Asia Pacific • Page 16 of 562 • The Defense Post

Aug- 2026 -

11 August

A U.S. Soldier assigned to MoD Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), aims down range during an African Lion 26 counterattack lane at Cap Draa, Tan-Tan, Morocco, May 4, 2026. The command field exercise counterattack lane tested new combined arms breach tactics by synchronizing unmanned ground vehicles, remote systems and maneuver elements, demonstrating the integration of autonomous and conventional forces to create standoff, reduce risk and generate new tactical possibilities on the modern battlefield. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christopher Sanchez)

South Korea’s UGV Buildup a Manpower Fix, Not a Technology Push: Report

South Korea’s growing investment in unmanned ground vehicles may look like a push to modernize its military, but a key driver is the country’s shrinking pool of available soldiers.

11 August

Japanese Self-Defense Forces personnel participate in the 2026 Japan-US Joint Bilateral Command Post Exercise. Photo: Japan Ministry of Defense

Samantha Alexa

Japan Wants Palantir, Anduril AI in Its Military Decision Loop

Japan is looking to put US-made AI deeper into its military decision-making, with systems from Palantir and Anduril being considered to help its Self-Defense Forces process information and act faster.

11 August

Inder Singh Bisht

Lockheed Australia to Establish Virginia-Class Integration Capability

Lockheed Martin has signed a contract to establish a combat systems integration capability for Australia’s future Virginia submarines.

10 August

Rojoef Manuel

India Enters 6th-Gen Fighter Jet Race Under French FCAS Program

India has initiated formal efforts to participate in the multinational Future Combat Air System sixth-generation fighter program, selecting the French-led initiative over the Global Combat Air Programme consisting of Italy, Japan, and the UK.

10 August

Rojoef Manuel

Australia to Place First AIM-260 Missile Order Under $500M+ Deal

Canberra is committing nearly $520.1 million to arm the Royal Australian Air Force with the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile.

10 August

Giulia Bernacchi

Taiwan Tests Armored Warfare After Simulated Chemical Attack

Taiwan has tested how armored units would continue operating after a chemical attack during the fifth day of the annual Han Kuang exercise.

10 August

Lithuanian troops defend their position versus opposing forces during a combat exercise.

Giulia Bernacchi

Lithuania Eyes South Korean Air Defense, Counter-Drone Systems

Lithuania is considering South Korean air defense and counter-drone systems as it seeks equipment that can be delivered quickly.

10 August

Christine Casimiro

Raytheon Lands $745M Contract to Produce SM-3 Block IIA Missiles for US, Japan

The US Missile Defense Agency has awarded Raytheon a $745.4-million contract to manufacture and assemble Standard Missile-3 Block IIA missiles for the US and Japan.

7 August

Rojoef Manuel

Sudanese Forces Expand Arsenal With Mohafiz Armored Vehicles From Pakistan

Sudan has taken delivery of approximately 100 Pakistani-made Mohafiz infantry mobility vehicles to reinforce warfighter movements and supply convoy protection in the country's ongoing conflict against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

7 August

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Angel Vasquez, a rifleman assigned to 3rd Littoral Combat Team, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, prepares to fly a drone during a simulated airfield seizure operation as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 at Calayan, Cagayan, Philippines, April 29, 2026. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity. Vasquez is a native of Minnesota. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ernesto Lagunes)

Rojoef Manuel

Ukraine, Philippines to Boost Defense Ties With Drone Pact

Ukraine and the Philippines have agreed to draft a formal defense framework focused on joint drone production and sharing lessons from wartime experience.

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