Serbia has taken delivery of Chinese-made FK-3 air defense systems, marking a significant expansion of Beijing's presence in the Balkan country. The system, an export variant of China's HQ-22 surface-to-air missile system, can target aircraft and missiles flying at speeds up to 1,000m/s over distances of up to 100 kilometers. This deal was initially signed with China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation (CASIC) in 2020, despite warnings from the US that it could jeopardize Serbia's bid to join the European Union. The purchase is part of a broader trend of Serbia seeking military equipment from both Russia and China while also maintaining ties with Western countries such as France.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/01/09/serbia-completes-fielding-of-chinese-air-defense-system/The Russian defence forces have reportedly downed eight US-made ATACMS missiles and 72 drones in a recent incident. This development comes as part of an ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, where the outgoing US President Joe Biden's administration has supplied long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine. The ATACMS missiles are capable of penetrating inside Russia, prompting a response from Moscow which has deployed its new hypersonic missile system.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/world/russia-says-downed-8-us-supplied-atacms-missilesThe 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.htmlPakistan'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-expertsThe 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-capabilitiesVietnam 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.
The 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.