US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Visits Cambodia Amid Rising Concerns Over China's Influence at Ream Naval Base

 On June 4, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Cambodia for a significant visit aimed at countering China’s expanding influence in the region. This visit occurs amid Washington’s growing concerns about Beijing’s activities at the Ream Naval Base, a strategically located facility on the Gulf of Thailand's coast in Sihanoukville province.

This is Austin’s second visit to Cambodia as Secretary of Defense and marks the first direct bilateral meeting between a US defense chief and Cambodia’s Defense Minister, Tea Seiha. Austin underscored the visit's importance with a post on social media platform X, confirming his arrival in Phnom Penh.

During his visit, Austin met with former Prime Minister Hun Sen, now the Senate president, and discussed strategies to strengthen defense ties with Prime Minister Hun Manet. Both Austin and Hun Manet share a West Point background, fostering hopes of enhanced US-Cambodia cooperation.

A US defense official expressed optimism that Prime Minister Hun Manet, educated at West Point and New York University, might favor closer ties with Washington than his father did. The visit, described as pragmatic, was not expected to yield immediate major agreements but aimed to address past challenges in US-Cambodia relations.

Washington hopes that a new generation of Cambodian leaders, including Hun Manet, will lead to closer cooperation with the US. This was reflected in a Pentagon statement highlighting opportunities to strengthen bilateral defense relations in support of regional peace and security. Key topics included resuming military training exchanges on disaster assistance and UN Peacekeeping, training on de-mining and unexploded ordnance clearance, and access to US military education programs.

Growing Concerns Over Beijing’s Influence

US officials are increasingly alarmed by China’s development of the Ream Naval Base, fearing it might become a new outpost for Beijing near the contested South China Sea. Previously, Ream was a hub for joint US-Cambodia naval training. However, Cambodia demolished a US-built facility there in October 2020, and China began a funded upgrade in June 2022.

US concerns escalated last month when China sent two warships to Cambodia and East Timor, with a stay extended until mid-June. Since December 2023, two Chinese warships, likely corvettes or frigates, have been stationed at Ream, further intensifying US worries.

Cambodian officials have repeatedly denied that the facility would be used by China as a naval base, citing their constitution, which prohibits foreign military bases. Chinese authorities have described the base as an "aid project" to enhance Cambodia’s naval capabilities, dismissing concerns as "hype" with "ulterior motives."

China’s relationship with Cambodia has strengthened through significant investments and high-level interactions. As part of the Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing has invested billions in Cambodia’s infrastructure, including highways and bridges. Recently, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced a Chinese-backed $1.7 billion canal project set to begin in August, despite tensions with Vietnam.

Military cooperation between Cambodia and China has also increased, highlighted by their largest annual military exercise, the Golden Dragon Exercises, involving several Chinese warships and hundreds of personnel.

Indian Air Force Su-30MKI Crashes in Maharashtra: Pilots Survive, Wreckage Scatters Over 500 Meters

 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed a crash involving a Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft in Maharashtra’s Nashik district. This aircraft is the only Sukhoi combat model operated by the IAF. Local reports, based on eyewitness accounts, indicated that the wreckage was dispersed over a 500-meter radius. Both pilots, Wing Commander Bokil and his co-pilot Biswas, successfully ejected and sustained only minor injuries. They are currently being treated at the HAL hospital. The aircraft caught fire post-crash, but the flames were quickly extinguished.

IAF sources revealed that the aircraft was undergoing post-overhaul flight testing under the management of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). After this phase, it was to be returned to the IAF for operational duties. The IAF operates around 260 Su-30 MKI fighters, developed by Russia's Sukhoi and built under license by HAL. This multi-role fighter is well-regarded for its versatility, advanced avionics, and combat capabilities.

