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
South Korea faces no good choices in sending forces for Trump’s unpopular Iran mission
Experts worry that U.S. requests for troop contributions to America's faraway campaigns could leave South Korea exposed when it matters most.
US, South Korean officials to broach thorny Hormuz mission at talks this week
The meeting comes at a tense time in the U.S.-South Korean alliance, with Seoul in no position to turn down a U.S. request for help, according to analysts.
Japan approves mass production of 3D-printed interceptor drones
Japan’s defense-procurement agency has signed a mass production procurement agreement for interceptor drones made using 3D printers.
Indonesia drops KF-21 co-production plans, eying stock warplanes instead
Officials in Jakarta are also considering fighter options other than the South Korean-made jets.
Philippines deploys US-made Triton naval drones in its western waters to scout for intruders
The transfer comes after the military revealed that China discreetly deployed a 6x6 meter floating platform equipped with an antenna at Scarborough Shoal.
Japan joins the global craze to field interceptor drones
The interceptor drone systems are expected to be installed by 2027 near radar sites, bases, vessels and other critical locations, the agency stated.
US Army fires Tomahawk missile from new Typhon launcher during Philippines drill
“The missile was very precise. Let’s say if you want to hit a window from a far distance, it lands directly into that window,” a military official said.
Japanese destroyer can now fire Tomahawk missiles, extending nation’s combat punch
Japan’s Tomahawk orders are unlikely to be affected immediately, but longer military campaigns in the Middle East could cause setbacks, one analyst said.
