AFP Commissions Two Navy Ships

25 Februari 2026

The offshore patrol vessel BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20) and the fast attack interdiction craft BRP Audrey Bañares (PG-910) (photos: PN)

AFP Boosts Territorial Defense with Commissioning of New Navy Vessels

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strengthened the nation’s maritime security posture through the concurrent christening and commissioning of the offshore patrol vessel BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20) and the fast attack interdiction craft BRP Audrey Bañares (PG-910), held at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales on February 24.

The ceremony was led by AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr, marking another milestone in the military’s ongoing modernization program to secure its vast archipelagic waters, coastlines, and economic zones. He was joined by Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta PN, Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, along with senior military officers, and distinguished guests.

BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20) was named after the pre-Hispanic ruler who led Tagalog forces during the 1570 Battle of Manila. The vessel embodies courage, leadership, and the enduring spirit of Filipino resistance. 

Meanwhile, BRP Audrey Bañares (PG-910) honors Jose Audrey Bañares, a Navy commando who was killed off Zamboanga City in September 2013 following a sea battle with Moro National Liberation Front extremists. It symbolizes the bravery and dedication of Filipino sailors who defend the nation’s sovereignty.

By integrating these vessels into the active fleet, the AFP not only recognizes the legacy of its defenders but also ensures a more formidable presence in both littoral and deep-sea operations.

In his keynote address, General Brawner underscored that the AFP’s modernization efforts are anchored on responsibility and peace.

“Let me be clear: modernization is not a signal of aggression. It is a statement of responsibility. A credible defense posture deters conflict. Preparedness prevents miscalculation. Capability preserves peace,” General Brawner stated.

(AFP)

The US will Provide 17 Stryker Wheeled Armored Vehicles to the Royal Thai Army under EDA Program

25 Februari 2026

US will provide 17 Stryker 8x8 under Excess Defense Articles to Thailand (photos: Royal Thai Army)

Royal Thai Army Welcomes US Army Commander, Enhancing Military Cooperation Through Joint/Combined Exercises

On February 23, 2026, General Phana Klaewplodthuk, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, welcomed Lieutenant General Matthew McFarlane, Commander of the US Army 1st Army Corps, and his delegation at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, Royal Thai Army Museum, to discuss military cooperation, enhancing joint/combined exercises such as Cobra Gold and Hanuman Guardian, and cooperation in the development of Stryker wheeled armored units.

During the discussion, the Royal Thai Army thanked the US Army for honoring the Royal Thai Army with their participation in the Cobra Gold joint/combined exercise, demonstrating the strong relationship and security cooperation. The intention to jointly develop the capabilities of personnel was emphasized, with a focus on integrating military technology in multidimensional combat operations, particularly cyber and space warfare. The successful Hanuman Guardian joint exercise, which achieved its objectives and helped develop personnel capabilities, especially in the use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, was also highlighted.

17 Stryker 8x8 under Excess Defense Articles program

Regarding the Stryker wheeled armored vehicles, the Royal Thai Army expressed gratitude to the U.S. Army for supporting the provision of 17 vehicles under the EDA (Excess Defense Articles) program. The official handover ceremony will take place during the closing ceremony of Hanuman Guardian 2026. The U.S. also provided a Stryker Brigade Combat Team to continuously assist in training on operational techniques, maintenance, and networked combat tactics, aligning with the Royal Thai Army's development of wheeled armored units.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army expressed his stance on the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, reaffirming the Army's commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty according to international principles of self-defense. He requested the U.S.'s support and confidence in a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Furthermore, the U.S. commended the Royal Thai Army's strict adherence to the rules of engagement and expressed pride in Thailand's long-standing ally, reflecting the strong military relationship and trust between the two countries.

(Royal Thai Army)

Berbatasan Langsung dengan Vietnam, Marinir Jaga Pulau Sekatung

24 Februari 2026

Patroli darat dan pesisir pantai di Pulau Sekatung oleh Prajurit Korps Marinir (photos: Korps Marinir)

Dispen Kormar TNI Angkatan Laut (Pulau Sekatung)  Guna memastikan kedaulatan dan integritas wilayah Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia tetap terjaga, Prajurit Petarung Korps Marinir dari Satuan Tugas Pengamanan Pulau Tidak Berpenduduk (Satgas PAM Puter) melaksanakan patroli darat dan pesisir pantai di Pulau Sekatung. Kabupaten Natuna, Provinsi Kepulauan Riau. Jumat (20/02/2026). 

Pulau Sekatung merupakan salah satu pulau terluar Indonesia yang berada di wilayah administratif Kabupaten Natuna, Provinsi Kepulauan Riau, dengan luas kurang lebih sekitar 1,5 kilometer persegi. Pulau ini tidak berpenduduk tetap dan secara geografis berbatasan langsung dengan perairan negara Vietnam, sehingga memiliki posisi yang sangat strategis dalam menjaga kedaulatan dan keutuhan wilayah Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia di perbatasan utara.

Kegiatan patroli di dipimpin langsung Lettu Marinir Suharyanto selaku Danpos. Dengan perlengkapan lengkap dan pola gerak taktis yang terukur, para Prajurit Marinir melaksanakan pengamatan dan pemeriksaan di sejumlah titik strategis guna memastikan tidak terdapat aktivitas ilegal, pelanggaran wilayah, maupun pergerakan kapal asing yang mencurigakan di sekitar perairan. 

Meski bertugas di pulau yang tidak berpenghuni dengan sarana terbatas serta jauh dari keluarga, para prajurit tetap menunjukkan disiplin, loyalitas, dan dedikasi tinggi dalam menjaga stabilitas keamanan serta kedaulatan wilayah perbatasan Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia.

