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06 Jun 25. Pretoria reaffirms peacekeeping commitment amid SAMIDRC fallout. South Africa’s participation in the now-defunct Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC) was once lauded as an example of the country’s commitment to securing peace and stability across the continent. However, the shambolic manner in which the mission has come to an end has raised significant questions about South Africa’s capabilities and the status of the its other mission in the DRC, the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). During the recent international UN Peacekeepers Day commemorations on 29 May, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was keen to emphasise its, and South Africa’s, continued commitment to peacekeeping in Africa generally, and to MONUSCO in particular. In response to a question from defenceWeb regarding South Africa’s status within MONUSCO, SANDF spokesperson Rear Admiral (JG) Prince Tshabalala told the gathered media that South Africa remains committed to the mission, with Pretoria pledging the SANDF’s continued and active involvement in MONUSCO’s operations despite the ongoing ructions surrounding the end of the SAMIDRC mission.
“South Africa remains a committed partner in supporting the mission. We’ve been there for such a long time as part of this commitment. As you know since we terminated the SADC mission [SAMIDRC] doesn’t mean we shall then abandon the people of Congo – we are still heavily involved in MONUSCO. Our troops will remain there up and ‘til a decision is taken whether the mission continues or not,” Tshabalala said.
At a later media event, the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, reiterated this point, stating: “We still have troops that are deployed, we are still functioning under MONUSCO and our troops are not going to come back until such time as there is a letter that then determines the UN is saying South Africa must withdraw.”
What is MONUSCO?
MONUSCO is the longest-running peacekeeping mission that South Africa has contributed to, with the country having been a continuous troop contributor since 1999. MONUSCO’s core mandate is explained as being:
– “Protecting civilians from the immediate threat of violence by armed groups;
– Supporting the implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Reintegration and Stabilization Programme (PDDRCS);
– Supporting Security Sector Reform (SSR) and institutional reforms, particularly in the areas of justice and human rights;
– Assisting Congolese authorities in their efforts to stabilize, rebuild, and restore state authority.”
Notably, MONUSCO (marking a significant shift in the international community’s approach to peacekeeping missions) was later given a mandate for direct and offensive intervention to enhance peace and security in the DRC. It became the first UN-authorised mission to be granted such a mandate. This ‘peace enforcement’ component of MONUSCO’s mission began in 2013 following the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2098, and has led to some limited successes.
According to the latest UN figures, MONUSCO currently consist of some 13 794 deployed personnel, of which 1 086 are from South Africa. These UN forces are largely concentrated in the eastern and north-central parts of the DRC (North Kivu Province; Ituri Province; South Kivu). Notably, South African personnel serving with MONUSCO do so across various parts of the mission, and these include but are not limited to, the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB), Quick Reaction Force, and a Composite Helicopter Unit operating an Oryx. However, it is expected that the helicopter component will not be renewed and the Oryx will return home.
South Africa’s Peacekeeping Future
South Africa’s future in United Nations peacekeeping remains undimmed by the SAMIDRC setback following the battle for Goma in January/February and the deaths of 14 SANDF soldiers. Maphwanya and Defence Minister Angie Motshekga have both affirmed Pretoria’s deep, ongoing commitment to international peace operations and its ambition to broaden its role beyond simply contributing troops.
Speaking at a media event following the UN Peacekeepers Day commemorations, Motshekga stressed the strategic importance of continued engagement in African peacekeeping: “It is in our interest to make sure there is peace, and to contribute toward that peace,” she asserted, citing the recent unrest in Mozambique as evidence of how regional instability can quickly impact South Africa’s domestic security and economy. Looking ahead, Pretoria is focused on modernising the SANDF’s capabilities by recognising the need for and adoption of new technologies, due to the changing nature of the battlefield. “To prevent war, you must be ready for war,” Motshekga declared. While budgetary constraints may temper the pace of these modernisation efforts, the SANDF and the Minister remain intent on enhancing South Africa’s deployable capacity in partnership with the South African defence industry. Recently, Pretoria further demonstrated its commitment to international peacekeeping operations during the 8th UN Ministerial Peacekeeping Conference in Berlin, making some 13 pledges. These ranged from additional ‘Engagement Platoons’ and ‘Staff Officers’ to ‘Military Gender Advisers’ and training support. At the UN Peacekeepers Day media event, Motshekga reiterated these pledges, emphasising Pretoria’s commitment to the provision of gender advisors, the hosting of a number of military and peacekeeping workshops, as well as the expansion of training offerings to other African militaries. Motshekga argued that South Africa, as one of Africa’s top three military powers (alongside Egypt and Algeria), has both the ability and the responsibility to assist fellow African states faced with insecurity.
