Latest news with #DefenceSecurityAsia
CNA
06-08-2025
- Business
- CNA
Indonesia becomes first in Southeast Asia to deploy short-range ballistic missile system
SINGAPORE: Indonesia has become the first country in Southeast Asia to deploy a tactical ballistic missile system that will enhance its short-range battlefield capabilities, based on sightings by military enthusiasts in East Kalimantan. Pictures of the KHAN missile, produced by Turkish manufacturer Roketsan, surfaced on the Sahabat Keris Facebook page last Friday (Aug 1) and have been widely reported by defence blogs, as well as Indonesian news portal Kompas. Photos of the missile on a launcher were reportedly taken at the Indonesian Army's Raipur A facility in East Kalimantan. The 7.1m missile has a diameter of 610mm and a range of up to 280km, according to Roketsan's website. It weighs 2,500kg and is armed with a 470kg high-explosive warhead. It has an accuracy of sub-10m circular error probability, providing 'accurate and effective fire power on strategic targets in the battlefield', according to Roketsan. Potential targets include artillery and air defence systems, radar sites and logistics facilities. The range of the KHAN missiles extends Indonesia's strike radius into disputed maritime corridors, noted news site Defence Security Asia. While Indonesia is not a claimant of the South China Sea, China's 'nine-dash line' claiming most of the waterway overlaps with Indonesia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near the oil- and gas-rich Natuna Islands. Indonesia placed its KHAN missile order in November 2022 and is the first military force outside of Turkiye to have the missile in its inventory, Roketsan's deputy general manager Murat Kurtulus reportedly said at the time. CNA has sent queries to the Indonesian military on how many KHAN missiles it acquired and where it is deploying them. Southeast Asia's largest economy has been looking to modernise its ageing military hardware as well as diversify its defence suppliers in recent years. In 2022, Indonesia purchased 42 Rafale jets from France for US$8.1 billion. China has also reportedly offered to sell its J-10 fighter jets to Jakarta. Indonesia has enhanced cooperation with Turkish defence manufacturers in recent months. In June at the Indo Defence 2025 exhibition, it signed two contracts with Roketsan – one for the procurement of the ATMACA Anti-Ship Missile and the ATMACA Weapon System, and the second for a planned joint venture agreement to develop local capabilities in Indonesia for the 'assembly, domestic production, and sustainability of missile technologies', announced Roketsan. Last month, Indonesia signed a contract to buy 48 KAAN fighter jets from Türkiye. The stealth twin-engine fighter, developed by the state-owned Turkish Aerospace Industries, is set to enter production soon with deliveries to the Turkish Air Force expected by 2028 or 2029.
Miami Herald
23-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
China Fast-Tracks Stealth Jets to Pakistan to Counter India: Report
China is fast-tracking delivery of its advanced J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters to Pakistan, with the first batch expected by early 2026, according to senior diplomatic and military sources cited in regional defense reports and Pakistani media. Highlighted by Defence Security Asia, the accelerated timeline reflects deepening military ties amid rising tensions after recent cross-border violence with India. The move aims to strengthen Pakistan's aerial deterrence as it seeks to counter India's air force. Newsweek has reached out to China and Pakistan's defense ministries for comment. The expedited delivery of China's next-generation stealth fighters could shift the airpower balance in South Asia. India continues to modernize its air force with platforms like the Russian Su-30MKI and French Rafale jets, but neither possesses the stealth capabilities of the J-35A. This deal also marks China's first known export of a fifth-generation fighter jet, reflecting its ambitions as a global arms supplier. Originally planned for late 2026, Pakistan is now expected to receive its first batch of J-35A fighters six months earlier, possibly by August 2025 for the initial 30 jets. This acceleration follows high-level diplomatic and military exchanges, including Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar's visit to Beijing and General Zhang Youxia's trip to Islamabad. Pakistan aims to close the qualitative airpower gap with India, which still fields non-stealth platforms. Pakistani media reports say the country's pilots are already training in China on the J-35A, signaling Islamabad's commitment to integrating the new stealth fighters into its fleet. Additionally, a recent post on X by an apparent Pakistan Air Force fan appears to show a J-35 in test flight, further fueling anticipation of the aircraft's imminent arrival. The reports say China is offering Pakistan a significant 50 percent discount on the J-35A jets, along with favorable payment terms. This is widely seen as a "reward" for Pakistan's military performance during recent tensions with India and highlights the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. Unveiled at a major airshow in November 2024, the J-35A became China's second stealth fighter after the J-20, positioning Beijing as only the second country-after the United States-to operate multiple fifth-generation stealth aircraft types. A recent Pentagon assessment highlights China's air force as the largest in the Indo-Pacific and the third largest worldwide, boasting more than 3,150 aircraft, including roughly 2,400 combat-ready jets capable of long-range operations. Zia Ul Haque Shamshi, Retired Air Commodore, Pakistan Air Force: "India is not expected to acquire fifth-generation fighter jet capabilities within that timeframe, which will provide Pakistan with a strategic edge." Brendan Mulvaney, Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute, U.S. Air Force: "It has put the Pakistani Air Force ahead of the Indian Air Force by tying Pakistan and China further." If deliveries follow this accelerated schedule, Pakistan's air combat capabilities will see a significant boost, potentially altering the regional defense landscape. Regional powers, particularly India, are expected to closely monitor pilot training, operational integration, and strategic responses in the coming months. Related Articles Chinese Navy Announces Major Warfighting MilestoneStock Market Sinks After Trump Threatens Tariffs on Apple, EUCrowd's Response to Howard Lutnick's Price Rise Question Goes ViralHow China Is Fighting Back in Its Manufacturing War With the US 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
China's Advanced Jets Crowd U.S. Airspace Influence? Beijing Offers Lethal Jet Fighters To Colombia
In a bold move, China has reportedly offered its 4.5-generation J-10C fighter jet to Colombia. According to a Defence Security Asia report, China offered warplanes to Colombia after it joined its Belt and Road Initiative days ago. Watch this video to know more.
