The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has taken measures to boost its cybersecurity following a reported hacking incident by China on sensitive government data. The AFP is working closely with ally partners and has put its cyber and intelligence command on high alert to prevent threats to national security, according to Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/09/news/national/afp-beefs-up-cybersecurity-measures/2033396North Korean President Kim has launched a new missile that could potentially threaten US forces in Japan and further targets if it reaches speeds between 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers. The launch was condemned by US Secretary of State Blinken, who stated that North Korea is receiving military equipment and training from Russia. South Korean officials believe that North Korea may have had technical cooperation with Moscow on the new missile technology. This comes as South Korea grapples with political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law last month, which he claimed was necessary to protect against "North Korean communist forces".
https://www.montanarightnow.com/national_news/north-koreas-kim-says-new-hypersonic-missile-will-deter-rivals/article_51a1c360-30ab-5855-9b46-a75b326c23c1.htmlEuropean countries are struggling to meet their defense spending targets set by NATO, with some nations such as Germany and France facing challenges in increasing their budgets due to political uncertainty. The Czech Republic has announced it will reach the target of 2 percent for the first time, while Norway recently achieved 2.1 percent. Other countries like Italy and Spain are significantly below the target. German foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner has expressed skepticism about the US's demand for a significant increase in defense spending, citing the need for parliamentary approval. The US, despite not having the highest percentage of GDP spent on defense, carries a large share of the burden due to its economy size.
https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-tells-allies-spend-5-percent-gdp-defense-nato/German Defense Minister Müller stated that Germany is working with partners to strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities over the medium and long term to protect its territory and ensure security. This effort includes the "coalitions of capabilities" established through the Ramstein format, a framework for cooperation between countries. The 25th meeting of the Ramstein format will take place at the U.S. Air Force base in western Germany on January 9, marking the last meeting involving outgoing US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Müller emphasized that German soldiers do not participate in combat operations in Ukraine but may visit the country for official purposes.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3946352-germany-to-keep-arms-flowing-into-ukraine-under-existing-commitments-mod.htmlNorth Korean officials are demanding recognition of their country's strategic position as a condition for engaging in dialogue with the Trump administration, according to Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/world/north-koreas-kim-says-new-missile-will-deter-rivalsThe Philippines' current strategy of allying with the US against China is seen as a risk that could lead to devastating consequences, including escalating tensions between superpowers. The country's approach is compared to Ukraine's entry into NATO, which has heightened conflict with Russia. A proposed alternative strategy involves building alliances with non-nuclear neighbors not in rivalry with China, aiming to promote world peace and avoid fueling an arms race in Asia.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/09/opinion/columns/how-to-defend-our-nation-and-keep-asias-peace/2033342The UK government is considering banning Chinese-made internet routers due to concerns over national security. This move comes as part of efforts to curb extremism in the country. The decision follows a warning from the Labour party that if action is not taken, the UK may face new terrorist threats. The issue has been highlighted by recent events such as the New Orleans attack, which was described as a lone wolf threat. In other news, US President Biden blocked a Japanese takeover of US Steel on national security grounds.
https://www.businesstelegraph.co.uk/u-s-is-considering-a-ban-on-an-internet-router-that-is-probably-already-in-your-home/The UK government has announced that thousands of British military personnel will be deployed to Europe over the next two months to participate in a significant NATO exercise. The deployment is part of a larger effort by NATO to demonstrate its collective defense capabilities and deter potential threats. According to information from the UK government's website, this move reflects the country's commitment to maintaining regional security and stability through cooperation with other member states.
https://www.actmedia.eu/daily/thousands-of-british-troops-to-lead-major-nato-exercise-in-eastern-europe/111970Ukraine's coalitions will develop roadmaps outlining their military needs and objectives through 2027, including air force, armor, artillery, de-mining, drone, missile defense, information technology, and maritime security capabilities. The roadmaps are intended to enable donors to plan support for Ukraine sustainably into the future. Despite concerns about potential US support under a new administration, officials express confidence in the coalitions' resilience due to their multilateral nature and European commitment. The 25th UDCG meeting at Ramstein Air Base will be attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who plans to discuss defense measures against guided bombs and Russian aviation with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, before his departure from the group.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3946218-defense-strategy-for-ukraine-through-2027-to-be-determined-at-ramstein-pentagon.html