“As Africa we are the epicentre of instability in the world, and so it is for us as Africans to work together and stabilise our continent” Motshekga stated. “We have committed to training. Because some of the weaknesses that create the environment for war is the weakness of some defence forces, so we will invite senior people from other defence forces to come and learn from us,” she added. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
05 Jun 25. Moldova: Larger Russian troop presence in breakaway region is unlikely. In an interview published on 4 June, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean stated that Russia is interfering in Moldova in the build-up to the latter’s upcoming parliamentary elections in a bid to facilitate the victory of a pro-Moscow government. Recean claimed, citing unspecified intelligence assessments, that Russia seeks to deploy an additional 10,000 troops to the breakaway Transnistria region, which Moscow hopes a future pro-Kremlin Moldovan government would allow. According to Recean, Russian forces in the pro-Moscow territory are ‘almost meaningless’ (approximately 1,500 soldiers are currently deployed to the region). It is highly likely that Russia and pro-Moscow forces in Moldova are intensifying their actions to influence the parliamentary elections scheduled for 28 September to derail Moldova’s EU ambitions and its hopes for greater alignment with the West. However, even if a more Moscow-friendly government formed after the vote, we assess it is unlikely that said government would agree to a larger troop presence in Transnistria in the short term given the threat this would pose to Moldovan sovereignty. Additionally, Transnistria is landlocked by Moldova and Ukraine, which would complicate the logistics of any such large-scale deployment. (Source: Sibylline)
06 Jun 25. Ecuador: Legislative approval to install foreign military bases will sustain organised crime risks. On 3 June, National Assembly lawmakers voted in favour of President Noboa’s constitutional reform to allow foreign military bases to be installed in Ecuador. The proposal was supported by 82 lawmakers and rejected by 60. Ecuador’s National Electoral Council (CNE) must schedule a public referendum to ratify the decision. The measure forms part of Noboa’s plan to counter drug trafficking facilitated by organised crime groups (OCGs) by increasing co-operation with partners such as the US. Ecuador recorded the second-highest amount of cocaine seized (in metric tonnes) in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2024 (behind Colombia). Noboa used the statistics to underscore Ecuador’s growing role as a leading cocaine producer. In February, Noboa was re-elected on the back of a security-focused platform; we therefore assess that the referendum will be approved in some capacity. However, there has been no indication of what role any prospective foreign military using bases in Ecuador might play in countering drug trafficking; organised crime risks will be sustained in the short-to-medium term. (Source: Sibylline)
06 Jun 25. Uganda: Explosion in capital underlines persistent attack risks. On 3 June, an explosion in the capital Kampala killed two suspected members of the IS-aligned rebel Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), including a female suicide bomber near the Catholic Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine. No civilian injuries were reported. The ADF is largely based in the Congo (DRC)’s eastern North Kivu and Ituri provinces. Since June 2023, the ADF has conducted several cross-border attacks into Uganda’s western regions, including one at a school in Mpondwe (Western region) that killed 37 students. In 2021, the group also conducted multiple bombings in Kampala, killing seven civilians. In the coming days, the security forces will likely adopt an elevated posture in Kampala, implementing checkpoints on roads and increasing transit disruption. The Ugandan military (UPDF) will likely bolster troop numbers in eastern DRC to intensify counter-terrorism operations against the ADF, particularly given the Congolese military’s preoccupation with domestic military pressures posed by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. However, we assess that the porous border will likely sustain attack risks in western regions in the coming months. (Source: Sibylline)
