Tajikistan publicly showcased its newly acquired HQ-17AE short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system for the first time during a military parade celebrating the country’s 32nd anniversary of its Armed Forces on 23 February 2025. Four combat vehicles and two transporter-loader vehicles were on display, demonstrating Tajikistan’s latest efforts to modernize its air defense capabilities and highlighting […]
India; Planned local production of Israeli TROPHY active protection system
In February 2025, a significant collaboration was announced between Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd (Rafael) from Israel and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) from India, marking a new chapter in the indigenization of advanced defense technologies. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the integration of the TROPHY Active Protection System (APS) into […]
India; Navy orders 26 additional Rafale fighters
India and France have concluded negotiations for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine carrier-based fighter aircraft, a strategic contract valued at approximately $7.6 billion (€7 billion). According to Indian Defence News, the formal agreement is expected to be signed in April 2025 during a visit to India by the French Minister of Defence. This acquisition […]
North Korea; Air Force to commission Russian IL-76 AWACS variant
As reported by 38 North on March 4, 2025, North Korea appears to be nearing completion of its first airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft, representing an expansion of its air force capabilities. Satellite imagery analysis indicates that a modified Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft has been stationed at Pyongyang’s Sunan International Airport, with a large radome mounted […]
Vietnam; Army orders Korean K9 Thunder SP Howitzers
South Korea continues its expansion in the defense market with the export of the K9 Thunder to Vietnam, a transaction that marks a strategic shift for Hanoi, as reported by South Korean media outlet Daum. Facing an increasingly tense regional environment, particularly in the South China Sea, Vietnam is seeking to modernize its artillery while […]
Turkey; Navy adopts ULAQ KAMA and ULAQ 12 ASuW unmanned surface crafts
The Turkish Navy is set to integrate two new autonomous surface drones into its arsenal, the ULAQ KAMA and ULAQ 12 ASuW, developed jointly by ARES Shipyard and Meteksan Defense. These unmanned systems are designed to enhance the country’s maritime capabilities as part of an accelerated defense modernization effort. Their roles extend from anti-surface warfare […]
Malaysia; Army trials Turkish Pars IV SOV 6×6 AFV
As reported by Malaysia Military Review on March 2, 2025, a team from Malaysia recently conducted firepower tests on the FNSS 6×6 Special Operation Vehicle (SOV) in Türkiye. The tests focused on evaluating the performance of the vehicle’s stabilized weapon systems produced by Aselsan. This trial differs from previous assessments conducted in Malaysia on other […]
Israel; Trump administration approves heavy assault engineering vehicles, ATGM and smarts aerial munition
The latest approvals of Foreign Military Sale (FMS) deals follows approvals early in February for Israel to buy US$660 million of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and $6.7 billion for munitions, guidance kits, fuzes and munitions support. The US Secretary of State has approved Israeli FMS requests for General Purpose (GP) bomb bodies and guidance kits, as […]
Japan; MoD expresses interest in C-17 transport planes
Japan has expressed interest in acquiring US-made C-17 military transport aircraft to enhance its rapid deployment and tactical logistics capabilities. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba discussed the potential purchase with US President Donald Trump during their bilateral meeting in Washington, DC, according to Kyodo News. The proposal was purportedly welcomed by the US. While the specific […]
Taiwan; Air Force adapts HF-3 anti-ship missile to F-CK-1 fighters
On February 21, 2025, the Taiwanese newspaper United Daily News (UDN) published what appears to be the first clear image of an air-launched HF-3 missile mounted on a Taiwan Air Force (ROCAF) F-CK-1 fighter. A few days later, the Liberty Times also released another image of the missile under the aircraft’s wing, confirming progress in […]