Author: Defenceline Webdesk

Four years ago, American lawyer and human rights icon Theary Seng was sentenced to six years in Cambodian prison for “conspiracy to commit treason” and “incitement of social disorder.” Her crime? Facebook posts criticizing Hun Sen, Cambodia’s strongman dictator. Charged in a mass trial alongside 60 opposition members, Theary’s trial was rife with human rights and due process abuses. Today, she remains in a cramped cell in Phnom Penh. Theary’s story is emblematic of Cambodia’s broader authoritarian reality. Amid crackdowns on activists, shuttered independent media, and sham elections, the United States and the international community must act – both for Theary and for all Cambodians fighting for freedom. Theary is a citizen of both the U.S. and…

India’s negotiations with General Electric over the F414 engine have reached a critical juncture, with prices rising from the expected ₹70–80 crore per unit to over ₹200 crore.This escalation threatens both the TEJAS MK-2 and AMCA programs, raising questions about the reliability of India–US defence ties and prompting consideration of alternatives from France and Britain.The F414 engine was selected to power India’s TEJAS MK-2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. Initially, the cost was projected at seventy to eighty crore rupees per unit, but recent developments show the price has surged to more than two hundred crore rupees.This sharp increase…

Russia’s President Vladmir Putin and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim declared at the recent ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan that Russia has assured Malaysia that it will maintain a long-term supply of petrol, oil, and gas to the country. However, Malaysia is itself an exporter of oil and gas, and is expected to remain a net exporter of gas until 2035. While it is true that it is a net importer of oil, it has always relied on the Saudis and other suppliers in the Middle East, including Iran, for supplies. For 30 years, U.S. sanctions have not mattered much…

Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his condolences and offer of assistance following the devastating earthquakes that struck Caracas on Wednesday evening.The twin tremors caused widespread destruction, with buildings collapsing and emergency response efforts being triggered across the capital.Rodriguez responded to Modi’s message on X, warmly welcoming India’s support and willingness to aid relief operations. She emphasised that the solidarity shown by India reflects the spirit of cooperation between the two nations during times of difficulty. She noted that Venezuela acknowledges and appreciates the international support and expressions of solidarity received in…

When Western policymakers discuss China’s dominance in electric vehicle batteries, the focus typically falls on Beijing: its industrial policy, state subsidies, and national strategic planning. Yet this emphasis obscures the role of local governments in cultivating industrial ecosystems and the symbiotic relationship between development zones and globally competitive firms. Few cases illustrate this dynamic better than Ningde’s Dongqiao Economic and Technological Development Zone. Fujian’s local authorities helped create an attractive environment for CATL to establish and expand its operations in Ningde. As CATL grew into the world’s leading EV battery manufacturer, its presence in turn attracted suppliers, research institutions, skilled…

India has expressed its gratitude to Slovenia for its steadfast support in the fight against terrorism. Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George conveyed appreciation to the European nation for its condemnation of the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and for backing India’s efforts against global and cross‑border terrorism.Speaking at Slovenia’s National Day celebrations at the Slovenian Embassy in New Delhi, George underlined the warmth of bilateral relations. He noted that India and Slovenia enjoy ties founded on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and a common commitment to multilateralism. He emphasised that these relations have been strengthened through regular…

Home › Asian Defence News › North Korea Commissions Its First Choe Hyon-class Destroyer as Kim Signals Naval Nuclearisation Asian Defence News North Korea has commissioned the Choe Hyon, its largest-ever warship, as Kim Jong Un signals plans for a nuclear-armed navy and a fleet of larger cruisers. North Korea has commissioned the Choe Hyon (51), the first of four planned 5,000-tonne Choe Hyon-class guided-missile destroyers and the largest warship the country has ever built. Leader Kim Jong Un presided over the ceremony at the Nampho shipyard on 23 June, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), with…

After decades of fighting rogue states and non-state actors, the U.S. military is preparing for conflict with a much more powerful adversary: the People’s Republic of China. This would differ from any of the United States’ recent wars, both in scale and in kind. The U.S. military’s current capabilities would be inadequate. However, some equipment central for the Global War on Terror (GWOT) could remain surprisingly relevant in the Pacific. Three types of aircraft would struggle to serve their traditional roles in contested airspace, but can be adapted for new ones: medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones, subsonic ground-attack planes, and attack…

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Russia’s Secretary of the Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, in New Delhi on Tuesday as the two leaders reviewed bilateral ties and discussed cooperation under the BRICS framework.The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting, which India is hosting in its capacity as the current chair of the grouping.External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that both sides discussed ongoing cooperation under BRICS, including proposals put forward by Russia. They also reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation across multiple spheres, reflecting the depth of the India‑Russia Special and Privileged…

E. Overell & S. McDowall, RCD Cyber specialists have become as essential to modern warfare as pilots, submariners, and special operators Source link