(Korps Marinir)

Latihan Bersama RTAF dan Indian Air Force

24 Februari 2026

Formasi pesawat JAS Gripen RTAF dan Su-30MKI Indian Air Force (photos: RTAF)

Negara-negara tetangga di Laut Andaman sebagai sekutu udara, meningkatkan stabilitas regional melalui pelatihan terstandarisasi.

Angkatan Udara Kerajaan Thailand (RTAF) dan Angkatan Udara India (Indian Air Force) melakukan pelatihan bersama di atas Laut Andaman, berbagi wilayah udara yang sama, untuk meningkatkan kemampuan, memperkuat kerja sama, dan meningkatkan keamanan udara bersama.

Selama latihan ini pesawat Gripen dikerahkan dari Skuadron 701, Wing 7, RTAF sedangkan Pesawat Su-30MKI/ IL-78/IL-76 dikerahkan dari Port Blair Airbase. Rencana penerbangan digunakan dengan komunikasi jarak jauh, dan pesawat memasuki area pelatihan di Laut Andaman dalam jangka waktu yang telah ditentukan.

(RTAF)

Vietnam Begins Production the First Prototype of XTC-03 8x8

24 Februari 2026

The first prototype of XTC-08 8x8 armored vehicle (photos: SiviNews)

The XTC-03 8x8 armored vehicle, researched and developed by Vietnam, is attracting attention with the revelation of improvements that promise to surpass the Russian BTR-80.

One of the biggest differences lies in the hull design: the XTC-03 has its engine positioned at the front, freeing up space at the rear to accommodate a rear door for quick and safe infantry entry and exit – a crucial tactical upgrade that the BTR-80, with its side door, lacks.

In terms of firepower, the vehicle impresses with its stable 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon, coupled with a modern fire control system. Observers expect the final version to integrate a remote weapon system (RCWS) for commanders, enhancing its combat capabilities in all terrains.

Although not yet fully formed, the XTC-03 promises to be a breakthrough for Vietnam's defense industry.

(SiviNews)

AUKUS Enters New Era with the Arrival of UK Submarine into Western Australia

23 Februari 2026

HMS Anson S-123 an Astute class nuclear-powered attack submarine arrived at HMAS Stirling (photos: Aus DoD)

HMS Anson has arrived at Western Australia’s HMAS Stirling for the first‑ever maintenance activity on a United Kingdom nuclear‑powered submarine in Australia, marking a historic step in our nation’s readiness to operate and maintain conventionally‑armed, nuclear‑powered submarines.

Over the coming weeks, Australian personnel will work alongside partners from the United Kingdom (UK) and United States (US) on maintenance and familiarisation activities on the Astute-class submarine.

Around 100 personnel will contribute to the UK Submarine Maintenance Period (UK SMP) including members of the Royal Navy, the UK Submarine Delivery Agency, Royal Australian Navy, ASC Pty Ltd, and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.

This builds on previous work completed on US Virginia-class submarines USS Vermont in 2025 and USS Hawaii in 2024, and strengthens the skills, systems and supply chains required for routine maintenance of nuclear‑powered submarines.

 

Participation in the UK SMP represents another significant milestone in the lead up to the establishment of Submarine Rotational Force–West at HMAS Stirling from 2027 and will further build Australia’s familiarity with UK-designed submarines as the nation prepares to begin construction of SSN-AUKUS in Adelaide by the end of the decade. 

Two Royal Australian Navy officers have been embedded aboard HMS Anson, gaining invaluable operational experience on a conventionally-armed, nuclear‑powered submarine.

More than 50 Australians are now embedded within the UK Defence Nuclear Enterprise, and the Royal Navy has provided offshore nuclear safety training to over 950 Australian Submarine Agency personnel.

The presence of HMS Anson also provides another opportunity to test and strengthen Australia’s nuclear stewardship systems, drawing on the world-leading safety practices of AUKUS partners. 

During the HMS Anson visit, AUKUS partners will also undertake a combined AUKUS Pillar I and Pillar II activity, testing the interoperability of the Australian Speartooth large uncrewed underwater vehicle (LUUV) with the UK SSN, and assessing and enhancing AUKUS Pillar II anti-submarine warfare AI algorithms fitted to the RAAF P-8A Poseidon.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Australia’s acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine capability will create jobs, strengthen our local industry and help keep Australians safe. 

“This Submarine Maintenance Period is the latest demonstration of the continued momentum across all three partners to deliver AUKUS.

“Australia, the UK and the US will work together over the coming weeks on the maintenance of HMS Anson – developing our skills, systems and infrastructure as we prepare for Submarine Rotational Force–West to begin next year.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“This is an important milestone that will build confidence in our strategic partners that we have the workforce able to deliver AUKUS submarines, and also lays ground for more jobs for locals.

“Alongside our AUKUS teammates, our workforce and industry partners are moving with purpose to accelerate Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine capability.

“AUKUS partners are working together to achieve real operational benefits today, faster than we can working alone.”

(Aus DoD)

Helikopter Subaru-Bell 412EPX Pertama untuk PAF Telah Tiba

23 Februari 2026

Kedatangan helikopter Bell 412EPX (photo ssv: Batanguenong CM)

Dua helikopter utility tempur Subaru-Bell 412EPX pertama untuk Angkatan Udara Filipina telah tiba, tetapi perlu menyelesaikan perakitan akhir sebelum dikirimkan ke Angakatan Udara Filipina (PAF).

Video menunjukkan badan Bell 412 yang sedang diturunkan dari truk trailer, namun tidak disebutkan tanggalnya.

8 helikopter diperoleh di bawah Proyek Akuisisi Helikopter Utilitas Tambahan (Bell 412) di bawah Daftar ke-2 fase Horizon 2 RAFPMP.

(MaxDefense)