06 Jun 25. Sudan: Intensifying conflict in North Darfur will increase security risks, threats to life for NGO staff. Late on 2 June, unidentified militants attacked a UN aid convoy stationed in Al Koma (North Darfur state) and killed at least five individuals, including local NGO staff members. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have traded accusations for attacking the convoy, which was transiting to El Fasher (North Darfur), approximately 45 miles (75km) to the west of Al Koma. El Fasher is the last state capital in the Darfur region to come under SAF control, though the RSF has held the city under siege since April 2024, driving critical food security challenges. The attack comes after the SAF resumed airstrikes in the El Fasher area on 1 June after a two-month pause. On 1 June, an airstrike targeting a market in Al Koma killed approximately 90 individuals. In the coming weeks, the SAF will likely intensify efforts to break the RSF’s siege of El Fasher and regain territory in North Darfur state. We assess that this will almost certainly compound critical threats to life in the area, particularly for NGO staff during overland movement through contested territory. (Source: Sibylline)
04 Jun 25. South Africa spent more than R6bn over four years to help keep the peace in Africa. South African soldiers preparing to leave Mozambique at the end of SAMIM. The three most recent continental peace mission deployments by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) cost more than R6.5bn over the last four financial years, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga has revealed. The figures were supplied to Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament (MP) Chris Hattingh in response to a parliamentary question. They reveal that the biggest expense was – understandably – on the United Nations (UN) mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where ground and air elements of the SANDF have been deployed to since 1999. MONUSCO consumed more than R2.54 bn over the four-year period between the 2021/22 and 2024/25 financial years. South Africa’s involvement in assisting peace efforts in the DRC continue as part of the UN mission. Second highest expense was on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM). The mission wrapped up operations in mid-2024 with South Africa spending R2.51bn between 2021/22 and 2024/25 on troops and equipment in the ten-country peacekeeping operation centred around Mozambique’s restive Cabo Delgado province. SAMIDRC, also a SADC mission but in the DRC, was terminated in mid-March this year ahead of its scheduled December end of mandate following the fall of Goma to M23 rebels. It saw South Africa spend R161m in 2023/24, and R1.3bn in 2024/25. Motshekga’s reply lists the 2025/26 SAMIDRC cost as being R1.3bn, but now that the mission has been terminated it is not clear if all this money will be spent. South Africa was the main troop and equipment contributor alongside Malawi and Tanzania to the regional bloc mission. Breakdowns provided in the ministerial response show the UN DRC mission cost South Africa just on R1.4bn in wages and salaries over the last four years with what is termed “machinery and equipment” accounting for another R98 m. Against this there is income from the United Nations for services supplied, with South Africa receiving R2.1bn over the four-year period and R75.3m outstanding since 2021/22. South Africa was paid just short of R450m by the SADC for its services as part of SAMIM with zero outstanding. As far as SAMIDRC goes, South Africa received R865m from the regional bloc to settle its account. Given the lack of transport suitable for moving equipment and personnel over long distances in the SANDF, it came as no surprise for Motshekga to inform her questioner close to R1.6 bn was paid for air, land and sea transport to support all three missions over the last four years, with airlift at R1.5bn responsible for by far the bulk of this expense. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
04 Jun 25. Insurgency persists in northern Mozambique despite Rwandan efforts. Despite sporadic attacks by insurgents linked to the Islamic State, known as the Islamic State Mozambique (ISM) in the oil and gas rich Cabo Delgado province, the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) claim to have the situation under control. According to Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, Rwandan military spokesman, one of the RDF’s achievements was pushing the insurgents to retreat into thick forests. From there they “now look for soft targets, going into villages to steal food”, he said. The insurgents’ most prominent attack so far this year came in late April, at Niassa Reserve, leaving 10 people dead, including two rangers. The RDF have also had casualties in May while pursuing insurgents into forested areas.
