Author: Asif Shahid

Asif Shahid brings twenty-five years of journalism experience to his role as the editor of Defense Talks. His expertise, extensive background, and academic qualifications have transformed Defense Talks into a vital platform for discussions on defence, security, and diplomacy. Prior to this position, Asif held various roles in numerous national newspapers and television channels.
Su-57 achieved takeoff in slightly more than 11 to 12 seconds from a compact runway.
DEFENCE

Su-57 Visits Iran, Offering Military Close-Up of Russia’s Fifth-Generation Fighter

In an unusual and surprising development, senior military officials from Iran had the opportunity to closely observe Russia’s advanced Su-57 Felon stealth fighter. This encounter occurred when the fifth-generation fighter jet made a refueling stop at a military base in Bandar Abbas, Iran, while returning to Russia after its prominent appearance at Aero India 2025. Footage of the Su-57, piloted by esteemed Russian test pilot … Continue reading Su-57 Visits Iran, Offering Military Close-Up of Russia’s Fifth-Generation Fighter

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tank destroyers,Italy
DEFENCE

Italy’s tank destroyers spotted close to Ukraine, images generate excitement

Reports from the Italian segment of the social media platform X indicate that Italy might be preparing to send its B1 Centauro light wheeled tanks to Ukraine. While information is limited, some observant users claim to have seen a photograph of a convoy transporting these armored vehicles, raising questions about their intended destination. Although there has been no official statement from Rome, the online discussions … Continue reading Italy’s tank destroyers spotted close to Ukraine, images generate excitement

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DEFENCE

Zelensky and the Dutch Prime Minister support deploying F-16 fighter jets to bolster Ukraine’s airspace security

In a recent conversation with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof after a meeting in Munich, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the enduring partnership between Ukraine and the Netherlands. He stressed the importance of achieving a fair resolution to the war and enhancing European unity. Zelensky utilized the social media platform X to provide insights into their discussion, emphasizing a shared principle: no decisions regarding Ukraine … Continue reading Zelensky and the Dutch Prime Minister support deploying F-16 fighter jets to bolster Ukraine’s airspace security

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DEFENCE

Boeing F-15 variants outperform F-35 and F-22 in combat readiness evaluation

The U.S. Air Force operates one of the most formidable air fleets globally, reflecting decades of strategic investment and innovation that have ensured the security of American and allied airspace. As of February 2025, the service manages around 5,000 aircraft, which includes a diverse range beyond just its advanced fighter jets. This extensive fleet features bombers like the B-52 Stratofortress, refueling aircraft such as the … Continue reading Boeing F-15 variants outperform F-35 and F-22 in combat readiness evaluation

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Switzerland's national flag flies behind soldiers of the Swiss Army's 21st Signal Battalion before a ceremony at the medieval Castelgrande castle in Bellinzona, Switzerland.
DEFENCE

Swiss army chief says Switzerland could aid in Ukraine peacekeeping

Switzerland may be able to deploy troops for a future peacekeeping operation in Ukraine, contingent upon a formal request and government approval, according to Swiss armed forces chief Thomas Suessli in an interview released on Sunday. Suessli indicated to the SonntagsBlick newspaper that the country could potentially mobilize approximately 200 soldiers within a timeframe of nine to twelve months. However, he emphasized that any decision … Continue reading Swiss army chief says Switzerland could aid in Ukraine peacekeeping

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DEFENCE

Trump’s Selection of Dan Caine as the Leading US Military Officer: A True General in His Eyes

Dan Caine may not have been a prominent figure in Washington prior to Friday night. However, President Donald Trump‘s interest in the retired three-star general, his unexpected choice for the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, seems to trace back to their initial encounter in Iraq in 2018. At that time, Caine was serving as the deputy commander of a special operations task … Continue reading Trump’s Selection of Dan Caine as the Leading US Military Officer: A True General in His Eyes

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Russian President Vladimir Putin and then-US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, June 28, 2019.
DISPUTES

Four potential approaches to addressing the Ukraine conflict from a Western viewpoint

U.S. President Donald Trump is advocating for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing full-scale conflict in Ukraine, which has persisted for three years. Think tanks have suggested a range of strategies designed to create a lasting peace in the region Maximum Pressure Strategy The Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) has put forward a plan titled “How to Win: A Seven-Point Plan for Sustainable Peace … Continue reading Four potential approaches to addressing the Ukraine conflict from a Western viewpoint

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SR-71 Blackbird
DEFENCE

NextRS: The United States is Making Significant Investments in a New Hypersonic Bomber

The announcement last week regarding the U.S. government’s initiative to develop a Mach-5-capable bomber generated significant attention worldwide. The Next Generation Responsive Strike (NextRS) program, which combines the functionalities of a bomber and a reconnaissance aircraft, is set to be the U.S. Air Force’s next major undertaking following its current project aimed at creating a sixth-generation fighter jet. A hypersonic bomber would represent the pinnacle … Continue reading NextRS: The United States is Making Significant Investments in a New Hypersonic Bomber

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Secretary of State, Sen. Marco Rubio testifies during his Senate Foreign Relations confirmation hearing at Dirksen Senate Office Building.
DIPLOMACY

Rubio discussed with Poland the need for NATO allies to boost defense spending

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he met with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in Washington on Friday, where they addressed issues such as “fair and reciprocal market access” and emphasized the urgent need for NATO Allies to enhance their defense investments. Following the meeting, Rubio shared on the social media platform X that they also discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and reiterated … Continue reading Rubio discussed with Poland the need for NATO allies to boost defense spending

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Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles
DEFENCE

Australia said China failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the short notice of its navy’s live-fire exercises

Australia criticized China on Saturday for not providing adequate justification for what it deemed insufficient notice regarding a live-fire drill conducted in waters between Australia and New Zealand, which led to flight diversions by airlines. Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that the government has yet to receive a “satisfactory answer from China regarding the notice” of the drills, which he described as “disconcerting” for commercial … Continue reading Australia said China failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the short notice of its navy’s live-fire exercises

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