The IAF is currently upgrading its Su-30 MKI fleet to enhance operational effectiveness. Key upgrades include the integration of the BrahMos-A supersonic cruise missile, significantly boosting the aircraft’s strike power. Additionally, the avionics suite is being modernized with advanced radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and improved navigation and communication systems to keep the aircraft technologically advanced. Other upgrades aim to improve the overall performance and maintainability of the aircraft, focusing on engines, airframe, and critical systems to extend service life and reliability.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI Overview:

The Su-30MKI, a multi-role air superiority fighter developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and built by India’s HAL, is a variant specifically tailored for the IAF. It measures 21.9 meters in length, 14.7 meters in wingspan, and 6.4 meters in height, with a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 38,800 kilograms. Its propulsion system comprises two AL-31FP turbofan engines with thrust vectoring nozzles, each generating 27,557 pounds-force. The aircraft can achieve speeds up to Mach 2 and has a range of 3,000 kilometers without refueling. The thrust vectoring capability enhances its agility in combat.

The Su-30MKI features advanced technical characteristics, including a digital fly-by-wire system, canards, and thrust vectoring nozzles for improved maneuverability. It has a maximum operational ceiling of 17,300 meters and a rate of climb of 230 meters per second. The sophisticated avionics suite includes the N011M Bars radar, a passive electronically scanned array radar capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously, along with a head-up display, multifunctional displays, and a digital map generator, providing comprehensive situational awareness.

Equipped with a variety of systems for multirole capabilities, the Su-30MKI includes an electronic warfare suite, an infrared search and track system, and a laser rangefinder and target designator for precision targeting. Its armament includes R-77 and R-73 air-to-air missiles, Kh-29 and Kh-59 air-to-ground missiles, and guided bombs like the KAB-500, as well as a 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon for close-range combat.

AI's Rapid Rise in Warfare Sparks Concerns: Experts Warn of Uncontrolled Arms Race

 

The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in warfare, particularly accelerated by recent conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza, is leading to significant concerns among experts. Autonomous decision-making is rapidly reshaping modern combat scenarios, with AI-driven weapons systems capable of making critical decisions, including target selection and engagement, at unprecedented speeds.

Natasha Bajema, a senior research associate at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, warned of the potential dangers of escalating conflict speeds driven by autonomous systems. She highlighted the challenge of maintaining human oversight in increasingly automated battles, comparing the situation to the race for nuclear weapons in the past.

Despite longstanding calls for restrictions on AI in military applications, the appetite for autonomy in weapons has grown significantly, overshadowing previous concerns. However, efforts to address these challenges persist. Austria, for instance, has spearheaded international initiatives to establish regulations for AI-enabled weapons, hosting a global conference on autonomous weapon systems with broad international participation.

While there is growing interest, particularly from the Global South, in regulating AI technology in warfare, significant obstacles remain, including the reluctance of major global powers to commit to multilateral agreements. Zachary Kallenborn, lead researcher at Looking Glass USA, emphasized the technological limitations of AI, particularly in machine vision, which remains error-prone and susceptible to misinterpretation.

The disposable nature of drones and the potential for unintended consequences pose additional challenges. Intercepting autonomous systems may lead to unpredictable responses, complicating the already complex landscape of modern warfare. Natasha Bajema highlighted the "terminator problem," where states feel compelled to pursue AI-driven weapons for security reasons, further complicating efforts to regulate the technology.

Ambassador Alexander Kmentt acknowledged the difficulty of achieving universal consensus on AI regulation but emphasized the importance of collaboration among interested parties. However, he expressed pessimism about the prospects of success given the geopolitical challenges and the reluctance of certain countries to engage in multilateral arms control efforts.

With the target date of 2026 set by the United Nations for establishing clear prohibitions and restrictions on autonomous weapon systems, there is a sense of urgency among advocates for AI nonproliferation. Failure to make significant progress by then could close the window for preventive action, further complicating efforts to regulate AI in warfare.

Pentagon and Air Force Select Four Companies to Develop Modular Testing Drones

 

The U.S. Department of Defense has chosen four companies to create prototypes of a modular drone designed for testing payloads, sensors, and other technologies, while being affordable and scalable for mass production. Anduril Industries, Integrated Solutions for Systems Inc., Leidos Dynetics, and Zone 5 Technologies were selected for the Enterprise Test Vehicle (ETV) project, as announced by the Air Force Armament Directorate and Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) on Monday. Over 100 firms applied to join this initiative.

