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Air × Indo-Pacific

Air defense news in Indo-Pacific — daily AI-summarized, archived in full.

42 articles indexed · 37 in archive

◆ This Week

5 articles

Taiwan approves funding for unmanned systems industry development

Taiwan approved funding to develop its domestic unmanned systems industry. The investment aims to bolster indigenous drone production amid Chinese pressure. Signals a strategic push for asymmetric defense capability.

JanesAug 17

Indo-PacificAir

India Leases Additional MQ-9Bs For Navy Use

India is leasing additional MQ-9B drones for naval use. The lease expands maritime ISR coverage ahead of purchased platforms. Reflects growing Indian unmanned surveillance capability.

aviationweek.comAug 17

Indo-PacificAir

Indian Government Launches Transport Aircraft Tender

The Indian government issued an RfP for its Medium Transport Aircraft programme. The tender seeks to replace aging airlift with new platforms. A significant procurement step for the Indian Air Force.

aviationweek.comAug 17

Indo-PacificAir

German drone maker Helsing enlists Rakuten to broker Japan military deal

German AI defense drone maker Helsing partnered with Japan's Rakuten to broker a military deal in Japan. The tie-up targets AI-enabled drone sales in the Indo-Pacific. Marks Helsing's expansion into Asian markets.

ReutersAug 17

Indo-PacificAir

Taiwan teams up with US start-up on underwater drones to boost island's defences

Taiwan is partnering with a US start-up to develop underwater drones for island defense. The cooperation targets asymmetric undersea capability against China. Reflects Taiwan's uncrewed systems push.

scmp.comAug 17

U.S. Marines fire attack drones live in South Korea for first time

US Marines conducted their first live firing of attack drones in South Korea. The event tested employment of unmanned precision-strike systems in a forward regional setting. Live-fire activity provides operational data on tactics, integration and training requirements. The demonstration reflects growing Marine Corps investment in small uncrewed strike capabilities.

Defence BlogAug 6

Indo-PacificAir

Has China’s missile force got America’s Kadena base in Japan in its sights?

The report examines Chinese missile-force attention to Kadena Air Base in Japan. Kadena is a major US air-power hub in the western Pacific. The issue underscores the vulnerability of fixed air bases to long-range precision missiles. It highlights the importance of dispersal, hardening and integrated missile defense.

scmp.comAug 6

Indo-PacificAir

Indonesian Navy debuts one-way attack USV in joint exercise

The Indonesian Navy debuted a one-way attack unmanned surface vessel during a joint exercise. The demonstration indicates development of expendable maritime strike capability. One-way USVs can complicate naval defense through distributed and low-cost attack profiles. The exercise provided an operational venue for testing the platform concept.

JanesAug 6

Indo-PacificAir

South Korea ramps up mass production of military robot

South Korea is increasing mass production of a military robotic system. The move transitions the platform from limited fielding toward larger-scale availability. Military robots can support reconnaissance, logistics, surveillance and hazardous tasks. Production expansion reflects South Korea's focus on unmanned ground-system capability.

Defence BlogAug 6

Indo-PacificAir

Philippines receives its final S-70i helicopters

The Philippines has received the final S-70i helicopters in its acquisition program. The delivery completes a fleet modernization step for Philippine military aviation. S-70i aircraft can support transport, disaster response, special operations and utility missions. The completed handover increases available rotary-wing lift capacity.

asianmilitaryreview.comAug 6

Indo-PacificAir

China Tests UAV-Cued PHL-03 Maritime Strikes and Rapid-Displacement Tactics for Coastal Denial Operations

China tested UAV-cued PHL-03 rocket artillery for maritime strike missions. The activity combined unmanned target acquisition with rapid displacement tactics. The concept supports coastal-denial operations against naval forces. It demonstrates integration of reconnaissance drones with long-range ground-based fires.

Army RecognitionAug 6

Indo-PacificAir

China's military mouthpiece issues full-page warning on Japan's drone power

PLA's official newspaper issued a full-page warning about Japan's growing drone capabilities. Signals Chinese concern over JSDF unmanned systems acquisition, including MQ-9B and domestic programs. Reflects intensifying Indo-Pacific UAS competition.

scmp.comJul 20

Indo-PacificAir

Special Report: India's N3X Labs develops new UAV-launching concept

India's N3X Labs is developing a novel UAV-launching concept aimed at rapidly deployable drone operations. Reflects growing Indian private-sector drone innovation. Details of the launch mechanism remain proprietary.

