What's happened
India and Pakistan are expanding their missile capabilities amid recent border clashes. India is upgrading its precision strike systems, while Pakistan is establishing a rocket force to counterbalance India’s missile strength. Meanwhile, the US and allies are deploying advanced weapons in the Indo-Pacific, heightening regional tensions.
What's behind the headline?
The recent military developments reflect a deepening arms race in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. India’s focus on enhancing precision strike capabilities with upgraded systems like the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) and BrahMos missiles signals a strategic shift towards deterrence and pre-emptive strikes. Pakistan’s establishment of a rocket force, modeled after China’s, indicates a desire to close the missile gap following its recent border conflicts. The US deployment of hypersonic weapons to Australia and the Philippines underscores Washington’s intent to project power and contain China, but also risks escalating regional tensions. These moves suggest a future where missile and electronic warfare capabilities will dominate regional security dynamics, increasing the likelihood of miscalculation and conflict escalation. The balance of power is shifting, with both India and Pakistan investing heavily in missile technology, while US and Chinese military posturing intensifies, making the Indo-Pacific a critical flashpoint for global security.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post reports on India’s upgrade of its missile systems and Pakistan’s new rocket force, highlighting the strategic implications of these developments. The Japan Times discusses Japan’s significant defense contract with Australia for frigates, signaling a regional push for military modernization. The Independent covers US military deployments of hypersonic weapons in Australia and the Philippines, emphasizing Washington’s efforts to strengthen alliances and deter China. Chinese analysts view these deployments as part of a broader US strategy to enhance regional influence, while experts from India and Taiwan focus on the technological advancements and strategic necessity of their missile programs. The contrasting perspectives reveal a complex security environment where regional powers seek to bolster their defenses amid rising US-China competition, with each side’s actions potentially fueling further escalation.
How we got here
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated since border clashes in May, involving missile exchanges and military build-ups. India announced a major defense procurement, including hypersonic missiles and upgraded anti-aircraft weapons, while Pakistan unveiled plans for a new rocket force. The US and allies are also increasing military presence in the region, deploying hypersonic and long-range missile systems to support regional allies and deter Chinese influence.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why is the US expanding its military presence in Asia?
The United States is increasing its military footprint across the Asia-Pacific region, deploying advanced missile systems and strengthening alliances with countries like Australia, Taiwan, and the Philippines. This strategic move aims to deter Chinese military activity and project power in the Indo-Pacific. But what does this mean for regional security and tensions with China? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding these developments.
-
What Does the US, Japan, and Taiwan's Indo-Pacific Defense Boost Mean?
Recent moves by the US, Japan, and Taiwan are reshaping security in the Indo-Pacific. Japan's new defense deal with Australia and the US's deployment of hypersonic systems signal a strategic push against regional threats, especially China. But what exactly are these developments, and what do they mean for regional stability? Below, we explore the key questions about this evolving security landscape.
-
What Are the Regional Tensions and Global Reactions to Middle East and South Asia Conflicts?
Recent developments in the Middle East and South Asia have sparked widespread concern over regional stability and international security. From Netanyahu's controversial 'Greater Israel' plans to escalating missile races between India and Pakistan, these conflicts are drawing global attention. In this page, we explore the key questions about these tensions, their potential consequences, and how the world is responding to these complex issues.
-
What’s Behind the Rising Arms Race Between India and Pakistan?
The recent escalation in military capabilities between India and Pakistan has raised global concerns about regional stability. Both nations are expanding their missile and rocket forces amid border tensions, with international powers like the US increasing their military presence in the Indo-Pacific. But what exactly is driving this arms race, and what could it mean for global security? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this complex and rapidly evolving situation.
More on these topics
-
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the second-most populous country, the seventh-largest country by land area, and the most populous democracy in the world.
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.
-
Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is a Pakistani politician and businessman who is currently serving as the 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan, in office since 11 April 2022. He is the current president of the Pakistan Muslim League.
-
Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.