The first flight demonstrations of these prototypes are expected in late summer or fall. Following these tests, DIU and the Air Force will select the most promising prototypes for further development into versions suitable for rapid production.

Andrew Hunter, the Air Force’s assistant secretary for acquisition, technology, and logistics, expressed excitement about the partnership with DIU, highlighting the opportunity to leverage industry innovations to create affordable and scalable test capabilities.

Cassie Johnson, ETV program manager for the Air Force Armament Directorate, emphasized the importance of involving non-traditional aerospace firms to meet the program's goals related to cost, timeline, and production quantities.

The ETV is envisioned as a test vehicle using an open systems architecture, allowing for modular subsystem updates to validate new components. According to a DIU solicitation from September 2023, the system should have a range of 500 nautical miles (926 kilometers) and be capable of delivering a kinetic payload.

To keep costs low and ensure supply chain efficiency, DIU and the Air Force have mandated the use of commercial off-the-shelf components and minimizing the use of expensive materials. The drones should also avoid being "over-engineered" and utilize modern manufacturing and design techniques to enable high-rate production.

The ETV is designed to be deployed in large numbers with various launch methods to create significant challenges for any adversary. It is part of the Pentagon's ambitious Replicator program, with collaboration from the Air Force Research Laboratory, U.S. Special Operations Command, Naval Air Systems Command, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Jason Levin, senior vice president of Anduril’s air dominance and strike division, stated that Anduril aims to deliver a modular and affordable prototype for large-scale future aircraft production, emphasizing the company's commitment to providing capabilities within years, not decades.

Mark Miller, senior vice president for missile and aviation systems at Leidos Dynetics, highlighted their aircraft proposal as a compelling offer for the ETV project, merging their strike systems expertise with recent drone development experience.

Kyle Maxhimer, president of Zone 5, noted that the ETV project aligns with their work on unmanned aerial systems and advances their air-launched effects technologies. Integrated Solutions for Systems Inc. did not provide an immediate statement.

Overall, this initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing modular and scalable drone technology for defense applications.

NATO to Unveil Ukraine Security Package at Upcoming Summit: A Step Towards Membership

 

NATO is set to introduce a security package for Ukraine at its upcoming annual summit in Washington this summer. However, the alliance is not expected to grant Ukraine's long-standing request for full membership amidst the ongoing Russian invasion.

Scheduled for July, the package will be complemented by bilateral agreements from approximately 32 countries, with 13 already finalized, according to Julianne Smith, the U.S. ambassador to NATO.

Smith explained at a Defense Writers Group roundtable that the package will act as a "bridge" to Ukraine's future membership in NATO. This includes formalizing current bilateral support under NATO command and identifying new resources for Ukraine, reinforcing NATO's commitment and sending a clear message to Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pushed for expedited NATO membership since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. While NATO has not yet agreed, it provided Ukraine with a multiyear assistance package last year to strengthen its defenses and transition from Soviet-era equipment.

Membership for Ukraine would invoke NATO's collective defense clause, potentially escalating the conflict with Russia. U.S. President Joe Biden has stated that the war must end before Ukraine can join the alliance. Nevertheless, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg assured during an April visit to Kyiv that "Ukraine will become a member of NATO," emphasizing that current efforts are paving the way for this future membership.

Some NATO-aligned defense companies have shown interest in co-producing military capabilities like unmanned systems. In May, the U.S. announced a $2 billion Foreign Military Financing package aimed at enhancing Ukraine's defense-industrial base.

The July summit, marking NATO's 75th anniversary, will also address regional defense and deterrence plans for northern, central, and southern Europe. These plans, agreed upon at last year's summit, will significantly influence how member countries invest and procure military resources, aligning with the regional defense objectives.

Smith highlighted that these plans will guide procurement decisions, ensuring they meet specific regional defense needs. This approach also reassures defense manufacturers of NATO's long-term procurement commitments, encouraging them to increase production.

The summit will emphasize burden-sharing among NATO members, with expectations that over 20 countries will meet the target of spending at least 2% of their GDP on defense. Smith stressed the importance of all member nations having a plan to reach this goal in the near future.

