Military Technology
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Global Commons
Questions, concerns linger as North Korea plans third spy satellite launch
FORUM Staff After two failed attempts, North Korea reportedly will try again to launch a military spy satellite in October 2023, a prospect that raises security concerns in Japan and South Korea amid increased skepticism about the device’s potential effectiveness. The first Chollima-1 rocket, carrying a Malligyong-1 reconnaissance satellite, crashed into the Yellow Sea on May 31, 2023. A second…
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Global Commons
South Korean defense exports to Poland expected to enhance NATO defense, industry cooperation
Felix Kim In a development that underscores the strengthening ties between South Korea and Poland, the nations have embarked on a historic arms deal. Under the $13.7 billion agreement reached in 2022, South Korea’s largest to date, Poland will receive tanks, rocket launchers and jet fighters. Building on this foundation, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Polish President Andrzej…
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Global Commons
Japan aims to boost defense industry with 200 startups
Marc Jacob Prosser To harness advanced technologies and counter the challenges facing the nation’s defense sector, the Japanese government is fostering ties with innovative startups. Tapping into the country’s rich startup ecosystem in areas such as space technology and satellite imaging could boost defense sector innovation and drive exports. The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD) and Ministry of Economy, Trade…
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Global Commons
Technology advances U.S. capabilities to detect, deter cyber threats
U.S. Strategic Command/Joint Cyber Center The United States’ ability to project military power globally is the backbone of its commitments to allies and partners and serves as a deterrent to adversaries who oppose the rules-based international order. Those commitments and promises are upheld by maintaining superiority in all domains — land, air, sea, space, the electromagnetic spectrum and cyberspace —…
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Global Commons
Indonesia, South Korea mark milestone with deeper defense collaboration
Felix Kim As they mark 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2023, Indonesia and South Korea are taking their already robust defense relations to a new level. In 2017, the governments elevated their strategic partnership to a “special strategic partnership.” Bolstering the arrangement in late July 2023, the nations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on peacekeeping operations (PKO), including…
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Global Commons
Philippine Navy strengthens maritime security with anti-submarine warfare capabilities
Maria T. Reyes As tensions escalate in the South China Sea, the Philippine Navy has unveiled a formidable maritime strategy with its inaugural “full-mission capable deployment” of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) assets. The Western Command (WESCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted the synchronized show of force using the missile-equipped frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) and the AgustaWestland…
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Features
Modern Militaries, Reinforced Alliances
FORUM Staff Technology is strengthening militaries tasked with maintaining security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Rapidly modernizing nations are transforming arsenals with advancements from cutting-edge aircraft and game-changing submarines to unmanned vehicles, space awareness tools and cyber defense upgrades. Meanwhile, security partnerships are encouraging scientific cooperation among like-minded militaries, and leaders are relying on the power of regional alliances to…
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Conflicts - Tensions
Implications of PLA Modernization
FORUM Staff The rise of an assertive People’s Republic of China (PRC) over the past decade and the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) pursuit of large-scale military capabilities challenge the international security order throughout the Indo-Pacific and beyond, experts contend. People’s Liberation Army (PLA) modernization could have near- and long-term implications for regional stability that impact the South China Sea, Taiwan…
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Global Commons
ROK military confronts demographic crisis
Damin Jung Faced with unprecedented missile launches and nuclear threats by North Korea, the Republic of Korea (ROK) is struggling to fill its ranks with conscript Soldiers while contending with the world’s lowest fertility rate. ROK troops dropped from 618,000 in 2017 to 500,000 in 2022. Many units have disbanded, while the military strives to maintain combat readiness and develop…
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Features
The Indo-Pacific Strategic Space and the Global Order
Dr. Arnab Das/Cmdr. (Ret.) Indian Navy The center of global power has shifted toward the Indian and Pacific oceans. The Indo-Pacific strategic space is recognized as the main theater of geopolitical and geostrategic interactions in the 21st century. More nations globally are deploying assets in the region to ensure their strategic presence and interests. India, the People’s Republic of China…
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