“We managed to contain them but lost four soldiers a couple of weeks ago in Katumba Forest. We landed in an ambush,” added Rwivanga.
Jungle warfare is challenging, so at times the Rwandans use drones to track insurgents, but still, because of the thick terrain, visibility is a challenge.
Moving into forests for safety disadvantaged the insurgents because the RDF claims to have cut their access to the Indian Ocean, a critical route for linking up with the greater ISIS networks operating across Africa.
“All the coastal areas have been cleared. We have denied them access to food and communication,” Rwivanga said.
The Rwanda Defence Force was initially deployed in the northern parts of Cabo Delgado in July 2021 while the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) was in the south. The RDF initially covered Palma and Mocímboa da Praia districts, where liquified national gas (LNG) projects are located. Since SAMIM’s departure, the RDF deployed to areas southwards in the province. Rwivanga said they now had 5 000 personnel on the ground. But Rwanda doesn’t intend to stay on forever. Pn 24 May, 525 Mozambique Armed Forces (FADM) troops graduated from a six-month advanced infantry course conducted by RDF instructors. During the passing out ceremony, Mozambican president Daniel Chapo revealed that the last such exercise for the FADM was carried out in 2011 by the United States Army. Part of the reason why FADM has failed to contain ISIS alone was lack of skill and discipline. The RDF said they had the right type of knowledge to deal with insurgents. Between 1996 and 1998 remnants of Hutu extremists from the 1994 genocide operating from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) tried to distabilise the Rwandan government.
“For two years, from 1996, there was an insurgency back in Rwanda. So, we know how to fight these kinds of battles. We don’t plan to stay in Mozambique forever; that’s why we train them,” said Rwivanga of the FADM.
The insurgency is far from being over. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, there are 25 000 newly displaced people with an urgent need for food, shelter, healthcare and protection. The agency said only 32% of its needs are funded, and more lives are at risk. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
04 Jun 25. Bangladesh increases defence budget but gains offset by inflation. The government of Bangladesh has announced a 2025–26 defence budget of BDT408.51bn (USD3.34bn). The budget is the first announced by the country’s interim administration, following the ousting of the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in July 2024. The new defence allocation – announced on 2 June 2025 – represents an increase of 3.6% compared with the revised 2024–25 defence budget of BDT394.15bn but a decline of 3.4% against that year’s original defence expenditure of BDT423.14bn. Any gains in the new defence budget, however, are offset by inflation, which continues to run high in the country. Documents issued by the Bangladesh Ministry of Finance (MoF) show that the 2025–26 defence budget comprises BDT300.35bn for Ministry of Defence (MoD) operating expenses and BDT9.16bn for MoD development expenses. MoD operating expenses, including military salaries and costs for operations and maintenance, increase in the 2025–26 budget by 4.5% compared with the revised allocation for 2024–25. Funds for MoD development expenses, including military procurement, decline by about 24%. Outside MoD expenses MoF budget documents also show that BDT470 m has been allocated for the Bangladesh Armed Forces Division, which oversees policies and force deployment. This represents an increase of 10% over the revised authorisation for 2024–25. The Bangladesh Armed Forces modernisation programme is called Forces Goal 2030. The plan was launched in 2010 and revised in 2017, although it will likely undergo review by Bangladesh’s new government. The country’s next general election is likely to be held in late 2025 or early 2026. (Source: Janes)
02 Jun 25. Will there ever be a SA defence industry lekgotla? It’s now mid-2025 and there’s still no indication of when the long-awaited South African defence industry (SADI) lekgotla will happen. The lekgotla was first mooted by immediate former defence and military veterans minister Thandi Modise in 2023. Due to “challenges” it was passed on to her successor Angie Motshekga but continues to languish on the to-do list. The latest official indication was from Motshekga’s response to a December Parliamentary question posed by Democratic Alliance (DA) representative in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Dennis Ryder. He was informed by her – in writing – the lekgotla would take place before the end of government’s 2024/25 financial year (31 March 2025). Ryder was further informed the postponement was due to the non-availability of “critical stakeholders” and factors beyond the stakeholders’ [the Department of Defence’s] control”. That deadline has passed with – as far as this publication can ascertain – no indication of a new date. This, according to DA National Assembly (NA) Member of Parliament (MP) and one of the party’s public representative defence watchdogs, Chris Hattingh, is a “dereliction of duty” by Motshekga, selected by President Cyril Ramaphosa to head the defence and military veterans’ portfolio in his Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet. Responding to a defenceWeb inquiry, he noted the non-SADI lekgotla spoke “volumes” about Motshekga’s leadership as the event was meant to be “a critical intervention to chart a sustainable path for the embattled defence sector”.
