Vietnam is set to become the second country after the Philippines to acquire BrahMos missiles from India, a deal expected to be finalized within months. The supersonic cruise missile, developed by BrahMos Aerospace, can reach speeds of Mach 2.8 and cover distances of up to 900km. This sale serves both countries' strategic interests in response to China's "assertive behaviour" in the region, according to Walter Ladwig, an international-relations lecturer at King's College London.
China and Russia have increased their military cooperation over the past year, with the goal of showcasing their combined strength rather than achieving operational compatibility like that between the US and Europe. This growing alliance has raised concerns about a potential confrontation between the West and a coalition led by China and Russia, which may also include Iran and North Korea, evoking unsettling parallels to historical conflicts.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/938967-no-borders-the-old-friendship-between-russia-and-china-creates-new-threatsThe French Navy will hold a joint exercise with the Indian Navy in Kochi and Goa on January 5, as part of its mission Clemenceau 25. The exercise aims to enhance naval interoperability and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. A formidable fleet led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, including three frigates, a supply ship, a nuclear attack submarine, and several foreign escort ships, will participate in the operation. The mission began on November 28 and spans across the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean.
https://indiatoday.in/india/story/french-indian-navy-joint-exercise-kochi-goa-charles-de-gaulle-carrier-strike-force-clemenceau-25-2659471-2025-01-04North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un has strengthened ties with Russia over China in a New Year's diplomatic shift. In a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kim pledged to solidify the comprehensive strategic partnership between their countries and expressed his willingness to further strengthen bilateral ties. This move suggests that North Korea is exploiting Russia's need for support while testing China's tolerance for being sidelined, as Kim did not extend greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping in his New Year messages.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3293152/north-korea-strengthens-ties-russia-over-china-new-years-diplomatic-shift?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionThe Turkish military is conducting a large-scale exercise in the Aegean Sea, involving 87 ships, seven submarines, and various aircraft and drones. The operation aims to demonstrate Turkey's defense capabilities in its maritime jurisdiction, known as the Blue Homeland, which aligns with United Nations resolutions. The simultaneous construction of 31 vessels at Turkish shipyards is also underway, including a national submarine and an air defense destroyer. The exercise has caught the attention of Greek media, with To Vima reporting that the Greek Armed Forces are on high alert to monitor the maneuvers closely.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkiye-to-carry-out-major-military-drill-in-territorial-waters-204327The US government has approved a $3.64 billion sale of advanced air-to-air missiles, including up to 1,200 AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 missiles, to Japan. The deal aims to enhance Japan's defense capabilities against threats from China and other nations in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically to protect its homeland.
The US Commerce Department is seeking public feedback on new rules to regulate the sale of drones that could potentially compromise national security. The department is concerned about the involvement of China and Russia in designing, making or supplying technology critical to drones, citing their ability to exploit private entities for national interests through cyber espionage. The move comes as President-elect Donald Trump's administration prepares to take office, with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stating that securing the unmanned aircraft systems technology supply chain is crucial to safeguarding US national security. The department has identified Chinese drone maker DJI and Russia as dominant players in the global commercial drone market, which could be subject to restrictions or bans under the new rules.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-mulls-new-restrictions-on-chinese-drones/article69056281.eceThe US Department of Defense has expressed concerns about the potential security risks associated with commercial drones in the country's airspace. The department warned that involvement by rival nations could allow them to remotely control and manipulate these devices, potentially compromising sensitive information.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-considers-imposing-new-restrictions-on-chinese-drones-204309The US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is considering a rule to restrict or ban drones with Chinese technology in their supply chain, citing "acute threats" from China and Russia that could allow adversaries to remotely access and manipulate the devices. The move comes after Beijing announced export bans on 28 American companies, including Raytheon, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, to safeguard national security and interests. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has emphasized the importance of securing the drone technology supply chain to protect sensitive US data.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3293214/us-considers-rule-could-restrict-or-ban-drones-chinese-tech?module=top_story&pgtype=section#comments