JanesJul 20

Indo-PacificAir

South Korea Moves Forward On F-15 Electronic Warfare Upgrade

South Korea is advancing an electronic warfare upgrade for its F-15K Slam Eagle fleet. The programme adds modern EW self-protection suites. It extends F-15K viability against emerging threats. ROKAF continues fleet modernization alongside KF-21.

aviationweek.comJul 17

Indo-PacificAir

Australian Army completes first successful Apache live-firing

The Australian Army conducted its first AH-64E Apache live-fire training during Exercise Possum Guns. The event marks entry into service for Canberra's newly acquired attack helicopter fleet. Apaches replace the retired Tiger ARH. Australia is buying 29 aircraft under FMS.

Army TechnologyJul 17

Indo-PacificAir

Japan Selects Terra Drone Interceptor to Counter Growing One-Way Attack Threat

Japan has selected the Terra Drone interceptor to counter one-way attack UAS threats. The system provides kinetic drone-on-drone interception. It reflects Tokyo's growing concern about swarming and loitering munitions. The selection marks a step forward in Japan's counter-UAS capability.

Army RecognitionJul 15

Indo-PacificAir

U.S. Marines Rehearse Layered Close Air Support in Okinawa for Contested First Island Chain Operations

U.S. Marines rehearsed layered close air support in Okinawa for contested First Island Chain operations. The exercise integrated fixed-wing, rotary and unmanned assets. It supports Force Design 2030 and EABO concepts. The training reflects preparation for potential Pacific conflict scenarios.

Army RecognitionJul 15

Indo-PacificAir

How Many J-20 Mighty Dragon Fighters Does China Actually Have?

A new analysis examines the true size of China's J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighter fleet. Estimates suggest production has significantly outpaced Western projections. The fleet is likely approaching or exceeding U.S. F-22 numbers. China's fifth-generation force is expanding rapidly across multiple PLAAF theater commands.

The War ZoneJul 15

Indo-PacificAir

China's J-16 Beast Mode Reveals a Strategy for High-Volume Beyond-Visual-Range Warfare

China's J-16 has been photographed in a 'Beast Mode' configuration with a heavy load of PL-15 BVRAAMs. The setup mirrors U.S. F-15EX loadouts, revealing PLAAF emphasis on high-volume beyond-visual-range warfare. It suggests intent to overwhelm Western air fleets with missile mass. The concept aligns with the growing 'missile truck' doctrine.

Army RecognitionJul 15

Indo-PacificAir

South Korea To Get Huge Electronic Attack Boost With Global 6500 Jammer Jets

South Korea is acquiring Bombardier Global 6500-based electronic attack jets to significantly boost jamming and SIGINT capability. The platform will complement existing Baekdu ELINT and Peace Eye AEW&C assets. Delivery enhances ROKAF's ability to suppress North Korean air defences. It represents one of Asia's largest airborne EW investments.

The War ZoneJul 14

Indo-PacificAir

Boeing passes AU$1 billion in export contracts to Australian suppliers under Global Supply Chain Program

Boeing has passed AU$1 billion in export contracts to Australian suppliers under its Global Supply Chain Program. The milestone reflects deepening industrial ties with Australia. Suppliers contribute to programs including P-8, F/A-18, and MQ-28 Ghost Bat. It supports AUKUS-era industrial base expansion.

Defence Industry EuropeJul 14

Indo-PacificAir

U.S. Deploys B-2 Spirit Bombers with F-22 Raptors for Indo-Pacific Stealth Strike Mission

The US Air Force deployed B-2 Spirit bombers alongside F-22 Raptors for a combined stealth strike mission in the Indo-Pacific. The exercise validated all-stealth strike-package tactics against advanced IADS. It signals continued US emphasis on penetrating strike capability.

Army RecognitionJul 13

Indo-PacificAir

U.S. B-2 Stealth Bomber Refuelling Mission Highlights Australia's Role in Indo-Pacific Deterrence

A US B-2 stealth bomber conducted a refuelling mission over Australia, underscoring Canberra's role as a critical enabler in Indo-Pacific deterrence. The flight supports enhanced bomber task force operations from RAAF Tindal. It aligns with AUKUS strategic posture.

Army RecognitionJul 13

Indo-PacificAir

BAE Systems to supply EPAWSS electronic warfare systems for Republic of Korea F-15K Slam Eagle fleet upgrade under Boeing contract

BAE Systems will supply EPAWSS electronic warfare suites for the Republic of Korea Air Force's F-15K Slam Eagle upgrade, under a Boeing prime contract. EPAWSS provides digital radar warning, jamming and countermeasures management. The upgrade significantly improves ROKAF survivability against advanced IADS.

Defence Industry EuropeJul 13

Indo-PacificAir

Lockheed Martin demonstrates software-driven command and control integration at Valiant Shield 2026

Lockheed Martin demonstrated software-driven air and missile defence command and control integration at Valiant Shield 2026. The exercise linked sensors, shooters and joint C2 across the Indo-Pacific theater. Demonstration validates JADC2-aligned architectures. Findings will inform future IBCS export configurations.

Defence Industry EuropeJul 8

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