“South Africa’s defence sector remains in freefall, due to neglect, indecision, and a dangerous absence of leadership at the highest level. Despite repeated assurances and formal commitments, the long-promised SADI lekgotla again failed to materialise, exposing a pattern of broken promises and administrative paralysis under Defence Minister Angie Motshekga.
“Her continued failure to act has dealt a crippling blow to one of South Africa’s most strategically vital industries,” he told this publication.
“South Africa’s defence industry has been bleeding for years. Revenue plunged from R19.5 bn in 2016 to R12.5 bn in 2020. Exports have halved. Research and development has all but collapsed. Critical skills are being lost daily. These are not abstract figures – they represent real jobs, lost innovation, and the weakening of South Africa’s sovereign defence capability.
“Inaction has real consequences. This sector, once a pillar of technological excellence and a driver of industrial growth, is now being left to decay. And with it, South Africa’s capacity to create high-quality jobs, attract investment and protect its people. The cost of delay grows by the day.
“In August 2024, Minister Motshekga met defence industry leaders and promised the lekgotla would be held before March 2025. That promise, like so many before it, was simply abandoned. While the Secretary for Defence (SecDef) [Thobekile Gamede] now scrambles to revive the process behind closed doors, the absence of decisive ministerial leadership sends a chilling message to local manufacturers, workers and international partners alike.
“This is not mere bureaucratic failure it is a profound collapse of governance with strategic, economic and human consequences. The longer this inaction continues, the more damage is being done to South Africa’s industrial base, its national security posture and its ability to generate desperately needed jobs and growth, especially in the wake of the ‘nine wasted years’ [referring to Jacob Zuma’s presidency] that hollowed out our state institutions, including Armscor and Denel.”
The DA demanded that Motshekga immediately break her silence, provide a public update, publish a binding date for the lekgotla, and take full responsibility for the leadership vacuum in her department. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
02 Jun 25. Nigerian Navy commissions new ships and helicopters on 69th anniversary. The Nigerian Navy marked its 69th anniversary on 31 May by commissioning three patrol vessels and three AW109 Trekker helicopters at a ceremony held at NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos. President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, presided over the commissioning, emphasising the government’s commitment to empowering the Navy to protect Nigeria’s maritime interests. Matawalle described the event as “a declaration of resolve, a testament to progress, and a bold stride towards securing our nation’s future,” highlighting the critical role the Navy plays in safeguarding the nation’s economic lifeline and deterring maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
“The sea has remained a pillar of our nation’s economic prosperity, and for the past 69 years, the Nigerian Navy has stood as the guardian of this blue territory. These patrol ships and helicopters are force multipliers in our fight against piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes. This inauguration is therefore a reflection of our determination to empower our institutions and protect our resources,” Matawalle said.
The newly commissioned ships are NNS Shere, NNS Faro, and NNS Ikogosi. Two Sea Eagle class vessels were acquired from Singapore and one from South Korea, all arriving in Nigeria in December 2024. These vessels are designed to serve as Seaward Defence boats, patrolling Nigeria’s littoral waters up to the 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone and capable of extended operations when necessary. Their addition is expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s presence and rapid response at sea, the Nigerian Navy said.
The three AW109 Trekker helicopters (NN501, NN502 and NN503), procured by the Ministry of Defence and delivered in late 2024, are equipped for a range of missions, including air reconnaissance, search and rescue, air insertion, and medical evacuation.
