Microsoft has unveiled plans to invest more than $1 billion in cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure and operations across Thailand from 2026 to 2028. What Is Included in the Investment? The company said Tuesday the investment, announced after a meeting between Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, expands its partnership with...
Author: Miles Jamison
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US, UK Launch REEF Program to Counter Unmanned Underwater Vessel Threats
The U.S. Defense Innovation Unit has launched a commercial solutions opening to identify technologies capable of countering unmanned underwater vehicle, or UUV, threats, the U.K. Defence Innovation said Thursday. What Is the REEF Program? The Robotic Exclusion and Engagement Framework, or REEF, is a program designed as a rapid-acquisition pathway that allows companies to pitch technology...
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Canada Leads Negotiations on Defence, Security & Resilience Bank Initiative
Canada has convened representatives from 18 countries in Montréal to begin negotiations on establishing a multilateral Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, or DSRB, aimed at supporting collective security efforts. What Is the DSRB for? The Canadian government said Monday the planned institution is intended to mobilize private capital and provide long-term, low-cost financing for defense, security...
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New Zealand Unveils Strategic Industrial Base Statements for Domestic Uncrewed Capability
New Zealand Minister of Defence Judith Collins has outlined a plan to work with industry to strengthen supply chain resilience and domestic capability in uncrewed and counter-uncrewed systems. What Is the Purpose of the Strategic Industrial Base Statements? The Ministry of Defence said Friday, under the New Zealand Defence Industry Strategy, it will establish three Strategic Industrial...
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Sweden Joins US-Led Pax Silica Initiative to Strengthen Technology Cooperation
Sweden’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard signed the Pax Silica Declaration during a visit to Houston on March 17, formally confirming the country’s participation in the initiative, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs announced Tuesday. What Is the Pax Silica Initiative? Pax Silica is an initiative launched by the U.S. in December 2025 to unite technology-focused...
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Japan Plans to Join US Golden Dome Missile Defense Effort
Japan has unveiled plans to participate in the Golden Dome missile defense initiative, The Japan Times reported Friday. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to announce the decision during a March 19 summit with President Donald Trump in Washington. How Will Japan Contribute to the Golden Dome Initiative? Details of Japan’s role in the initiative have...
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China’s 2026 Defense Budget Rises 7 Percent to $277B
China announced a 7 percent increase in its 2026 defense budget, bringing military expenditure to about $277 billion, Defense News reported Tuesday. How Does China’s Defense Budget Compare to Regional Spending? The latest budget, unveiled during the National People’s Congress, or NPC, in Beijing on March 5, represents a slightly smaller percentage rise than the 7.2...
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Canada’s Defence Investment Agency Issues RFI on Future Submarine Fleet Sustainment
The Government of Canada, through the Defence Investment Agency, or DIA, has issued a request for information to engage national industry sectors on the sustainment of the future Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, or CPSP. What Is Canada Seeking Through the RFI The Canadian government said Friday it is seeking defense contractors and companies from non-traditional industries...
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UK Space Agency Launches New Funding Round to Advance Satellite Communications Technology
The U.K. government has unveiled a $40 million funding round to support companies developing satellite communications technologies for low Earth orbit constellations, the U.K. Space Agency announced Wednesday. What Is the Purpose of the Funding Program? The investment marks the second round of the U.K. Space Agency’s Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit, or C-LEO, program. The...
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EDGE Group, South Korea’s DAPA Sign $35B Defense Industry Cooperation Framework
EDGE Group and South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration, or DAPA, have signed a defense industry cooperation framework during a high-level visit by Republic of Korea officials to Abu Dhabi. What Does the EDGE Group-DAPA Agreement Cover? The framework outlines broad industrial collaboration across integrated air defense, advanced aircraft and maritime capabilities. Officials said cooperation under...