drones and a helicopter deck, with integration and acceptance trials still ahead.

Saudi Arabia is weighing an offensive against Houthi coastal positions as threats to Bab el-Mandeb compound Hormuz disruption, exposing the limits of its oil export bypass and raising the stakes for global shipping.

India has confirmed Akash air defence exports to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, widening its missile customer base and opening potential support relationships as deployment details remain undisclosed.

Could China’s J-35 stealth fighter carry four YJ-15 anti-ship missiles internally and threaten U.S. carriers while preserving low observability—a potentially significant capability that remains unconfirmed?

Pakistan’s Saab 2000 Erieye brings airborne surveillance and battle management into focus as competition with India underscores the importance of coordinating J-10C and JF-17 fighters, beyond-visual-range engagements and integrated air defence.

Azerbaijan’s induction of the JF-17 Block III marks a major step in its combat aviation modernisation, with implications for deterrence against Armenia and Pakistan’s defence export ambitions.

USS Theodore Roosevelt and the Makin Island amphibious group have departed San Diego, opening a critical question: routine relief or a temporary buildup near Iran? DSA examines carrier airpower, Marine expeditionary options, logistics endurance and the contested Strait of Hormuz.

Ethiopia has publicly displayed Russia’s Orion-E drone, extending Moscow’s role in an unmanned fleet already drawing on Turkish, Chinese and Iranian systems, while weapons, datalinks and logistics will determine its operational impact.

Pakistan is pairing Turkish ŞAHİN and Korkut gun systems with Chinese HQ-17AE missiles to strengthen airbase protection after the 2025 clashes with India, making sensor integration, ammunition endurance and resistance to drone saturation decisive.

The UAE is pursuing Korean L-SAM interceptors, additional Cheongung-II capabilities and Chunmoo cooperation to strengthen layered missile defence and replenishment resilience, although quantities, delivery schedules and binding contracts remain unannounced.

China’s fourth aircraft carrier is taking shape at Dalian Shipyard with an estimated 336–339-metre hull, placing it in the Ford-class size bracket and highlighting how propulsion, aviation capacity and logistics could expand Beijing’s naval reach.

Türkiye’s TAYFUN Block 3 has entered serial production, advancing a ballistic missile designed to engage moving ships and hardened bunkers, while its operational impact depends on maritime targeting, terminal guidance and mobile battery readiness.

China is showcasing a J-10CE fighter mockup in Azerbaijan Air Force markings at ADEX 2026, raising questions about Baku’s future airpower requirements and Beijing’s expanding fighter export ambitions.