March 11, 2025 Regional Update
By: API Desk | Published: March 11, 2025
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Vietnam turns to South Korea for arms as war in Ukraine rages
Hanoi — Vietnam leans to South Korea for arms procurement as its traditional ally Russia remains caught up in conflict in Eastern Europe.
Hanoi has signed a $300 million contract with Seoul’s Hanwha Aerospace to acquire 20 K9A1 self-propelled howitzers, marking a milestone in the bilateral defense relations between the socialist country and a US ally that is looking to expand its influence in Southeast Asia as a leading defense supplier.
The first K9A1 Thunder units are expected to arrive in Vietnam this year, with initial deployment likely to strategic artillery units in the northern regions. However, acquiring 20 to 30 units will not be sufficient for a comprehensive modernization of Vietnam’s artillery forces.
Security experts said Vietnam’s procurement of the K9A1 Thunder howitzers is more than just an arms deal, signifying a strategic shift for Hanoi, which is modernizing its military forces and diversifying its defense partnerships.
US deploys more F-35B to boost airpower in Indo-Pacific
Washington — The US Marine Corps deployed its first F35B squadron to Japan to boost airpower capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region as tension remained high.
The Pentagonin a statement said the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, known as the Black Sheep, was sent to a Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) in Iwakuni, Japan.
As China continues to expand its military presence and assert its influence in the South China Sea, the US is strengthening its bilateral relations with allies in the region to remain capable of meeting emerging threats head-on.
The F-35B’s deployment to Japan provides the US with an additional layer of defense and a powerful tool for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
China deploys surveillance drones in South China Sea
Beijing — China has deployed its most advanced long-range surveillance drone, the WZ-9 “Divine Eagle,” at Ledong Air Base on Hainan Island in the South China Sea, significantly enhancing its intelligence and surveillance capabilities.
From its base in Hainan Island, the W9 “Divine Eagle” drones would cover the Taiwan Strait and part of the Pacific, including the contested border regions. These drones are designed to detect and track stealth aircraft.
Security experts said the deployment poses ba major challenge for US forces and their allies as it could detect and track their stealth aircraft.
In addition, the drone’s proximity to the Yulin Naval Base—home to ballistic missile submarines—provides additional protection and monitoring for China’s naval forces.
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Czech completes delivery of L-39NG trainer jets to Vietnam
Hanoi – The Czech Republic has completed the delivery of twelve L-39 Skyfox (L-39NG) trainer aircraft to the Vietnamese Air Force, enhancing its pilot training capabilities with a modern and efficient platform.
Designed for pilot training, the L-39 Skyfox, developed by Aero Vodochody, also has the capability to conduct reconnaissance and air patrol missions.
While the aircraft is not intended for high-intensity combat zones due to the absence of armor and advanced self-protection systems, its ability to operate from unpaved runways, such as grass or dirt airstrips, provides flexibility for various operational scenarios.
The Czech Republic has offered to sell the L-39NG to the Philippine Air Force.
North Korea unveils its nuclear-powered submarines
Pyongyang – North Korea’s State News Agency announced the development of its first nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine.
Pyongyang unveiled the nuclear-powered submarine capable of launching Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) during Kim Jong-un’s visit to a major shipyard, where he inspected advancements in naval technology and the shipbuilding industry.
The submarine is expected to enhance North Korea’s nuclear deterrence, providing it with a powerful second-strike capability.
Military experts said Russia may have played a significant role in helping North Korea developed nuclear-powered submarines. Moscow has long been a key supplier of military technology to North Korea, including missile systems and nuclear technology.
Japan commissions Taigei-class submarine to counter China’s naval expansion
Tokyo — Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has commissioned its fourth Taigei-class submarine in particular response to China’s increasing naval activities in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Taigei-class submarines are expected to contribute to Japan’s maritime security strategy by monitoring the Chinese Navy’s expanding presence in the Western Pacific, including increased patrols and aircraft carrier operations.
Japan remains the only country known to have fitted lithium-ion batteries in its submarines, a technological advancement that enables longer patrol durations and greater operational flexibility. The nation has five planned units. with the latest submarine, Chogei, expected to enter service in 2026.
China demonstrates large-scale amphibious operations in exercises
Beijing — China demonstrated its large-scale amphibious operations capability in a February naval drill in the South China Sea, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
The maritime training involved three vessels of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy’s Southern Theater Command: the amphibious dock landing ship Jinggangshan (Hull 999), the amphibious assault ship Hainan (Hull 31), and the comprehensive supply ship Chaganhu (Hull 905).
These ships performed replenishment-at-sea operations and focused on the integration of multiple naval assets for large-scale amphibious operations. The event is particularly significant given the growing tensions between China and Taiwan, with China increasingly preparing for potential contingencies in the Taiwan Strait and beyond.
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