IRIA | IRIA News

Comments Off on Taiwan proposes record $35 billion defense budget for 2027, marking 18% increase 0

Taiwan proposes record $35 billion defense budget for 2027, marking 18% increase
Asia-Pacific, News August 23, 2026 , by IRIA
Taiwan has proposed an 18% increase in defense spending for 2027, taking the budget above $35 billion, as Taipei accelerates military modernization and seeks to deter China. The proposed budget would represent more than 3% of Taiwan’s GDP.
Comments Off on NATO commanders discuss Strait of Hormuz support outside Alliance framework 0

NATO commanders discuss Strait of Hormuz support outside Alliance framework
Europe, Middle East, News August 22, 2026 , by IRIA
NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich, convened a meeting of interested allies' military leaders to assess how individual countries could contribute to efforts to maintain freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The Allies are discussing possible contributions to support freedom of navigation.
Comments Off on US and Jamaica sign military agreement to deepen joint security cooperation 0

US and Jamaica sign military agreement to deepen joint security cooperation
Americas, News, US August 22, 2026 , by IRIA
The United States and Jamaica signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) to strengthen military cooperation and joint efforts against criminal organizations and narco-terrorists in the Caribbean. The deal formalizes the conditions under which U.S. military personnel can temporarily operate in Jamaica for mutually agreed activities.
Comments Off on World leaders condemn Israel’s controversial E1 settlement plan in West Bank 0

World leaders condemn Israel’s controversial E1 settlement plan in West Bank
Europe, Middle East, News August 21, 2026 , by IRIA
World leaders have condemned Israel’s decision to advance the E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank, warning that the plan could fragment Palestinian territory and further undermine prospects for a two-state solution. The EU member countries urged Israel to immediately retract the plans and end settlement expansion...
Comments Off on US approves $4.5 billion sale of four KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft to Qatar 0

US approves $4.5 billion sale of four KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft to Qatar
Middle East, News, US August 21, 2026 , by IRIA
The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $4.5 billion sale of four KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft and related equipment to Qatar. The deal will significantly expand Doha’s ability to support long-range air operations and strengthen its interoperability with U.S. and allied forces.
Comments Off on South Korea and US scale back Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, raising alliance concerns 0

South Korea and US scale back Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, raising alliance concerns
Asia-Pacific, News August 20, 2026 , by IRIA
South Korea and the United States have shortened and scaled back this year’s Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise following President Donald Trump’s order to reduce U.S.-South Korean military drills. Some combined field-training activities have also been reduced, canceled, or converted into simulations.
Comments Off on Syria rejects Israeli claims of Turkish military buildup after airstrikes 0

Syria rejects Israeli claims of Turkish military buildup after airstrikes
Middle East, News August 20, 2026 , by IRIA
Syria has rejected Israel’s justification for striking the Abu Duhur airbase in northwestern Syria, saying there were no plans to establish a Turkish military base or permanent Turkish military presence at the facility. Israeli forces struck the Abu Duhur airbase on August 18, damaging runways and hangars but causing no casualties.
Comments Off on US Army plans to acquire more than 133,000 GMLRS rockets by 2034 0

US Army plans to acquire more than 133,000 GMLRS rockets by 2034
News, US August 19, 2026 , by IRIA
The U.S. Army is seeking to significantly expand production of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets, targeting more than 133,000 rounds by 2034 as it works to replenish stocks depleted by deliveries to Ukraine and sustained military operations. The plan calls for production of 19,002 rockets annually from 2028 through 2034, with the first deliveries expected in February 2030.
Comments Off on Australia and Japan advance defense cooperation with joint missile testing and high-energy laser trials 0

Australia and Japan advance defense cooperation with joint missile testing and high-energy laser trials
Asia-Pacific, News August 19, 2026 , by IRIA
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles hosted Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in Canberra on August 18, 2026, for talks focused on expanding cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces and defense industries.
Comments Off on Trump orders reduction in US-South Korea military exercises after Seoul declines to join Iran war 0

Trump orders reduction in US-South Korea military exercises after Seoul declines to join Iran war
Asia-Pacific, News, US August 18, 2026 , by IRIA
U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” joint military exercises with South Korea, linking the decision to Seoul’s refusal to take part in the U.S.-led war against Iran. Trump argued that the large-scale exercises with South Korea are unnecessarily costly and send a hostile message to North Korea.