Defense/Military - 2. page

According to a report by Sputnik News, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić confirmed that Serbia has purchased Chinese CM-400AKG supersonic air-to-ground ballistic missiles as part of a broader military modernization program. The announcement followed the release of media photos showing Serbian fighter jets equipped with the Chinese missiles. Vučić said the weapons were recently acquired for Serbia’s air force and are part of a national defense upgrade plan valued at about $17 billion.

The missiles are reportedly mounted on Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jets, which currently form the backbone of the Serbian Air Force. The CM-400AKG, developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), can carry a 150-kg explosive warhead or a 200-kg penetrator warhead and has a maximum range of about 400 kilometers. Vučić said Serbia already possesses a significant number of these missiles and may purchase additional units, describing them as expensive but highly effective.

Serbian officials say the defense upgrade is partly driven by perceived regional security threats. Vučić referenced what he described as a growing military alignment among Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo, which Serbia views as a potential challenge to its security environment. While emphasizing that Serbia does not intend to attack NATO members, Vučić suggested the country is strengthening its defense capabilities in response to regional tensions and uncertainty.

Source: Sputnik News, March 15, 2026
https://sputniknews.cn/20260315/1070247308.html

A report by The Epoch Times suggests that Zhang Guoqing, China’s Vice Premier, may play a key role in China’s defense industry exports to Iran and the broader Middle East. According to sources familiar with China’s political system, Zhang is not a typical technocratic official but has deep ties to the country’s military-industrial sector. He previously held senior positions within China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO), a major state-owned defense conglomerate responsible for exporting weapons and related technologies. Because of this background, some observers view him as an important representative of China’s defense industry within the country’s top leadership.

The report states that Zhang has played a role in maintaining China’s military-industrial cooperation with Middle Eastern partners, particularly Iran. Following rising tensions involving Iran, Zhang was reportedly tasked by Xi Jinping with coordinating relevant supply chains and maintaining technical and industrial links with regional partners. According to individuals familiar with the defense sector, Iran has requested Chinese components related to drones, unmanned vessels, and smart naval mines that could potentially be assembled domestically.

The report also suggests that cooperation between China and Iran extends beyond weapons-related components to include communications infrastructure and surveillance technologies. Technology firms from several Chinese provinces have reportedly participated in the development of Iran’s telecommunications networks and monitoring systems. This combination of military technology, infrastructure development, and security systems has strengthened strategic ties between China and Iran while expanding Beijing’s influence in the region.

Source: Epoch Times, March 12, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/26/3/12/n14717195.htm

Major Taiwanese news network Liberty Times Network (LTN) recently reported that, Taiwan is not known for its arms exports, but it is rapidly emerging as a supplier of drones without Chinese parts. Taiwanese companies are accelerating the development of “non-red supply chain” drones, with exports growing more than 35 times in 2025, reaching approximately 123,000 units.

Taiwan has long been one of the world’s largest arms importers, with most of its weapons originating from the United States. However, while Taiwan is now capable of manufacturing a significant number of its own weapons, it remains highly dependent on US-made equipment.

However, the situation is changing. Taiwan is positioning itself as a supplier of “non-red supply chain” drones – drones without Chinese parts. These drones are targeted to sell in the United States, its allies, and other countries concerned about Chinese espionage and supply chain control. Taiwan’s drone production has increased more than twelvefold from approximately 10,000 units in 2024 to 2025. The Czech Republic is the largest buyer, followed by Poland. Most of these purchases ended up in Ukraine for use in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, providing valuable combat feedback on the drones’ performance. Exports are projected to reach a new high in 2026, with 85,500 units already exported in the first two months of this year.

Taiwan initiated this plan after observing the widespread use of drones in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The initial goal was to equip the Taiwanese military with such drones. Subsequently, Taiwan pledged to establish a drone industry completely free of Chinese parts by the end of 2026 and to reach an annual production capacity of 180,000 drones by 2028. The government also pledged last year to procure more than 200,000 drones for the military by 2033.

The United States and its allies are also accelerating the expansion of drone production. However, most of the drones still rely on Chinese parts. Currently China accounts for 70 percent to 80 percent of global drone production.

Source: LTN, March 14, 2026
https://ec.ltn.com.tw/article/breakingnews/5369841

Philippine authorities say they have uncovered an alleged espionage network that leaked sensitive military information related to resupply missions in the South China Sea. The investigation resulted in the arrest of three Philippine citizens suspected of passing along operational details, including troop rotation schedules and logistics plans. Officials warned that such information is highly sensitive because it could reveal the timing and movement of military personnel, potentially placing service members at risk during routine supply operations in disputed areas.

According to investigators, the suspected operation relied on unusual communication methods. One report described a mobile phone game that allegedly contained a hidden messaging function accessible through a special code. Authorities also suggested the recruitment process may have begun gradually. One suspect reportedly said he was initially approached to write paid opinion articles, but the requests later shifted toward providing information related to the South China Sea and Philippine defense cooperation with allied countries.

The case comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where territorial disputes and military activity have intensified in recent years. Philippine officials say the incident highlights how foreign intelligence efforts may target operational logistics and military planning. China has denied the allegations, stating that the claims lack clear evidence.

Source: Epoch Times, March 6, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/3/5/n14712174.htm