Asia Pacific • Page 2 of 561 • The Defense Post

Oct- 2026 -

9 October

Leonardo DRS Wraps Up Thermal Sight Supply, Training for Australian Snipers

Leonardo DRS has finalized deliveries and training for its INOD Block III thermal weapon sights distributed to the Australian Army as part of a deal signed in 2022.

9 October

Rojoef Manuel

Japan Reviews Arms Rules as Ukraine Requests Patriot Interceptors

Japan is preparing to reopen internal government discussions on the direct supply or sale of defense equipment to Ukraine, including interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense system.

9 October

Troops march on parade during an oath-of-allegiance ceremony, presided over by army chief Gen Narongpan Jitkaewthae, to mark Royal Thai Armed Forces Day on 18 January 2023 at the armys Cavalry Centre in Saraburi. Some 2,846 soldiers took part in the parade.

Rojoef Manuel

Thailand OKs Emergency Military Funding Amid Raised Border Vigilance

Thailand has approved $104.4 million in emergency defense funding to replenish military equipment, repair combat-damaged gear, and reinforce defenses along the Cambodian border.

8 October

Rojoef Manuel

Australia Grounds Supacat Fleet After Accident Kills Troop

The Australian Department of Defence has issued a temporary stand-down on its Supacat High Mobility Transporter fleet following a fatal rollover during a training exercise.

8 October

Two Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles bound for Ukraine wait to be loaded onto a C-17A Globemaster III aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. *** Local Caption *** The Australian Government has provided further support to the Government of Ukraine by gifting 20 Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles, including two ambulance variants, to aid the Government of Ukraines response to Russias unrelenting and illegal aggression. Australias response follows a direct request from President Zelenskyy during his address to a joint sitting of the Parliament of Australia on 31 March 2022. The Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle was built in Australia to provide protected mobility transport, safely moving soldiers to a battle area prior to dismounting for close combat. The Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle is well suited to provide protection to the Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers and Ukrainian civilians against mines and improvised explosive devices, shrapnel from artillery and small arms fire. The vehicles have been painted olive green to suit the operating environment. Additionally, a Ukrainian flag is painted on either side with the words United with Ukraine stencilled in English and Ukrainian to acknowledge our commitment and support to the Government and people of Ukraine. The ambulances will have the traditional red cross emblem. The Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles will be fitted with radios, a global positioning system and additional bolt-on armour increasing their protection.

Rojoef Manuel

L3Harris to Upgrade Deal for Australian Army Bushmasters

Australia has contracted L3Harris Technologies to supply an end-to-end command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence suite for its Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles.

7 October

Soldiers, formation, parade, military parade of the Russian Army on Red Square in Moscow on May 9, 2025. Military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Russia's parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. Photo: The Kremlin Moscow via (Photo by The Kremlin Moscow / The Kremlin Moscow / dpa Picture-Alliance via AFP)

Rojoef Manuel

Russia Practiced Central Asian Incursion in Multinational War Games

Russia has rehearsed a cross-border counter-offensive and the launch of a foothold inside neighboring Central Asian territory during its quadrennial Center 2026 military exercise.

6 October

Christine Casimiro

Shield AI, Innovaero Partner on Loitering Munitions for Australia

US firm Shield AI and Australian defense technology company Innovaero Technologies have teamed up to enhance the Australian Defence Force’s strike capabilities with autonomous loitering munitions.

5 October

A Republic of China Air Force F-16V combat aircraft

Rojoef Manuel

US Transfers Taiwan’s First F-16V Block 70 Fighter Jets

Taiwan has received its first two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets from the US, marking a step in bolstering its air defense capabilities amid mounting military pressure from Beijing.

5 October

Hanwha Aerospace’s smart factory in Changwon, South Korea, uses automated guided vehicles and robotic production systems. Photo: Hanwha

Samantha Alexa

South Korea to Train Defense AI Talent From the University Level

South Korea is building a new defense AI workforce from the university level, with Hanwha Aerospace helping train students and preparing to hire graduates directly.

2 October