1. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign a defence agreement

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a strategic defence agreement during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's state visit to Riyadh on September 17.

A key clause of this pact states that "any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both".

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has responded by saying, “We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability. The Government remains committed to protecting India's national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains."

2. China to showcase 300th J-20 production fighter at air show

China will showcase its 300th production J-20 stealth fighter at the Changchun air show. The Changchun air show will be held on September 19. This is the first time that J-20 will be on static display.

In a post on September 12, Chinese military researcher Andreas Rupprecht observed a J-20 from the 19th Air Brigade with the serial number 63106, which was assessed to be the 300th airframe. This was based on the construction number “CB10300” on the cheek under the canopy, which indicates the production’s batch 10 and the 300th J-20 according to a report by TheAviationist.

According to A report by The Diplomat, it is estimated that in June 2024, the J-20 program will have produced approximately 250 aircraft, with 200 aircraft in active service.

3. China to showcase Cold War-era fighter jet converted into UCAV 

China, for the first time, will showcase its J-6 Cold War fighter jet converted into a UCAV. The UCAV will be showcased at the Changchun air show, according to a report by TheAviationist. China had produced over 4500 J-6 fighter jets from 1958 to 1986

This confirms a long-held assessment and belief that the PLA would use the older J-6, J-7 and J-8 jets as attritable unmanned platforms for a variety of decoy and swarming roles or both in a planned Taiwan invasion. 

The Shenyang J-6 and the Chengdu J-7 are Chinese versions of the Soviet MiG-19 and the MiG-21, respectively, initially license-built in the country. The PRC later heavily modified and customised the airframes with their own components and electronics. The J-8, meanwhile, was a twin-engine heavy interceptor, developed as a clean-sheet design incorporating the lessons from the J-6 and J-7 programs. 

4. East Tech 2025 to be held in Ranchi

The East Tech 2025 will be held at Khelgaon, Ranchi, in Jharkhand. It is organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army in partnership with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM). It will be held from 19–21 September 2025. 

East Tech is a premier defence technology event that exemplifies the spirit of AtmaNirbhar Bharat. It will showcase the latest indigenous technologies and battlefield equipment across multiple domains, featuring innovations from MSMEs, DRDO, DPSUs and Start-ups. 

The event provides a unique platform for industry innovators and defence manufacturers to collaborate with the #IndianArmy in meeting present and future military technology requirements.

5. Fresh clashes erupt at the Thailand-Cambodia border

Fresh clashes erupted at the Thailand-Cambodia border on September 17. Cambodia’s information minister, Neth Pheaktra, said 23 Cambodians were injured in the clashes. He also accused Thai officials of using “tear gas, rubber bullets and noise-making devices against Cambodian civilians."

Meanwhile, the Thai military defended its move and said its army personnel were laying barbed wire on the border in Sa Kaeo when around 200 Cambodians gathered to protest.

“It became necessary to use tear gas and rubber bullets to control the situation, and make the crowd pull back from the area," it said, adding the Cambodians had thrown rocks and other items at Thai personnel.

6. Taiwan develops missile in collaboration with USA

Taiwan has unveiled a cruise missile prototype, developed jointly with a US arms maker, Anduril. The missile is set to be manufactured on the island in collaboration with Anduril.   Taiwan is trying to build up its weapons industry to deter any possible military threats from China, according to a report by CNN.

The government-owned National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), Taiwan’s top arms manufacturer, showcased the “low-cost autonomous cruise missile” it developed together with Anduril Industries, a relative newcomer to the ranks of American defence contractors, ahead of the island’s largest defence expo that began on September 18.

China views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to seize it by force if necessary. Under leader Xi Jinping, China has intensified military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan, regularly sending fighter jets and warships, looking to squeeze its presence on the world stage.

7. Japan deploys aircraft to the US, Canada and Europe

In an unprecedented mission to support NATO. Japan is deploying eight aircraft, including four F-15 fighter jets, to bases in the United States, Canada and Europe. 

The mission, dubbed Atlantic Eagles, reportedly marks the first time in history that Japanese warplanes have deployed to Canada and Europe.

A total of 180 personnel drawn from air bases across Japan are taking part, including from the 2nd Air Wing based at Chitose, 1st Tactical Airlift Wing based at Komaki, 2nd Tactical Airlift Group from Iruma and 3rd Tactical Airlift Wing from Miho, according to a Japan Air Self-Defence Force release. The four F-15s are being accompanied by two tanker aircraft and two refuelling tankers.
 

Arjun Dev Singh

Arjun Dev Singh has a deep interest in defence, security, and strategic affairs. With a strong analytical lens and a passion for military and geopolitical developments, Arjun strives to bring clarity and context to complex national and international issues.