The ceremony also underscored international cooperation, with the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Vice Admiral Kim Pankyu (rtd), highlighting the diplomatic and security ties between the two nations. He noted that the gifting of one of the ships, NNS Ikogosi (a Chamsuri-class patrol boat), symbolises the strong partnership and shared commitment to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, a region vital for global shipping and trade.
“Nigeria and Korea have enjoyed fruitful cooperation since 1980, not only in politics and economy but also in military training and education exchanges,” he said. “This vessel is not only a gift but a symbol of friendship and trust between Korea and Nigeria. I believe this ship will help both countries grow together in peace and prosperity – beyond just military cooperation.”
The fleet expansion comes as the Nigerian Navy continues to lead anti-crude oil theft efforts and maintain a zero-piracy record in Nigerian waters. The new assets will further support operations like Operation Delta Sanity and enhance the Navy’s ability to respond to emerging threats, protect national resources, and contribute to regional stability. In addition to the commissioning of the ships and helicopters, the Navy also inaugurated new accommodation facilities for personnel, reflecting a holistic approach to improving operational readiness and welfare. Earlier in the week, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, inspected several ongoing projects in Lagos area including construction of Seaward Defence Boats IV and V at the Naval Dockyard Limited. The Seaward Defence Boats (SDB) are locally manufactured sea-going vessels constructed by Nigerian Navy ship builders and engineers. The first SDB, NNS Andoni, was completed in 2012, the second (NNS Karaduwa) was completed in 2016 and the third, NNS Oji, was completed in 2021. All three vessels are still in the service of the Nigerian Navy. It is expected that the fourth and fifth will be completed soon. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
02 Jun 25. India: Counter-terrorism raids in Maharashtra state highlight continued risks posed by radicalisation. Earlier on 2 June, the Maharashtra Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS) and Thane Rural Police conducted raids in the Padgha area of Thane district (Maharashtra state) in connection with ‘terror planning activities’, according to reports citing local sources. 15 locations were targeted by more than 250 police personnel. The Padgha area (along with the neighbouring Borivali area) has been the focus of counter-terrorism efforts previously, with 15 arrested in raids in 2023. Amongst the locations investigated was the residence of the Saquib Nachan, who has been in the National Investigation Authority’s (NIA’s) custody for more than a year and whom the authorities believe was the head of the Maharashtra module of the Islamic State (IS). No further details regarding the raids were announced, with no indications of an imminent threat. Investigations are reportedly ongoing. However, we assess that this development highlights the continued alertness against potential extremist activity, especially given recent tensions with Pakistan that were triggered by a militant attack. (Source: Sibylline)
01 Jun 25. Europe bristles at US proposals at Asian gathering, India-Pakistan hostility on show.
- Summary
- At Shangri-La meeting, U.S. Defense Secretary urges Europe to focus on its own security
- European nations aim to balance security roles in both Europe, Asia
- Indian and Pakistani military delegations attend, ignore each other
The Shangri-La Dialogue security meeting in Singapore has long been marked by U.S.-China rivalry but Beijing’s relative retreat at the weekend exposed a new faultline – tensions between the U.S. and Europe over Asia. Even as he warned in a speech on Saturday that China posed an “imminent” threat, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made clear he wanted Europeans to concentrate on European security as they boosted military budgets. (Source: Reuters)
30 May 25. Readout of Secretary Hegseth’s Meeting With Southeast Asian Defense Ministers. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with Southeast Asian defense leaders from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste in Singapore today to discuss defense cooperation with regional partners. Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed the United States’ enduring commitment to working with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and support for the central role of ASEAN. The Secretary highlighted progress made in the U.S.- ASEAN relationship to build the defense capacity of Southeast Asian nations. He also expressed support for the vital role of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus in facilitating multilateral cooperation to address the region’s security challenges. Secretary Hegseth underscored the importance of common sense and pragmatic cooperation to deter aggression and achieve peace through strength. He noted that President Trump’s vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific was as true today as it was when the President proclaimed it in 2017. Secretary Hegseth also highlighted U.S. support in co-chairing with Indonesia the ASEAN-United States Maritime Exercise and ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Military Medicine later this year. Secretary Hegseth reiterated concerns about coercive activity by China against South China Sea claimant countries and emphasized the importance of Southeast Asian nations taking on its share of the burden to preserve peace and security in the region. As the United States reestablishes deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, the Secretary underscored that the United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its Allies and partners against all challenges to their sovereign rights. (Source: U.S. DoD)
