Leilani Chavez
Leilani Chavez is an Asia correspondent for Defense News. Her reporting expertise is in East Asian politics, development projects, environmental issues and security.
All Stories By Leilani
US Typhon missile system in Philippines is a subtle headache for China
Officials in Manila have said they want to acquire similar systems in the future as part of military modernization.
Japan develops new missiles designed to repel an invasion
The long-range missiles could target vulnerable parts of ships and traverse Japan’s mountainous terrains to hit land-based targets, officials said.
US approves sale of F-16s to the Philippines in $5.5bn weapons package
The move follows U.S. Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth’s trip to the Philippines last week and comes ahead of the annual, joint Balikatan exercise.
China bans more US defense firms
The ban aims to protect the country’s “national sovereignty and security," and it follows US tariffs against Beijing, according to the Chinese government.
In Japan, a more muted cheering for the British-led GCAP warplane
By contrast, there is “GCAP silence” in Japan, says one local observer of business ties between Japan and the West.
Beijing sharpens tone over US missile launcher in the Philippines
Since April, the Typhon missile system has remained in one of the military bases in the country’s north after joint drills with the United States.
Japan set to lift export restrictions on F-X fighter jet
Companies involved in the program have also expressed intentions to export the jets to other countries to defray development and production costs.
Asian nations rushing to buy counter-drone tech as conflicts intensify
South Korea’s military installed Liteye drone-detection systems, now made by High Point Aerotechnologies, to spot North Korean aerial intrusions.
