Satellite   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Space Defense & Militarization   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Defense Policy  
SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Japan's Ministry of Defense selects seven firms for national defence satellite constellation

Japan's Ministry of Defense has awarded a public tender to seven Japanese companies to develop and field a national satellite constellation for defence use. The decision advances Tokyo's pursuit of sovereign space-based communications and ISR capabilities while prioritizing domestic industry participation.

2026-01-05T02:31:05.492854-08:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Defense Policy  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Pakistan test-launches indigenous Taimoor air-launched cruise missile from Mirage; demonstrates 324 nm range

By FlightGlobal: The Pakistan air force has successfully test-launched its indigenously developed Taimoor air-launched cruise missile from a Dassault Mirage IIIE fighter, with the weapon demonstrating a precision strike capability at ranges up to 324nm.

2026-01-04T23:58:13.262953-08:00
China   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Taiwan F-16Vs to get anti-stealth boost with Legion pods

By FlightGlobal: The USA has awarded Lockheed Martin a $329 million contract to urgently supply 55 Legion infrared search and track pods for Taiwan's F-16V fleet, enhancing the island's ability to detect low-observable Chinese combat aircraft amid escalating regional tensions.

2026-01-04T22:34:01.471584-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Associated Press • Associated Press

Trump says U.S. national security officials conclude Ukraine did not target Putin’s residence in alleged drone strike

By Associated Press: President Donald Trump said that U.S. national security officials have determined that Ukraine did not target a residence belonging to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a drone attack last week.

Also: koreatimes.co.kr and Stars and Stripes
2026-01-04T18:10:53.164192-08:00
Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Defense Policy  
Reuters

North Korea's Kim oversaw hypersonic missile test, KCNA says

By Reuters: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un cited the need for Pyongyang to maintain a powerful nuclear deterrent in its first ballistic missile test of the year.

Also: aa.com.tr, koreatimes.co.kr, The Independent, Economic Times, spacewar.com, lemonde.fr, tass.com, Stars and Stripes, nknews.org and 13 more
2026-01-04T14:11:10.223685-08:00