31 May 25. Australia’s defence minister urges greater military openness from China.
- Summary
- Defence minister calls for open communication with China for productive relations
- Australia and New Zealand concerned over Chinese drills in Tasman Sea
- Australia to boost missile defence amid China’s nuclear buildup
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles on Saturday urged greater transparency from China over its military modernisation and deployments as Pacific nations brace for a more assertive Chinese presence.
Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue defence meeting in Singapore, Marles said that while China remains an important strategic partner to Australia, more open communication between the two nations is key for a “productive” relationship. (Source: Reuters)
30 May 25. Joint Statement on the Meeting of Defense Ministers From Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States. Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Japanese Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen, Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. and United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met together on May 31, 2025 in Singapore. This marked the fourth Defense Leaders Meeting of these four countries in the last three years, underscoring their sustained and significant collaboration to advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The defense leaders expressed continued serious concern about China’s destabilizing actions in the East China Sea (ECS) and the South China Sea (SCS) and any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. They also reiterated their serious concern about dangerous conduct by China in the SCS against the Philippines and other countries, and stressed the importance of the peaceful resolution of disputes. They underscored the importance of upholding international law, freedom of navigation and overflight, particularly as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The defense leaders called for peace and stability in the region. They underscored the importance of the central role of ASEAN and the ASEAN-led regional architecture in ensuring security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The defense leaders announced four key developments in their partnership:
- Synchronizing Priority Defense Investments: The defense leaders reaffirmed the importance of enhancing security cooperation by aligning their efforts, including infrastructure investments, to support Philippine defense priorities and a free and open Indo-Pacific. Together, the installation of Japan-made air surveillance radar systems at Wallace Air Station, the United States’ continued development and integration of air domain sensors at Basa Air Base Command and Control Fusion Center, and Australia’s efforts to support the growing defense infrastructure in the Philippines have collectively helped improve the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ air domain awareness in the SCS. The defense leaders committed to further synchronizing security cooperation to better support air and maritime domain awareness and other defense priorities
- Enhancing Information-Sharing: The defense leaders recognized the importance of information-sharing to establish a common operating picture in the SCS and the Indo-Pacific region. They welcomed the recent conclusion of the bilateral General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) between the United States and the Philippines, and noted that Australia and Japan intend to undertake bilateral discussions for similar agreements with the Philippines. They affirmed that these efforts will facilitate greater information-sharing and analysis, including at a combined hub for such purpose.
- Strengthening Cybersecurity and Resilience: The defense leaders reached consensus on jointly investing in the Philippines’ cybersecurity and resilience for defense, including through existing defense exercises and trainings. The defense leaders also recognized the importance of cooperation to counter threats to national security posed by malicious actors.
- Increasing Operational Coordination and Interoperability: The defense leaders reaffirmed the significance of their operational collaboration and synchronization in the Indo-Pacific region, including in the ECS and SCS, for greater deterrence, peace, and security. Building on the success of past multilateral maritime cooperative activities, they committed to sustaining their participation and expanding the scope and frequency of such engagements with additional like-minded partners. They also reached consensus to explore planning joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities to improve interoperability and coordination on effective maritime and air domain awareness in the ECS, the SCS, and surrounding waters.
The defense leaders concurred on the importance of regularly convening meetings at ministerial and officials’ levels to reinforce cooperation and coordination among the four countries. Looking ahead, they committed to continue working together and with other like-minded partners to support peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. (Source: U.S. DoD)
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