1. Indian Navy Warships Patrol South China Sea

Three Indian Navy warships have begun patrolling areas of the South China Sea—waters claimed by China—alongside the Philippine Navy, according to Manila’s military on Monday.

The two-day sail, involving three Indian vessels, commenced on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos is visiting India from August 4, 2025, for a five-day visit during which he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Philippines is now looking towards its allies to counter the threat posed by China.

Over the past year, the Philippines has strengthened defence cooperation with multiple allies following a series of clashes in the contested waterway. Beijing claims nearly the entire South China Sea, despite an international ruling stating that its claims have no legal basis.

2. Pakistan Receives First Z-10ME Attack Helicopters from China

On Saturday, August 2, 2025, Pakistan received Z-10ME attack helicopters from China. The Z-10ME is the export version of China’s Z-10 helicopter, built by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation, a subsidiary of China’s state-owned AVIC.

Powered by twin WZ-9C turboshaft engines (1,200 kW each), the helicopter is capable of high-altitude operations. It features a tandem-seat cockpit, a narrow fuselage for enhanced manoeuvrability, upward-angled exhausts, and an infrared suppression system to defend against missiles and MANPADS.

Armed with a 23mm chin-mounted cannon and four hardpoints (two per stub wing), the Z-10ME can carry up to 16 HJ-10 or AKD-10 anti-tank missiles, rocket pods (7- or 32-tube), and CM-502KG multipurpose air-to-ground missiles. These will replace Pakistan Army’s ageing AH-1 Cobra fleet.

3. Russia-China Conduct Naval Drills in Sea of Japan

Russia and China launched joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan on Sunday, August 2, 2025, aiming to strengthen their military partnership to counterbalance the United States.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the two countries have expanded their military and economic ties. The “Joint Sea 2025” drills began in Vladivostok and will continue for three days, the Chinese Ministry of Defence stated.

Exercises include submarine rescue, joint anti-submarine warfare, air defence, missile defence, and maritime combat. Four Chinese ships, including guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, are participating alongside Russian vessels. The annual “Joint Sea” drills began in 2012.

4. World’s First Anti-Drone Rifle Simulator Built by Russia

Students at Southern Federal University have developed the world’s first simulator for training with anti-drone rifles and detection systems.

The virtual platform mimics real drone warfare environments and includes anti-drone guns (e.g., “Pars” and “Harpy”), detectors (like the “Bulat” v3), and drones ranging from FPV devices to DJI and military-grade Leleki-100.

Each virtual device is modelled on its real-life counterpart using Unreal Engine for detailed simulation. The platform replicates radio signals, GPS functions, and equipment interactions to make training as close to reality as possible.

5. India Receives 16th C-295 Aircraft from Spain

On Saturday, August 2, 2025, India received the 16th C-295 military transport aircraft from Spain, marking a significant milestone in bolstering its defence capabilities, according to the Indian Embassy in Spain.

The C-295, with a 5–10 tonne capacity, will replace the IAF’s ageing Avro fleet. Indian Ambassador to Spain Dinesh K. Patnaik and senior IAF officials accepted the aircraft at the Airbus Defence and Space facility in Seville.

India signed a contract with Airbus in September 2021 for 56 C-295MW aircraft—16 to be delivered from Spain and the remaining 40 to be manufactured in India.

6. Philippines Eyeing More BrahMos Missiles from India

As Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. begins a five-day visit to India on Monday, August 4, 2025, the country is reportedly exploring additional purchases of BrahMos missiles from India.

In April 2025, India delivered the second batch of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines under a $375 million agreement signed in 2022 for three missile batteries. Philippine Armed Forces Chief Romeo Brawner said more acquisitions are being considered due to the systems’ “quality and affordability.” Two additional sets are expected in the coming years.

Amid continued tensions in the South China Sea, the Philippines is boosting defence partnerships with India and Japan to promote regional stability.

7. Chinese Military Activity Heightened Around Taiwan

On Monday, August 4, 2025, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported increased Chinese military activity near its territory.

Up to 6:00 AM (UTC+8), MND detected five PLA aircraft sorties, six PLAN vessels, and one Chinese government ship. Four aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan’s northern ADIZ.

“We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly,” the MND posted on X (formerly Twitter).

8. Kulgam Encounter Enters Fourth Day, One Terrorist Neutralised

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir are continuing operations in the Akhal Devsar area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district for the fourth day.

On Saturday, August 2, 2025, one terrorist was neutralised during a gunfight. In a post on X, the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps said, “OP AKHAL, Kulgam: Intermittent and intense firefight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact.”

The operation remains ongoing.

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.