Kongsberg Secures $141M Contract to Supply Joint Strike Missiles to USAF for F-35A Aircraft

 Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has secured an Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA) from the United States Air Force (USAF) for the provision of Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) for their F-35A aircraft. This contract is valued at up to $141 million, with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2026.

Expressing satisfaction with the deal, KONGSBERG highlighted the significance of the USAF, the largest operator of the F-35A Lightning II, choosing the JSM. The combination of the JSM with the advanced F-35 aircraft offers a robust strike capability, validating the JSM as the internal strike weapon for the F-35A. Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, noted that the USAF's selection of the JSM, alongside the Royal Norwegian Air Force's decision, supports NATO’s vision for interoperability among allied forces.

About the Joint Strike Missile (JSM):

The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) is an air-launched weapon designed for the internal weapons bay of the F-35A, capable of executing complex missions such as Anti-surface Warfare (ASuW) and land attacks. It targets high-value, well-defended assets on sea, in coastal waters, or on land. The JSM features sophisticated mission planning capabilities, allowing it to engage targets based on predefined Rules-of-Engagement.

The JSM was developed under a contract with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA). In 2021, the Norwegian Defense Material Agency successfully conducted the first in-flight release of the JSM from an F-35A test aircraft over Edwards Air Force Base. The JSM, an air-launched variant of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), is unique in its ability to attack both sea and land targets while being carried internally in the F-35, thus preserving the aircraft's stealth characteristics. Utilizing advanced materials, terrain-following capabilities, and passive seekers, the JSM is designed to be extremely difficult to detect and counter, even by the most sophisticated defense systems.

Norwegian Navy's Type 212CD AIP Submarines to Revolutionize Underwater Capabilities

 

Norway's new Type 212CD diesel-electric submarines (SSKs) will introduce air-independent propulsion (AIP) to the Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN), significantly enhancing its underwater capabilities. This advancement is expected to be a game-changer, as stated by the commanding officer (CO) of one of Norway's current in-service boats.

Currently, the RNoN operates six Type 210 Ula-class SSKs, which are set to be replaced by up to six Type 212CD submarines, with the first delivery slated for 2029 and subsequent deliveries extending into the mid-2030s. These new submarines are being developed through a strategic collaboration with Germany, initiated in 2017, marking the beginning of a broader defense partnership formalized in 2023.

Originally, the RNoN planned to replace the Ula-class boats with four Type 212CDs. However, rising regional security concerns and underwater challenges led Norway’s Chief of Defence, General Eirik Kristoffersen, to advocate for six new submarines. In April 2024, the Norwegian government proposed to parliament the acquisition of at least five new submarines as part of a long-term defense strategy extending to 2036.

The Type 212CD submarines will bring crucial new capabilities to the RNoN, particularly through AIP technology. The CO of the Ula-class boat HNoMS Utvaer emphasized that AIP is a significant game-changer. Unlike the current Ulas, the Type 212CD’s fuel-cell AIP will reduce the need for ‘snorting’ at periscope depth, a noisy and visible process that increases vulnerability to various threats.

This capability is demonstrated by the Royal Swedish Navy’s Gotland-class SSKs, which utilize a Stirling fuel-cell AIP system, allowing them to remain submerged without snorting for several weeks. The introduction of AIP aligns with the RNoN's focus on enhancing stealth and operational capability in its challenging regional waters.

In addition to AIP, the Type 212CDs will allow the RNoN to explore new capabilities such as strike capabilities with the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The Ula-class boats, although not equipped with strike capabilities, remain formidable with up to 14 weapons and advanced torpedoes like the Atlas Elektronik DM2A3 Sea Hake.

Despite their age, the Ula-class submarines maintain high operational effectiveness through regular upgrades and maintenance. This includes new sonars, command and information control consoles, and advanced navigation equipment. The CO of Utvaer praised the robust maintenance process, which ensures high material readiness and prolongs the operational life of the submarines.

The continuous upgrade and maintenance efforts reflect the RNoN's commitment to maintaining a capable and ready submarine fleet, even as they age. This dedication ensures that the Ula-class boats remain potent platforms until the new Type 212CD submarines are fully integrated into the fleet.