Russia will continue to notify the US of its ballistic missile launches, despite suspending its participation in a nuclear arms treaty. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that Russia would adhere to restrictions outlined in the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty on a voluntary basis and continue to implement a 1988 bilateral agreement with the US requiring notification of intercontinental or submarine ballistic missile launches.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/politics/russia-to-continue-notifying-us-of-ballistic-missile-launches/The US State Department has notified Congress about an $8 billion arms deal package for Israel, which is likely the last commissioned by the Joe Biden administration before he leaves office. The package includes air-to-air missiles, artillery shells, Hellfire missiles, small diameter bombs, and 500-lb warheads to be used in fighter jets and attack helicopters. This move comes as indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas resumed in Qatar, with mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the US attempting to negotiate a truce in Gaza. The deal has been met with criticism from some Democrats who have urged the administration to make arms sales contingent on Israel's management of the war effort and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/air-to-air-missiles-drones-and-more-biden-plans-8-bn-arms-sale-to-israel-notifies-congress-13849798.htmlIndia and Japan have strengthened their strategic partnership in recent years, with defense emerging as a key pillar of their bilateral relations. The two nations have engaged in several military exercises, including the "Dharma Guardian" exercise, which marks the first-ever air exercise between the two countries. India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stated that defense has become an important aspect of their bilateral ties. This cooperation is seen as a counterbalance to China's growing influence in the region. The partnership has been strengthened through various mechanisms, including the 2+2 ministerial dialogue and participation in minilateral formats such as the Quad.
https://thediplomat.com/2025/01/looking-back-at-india-japan-security-ties-in-2024-a-way-forward/The Indonesian Navy's Multilateral Naval Exercise (MNEK) is a biennial non-combatant exercise that aims to enhance interoperability between navies, particularly in disaster management and humanitarian operations. The 5th MNEK joint exercise will be attended by 38 countries, including Indonesia, with several participating countries sending their warships to train with Indonesian vessels. The exercise includes field maneuver activities in the Badung Strait, as well as forums for exchanging experiences between officers, bilateral meetings, a defense exhibition, and cultural activities. Participating countries will also take part in social service programs, such as renovating a fishermen's equipment warehouse, building toilet facilities, and paving a road in Antiga Kelod village, Karangasem, Bali.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/340086/navy-to-hold-joint-exercise-with-21-foreign-warships-in-feb?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_rightPakistan's strategic programme and capabilities have been deemed a "sacred trust" by the Foreign Office, with complete consensus among the country's people and no external interference or compromise. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasized the need for constructive engagement with the US to address Pakistan's legitimate security concerns and defence needs, while Malik Qasim Mustafa of ACDC argued that the US has ignored the fragile dynamics of strategic stability in South Asia by imposing discriminatory sanctions. The sanctions have been attributed to geopolitical contestations and gaps in export control regimes, which hinder states' access to technology for peaceful purposes.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1268489-missile-sanctions-discriminatory-us-policies-undermine-regional-strategic-stability-expertsTurkish Defence Industry Agency President Haluk Görgün hinted at a deal between Turkey and the UAE in October 2023, citing increased collaboration on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as the Bayraktar Akıncı and Bayraktar TB2. The partnership has reached new heights in terms of both quality and quantity.
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/bayraktar-akinci-raids-the-uae-turkish-uav/The US has approved a $3.6 billion sale of advanced air-to-air missiles to Japan, one of its closest allies in Asia, as part of efforts to counter China's growing presence around disputed territories in the Pacific. The deal includes up to 1,200 missiles and related equipment, amid heightened tensions between Tokyo and Beijing over territorial disputes.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/04/world/americas-emea/us-approves-36-b-missile-sale-to-japan/2030135The United States has agreed to transfer a range of military equipment to Israel, including air-to-air missiles for fighter jets and helicopters, artillery shells, small-diameter bombs, JDAM ammunition kits, and 500-pound bombs. The deal aims to provide long-term support for Israel's security, with some equipment expected to be delivered directly from Pentagon warehouses within the year, while others will take longer to arrive. The transfer requires approval from the US House of Representatives and Senate foreign affairs committees.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/939140-farewell-biden-sells-israel-an-arms-package-worth-8-billionThe US has historically shown discriminatory treatment towards Pakistan's nuclear and missile programs, according to recent statements. This bias is believed by some to be linked to Pakistan's strategic partnership with China, which may have influenced US policy decisions, including the imposition of sanctions on Pakistan. The pressure exerted on Pakistan was also seen as part of a broader strategy aimed at containing China's growing influence in the region.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1268754-pakistan-cannot-accept-caps-on-its-missile-capabilities